Since our founding, Hope House has been committed to serving women facing unplanned pregnancies with the hope of the Gospel. In 1989, the founding members chose Romans 5:5 as our foundational Bible verse; “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Hope Spirit who was given to us.” Through the years, the rewards of this ministry have been great, but we have also faced many highs and lows.
One of the most incredible highs of ministry is seeing lives changed. Whether it’s a woman who chooses life and changes her mind about abortion or a person who gives their life to Christ, there is nothing quite like witnessing a transformation. Seeing God’s power at work in people’s lives can be a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.
Another high of ministry is the sense of community and connection that comes with serving these families. You can build relationships with people from all walks of life and backgrounds and be a part of seeing families grow and thrive. The support and encouragement from these relationships can be a source of strength and inspiration.
However, crisis pregnancy ministry also has its lows. One of the most challenging aspects we face daily is the emotional toll it can take. You are often called upon to walk with people through their deepest struggles, trauma, and pain, and this can be a heavy burden to bear.
Another low of this ministry is the pressure to toe the line between truth and love. We must sometimes share hard truths but rely on the Holy Spirit and the hope that dwells within to lead and guide every conversation toward love and grace.
Finally, the lowest low often comes when we hear the words from a mother that she just “can’t” and must go through with the abortion. Counselors must put aside their own inner pain and turmoil to offer comfort and grace to her.
Today was one of those days.
One mother chose life, and the visible transformation and hope that abounded sent our spirits into elation. While set on abortion upon first meeting, after spending time in counsel and then seeing and hearing her baby’s heartbeat, she said, “My first baby changed my life. What if this baby is God’s blessing on the next chapter of my life?”
However, just a couple of hours later, another mother in a similar situation, after seeing her baby in the ultrasound and hearing truth, love, and hope, turned to the nurse and stated, “I just can’t do it.”
Either way, we continue to stand on the promises of God and the hope that he renews in us every day. We pray for every family we serve to have a change of heart and realize the value of their baby’s life and their own. Thirty-five years later, we still hold onto Romans 5:5: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Hope Spirit who was given to us.”