“Time for what now?” you may reasonably ask.  After all, this past year has been quite eventful!

The GRAND Grand Opening  was celebrated May 4^th; what a wonderful opportunity to THANK all of our supporters and friends, and to invite them (you!) into their (your) new pregnancy center.   In addition, over 300 invitations went out to local college professors, high school and junior high counselors, history teachers, and administrators.  Civic and community leaders were invited as well.  And while the showing was very small – the outreach impact was very positive.  (For photos, please follow links below.)  A HUGE thank you to the volunteers who baked, served and worked with us to make it all possible. 

Even though there are still tasks to complete our move-in [handy men welcome!], and while we deal with some not-so-minor inconveniences (like plumbing repairs), the important work of your PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY CENTER goes on.  And On.  AND ON!  Already we are seeing  28 – 32 clients on a WEEKLY BASIS.   In 2011, the AVERAGE number of clients served MONTHLY at our previous facility was 50.  We’ve only been here 10 weeks!  Our sign (announcing we are “here”) went up 6 weeks ago.  We have done NO ADVERTISING; people are just starting to FIND US.

It’s not “just numbers”.  As we focus our efforts more and more on abortion minded women – our walk-ins continue to increase as well as our scheduled appointments.  Our biggest notable increase are TEENAGERS – some coming in with their mothers.  One mother told me, “Whatever she wants to do, I’m here to support her.” 

In reality, we saw two clients in that one visit.  “Mom, ‘whatever she wants’ may not be what’s best for your daughter - in the long term, nor best for your grandchild.  ALL responses to pregnancy have LIFELONG consequences, no matter how “easy” a so-called “choice” may sound at the time.”  

We read, out loud, two of the abortion procedures outlined in a medical booklet we have available to clients.  “Do you want to know more?” I asked.  “No.  I am NOT doing that!” came her determined, tearful answer.  (How many women “choose” without knowing, even without reading the required medical consent form?)

Another Mom brought her young teen for a pregnancy test.  The daughter was withdrawn and unresponsive to questions.  Her mom did nothing to urge responses.  The test was negative.  “I KNEW THAT!” was the first complete sentence Daughter blurted out angrily. 

I invited mom to step into the hallway with me.  “Is there something you want me to say to your daughter?”  And then came the explanation; followed by the opportunity to impress on a very young woman the importance of waiting until marriage, how to resist peer pressure, and issues pertaining to her health, future relationships, and possible future family.  (Let’s plan Mother / Daughter Workshops on this in the future!)

We are enormously blessed DAILY by the outpouring of love, compassion and dedication of our volunteers.  The three of us on staff are being stretched beyond what we thought we were capable of accomplishing in a day.  And God continues to be with us, so real we can almost touch Him. Certainly He touches us. Here's just one example:

A mom (one of our clients) calls distressed that her baby was born 5 weeks prematurely.  Surely this wasn’t planned.  She knew he was a "special needs child", but not that he would arrive so small.  “I have nothing for him.  Everything I have is too big.  Can you help me?”  We had just a few items for a very tiny boy.  Less than an hour later, Sherry called to volunteer.  “I decided to stay home from work to raise our preschoolers, but I want to do something to help you.  Can I be a ‘shopper’ for AWPC?   You could call me if a client needs something you don’t have, and I can shop garage sales, resale shops, or bargain shop the local stores and bring it in for you.”

“You mean, like preemie clothing?”  “Yes, exactly.”  “Could you start today?  Specifically for a 4 pound boy?”  “Absolutely.  And I will ask my church to support this work by providing the funds for me to shop. Would that be ok?”  Her church was unknown to us, and I offered any materials needed to acquaint them with our ministry.  The clothing was brought to the Center just a few days later.

God knew our needs before we did. He ALWAYS has an answer.  And His timing is just right!

So, you may ask – WHAT IS IT TIME FOR?

It is time to dig deeper into prayer, commitment and service.  It is time to get firmly established in solid practices and procedures, and in the training, equipping and support for those who serve here so there will be neither HINDERANCE nor accusations against His work and ministry.  It is time to promote the standard of EXCELLENCE in all that we do, as we work in the Name of the Lord, to honor Him and those He brings through our doors and into our lives.   It is time to begin a new chapter in the ongoing legacy of the Life Affirming Work of Another Way Pregnancy Center that was founded in 1984, and continues today because of the Grace of God and the conviction that leads to action in the hearts of His people.  

It is NOT time to just “get by.” Nor is it time to grow weary!

