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Where Did the Story of the Virgin Birth Come From? (2024) โ“๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ‘ผ๐Ÿคฐ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ

Where Did the Story of the Virgin Birth Come From

Where did the story of the virgin birth come from โ€“ Have you ever found yourself captivated by the poignant story of the virgin birth? This age-old tale, central to Christian belief, paints a picture of divine intervention, unwavering faith, and the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. But where did this extraordinary story originate?

Is it unique to Christianity, or do we find similar accounts in other religions and mythologies around the world? In this comprehensive exploration, weโ€™ll journey back in time to unravel the fascinating roots of the virgin birth narrative.

From the biblical portrayal of Maryโ€™s divine pregnancy to similar stories in different cultures, weโ€™ll dissect the elements of these accounts and explore their significance. Prepare for a deep dive into prophecy, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of Mary and Joseph, and the prevalence of virgin birth tales in various corners of the world. Where did the story of the virgin birth come from? Letโ€™s embark on this enlightening journey together to discover the answers.

What is the Origin of the Virgin Birth?

The story of the virgin birth is a fundamental aspect of the Christian narrative. Itโ€™s a tale deeply woven into the fabric of Christian theology.

Maryโ€™s Pregnancy in the Bible

The virgin birth is primarily recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament. They describe Mary, a young woman engaged to Joseph, becoming pregnant through the Holy Spirit, without sexual intercourse.

All Scripture is God Breathed

โ€œAll scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousnessโ€ translated into a friendly and playful sequence of emojis:

๐Ÿ“œโœจ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ“˜๐Ÿ‘ผ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ’ญ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ‘จโ€โš–๏ธโœ…๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ› ๐ŸŽฏ

This playful and friendly sequence of emojis attempts to summarize the key elements of the scripture, its divine inspiration, and its various uses in a positive and informative tone. Please note that emojis can be interpreted differently by different people, and this is a fun and informal way to represent the phrase.

Difference Between Pastor and Preacher

No, not according to Christian belief. The Holy Spirit coming upon Mary is unique and signifies the divine nature of Jesusโ€™ conception.

AspectScripture ReferenceWhat It Teaches
New BirthJohn 3:3-8Being born of the Spirit is a new, spiritual birth that enables one to see the Kingdom of God.
Life in the SpiritRomans 8:5-14Those born of the Spirit live according to the Spirit, leading to life and peace.
Adoption as Children of GodRomans 8:15-17Being born of the Spirit means we are adopted as children of God and co-heirs with Christ.
Freedom from Sin and LawGalatians 5:16-18Those born of the Spirit are not under the law and are led by the Spirit, not by sinful desires.
Fruit of the SpiritGalatians 5:22-23The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in those born of the Spirit.
Guidance and WisdomJohn 16:13The Spirit of truth guides those born of the Spirit into all truth.
Assurance of SalvationRomans 8:16The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Empowerment for MinistryActs 1:8Those born of the Spirit receive power to be witnesses of Jesus throughout the world.
Prayer and IntercessionRomans 8:26-27The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us through prayer.

This table is meant to be a helpful, easy-to-follow summary of what the New Testament, in particular, teaches about those who are born of the Spirit. It encourages a transformed, Spirit-led life that is characterized by love, holiness, and a deep relationship with God as His children.

Where Did the Story of the Virgin Birth Come From

Prophecy

Isaiah 7:14 is often quoted as the prophecy of the virgin birth, where it is said: โ€œTherefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.โ€

Hereโ€™s a friendly and informative list of the key Old Testament prophecy that is commonly understood by Christians to predict Jesusโ€™ virgin birth, along with its fulfillment in the New Testament:

  1. Isaiah 7:14
    • Prophecy: โ€œTherefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.โ€
    • Fulfillment: In the New Testament, this prophecy is quoted in Matthew 1:22-23: โ€œAll this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: โ€˜The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuelโ€™ (which means โ€˜God with usโ€™).โ€

Itโ€™s worth noting that the Hebrew word used in Isaiah, โ€œalmah,โ€ can mean โ€œyoung womanโ€ or โ€œvirgin.โ€ The Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, used the word โ€œparthenos,โ€ which more specifically means โ€œvirgin,โ€ and this is the term that is quoted in Matthewโ€™s Gospel.

