The Most Important Question of All

The Most Important Question of All

March 2021 Update from Our Community Relations Manager

Danielle* came to our clinic alone.  Pregnant with her first child, she was confused and conflicted over the wide range of emotions she was feeling.  Her boyfriend had told her he would support whatever decision she might make, but he also let her know he would prefer she abort.  She was disappointed in his reaction.  While the pregnancy was not something she had wanted or planned, she had hoped he might express more concern over the difficulty of her dilemma.

Danielle had grown up in church and she held a deep conviction that abortion was wrong.  As her advocate shared information about abortion, those moral objections began to surface.  Her advocate then helped her visualize what support she might have if she were to carry this child.  Much to her surprise, Danielle was able to think of multiple people in her life who had already expressed a desire to come alongside her.  As the fog began to lift, Danielle was able to reconcile her own personal belief system with the decision that was before her.

Her advocate then shifted the conversation to the most important question of all.  Was Danielle right with God?  She wasn’t sure.  Her advocate asked permission to share the gospel and she consented.  Danielle then prayed to receive Christ.  Her advocate was also able to offer Danielle a spiritual mentor from a local church who could help Danielle grow in her relationship with the Lord. Praise God for his faithfulness and that Danielle chose life for her baby and life eternal with Jesus.

* Name changed for privacy, story written by one of our advocates

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Mind-Changed

Mind-Changed

January 2021 Update from Our Community Relations Manager

Occasionally after a client comes in for an appointment, we ask if she’d consider filling out a testimony survey. Often these are the “mind-changed” clients. Women who came to see us who were planning on having an abortion, but after talking with an advocate, chose life for their baby. 

When Sarah* came in to pick up her Bundle4babies bag a couple of months ago, she turned in her form. She stated:

“I just came in to see how far along I was and confirm I was pregnant. It was the first place I found on google. I planned to get an abortion. I’m glad I didn’t . . . I never expected to be praying with someone. To be honest, it gave me anxiety a little because that’s when I first considered keeping my baby . . . I wouldn’t have the courage to bring my little *Emmy into this world. My situation hasn’t improved a lot but my perspective on it changed.” 

Because of your donations, we are able to reach the most vulnerable through our digital advertising and through the prayers said with our advocates. Praise God for moving in the heart of this mom so she would choose to save her child. Even in the darkest of times, His light shines. 

* Names changed to protect client’s identity

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The Provision of Time

The provision of Time

November 2020 Update from Our Community Relations Manager

An abortion-vulnerable client came in a couple of weeks ago. When our nurse, Meg, reached out to her a few days after her initial appointment, she found her really upset. The client had even made an appointment at the abortion clinic the next day. Meg and Sherri (one of our client advocates) talked to her on the phone and worked the schedule out so she could come in THAT night.

She came to the appointment – late but grateful. She talked about the battle in her mind – very spiritual and emotional. She talked specifically about how “cold” the people were on the phone with her at the abortion clinic – “not like here,” (at Alcove Health) she said. She even made comments about how they wanted to make sure she brought the money she would need to start the appt at the abortion clinic. She talked about the difference in our clinic.

All that to say this – our clients often make “back-up plans.” As a staff, we are so grateful for the provision of time that our donors give us to make space and sit down and talk with women. For this woman, this literally allowed us to meet with the woman again before she went to the abortion clinic. She didn’t go to the abortion clinic the next day. She needed a safe place at the right time and we – because of our donors – were able to provide it. Praise the Lord!!

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Allyson’s Story

alyson's story

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Rena’s Story: Surrendering Her Secret

Rena's Story - Post-Abortion Support - Surrendering The Secret - Care Net Peninsula - Newport News, Virginia, VA
Rena's Story - Post-Abortion Support - Surrendering The Secret - Care Net Peninsula - Newport News, Virginia, VA

Rena's Story

I remember well the night I decided to tell my mom my big secret. We had an hour car ride ahead of us and I was determined to finally spill the hurt that had been tearing my heart apart for five years. I spent the whole hour re-positioning (and sweating profusely) trying to form the words on my mouth.