If you thought the physical move was impressive, IT WAS.  But it was another beginning in the serious work God wants to accomplish in and through us.  This truly is a FACILITY to be proud of.  PLEASE PRAY constantly that we will become - even moreso - the MINISTRY God desires and leads, with His Spirit evident in and through us, so that all who come in contact with Another Way Pregnancy Center will know His Love, Power and the purposeful LIFE He has for each and every one of those He has created and calls by name!

God's Best to you, and blessings upon those you love.  We appreciate YOU!

Photos of Dr. Alveta King's Presentation

Photos from our Grand Opening

Talk about PRO-LIFE!

Resurrection is definite confirmation that God is PRO-LIFE!

Did I just hear an AMEN?  (How I wish these pages could talk.  Or that we would have opportunity to hear each other!) For those who trust Jesus Christ, His resurrection IS our Hope.  Why else would we believe?  Why else do we persevere?

This week I learned of the death of a pre-born baby girl.  She was “wanted” by loving parents, planned and prepared for.  She was loved.  Doctors saw some shadows on her ultrasound and did some further tests.  A very rare bone condition was discovered.  If she survived through birth, she would be less-than-perfect.  Her parents, grandparents and many others prayed.  And they loved.  And they hoped.

More than 15 weeks before her due date, her Mom went into labor.  With premature lungs, she could not breath.  Mary’s life ended before she was born.  There were prayers, a baptism, tears, and plenty of love to go around.

While we know we will see Mary in Heaven; this day, week, month – it’s tough.  Really tough.   

I know that even Jesus weeps.

As the director of a pregnancy center, I feel somehow that I should have answers.  NO ONE says I should.  (Maybe I try too hard to figure things out.)  I see so much here – so many things that cause me to pause, consider, pray.  (Thank you, God.)  I’ve thought about this a lot, previously, and now – again.  And I wonder…

When God wanted to tell us about Himself, He sent Someone like us – a Man – Jesus.  Not a dragon, not a machine; God sent His best:  A thinking, feeling, tempted, tearful, hugging-kind-of-guy.  Certainly God knew what we needed.

So, when babies who have never felt love, who were constantly cursed or abused with substances, who were rejected from the time they were known…  When babies who were under stress, or whose mothers just couldn't believe that there was enough love to go around - to handle ANY situation, and babies who experienced severe pain even before they were born go to heaven, who will meet them?  Who will assure them that their Creator had a better plan, and never intended that their lives would end so tragically? Who will assure them that most parents really do love and nurture their children – even before they are born?  Who will serve to welcome abandoned babies into the glorious Kingdom of God where they will live forever?

I believe beautiful, well-loved babies will serve in God's Welcoming Committee.  Babies like Mary, and Jackson Treat, and Joseph, and Paula, and…  Many of you know them – by name!  Some were “perfect”, some formed with “challenges” – but this Welcome Committee was nurtured and trained for this VIP job - WITH LOVE!

 Celebrate Resurrection!  Celebrate HOPE! Because He Lives…Because LIFE matters.  Thank you for helping us pour His Love into others each day.

He is RISEN!

Karen

That's the kind of "awe" that rushed over me two days before our move, as I walked the halls of your new Pregnancy Center on 12 Mile Road.  I was "the last one out" and I was taking one final walk through for the day.

"This is absolutely beautiful, Lord.  More beautiful and coordinated than I ever imagined.  Thank you, Father God, for letting me be here.  Thank you for allowing me to see Your Hand put this together, piece by piece, using Your people to accomplish Your Plans."

A song came to mind and I started to sing. "You are awesome in this place, Mighty God.  You are awesome in this place, Abba Father..."  Tears streamed down my face.

"You must have really big work for us here, Lord."

"More than you can imagine", came the still-small-voice deep within.

"And you would call us, God?  You would trust us to do this work?"

Silence.

"Make us ready, Lord. Teach us what we need to know.  Bring us the skills and expertise that You need for Your work.  You have done so much for us already, yet I feel that there is so much more we need to do to be ready to better serve the people You would bring through these doors.  Give us Your vision.  Help us discern Your Direction. Help us to change to Your plans, dear Lord."

God shows us Himself each and every day. Sometimes our eyes or even our hearts aren't open to see His presence or His working around and amongst us.  He teaches us about His character, His principals, and His design for humanity in His Living Word.  If I'm honest, if you're honest with Him as well, we KNOW what He wants us to do, don't we?  It might be a little different for each of us, but it's certainly more alike than different.  We each bear His image; we're each made in His image, but not the same. (That's why we need each other - to reflect and to experience more of Him!)

