The statistics are frightening.
Every year, almost 1 million teenage girls, between the ages of 15 and 19, become pregnant. And statistics show that between 74 and 95 percent of these pregnancies are unplanned and unwanted. In fact, 13 percent of all births in the United States are to teen mothers. That percentage is higher in the United States than in any other developed nation. The United States' teen birth rate is twice as high as in Canada; two times higher than in Australia; four times higher than in Germany; five times higher than in France; and nine times higher in Japan.
In addition to unwanted pregnancies, one in every four sexually active teen will experience a sexual transmitted disease or STD before reaching the age of 20.
With these statistics in mind, the World Christian Outreach Ministry of Connellsville will be hosting an informal and educational program, explaining and stressing to teen that it is fine to simply just "say no."
From 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, the World Christian Outreach will host "Sexual Integrity -- The Value of Abstinence." A film by Pam Stenzel, entitled "Sex, Love and Relationships -- Straight Talk with Pam Stenzel," will be shown.
"She doesn't mince words," Ruth Smith, of World Christian Ministry, explained. "It's a hard-hitting reality check."
This will be the second time that the church has held this program, and Smith hopes the event will be as successful, if not more so, than the first one.
"Last fall we had a really great turnout. We had parents bringing their children and other adults that gathered up the neighborhood children and brought them."
The film is an abridged version of the four-part session that Stenzel brings to both teens and parents.
The four sessions discussed in the film are physical consequences, emotional consequences, spiritual consequences and a teens' character consequences.
The material covered by the program is something that all teens need to be aware of as it concerns their entire life and future, said Smith.
"Young people need to know that you should practice abstinence until marriage. It's the way to bring back structure into our lives."
The program is open to everyone, both male and female, and also to parents. Parents need to be informed on how to responsibly talk with their children and instruct them on their growing sexual awareness and identities, said Smith.
"I like to encourage parents to come also. Many don't know how to deal with it and by them not dealing with it, they just don't deal with it."
The film is approximately 1 hour. Following the presentation, pizza and pop will be served.
"The film is very informative. It's excellent," Smith said. "A good reality check is what it really is."
"I hope that this brings a greater awareness of the consequences that arise when we make unwise decisions, and that they will realize the life-long repercussions. I would like for them to know that it's okay to say no and not to feel they are forced to participate in something that they are not mentally or emotionally prepared for."
The World Christian Outreach Ministry is located at 503 W. Georgia Ave., in Connellsvile, behind the Subway sandwich shop, located on Route 119. For information, phone 724-628-9285
