Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, community members gathered at Divine Events for A Women’s Pregnancy Center’s (AWPC) Annual Celebration of Life Banquet.
The decorations included the typical baby bottles, each filled with pink or blue confetti; but at each place setting, there was a puzzle piece magnet with the scripture, “You are an important piece of this great tapestry, each of you, for the glory of God in Christ Jesus…” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
The evening began with a welcome and blessing by board member, Ferrell Morris. The meal was then served by a group of students from Madison Creative Arts Academy. This group of young people served tirelessly throughout the evening providing table service in any way they could in order to help make the evening enjoyable for all those in attendance.
Following dinner, the Center’s Chairman of the Board, Mickey Starling, updated everyone about the progress made toward updating the mobile ultrasound unit. The purpose of this unit will be to expand the Center’s services “beyond the four walls.” Starling stated that an ultrasound machine is the number one tool used for saving the lives of the unborn babies. Once the young women see their baby via ultrasound, they are much less likely to follow through with an abortion.
“It’s our business to make life matter,” said Starling.
A Women’s Pregnancy Center Executive Director, Sharon Morris, shared her heart for this ministry, while she also gave the statistics for the Center for the past twelve months: the Center handled 3,588 appointments, administered 779 pregnancy tests, and saw 163 young women experience salvation.
Morris also expressed gratitude to the banquet table sponsors for this year’s banquet. They were: Genesis Timber, Grace Baptist Church, Madison County Community Bank, Gray Logging, Odiorne Insurance, Madison Church of God, New Home Baptist Church, David and Deborah Adams, Bob and Rose Howell, Fred and Dot Devane, Glenn and Florida Smith, and Carson and Gladney Cherry.
One of the first things Morris said caught the attention of all in attendance. According to the most recent national statistics, one in every four women has had an abortion. She went on to say that the Center ministers to these women, too. Morris made it clear they want to show the love and compassion of Jesus to these women, too.
Pam Emmert, with the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes Adoption and Foster Care Ministry, was the guest speaker for the evening. “Life is a treasure; we celebrate life,” said Emmert. One aspect of her job is the Pregnancy Care Ministry. Through that ministry, physical needs are met while not ignoring the spiritual side. This is very much the same as the vision of A Women’s Pregnancy Center.
Emmert brought chuckles from those in attendance with stories of her friends’ reactions when they ride with her (particularly if they are going shopping). She said her trunk is always full of diapers and other baby items, and this always causes her friends to ask if she’s keeping a secret from them. She also said she and her husband have come to realize that everything they own could end up being given away to someone. She said it has become a joke between them; they have just begun to tell each other “the Master (Jesus) has need of it.”
She also shared that, although she always encourages those who work with expectant clients to be empathetic, she also tells them to “speak the truth plainly” (2 Cor. 4:2).
Those who serve at the Center have three main goals: to present the gospel, to present hope; and certainly, but not last, to save lives. In order to fulfill these goals, they provide for the physical needs of the expectant mother (by providing maternity clothes and information about maternity/baby care, etc.). They also have a great deal of baby items in-house (baby clothing, diapers, baby blankets, etc.). The volunteers help the young women complete new mother training, and they provide information for other available services in the community. One of the most important things these volunteers do is listen. They listen to the fears, concerns and hopes of these young women, and they provide care and compassion.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry, there are many ways to do so. First, be a prayer warrior for the Center. This is the foundational need in order for this ministry to be successful. Another opportunity is to become a church liaison (the contact person for the Center to use in order to send information regarding the Center’s needs to your church). You can also become a financial partner for the Center, giving a one-time gift or a monthly contribution. The Center is always in need of volunteers. You can become a client advocate, help answer the phone; organize the Mothers’ and Babies’ Room; or help with many other jobs.
If you cannot volunteer time, consider supporting the annual Walk for Life: participate in the Baby Bottle Campaign, or host a baby shower to benefit the Center.
If you need the services of A Women’s Pregnancy Center, the number to call is (850) 973-6970. The Center is located at 345 NW Marion St., in Madison.