We Love Them First. Then the Door is Open...

Some ask about our ministry, "Why don't you tell these girls to stop getting themselves in this situation? Can't you just sit them down when they have that test and tell them they are living in sin?"

If we take a look at the Samaritan woman in John 4, whose life is much like that of our clients, we see Jesus approach her much differently. Instead of pointing to her shortcomings, Jesus first offered her living water, which only He could offer. She was amazed, and she
wanted to hear more from this Man.

Only then, after reaching out to her need, did Jesus ask her to call her husband. We know the story: she had no husband, though she had been a wife to five different men. She, like many we see, was in the midst of yet another dead-end relationship, this time living with a man outside of marriage.

Yet instead of condemning, Jesus actually complimented her for telling the truth about her failed past. What could have been a terribly humiliating moment turned into a life-changing encounter.

This moment with the Samaritan woman in John 4 provides a powerful picture of what this ministry is about. Our message is not one of condemnation, but is one of hope and joy as we offer living water.

We are not here to avoid the truth--Jesus certainly did not--but when presented in love, truth unlocks the door of freedom.

So when a woman comes to us, we are reminded that while her choices may have put her in a difficult situation, she is not the first. A woman went to a well in Samaria, suffering from a string of poor choices. Jesus could have condemned, and He could have sent her on her way, teaching us all a lesson of "righteousness". But without condemning, He offered her living water, a gift that brings life.

She chose life. And if we keep reading in John 4, we find that others followed her. At her darkest hour, Jesus showed up. And a life was changed forever. This is a story worth emulating and at Pregnancy Care Center we seek to see this story come true again and again.

Connecting with the Church

I had the honor of interviewing a client yesterday whose testimony will be shared at our fundraising banquets in just a couple of weeks. I can't get that interview out of my head and how God has so beautiful worked through the partnership of the Pregnancy Care Center and a local church to bring hope to this beautiful young woman. While I'd love to tell you her entire story, I'll restrain myself so you can hear it in her words at the banquet!

Here's the glimpse of her story I can't resist sharing; how we were able to connect her to a church. Her peer counselor recommended she go to church and gave her services times to one she thought would be a good fit for her. The client went and she was so lovingly welcomed and embraced. So much so that she's been attending for six months, is involved in a Bible study and is seeking to become a member. She said about her church, "I have such a great support system within the church body. I don't know where I'd be without that."

This is what the Pregnancy Care Center ministry is all about. We were able to love her through an unplanned pregnancy and provide the support, encouragement and truth she needed during that time. But then we were able to pass the ball to the Church and it has truly transformed this woman's life. Praise God!

If you haven't made plans to attend one of the banquets, call today to reserve your seat. You don't want to miss this!

Teresa Russell

Lori Borgman to Bring Laughter and Hope to Banquets

The Pregnancy Care Center is pleased to welcome Lori Borgman as our Keynote speaker at the 2010 Fundraising Banquets. She is a family life columnist who is published throughout the U.S. and Canada. Those in attendance will enjoy a time of laughter and hope as Lori shares about the importance of the pregnancy center ministry to our communities. Check out Lori's blog at www.loriborgman.com to learn more about her.

If you haven't yet signed up to host a table at one of this year's banquets, it's not too late. The dates are:
Tuesday, Feb. 2 in Seymour
Tuesday, Feb. 9 in Shelbyville
Thursday, Feb. 11 in Columbus
Wednesday, Feb. 17 in Columbus
Tuesday, Feb. 23 in Columbus

Contact Teresa Russell at 812-378-4114 or toll free 866-510-5067 today to reserve your table. Remember there is no cost to attend the banquet, but a financial appeal will be given at the end of the evening.

Make Plans to Visit Memorial for the Unborn

As you celebrate and remember the Sanctity of Human Life this month, make plans to visit the Memorial for the Unborn. Come as a family and spend time in prayer for those hurting because of a past abortion and those in the midst of making a decision about what to do about their unplanned pregnancy. The Memorial is located on the property of St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty, at 2555 South 300 East in Columbus.

The memorial was established to allow post-abortive women, men and their families to have a place to grieve and honor their children. The beautiful headstone is engraved with Isaiah 49:15-16 on the front and the names of those who have lost their lives to abortion on the back.

The Memorial began as a senior project in 2005 when Columbus East High School Student Chelsea Sanders raised funds for the headstone. Ross Osborn, former Pregnancy Care Center volunteer and member of St. Paul’s then further enhanced Chelsea’s vision by adding the landscaping, benches and arbors around the site.

Anyone is welcome to visit the Memorial to the Unborn at any time.