I HAD AN ABORTION

I got pregnant. It was not planned. I was afraid and I believed the lie that abortion was a quick fix and would be the answer to all my problems. I would be able to go on living my life, but I was deceived. My life quickly began to spiral. I was depressed and self-destructive and filled with shame. I continued to believe the lies: “You don’t have a right to be sad. You chose this. You are alone. People would reject you if they knew what you did. You are unworthy of God’s forgiveness.”

I waited until we were in the driveway and I still couldn’t form the words. In God’s mercy, my mom just knew and she comforted me and told me that she loved me. A few days later, she referred me to a Bible study that she knew for women who had experienced the trauma of abortion. I felt like I had been drowning for so long and this was my precious gulp of fresh air.

Surrendering the Secret shattered the lies that had imprisoned my heart for so long. I was not alone. I found a group of women who understood what I was going through, who had no place of judgment or condemnation. I found a place where I could share my story. I was granted the space to be sad, where I could grieve my tremendous loss. Most importantly, I met with God through His Word and like a tender parent, He comforted me and told me that He loved me, unabashedly loved me.

Since then, I married a godly man and have since had beautiful babies. I have shared my story with women in my church about complete freedom in Christ. I have had the opportunity to lead this incredible study at Care Net with the gift of meeting other women whose lives are transformed by this study. I have shared my story with strangers who are hurting…the same story that couldn’t even form on my lips now flows shamelessly because of this recovery group.

For my fellow sisters who have experienced abortion, I know your heartache. I urge you: be a part of this Bible study. Let God’s light flood into those dark hidden places. “His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” Believe the truth: You are loved. You are forgiven. You are not alone.

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Tischell’s Story

Tischell's Story

When I found out I was pregnant I felt nervous, overwhelmed and bad … totally stuck in the moment and wanting time to stop so I could figure out what was going on. I felt like I was in a blur for a few weeks. Confused, that’s the best word to describe it. I came to Care Net Peninsula because I knew that I was pregnant and wanted to make sure that I had an opportunity to speak with someone about what was going on.

When I came to Care Net they were very, very welcoming and friendly. The total mood in the center was excellent. When I saw the ultrasound, that was such a game-changing moment! I still wasn’t 100% sure how I would do, but that joy! …I can remember that. And now seeing my son’s face is like “WOW! That little dot that was on the screen is this little boy that’s full of joy now. That’s awesome.”

Since coming to Care Net, I was able to decide and commit to having my son and to continuing on with my pregnancy. I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. My life is totally different. I am so excited about what God has done! My son is great. He is amazing!

He’s healthy! He’s smart! His name means “Jehovah has Healed” and his birth has just helped heal so many areas in our lives. I am so grateful to experience that joy and not the condemnation of going through and terminating a pregnancy. That’s honestly amazing!

Audrey’s Story | A Weighty Decision

A Weighty Decision

Audrey and J.J.'s Story

When Audrey and her baby boy Justin (who she calls ‘JJ’) came to the center for photographs, we watched her lovingly interact with her son. This attentive mother told us about what she was learning to help encourage her baby’s healthy development. An observer would not have guessed that Audrey wasn’t sure about her decision when she unexpectedly became pregnant.

When I found out I was pregnant I was a live-in nanny and just received my esthetician license. I was trying to get my life in order and starting to transition from side jobs, weekend work, and full-time school. I was nowhere near a position to have a baby! (but then again who is ever prepared for children?!). When I found out I was pregnant, I was absolutely frazzled and stressed. I’ve never had a difficult time making decisions but the decision to keep, carry, or adopt were weighing their heaviest. I came to Care Net because I knew before I made any decision I had to know what was healthiest for me. I had to know everything that came with having an abortion.

Care Net greeted me with unwavering support. No matter what option I was going to make, [I felt] there was a group of people not judging me. Since coming to Care Net, I chose to carry a healthy baby boy. I delivered him at 33 weeks so we did a four-week stint in the NICU… with no worries, just passing the time for him to grow and go home.

