We give thanks to the Lord for his miraculous works in the lives of our clients; saving and changing lives for generations!  We give thanks to the Lord for his provision for our ministry; calling people to serve and give sacrificially in order to enable us to care for those facing unplanned pregnancies in our region.  We give thanks for every conversation which allows us to share the Good News.

This Thanksgiving, as we look forward to time with family and friends, there will be lots of opportunities for conversations.  Let’s admit it, not all of them are easy, pleasant, or comfortable.  I wanted to share a story where God used one conversation between a faithful Assurance hotline volunteer and a woman determined to abort.  We are grateful for those volunteers who “staff” our phones when we are closed for evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Their main goal is to show kindness and compassion to the caller, explain what Assurance can do for them, and encourage them to schedule an appointment to come to our clinic.  But sometimes the callers are unwilling to schedule, and that one conversation is the only touch point we have with that person.  God uses every moment!

Let this story encourage you both in the difference you make when you support Assurance and in the opportunities you might have to speak hope and life to your friends and family this Thanksgiving.

“On January 1, 2009, I found myself in a place I could’ve never imagined. I was 42 years old and pregnant. I was not married to the father of the baby, but to another man. The father of the baby was 10 years older than me and married as well. Although we were both going through marriage difficulties and separations, our actions were so out of character for both of us. We were both Christians and served faithfully in our churches. The situation was dire. I was ashamed of my sin and the hurt I’d caused so many people. 

Out of desperation I scheduled an abortion. My world was crumbling around me and I honestly didn’t know if I could live through the situation. I had two older children who were 15 and 8 at the time and I just wanted to spare them the hurt.

One evening while driving to Lexington, I pulled off the side of the road, desperate to talk with someone, and looked up the number to a local crisis pregnancy center. I wanted to talk with someone who didn’t know me. I called Assurance. I explained my situation to the kind lady on the other end of the phone. 

She cried with me and prayed with me. She gave me Godly counsel and let me know she was there for me. With the abortion still a week away, I continued to pray for God’s guidance and I firmly believe the lady from Assurance was lifting my situation to the Lord as well.

A week later, the day before the scheduled abortion, I began to have chest pains. I drove myself to the emergency room where my doctor informed me that I’d need to spend the night. I told him emphatically that I could not, because I had somewhere to be early the next morning. He told me I did not have a choice. During that night in the hospital, alone and hurting, I realized that God had stepped in. It was divine intervention!! God made it impossible for me to make it to that appointment the next morning. God took the decision out of my hands and into His.

My sweet girl, Alexandra, was born in August 2009 and she is nothing short of a miracle. She is an angel. Despite our sin, God has forgiven and blessed us. It’s all because of His grace that I’m able to tell my story.His mercies never fail us, they are new every morning. He is my Redeemer!! I will forever be grateful for the lady who answered the phone that cold rainy January night. She was an intercessor, praying on my behalf. And God heard!! We make messes in life, but if we allow God to make us new, He can use our mess as His message.” -Kim
We only know the rest of this story because this year, nine years later, Kim called overwhelmed with gratitude for the hotline volunteer who spoke to her that night.  She wanted her to know she chose life for her daughter and wanted to say “thanks!”.  She wrote up her story and gave us permission to also share it with you because it is your support that makes our work as intercessors possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!  May your holiday be filled with conversations that shine light and life among those you gather with to give thanks!