A Client Story
This year we have all had many questions and we continue to ask those questions. Have you asked these questions from Psalm 13? “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Desperation. Frustration. Hopelessness. Read this next story of a client that had those questions and faced those feelings.
She was 16 years old. Young and scared. Didn’t know what to do. Like many of us, she had questions and thought about the “easy” way out. Fortunately, Andrea had a friend that knew about the Cleveland Pregnancy Center and the resource of help and hope they could be for Andrea. Andrea’s boyfriend was driving her to the center when they saw a peaceful group on the sidewalk protesting against abortion. Their signs prompted both of them to make a decision to keep their baby. Psalm 13: 5a, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love”. An answer to those questions that plagued them.
On their first appointment they met some amazing women that cared for and helped them on their path of life. Andrea learned much about her own body and what was taking place within it. She learned about taking care of her baby after he was born. Her life coach and class facilitators helped her along a path of not just knowing about God but actually surrendering her life to him as Lord. Psalm 13:5b, “my heart shall rejoice in your salvation”.
Andrea married her boyfriend and now they have 4 children together. After almost dropping out of school because of her pregnancy, she now is a Pharmacy Technician. You have helped a young couple make a decision for life. You provided a place, a resource and hope and now they are active in their church and community. Now Andrea can speak the words of Psalm 13: 6, “I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me”.
Because of a video about pregnancy centers by Focus on the Family, seventeen years later Andrea sent us an email with her heartfelt gratitude. She agreed to share her story of what God had done with her family.
She is an example of what can happen when Champions like you are motivated by love, to care and show compassion to those making tough decisions. She is like one of those healed in Luke 17 and came back to say thank you.
Are you one of those faithful Champions that gives every year to support the ministry? You know how important year-end giving is to the ministry. You make success stories like this happen even from seventeen years ago. There is a 16-year-old out there right now that will walk through our doors and decide to keep her baby because you provided her an ultrasound (a womb with a view). She will be back in 17 years and thank you for your support even as we are doing now.
Over the last couple of years, I keep hearing people come to me and say, “I say that I am pro-life but am I actually doing something about it?” They give periodically and pray but ask themselves “what difference am I making?” I always would tell them, “just imagine when we get to heaven where there will be many that run up to us and say thank you for saving my life and also for introducing me to Jesus. What a glorious time that will be. Then we’ll know the difference we’ve made.” Lynn Meldon, our Nurse Manager shared a vision she saw. Lynn adds to that story with this. “Can you imagine when we get to heaven and there are kids running up to us and thanking us for trying to save them from an abortion?”
So, if you are trying to answer your own question about the difference I’m making, we typically look at five areas. See if you find yourself in any or all of these:
Praying: God moves when His people pray. Hearts and minds are changed.
Learning: Equipping yourself to be effective in conversations. Ask us about Making Life Disciples training for
your church.
Giving (generosity): You provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and classes. This of course is our year-end
appeal, and we are asking you to become or continue to be a Pillar Partner (monthly gifts). That makes a
huge impact in services provided.
Serving: Extending services we need more ultrasound technicians, nurse manager and options educators. You can serve right at your church with training through Making Life Disciples. Trained to have conversations, provide help for those making life decisions and post-abortive healing.
Sharing: When you share the ministry with others, it is now a resource in your community.
If you are a Pillar Partner already, thank you for your consistent, monthly donations that help cover expenses. Our Pillar Partners’ average gift is $65 per month. We would encourage you to become a Pillar Partner at an amount that stretches your faith.
Year-end one-time gifts carry us through the winter months also. You made a difference by providing 95 pregnancy tests and 79 ultrasounds so far this year. Could you cover the cost of those with a one-time gift of $1200?
Online classes were attended 387 times. Learning life skills to help families thrive. Four gifts of $275 would cover one year of classes for equipping moms and dads. We are praying for you as you navigate this end of the year. Continue to ask the question, “What difference am I making?” We pray it takes you deeper and produces much fruit. We are looking forward to being with you in the new year. As always, blessings to you and your family.
Life Always,
Bob Hershey and the team at the Cleveland Pregnancy Center
To support the work of The Cleveland Pregnancy Center, please visit www.clevelandpregnancycenter.org and click on the “Donate” button in the top right corner. As you contemplate your year-end gift remember to check with your employer if you have a matching grant program.
