Walk for Life … even in the rain

Chubby thighs, by the grace of God

It’s the chubby thighs that always “get to me.” No, I’m not making a body image confession. I’m talking about the babies who come to Care Net, a few weeks or months after their mothers welcomed them into the world. Each and every baby we see is precious, but it’s the ones I know might not have been born that “get to me” the most—the ones whose mothers thought maybe abortion was the best answer to their unplanned pregnancy.

With the thoughtful, effective resources we receive from Care Net headquarters in Lansdowne, Virginia (overseeing more than 1,100 pregnancy resource centers in the U.S. and Canada);

Through the generous financial support that you provide (along with hundreds of other givers representing more than 40 congregations of Christians in our area); and

By the grace of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who grants us wisdom when we need it, words when we lack them, and strength when we grow weary:

We all have a part in bringing these babies into the land of the living, welcoming them with love and practical help (clothing, cribs, diapers, strollers—we give thousands of infant care items to clients each year, thanks to your generosity!), as well as providing moral support and soul care to their caregivers: The Moms and Dads (and sometimes Grandparents)!

I am still struck, four years after I came to Care Net, what a blessing it is to be here, representing you, the believers in life and its creator and sustainer, Jesus Christ. Sometimes it’s the little things that I find so fun:

• Replacing a broken stroller.
• Giving a box of canned goods to a family down to their last dollar.
• Squeezing a chubby little thigh on a baby whose squeals of delight erase any doubts her mother ever had about choosing life.

In fact, I have yet to hear from a mother or father who said they regretted choosing life. Yet we hear from many who bear the pain of regret from having chosen abortion. Caring for post-abortive women and men is also our precious privilege and an integral part of our ministry! If you or someone you know has been hurt by abortion, please contact our Client Services Manager Tiffani Ford, who is specially trained to facilitate after-abortion help (no matter how long ago it was!). You can call the Center at 585-589-7505 and simply ask for Tiffani. Or you can email her directly: ClientServices@CareNetOrleans.info. For post-abortive women and men who are ready to talk about it, privacy and healing are of utmost important to us and to God.

Thanks for the many ways you help protect lives and nurture souls through this ministry. God is at work and we rejoice in His goodness!

Very sincerely,

Marsha Rivers, Executive Director

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