This prophecy is seen by Christians as incredibly significant, as it points to the miraculous and divine circumstances surrounding Jesusโ€™ birth. According to Christian belief, the virgin birth is a sign of Jesusโ€™ divine nature, being both fully human and fully God. โ€œImmanuel,โ€ which means โ€œGod with us,โ€ is thus seen as a profound description of who Jesus is and why his birth is such a pivotal event in human history.

How did the Holy Spirit Impregnate Mary?

A mystical aspect of Christianity that has invited awe, wonder, and questions for centuries.

The virgin birth of Jesus, as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, is a central part of the Christmas story for Christians around the world. Below is a friendly table outlining the key events surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus through Mary, according to the New Testament:

EventDescriptionBiblical Reference
Announcement to MaryThe Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, and tells her that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. This son will be named Jesus, and he will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.Luke 1:26-38
Mary Visits ElizabethAfter the angelโ€™s announcement, Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant in her old age with John the Baptist. Elizabethโ€™s baby leaps in her womb at the sound of Maryโ€™s greeting, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and blesses Mary.Luke 1:39-56
Josephโ€™s DreamJoseph, Maryโ€™s betrothed, learns that Mary is pregnant and decides to divorce her quietly. But an angel appears to him in a dream, confirming that Maryโ€™s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing Joseph to take Mary as his wife.Matthew 1:18-25
The Journey to BethlehemDue to a census decreed by the Roman Emperor, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, Josephโ€™s ancestral town. This is significant as it fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.Luke 2:1-5
Jesusโ€™ BirthIn Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a humble setting, as there is no room in the local inn. She wraps him in swaddling clothes and lays him in a manger.Luke 2:6-7
The Shepherdsโ€™ VisitAn angel appears to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, announcing the birth of the Savior. The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angel had told them.Luke 2:8-20
The Visit of the MagiAfter Jesusโ€™ birth, wise men (or Magi) from the East come to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem, guided by a star, to worship the newborn King of the Jews. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Matthew 2:1-12
Escape to EgyptAfter the visit of the Magi, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod intends to kill the child. They remain in Egypt until after Herodโ€™s death.Matthew 2:13-15
Return to NazarethAfter the death of Herod, an angel tells Joseph in a dream that it is safe to return to Israel. They settle in Nazareth, in the region of Galilee.Matthew 2:19-23

The story of the virgin birth is full of awe and wonder, portraying a series of divine interventions, faithful responses, and the fulfilling of ancient prophecies. Itโ€™s a story that has been celebrated, told, and retold for centuries, emphasizing the special and miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿ“–

Where Did the Story of the Virgin Birth Come From

Conceived by the Holy Spirit Meaning

In Christian belief, this phrase signifies a miraculous, non-physical impregnation where Mary was chosen to bear the son of God.

The phrase โ€œconceived by the Holy Spiritโ€ is found in the Nicene and Apostlesโ€™ Creeds and is commonly associated with the account of Jesusโ€™ conception and birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Different Christian traditions and theologians have interpreted this phrase in various ways. Below is a friendly table outlining some of the possible interpretations of what โ€œconceived by the Holy Spiritโ€ might mean:

InterpretationDescriptionPerspective
Miraculous ConceptionThis interpretation holds that the conception of Jesus was a direct, miraculous act of the Holy Spirit. Mary, a virgin, conceived Jesus without a human father.Traditional Christian Belief
Symbolic or Metaphorical MeaningSome view the phrase โ€œconceived by the Holy Spiritโ€ as a metaphorical way to emphasize the special, holy, and unique mission of Jesus, rather than a literal virgin birth.Liberal Theological Perspective
Divine SelectionThis interpretation suggests that โ€œconceived by the Holy Spiritโ€ means that God chose Mary and Jesus for a special purpose, and that Godโ€™s spirit was involved in this choice from the very beginning.Alternate Theological Perspective
Empowerment for a Special MissionThis perspective holds that the phrase indicates Godโ€™s special anointing or empowering of Jesus, from the very moment of conception, for his unique role and mission as Savior.Charismatic/Pentecostal Perspective
Fulfillment of ProphecyThis interpretation sees the virgin conception as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., Isaiah 7:14), signifying that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Scriptures.Messianic/Prophetic Perspective
Sign of Jesusโ€™ Divine SonshipThis view holds that Jesusโ€™ conception by the Holy Spirit is a sign of his unique status as the Son of God, indicating a special, intimate relationship between Jesus and God the Father.Orthodox/Trinitarian Perspective

Please note that these interpretations can overlap and are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Different Christian denominations and theologians may hold to variations of these interpretations or may have additional perspectives.