It's not God Who limits us in accomplishing His work; it is we who limit Him.  He'll do whatever we allow Him to do when we yield our agenda and our plans to His.  We're the ones who limit the time, talent and resources we're willing to invest to provide for the work He has planned and prepared in advance for us to do - WHATEVER that work is - for each of us.

A whole lot of His kids (of all ages and walks of life) said YES to His nudging to help bring this beautiful, functional, well laid-out facility to near completion.  And it is truly AMAZING.

Here I sit at my desk in the corner office, 8 days later, still in awe!  I look forward to having you visit your* Pregnancy Center, and I'm looking forward to what He will have us do - together!

We all have the Lord to thank, and each other.  Thanks to all of you who responded to Him in obedience, love, talent, and resources these past several months - and even years.  We have both a his-story, and a legacy, individually and collectively.   Let's make the time and life He has given us count for the Creator and Redeemer of Life!

In His Grace and Joy ~

Karen Jewell

Director

P.S. Yes - I know - It is HIS Pregnancy Center.  But He wants you to know that it is YOURS too.  This Center is a reflection of you, too.   Think about that! 

In all the construction excitement - I don't want to MISS the MAIN THING!

I had "missed" the morning client sessions last Wednesday, arriving to work after my physical therapy session,  just as 2 volunteers and staffers finished their prayer time wrap up.  There was definitely a "joyous spirit" in the air as they filled me in on the details.  I need to share that "story" as well... Here's the part I can share with you now -

The mother of the young woman (seen earlier) came to our door last Wednesday afternoon and burst into tears as she thanked us for being here – and for speaking Truth to her daughter.  Mom explained that she had offered support to her daughter as her boyfriend (of several years) threatened to abandoned her if she didn’t have the abortion.  She offered her daughter all the support she would need to carry her baby to term – but she refused to listen or see that having this child wasn’t the end of her life.

“My sister called this morning and told me that my daughter was coming here.  She thought this was an abortion place – so I looked you up on the internet.  I saw what you are all about, and I started praying that you would be able to reach my daughter in ways that I could not.  I know that God doesn’t make mistakes, and that He has a plan for my daughter and this baby.  Thank you so much for being here, doing what you do.  I am so grateful that you reached her.”  Sobs of relief came, and none of us would ever be the same as we reflected on what God had done.

There will be a birth day celebrated this summer, because prayers were answered and a young mother’s heart was opened.  And because pro-life advocates and supporters poured into the ministry of Another Way Pregnancy Center.  We are here because of YOU!

I wish that every day would be a day of celebration at the Center, and that more would come to know and trust in the plans of the Lord who loves us, each one of us, in spite of our mistakes. 

I am confident that more opportunities will come to us as we move in 2012.

As I think back on 2011, and the birth of our first grand baby in February, I think about all the joy we’ve experienced and all the love we have shared.  Our lives are richer because of this little guy. I cannot imagine our family without him.

One of our greatest joys as grandparents is watching both our son and his wife mature as they give of themselves for the care of this little one.  Not all parents make this transition well; these two appreciate the teamwork it takes.  And they’ve left behind their “childish ways” to “do what it takes” to care for their son.  What a blessing they are to us!

I think about those, even in my family, who are parenting alone.  How very difficult it must be, and how much courage and commitment it takes, to do what needs to be done each and every day, because there is no one else to parent their little one.  So many of our clients are single moms.  If only we could reach women before they commit themselves physically to a man who hasn’t committed to a lifetime of disciplined, decisive, selfless love...  Opportunities for ministry abound!

In a somber moment Christmas morning, I thought about women who would be thinking of their lost child this Christmas Day, what might have been had they made another choice.  I think about the sadness and regret that floods the soul – and how “doing what they thought would make things better” only left a huge dark hole in their spirit – that never seems to totally go away.  It makes me grateful for ministries like "Healing Hearts" that reach out with the Word of God and His gift of forgiveness that breaks the chains of oppressive guilt and pain.  Referring to (and sometimes hosting) post-abortion ministry is an important part of pro-life work. 

My thoughts also think about the bin on my desk with letters, profile folders, and cards that regularly come to the Center from couples who are longing for a baby to love and call their own.  If only they could reach a woman who was carrying a child but not ready or able to parent.  If only they would be so blessed to be selected to raise that child…

I looked around our breakfast table this Christmas and grateful for the LIFE that we have and share as a family.  My heart reflected again on the BIRTH we celebrate.  I was suddenly struck by the thought that the Son of God, Maker of the universe – found it “good” and “worthy” to come to meet us through fetal growth and human birth.  Think on that.  God Himself came to us through pregnancy and birth!  That's amazing!  Totally PRO-LIFE! 

