"Pregnancy Resource Center East, may I help you?" It was a typical day, answering the phone.
"I think I need some help and I don't know what to do."
"We'd love to help as much as possible. What is your name and what can we do for you?"
"I'm Megan. Well, I got pregnant. I was scared and freaked out so I got the abortion pill and took one. Then the next day I realized I'd made a very bad mistake and changed my mind, so I didn't take the 2nd & 3rd pill. So now, I don't know if I'm still pregnant or what."
"Megan, since you already took that first pill and didn't follow through, you really should go see the doctor for medical advice."
"I don't have Medicaid and I don't have any money to go to the doctor. Can't you help me? I'm really scared."
"Are you having any pain or are you bleeding?"
"No."
"Ok, this is what we can do. Come in first thing in the morning and we can do a pregnancy test, and then we can set you up for an ultrasound right away. You won't have to pay for anything. We can see if you're still pregnant, see if the baby is placed properly in the womb or in the
fallopian tubes and if the heart is beating.
"We can also give you a pregnancy verification so you can get your medicaid
papers in motion but you will still need to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. ---But remember, if you have ANY pain or start bleeding before morning, make sure you go to the emergency room, ok? The hospital won't refuse a pregnant woman coming in."
Megan came in first thing in the morning. She was scared, embarrassed that she got pregnant, ashamed that she had gotten in that situation, and guilt-ridden for even thinking of abortion and all of the emotions that go along with it. Linda spent quite a bit of time with her that morning and Megan prayed with Linda to dedicate her life and start anew.
Megan told Linda, "I don't know what I would've done if you weren't here. I just didn't know who to turn to, who to talk to. I'm so glad that you took time and helped me."
Megan's story is a true story, but it's just one situation that happens on a daily basis at the Pregnancy Center. Every girl has a story. Every girl has a situation that needs solving or at least needs a listening ear while they sort out the complexities of their trauma. Sometimes it isn't all that complicated, but the emotions of getting pregnant and everything can be blown up so big that it's just too much to comprehend or sort out on their own. That's why we're here. Just to help put things into perspective so good choices can be made and hope can still be seen, that glimmer of hope that each person needs to see to make it through the day.
Because of our donors, volunteers and prayer warriors, we are able to be there every day to talk with that girl who calls in. Even when the Center is closed at nights or week-ends, the option-line is answering their calls so that not one will be missed. They can even make an appointment in the middle of the night, which is sometimes when a girl is so worried and can't sleep.
We plan on being there for them for the coming year of 2011 and we know that many of you have already committed to being there to support us to do this. Thank you so much.
This year in 2010, we've ministered to 785 girls who've come in for help. Many of them have come back to participate in our Hope Program and are attending the prenatal & parenting classes. ---and lives have been changed and encouraged. Did you know that we follow up on our clients from the time they come in being pregnant until their baby is one year old? We want to be there for them while they get over that initial shock of being pregnant, help them get items for their baby and then learn how to be a good parent.
We have big plans for the coming year. We are
expanding our classes to have even better resources for our clients.
We want to be able to welcome 1000 girls into our Center, to give them courage to choose life, introduce them to the Lord, and see their lives change.
It takes lots of planning and organization to be able to take care of each girl and make room for more, but we definitely want to do it. Please place this on your prayer list as there are still girls out there, afraid and alone who need our help.
Planned Parenthood (Houston's largest abortion center) does have enough power, money and influence to destroy thousands of lives every day here in Houston. "The only "stumbling blocks" in their way are Pregnancy Care ministries, and life affirming organizations". -CareNet.
We are determined to be their stumbling block. We talk one-on-one with each girl. It's a slow process, but it's a solid process. Education for their decisions are so important. Introducing them to the One that can make a difference in their lives is immeasurable. No matter what the laws are, no matter what judges decide, it's what happens in that little counseling room that will determine the girl and her unborn baby's future.
You can be part of that process for this coming year. You can make a one time donation to help spearhead our budget for 2011, or you can commit to a monthly donation to assure our monthly expenses.
If you would like to make a one-time withdrawal/charge, or sign up for an automated monthly donation from your checking account or credit card, you may call at 281-427-2273, or click the donation button below. In committing to a monthly donation, we will be able to better plan our upcoming budget to make greater strides in reaching more girls and better resources.
At the end of all of this, we want to thank you so much for all that you have done for us this year. Many have put many volunteer hours in to help set up The Cookie Jar Resale Shop. Many donated items to be sold, and many have shopped there.
In the 5 months that we have been open, we've been able to climb out of the "red", and into the "black". It's definitely a big relief and burden off our shoulders.
What this means to you is that when you give an extra gift now, it will be just that -- an extra gift that we can do something with to build upon and to go forward, rather than giving to a struggle just to pay the bills to keep things going.
We are very optimistic and our future is bright which means the future for the women in our community is bright also.
Again, please consider an end of the year gift and even a monthly pledge.
May God bless you for your part in this important ministry.
JoAnne Leppo
Executive Director
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