The phrase โ€œconceived by the Holy Spiritโ€ is rich and layered with meaning, and has been the subject of reflection and discussion among Christians for centuries. ๐Ÿ•Š๐Ÿ“–โœจ

Where Did the Story of the Virgin Birth Come From

How Old was Mary when She Became Pregnant?

Most scholars agree that Mary was likely a teenager, probably around 14 to 16 years old, which was a common age for engagement and marriage at that time.

While the Bible does not explicitly mention Maryโ€™s age at the time of Jesusโ€™ birth, various clues and traditional thoughts have led to different ideas on the subject. Here is a table that compiles a list of relevant Bible verses, along with traditional views regarding Maryโ€™s age when she gave birth to Jesus:

Bible VersePossible Hint at Maryโ€™s AgeTraditional Thoughts
Luke 1:26-27Mary is referred to as a โ€œvirginโ€ engaged to Joseph. In the cultural context, this typically happened at a young age.Traditionally, it has been thought that Mary was quite young, likely in her early to mid-teens, which was a common age for betrothal in her culture.
Luke 1:39-56Mary visits Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. Her actions are often considered indicative of youthful energy and zeal.The traditional view aligns with the cultural practice of young women being betrothed and given in marriage.
Matthew 1:18Mary is described as โ€œpledged to be marriedโ€ to Joseph, but they had not yet come together. This suggests she was likely of typical betrothal age.Historically, it is often believed that Mary might have been around 12 to 14 years old at the time of her betrothal, which was typical in her society.
Luke 2:5Mary is called Josephโ€™s โ€œespoused wife,โ€ indicating they were betrothed but not yet living together as husband and wife.The traditional thought has been that Mary was likely a teenager when she gave birth, as this was the common age for marriage at that time.

Please note that while the Bible doesnโ€™t provide explicit information on Maryโ€™s age, these verses give some context that suggests she may have been quite young by modern standards, in line with the norms of her time and culture.

The age at which Mary gave birth to Jesus is a topic of speculation and tradition, as the Scriptures are not explicit on this matter. The traditional belief that Mary was likely a teenager when she gave birth to Jesus is based on the cultural and historical context in which she lived.๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ“–

Mary was Filled with the Holy Spirit

This phrase expresses that Mary was under the divine influence of God, separate from ordinary human experience.

Below is a list of Bible verses that shed light on Maryโ€™s relationship with and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These verses illustrate the unique and profound relationship that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had with the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament.

Bible VerseIndication of Maryโ€™s Relationship/Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:28The angel Gabriel greets Mary as โ€œfull of grace,โ€ indicating her unique and favored status in the eyes of God.
Luke 1:30-33The angel tells Mary that she has found favor with God, and she will conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:35The angel explains to Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her, and therefore the child to be born will be called holy.
Luke 1:38Maryโ€™s response to the angel, โ€œLet it be to me according to your word,โ€ shows her willingness and openness to the working of the Holy Spirit in her life.
Luke 1:41-42When Mary visits Elizabeth, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims that Mary is blessed among women, and the fruit of her womb (Jesus) is blessed.
Luke 1:46-55Maryโ€™s Magnificat, her song of praise to God, reflects a deep relationship with God and a profound understanding of the Scriptures, suggesting the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:14After Jesusโ€™ ascension, Mary is described as joining the disciples in constant prayer, indicating her continued relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

These verses reveal Maryโ€™s unique relationship with the Holy Spirit, from the conception of Jesus to her steadfast faith and prayerful presence with the early Christian community. It is clear from these verses that Mary was a woman deeply led by the Spirit, from her acceptance of the angel Gabrielโ€™s message to her role as a prayerful presence in the early Church. Her โ€œYesโ€ to God set the stage for the Holy Spirit to work through her in a way that changed the course of history! ๐Ÿ•Š๐Ÿ“–

Joseph Finds Out Mary is Pregnant in Scripture

This part of the narrative is heavy with emotion and divine intervention.

When does Mary Tell Joseph Sheโ€™s Pregnant?

The Bible does not provide specific details on this, but it is clear that Joseph found out about Maryโ€™s pregnancy after she had conceived.

The Bible doesnโ€™t provide specific details about the exact ages of Joseph and Mary during the time of the angelic revelation of Jesusโ€™ birth. However, it does offer clues about their characters and their responses to the extraordinary circumstances they encountered. The table below provides a speculative look at their maturity based on the information given in the Scriptures, along with traditional thoughts on their ages.