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Natasha’s Story

NATASHA'S STORY

When I found out I was pregnant . . .  My life was very crazy, Unfortunately, I had just got out of a verbal and physical abusive relationship with my husband. I had just moved into my new home with my 5-month-old daughter. And two months later I was pregnant again. So when I found out I was pregnant again I was depressed and told myself I was not keeping the baby no matter what. Before I found out I was pregnant with my Son I was already depressed and dealing with PTSD and trying to stay strong and take care of my daughter.

When I found out I was pregnant, I felt . . . When I found out I was pregnant I felt lower than before. I was so scared and disappointed in myself. So many feelings and emotions and thoughts ran through my head.

I came to Care Net because . . . I have a healthy family worked that at the time I was seeing every week. She told me about Care Net. At first, I was going to Care Net for advice about abortion. Because once I found out about the baby abortion was my only option. In my head, abortion would set me free from all of this. All these feelings and emotions.

When I came to Care Net they . . . When I came to Care Net they talk to me and told me my options. They listen to me and helped me to think clear and stop thinking with fear. They help me to realize its not the end of the world. They made me feel like I wasn’t alone And they would be there for me. Chrissey is who I talked to that day and really talk to me and listened. She has supported me the whole pregnancy Checking up on me. Just making it clear I am not alone. She’s really helped me stay positive. I needed somebody to talk to more than anything. And Chrissey gave me that. I hope she knows how much it means to me.

Since coming to Care Net . . . Since coming to Care Net I am more positive about what I want in life. I realized that people do care about you and there is support out there for you. You’re never alone even when you feel like you are. These past few months I am more ready for my son than ever because of Care Net. I am excited about his arrival more than ever. I regret the day I wanted to get an abortion. I can’t wait for my daughter and me to meet him. My daughter is going to be a great big sis and I know I will continue to be a great mom.

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Tierra’s Story

TIERRA'S STORY

When I found out that I was pregnant, I was 25 years old and already had a 4-year-old son. I felt scared, nervous, and unsure of what to do. I felt to be 25 years old at the time, I had much more to accomplish and I wasn’t ready to be a mom for the second time.

I came to Care Net because I was given their business card during a previous pregnancy at a local clinic. They treated me so well and welcomed me with open arms that it was only right that I returned with this pregnancy.

When I came to Care Net Peninsula I never felt judged for the choices I made in my life. I was always treated like I was important and they showed me respect.

Since coming, I have built more confidence, I am happy to be a proud mom of my son and new baby girl thanks to Care Net Peninsula. I learned to own my decisions and make the best of them.

Because of your support of our ministry, Tierra beat the odds of having an abortion! Please pray for Tierra and her children as she grows in confidence and love as a mother.

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Kyla’s Story

KYLA'S STORY

When I found out I was pregnant I was not in the best situation mentally or physically. I had been unemployed for 4 months, and my boyfriend had just tragically lost his mother unexpectedly. I was at a very low point. Before she was shot and killed we had become spiritual accountability partners. When she died it hit me very hard, and the morning of her funeral I found out I was pregnant. At this point, I was completely stressed out and feeling defeated. When I finally accepted that I was pregnant I freaked out. I didn’t know how I was going to pay for anything and I didn’t have support from family or friends.

I came to Care Net Peninsula because my boyfriend and I were emotionally unstable to make a sound decision about whether we should keep the baby or not. I [was] in hopes of some resources and counseling so that I could make a decision. Although I have been a believer in Christ, with all these things happening at once I [felt like] I had lost my connection with God. I couldn’t seem to get out of the state of depression I was in. When I came to Care Net they welcomed me with open arms. They prayed over me and offered support with the loss of my boyfriend’s mom. The most comforting thing I received was a new Bible.

I walked out of the Care Net office in tears, but tears of joy. Tears of hope for the future and an overwhelming feeling that someone really cared for the health and well-being of me and my unborn child. I received phone calls periodically from the staff just checking on me; which means worlds to me. Since coming to Care Net, I have gained a whole new perspective on life. I am very excited to meet my little one. I am so thankful that I found this center. Care Net has definitely left an impression on my life and I will always remember what was done for me at one of the darkest times of my life.

Kyla welcomed a baby boy named Jayce in late February

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