There is no greater act of love that ever began than the moment our creator gave His only Son to us...a world full of sin and undeserving people. He did this so that we may know how much He loves us. That is the love that we celebrate each Christmas. Without this Christmas sized love, we have nothing.
1Corinthians 13:1-3 tells us “If I speak in the languages of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
We see the LOVE that you pour out to our clients through your giving and support each day. It is our prayer that every day of the year, we continue to pass on that LOVE. The Refuge operational philosophy is to LOVE the families we serve, and you make it possible.
I want to share with you the details of how we have spread LOVE and how mothers have responded this past year, as well as the fruits we have seen come from your faithful giving. At the end of each ultrasound procedure, we ask our clients to give us some feedback in a short survey. The main question is “What did you like best about your experience here at The Refuge Center?” Here are some examples of how we LOVE our clients for you along with a few of their responses.
L-Listen Our staff and volunteers listen with intention to the individual needs of each client. We find that every mother has a different set of circumstances that led them to us as well as unique needs to help them find a stable foundation for their child. We have been blessed to have sat and listened to our clients 1,698 times in the past year.
Client responses: “Very loving and helpful. Genuinely looking to meet any need they are able to meet.” (#10020) “I liked how sympathetic she was with me.” (#10467) O-Options Today’s women of childbearing age have never lived in a world where abortion was illegal. Most have been told that abortion is their right…it is about “reproductive health”. Presenting other options can be difficult and sometimes contentious. However, we choose to discuss the facts with our clients. We deliver this information with compassion, empathy, and no judgement. Refuge is extremely blessed to tell you that 61 mothers who were abortion determined, changed their minds, and chose life for their babies this past year.
Client responses: “I liked everything about the center, and how open it was to talk about my choices.” (#11015) “The staff made me feel welcome with the knowledge everyone had, and I received all the answers that I was looking for.” (#11121)
V- Value Just as God values the children our clients are carrying, so does He value the women who carry them. Because many of our clients are coming out of difficult life situations, most feel defeated and worthless. One of our top priorities is to restore their sense of worth, and help them see themselves, and the child they carry through God’s eyes. We have been so fortunate to have prayed with and/or had spiritual discussions with 1,074 clients in the past year.
Client responses: “It was a nice environment, she was super nice and prayed with me, and I needed that.” (#11390) “I was really touched by the conversation. I appreciate the help and potential you all see in me.” (#11453)
E- Educate American Philosopher Allan Bloom once said that “Education is the movement from darkness to light”. At Refuge we strive to move our clients out of the darkness of fear and anxiety about their pregnancy into the light of confidence and stability of compassionate parenting. Over the past year, our Practical Parenting classes have exploded in attendance. Through technological upgrades to our processes, we are now able to offer online virtual lessons. This offers the convenience for our clients that has allowed 1,359 parenting lessons to be presented this past year. From beginning to end, our clients are given the knowledge to make informed choices and grow in wisdom in order to become the best parent they can.
Client responses: “Everyone was gentle and kind and knowledgeable and has given me many resourceful materials. Please continue being a supportive and giving resource.” (#11457) “Everyone was nice, they were very knowledgeable and I was treated with respect, and it was a non-judgmental very peaceful place.” (#11108) Through the LOVE that you share by faithfully and sacrificially giving to The Refuge Center we have been celebrating many miracles in 2021. We truly mean it when we tell you that we could not do it without you. As we move into year number 38 for The Refuge Center, we hope that you will prayerfully consider continuing to support our ministry. God is on the move in this country. 2022 may be the year that we will finally see a world where abortion is unwanted today and unthinkable for tomorrow! And it will be in no small part because of your support.
If you would like to make a yearend tax deductible donation to either our general fund or our building campaign, please visit RefugeConyers.org/Donate.
And may the Lord of peace keep you and bless you this holiday season!
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