Aspect of MaturityJosephMary
Estimated AgeTraditionally thought to be older, perhaps middle-aged.Likely a young woman, traditionally thought to be in her early to mid-teens.
Faith in GodDisplayed strong faith in God, obeying the angelโ€™s message to take Mary as his wife despite the unusual circumstances (Matthew 1:24).Demonstrated profound faith and obedience in accepting the angel Gabrielโ€™s message, despite the potential for social disgrace (Luke 1:38).
Response to RevelationDid not want to expose Mary to public disgrace and considered divorcing her quietly (Matthew 1:19). After the angelโ€™s message, he obeyed and took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24).Responded with grace and humility to the angelโ€™s revelation, saying, โ€œLet it be to me according to your wordโ€ (Luke 1:38).
Role in Jesusโ€™ Early LifeTook on the role of Jesusโ€™ legal father and protected the family by taking them to Egypt to escape Herodโ€™s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15).Became the mother of Jesus and raised Him, pondering the events surrounding His birth and early life in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51).
CharacterPortrayed as a just and compassionate man (Matthew 1:19).Portrayed as a humble, faithful, and reflective woman (Luke 1:46-55).
Traditional ThoughtsOften depicted in Christian tradition as a noble, older figure, sometimes a widower with children from a prior marriage.Traditionally seen as a very young, pure, and devout woman, as per the concept of the โ€œPerpetual Virginity of Maryโ€ in some Christian traditions.

This table is based on biblical texts and some traditional beliefs that have developed over time. The Bible does not provide specific details on the ages of Mary and Joseph, so these elements, particularly their estimated ages, are speculative and are often depicted differently in various Christian traditions. ๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŒŸ

What did the Angel Say to Joseph about Maryโ€™s Pregnancy?

An angel, in a dream, reassured Joseph that Maryโ€™s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that he should not be afraid to take her as his wife (Matthew 1:20-21).

Did Mary and Joseph Have Other Children?

The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers and sisters, suggesting that Mary and Joseph likely had other children after Jesus was born.

The question of whether Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus is a topic that has been discussed and debated within Christian circles for centuries. The Bible mentions the โ€œbrothersโ€ and โ€œsistersโ€ of Jesus, but interpretations of these terms vary. Some believe these terms refer to literal siblings โ€“ children of Mary and Joseph. Others, particularly those in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, argue that these terms might refer to close relatives, not necessarily direct siblings.

Here is a table listing Bible verses that mention Jesusโ€™ โ€œbrothersโ€ and โ€œsisters,โ€ along with a summary of the varying traditional interpretations:

Bible VersesDescriptionBiblical Tradition / Interpretation
Matthew 13:55-56Lists the names of Jesusโ€™ brothers as James, Joseph (Joses), Simon, and Judas, and mentions that Jesus had sisters as well.Literal Siblings View: Some Christian traditions interpret these as Jesusโ€™ younger siblings, children of Mary and Joseph. Other Relatives View: Other traditions (notably Catholic and Orthodox) see these as Jesusโ€™ close relatives, perhaps cousins.
Mark 6:3Similar to Matthew 13:55-56, this verse names Jesusโ€™ brothers and mentions sisters.Similar interpretations as for Matthew 13:55-56.
Galatians 1:19Paul refers to James as the Lordโ€™s brother.Literal Siblings View: Some interpret this as meaning James was Jesusโ€™ literal brother. Other Relatives View: Others see this as a broader term, meaning close relative or spiritual brother.
Matthew 12:46-50Describes Jesusโ€™ mother and brothers coming to speak with Him.Literal Siblings View: Some interpret this as Mary and Jesusโ€™ younger siblings. Other Relatives View: Others see these as Jesusโ€™ close relatives, not necessarily direct siblings.
Traditional BeliefsSummary
Catholic TraditionThe Perpetual Virginity of Mary is a doctrine which asserts that Mary was a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. In this view, the โ€œbrothersโ€ and โ€œsistersโ€ of Jesus are understood as close relatives, not children of Mary.
Orthodox TraditionSimilar to the Catholic tradition, the Orthodox Church generally holds to the Perpetual Virginity of Mary.
Protestant PerspectiveMany (but not all) Protestant denominations hold that Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus, basing this on the literal reading of โ€œbrothersโ€ and โ€œsistersโ€ in the Bible.