God proclaimed human life worthy of HIS LOVE with the BIRTH of His Son - JESUS - as a newborn baby!

Yes…I know – it’s the same story every year – but somehow it struck me differently this year.  Maybe because I am still struck by the number of churches – faith communities – that refuse to engage in the greatest moral issue of our day.  How can we love and serve the Giver of Life and not engage in protecting human life?  (We rescue animals - for goodness sake!  We prosecute people who misuse / mistreat dogs. Highways are reconstructed to save turtles...)   How can we call ourselves followers of Jesus and NOT do something to offer something better than abortion - the scraping of human life from the uterine walls of a woman - who finds herself in a life crisis?  Are we not more loving than that?  Isn't LIFE love worthy? Aren't we all better off when we protect the very fiber of humanity - human life?

Abortion has done NOTHING to make our families stronger, our schools safer, our bodies healthier. It is death, the polar opposite of LIFE, void of hope, possibility, and LOVE.  Abortion says "no" when life says "yes".  It is a "choice" that has robbed our nation of millions of lives and opportunities for compassion, love, and peace that comes with making loving choices.

Once again I am humbled that God would use folks like you and me to extend His love to a hurting world.  A world that hurts so much that aborting our offspring is considered an option – even an acceptable and protected “choice”. 

A new mother in her early 20's was dead set on abortion last Wednesday.  But love won. 

Love spoke prayers, listened, understood.  Love offered real options.  Love made a gift bag ready with diapers and baby toys that someone (was it you?) donated - a gift bag that brought the reality that this is a child to it's mother - and tears flowed from her eyes as she proclaimed, "I am going to have my baby!"

This is the work that you do with your prayers and your gifts.  This is one baby that will LIVE because your actions proclaim that LIFE is LOVE WORTHY!

It's celebrations like this that compel us to do more to reach more; we look forward to 2012!

With gratitude for Grace,

Karen

It's happening! Construction started this week  on our new location. What a mess! Dan Myler, General Contractor (pictured above) reminded me that to bake a cake, you must first break the eggs! Today, FMG Concrete Cutting broke the cement  to move the underground plumbing, while other labors worked on "demolition" - taking down old drywall and removing non-load bearing walls.

What's happening today is a BEGINNING.  How we "finish" is up to our supporters - large and small.

We could open with the basics - as the contract is currently written - to reflect the financial resources we presently have.  No break room plumbing, cabinets, countertop, refrigerator.  No sink in the "future ultrasound room", no cabinets in the bathrooms, vinyl base trim, etc. and we finish as we're able.

We could open without a sign announcing our location to the community (relying on word-of-mouth to help those in crisi find us), or open with a sign pointing to ANOTHER WAY!

Or we could finish strong - ready to compete with our well equipped, well funded counterparts who offer "finishes" (granite, chrome, ceramic) that reflect the wealth of the abortion industry, while void of a child's future rich in LIFE, HOPE and LOVE.

I understand that some of us are making sacrifices to make ends meet in today's tough economy. Know that you can join us with your prayers for protection, provision, and God's wisdom!  Pray for our clients, current and future, that they would give themselves a chance to follow God's plan and purpose, and to know His blessings!

I am grateful to many of you who have gotten us this far - nearly $25,000 raised so far! We would not have started without you!  

There's a finish line ahead, and we've got a distance to go... a project and goal that was thwarted with delays and obstructions (like shoulder surgery and physical therapy) that greatly slowed the fund raising efforts in November and earlier this month. Would the Lord allow His plans to fail because of my physical delays? No way! 

I also see the shopping carts at Costco filled with non-essentials, and lines at the malls (still) and soldout Ford Field...  I know that many more of us do have resources to invest - and I believe that MANY are prolife and just need to be given the opportunity to win hearts and save lives by investing in the future of this ministry.

To you we extend an opportunity to JOIN US - to help us FINISH STRONG in this relocation project*.  This move will bring the option of LIFE to more men and women who have conceived new life - without plans or resources to parent. It will bring greater opportunity for women in crisis to learn of their options beyond abortion - when life is already complicated by lack of resources or broken hearts and dreams. She needs to know that there is HELP and support, and a pro-life Christian community that cares and will help provide direction, support, and material goods throughout her pregnancy and the first year of her child's life.

It's not too late to help us finish strong! Please give generously today.  Your generosity will promote LIFE for many years to come.

For the Next Generation,

Karen Jewell, Director
Another Way Pregnancy Center