May 2020 - Care Net Peninsula

The One True Advocate

She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death

Missy cleans houses. Jason works in a restaurant. For the past couple of years, they’ve been busy raising a family. It brings to mind the well-known lyrics, “And even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey” It’s a well-known story. Couples living paycheck to paycheck for years, sometimes decades, finding pleasure in the simple things in life.

And then, every so often, something happens. And the world momentarily stops turning. Life as we know it changes. For this generation it is COVID 19.

These couples know what it is like to miss a payment or two. That is part of the reality of living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes it’s a broken bone or a bout with the flu. But this COVID 19, it’s different. Living on love becomes scary. When will people be comfortable having their homes cleaned again? When will people be able to afford to eat out again? With all this new uncertainty there is fear. Always fear.

So they start with the basics. Diapers. Where can Missy and Jason turn for real, practical help? A friend of a friend knows of a place. They make a call. They are connected to someone who identifies herself as an “advocate”. An advocate is one who publicly supports or recommends. She will certainly do that.

But little does this couple know that this phone call was a divine appointment secured by the one true Advocate before time began. So they will get their diapers but they will get so much more.

As Missy pours her heart out to this unknown advocate, the true Advocate will be there as well. Missy will hear about Him and how He alone is able to calm her fears. She will learn that she need not fear COVID 19. She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV)

Sheri Coker, Senior Client Advocate

May 28, 2020

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

I’m A Christian and Want An Abortion

You may have thought you’d never have an unplanned pregnancy. You may have thought you’d never even get in a spot where you’d consider an abortion. You may now be facing both realities.

2023 Year-End Letter from Our Executive Director

Together, we can continue to be that place of miracles and transformation for countless women and families in need. When you make a year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula, you are providing the help and hope that women need to choose life for their baby.

Why I Became A Nurse

“I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers”

I was 16 years old when I received a call from my mom—I was across town at a friend’s house for the day. It was a very hot Florida day in August 1984, and my Dad, 44 years old, had been out cutting the grass. He was feeling winded and diaphoretic, so he stopped for some cold water and a cigarette. That didn’t work. It quickly escalated to intense chest pain and panic—my mother insisted he lay down in the back seat of the station wagon while she drove at high speed to the local Air Force Hospital. They confirmed quickly that he was having a massive heart attack. That day changed the Lester family.

It changed the way we ate, it changed my parent’s personal habits; it changed the way we interacted; it changed my future.

My father had a couple of years of serious medical problems; I was often the one who helped care for him. My mother had recently returned to work outside the home, my oldest brother had just left for college, and I rose to the opportunity. In fact, I loved it. I didn’t mind cleaning up after bathroom messes or dirty bandages, delivered medications on time, became the walking / Physical therapy partner, and all-around encourager. Our family starting eating heart-healthy meals together, my mom and dad quit smoking after 40 years, we all began an exercise regimen, and we practiced more graciousness towards one another. We were thankful for a new beginning towards a healthier lifestyle. Two years later, I followed my brother to the state university to begin my studies in Nursing.

I love everything about Nursing. I love the science & wonder of how the body works; I love learning & teaching the interactions of medications with disease processes and healthy lifestyles; I love the hope that arises when healing takes place and the joy found in new life and fresh starts. It is a privilege to be trusted by people in their most vulnerable states, to advocate for their best interest, and to share personal moments that change lives. I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers, and offers unique opportunities for us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from Him.

Month: May 2020

The One True Advocate