Please note that these interpretations vary among different Christian denominations, and not all members of a given denomination may hold to the same view. This table is intended to present the primary perspectives and is not exhaustive. ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ

How Many Virgin Births in History?

While unique in Christian history, the concept of a virgin birth is not isolated to Christianity.

List of Gods with Virgin Births

Examples include Horus in Egyptian mythology and Mithra in Persian mythology.

Virgin Birth in Hinduism

In Hinduism, Lord Krishna was miraculously conceived, similar in some respects to a virgin birth.

How Many Religions Start with a Virgin Birth?

Virgin birth narratives exist in several religions, though the specific details and theological implications vary significantly.

Table: A Look at Virgin Births in Various Cultures Around the World

Culture/ReligionFigureDescription
ChristianityJesus ChristAccording to Christian belief, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Ancient Greek MythologyPerseusDanae, the mother of Perseus, was impregnated by Zeus through a shower of golden rain.
Ancient Egyptian MythologyHorusIsis, the mother of Horus, conceived him through magical means after the death of her husband Osiris.
BuddhismGautama BuddhaIt is said that Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha, dreamt of a white elephant entering her side, and soon after realized she was pregnant.
HinduismLord KrishnaDevaki, the mother of Krishna, was believed to have been impregnated by a divine mental transmission from Vasudeva.
Roman MythologyRomulus and RemusRhea Silvia, a vestal virgin, conceived Romulus and Remus after being impregnated by the god Mars or by the god Hercules.
Aztec MythologyHuitzilopochtliThe mother of Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war, was said to have conceived after a ball of feathers fell into the temple

Catholic Teachings on Mary

Final Thoughts

The story of the virgin birth is a profound narrative that has captivated believers and skeptics alike for millennia. Whether viewed as divine truth, inspiring myth, or something in between, it remains a central aspect of the Christian story.

Sources For Study

  • Here are some sources to study Jesusโ€™ virgin birth:
  • Britannica: Britannica provides a comprehensive article on the Virgin Birth, which is a doctrine of traditional Christianity that Jesus Christ had no natural father but was conceived by Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a basic article of belief in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant churches and was enshrined in the Apostlesโ€™ Creed.
  • GotQuestions.org: GotQuestions.org provides an article on why the virgin birth is so important. The gospel writers are judicious in their wording to maintain the doctrine of the virgin birth. In his genealogy of Jesus, Luke mentions that Jesus was โ€œthe son (as was supposed) of Josephโ€ (Luke 3:23, ESV).
  • Wikipedia: Wikipedia provides an article on the virgin birth of Jesus. The virgin birth of Jesus is the Christian doctrine that Jesus was conceived by his mother, Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit and without sexual intercourse. Christians regard the doctrine as an explanation of the mixture of the human and divine natures of Jesus.
  • Wikipedia: Wikipedia provides an article on sources for the historicity of Jesus. Non-Christian sources that are used to study and establish the historicity of Jesus include Jewish sources such as Josephus, and Roman sources such as Tacitus.
How to be saved according to the Bible    In order to understand how to be saved, we first need to understand what salvation is. Salvation is when God forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. It's a free gift from God that we can't earn on our own. So how do we receive this gift? The Bible tells us that there are six steps: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. Let's break each one of these down.     Hearing - The first step is hearing the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. This news must be heard in order for us to believe it.     Believing - Once we hear the gospel, we must believe it. This means that we trust that Jesus is who He says He is and that He can save us from our sins.     Repenting - Once we believe the gospel, we must repent of our sins. This means that we turn away from our sin and start living for God.     Confessing - After we repent of our sins, we need to confess them to God. This means that we tell God all of the sinful things we have done and ask Him for forgiveness.     Believers Baptism - The final step is believers baptism. This is when a person who has already believed and repented is baptized in water as an outward sign of their inward decision to follow Christ. Baptism doesn't save us, but it's an important step of obedience for every Christian.     Discipling others -  Finally, once we have received salvation through these steps, it's important that we continue to grow in our faith and share the gospel with others so they too can be saved.      These are the six steps required for salvation according to the Bible: hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, repenting again, and believers baptism. If you have never done these things or if you're not sure if you've done them correctly, I encourage you to talk to a pastor or other Christian friend who can help guide you through these steps. Salvation is a free gift from God, but it's one that we need to take intentional steps to receive. Don't wait another day - start your journey towards salvation today!

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  • Greg Gaines

    Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / Digital Missionary / Foster Parents / Welcome to our Family https://jesusleadershiptraining.com/about-us/

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