by Colleen Tronson
from A Retrospect by J. Hudson Taylor
Hudson Taylor had been ministering to a man in the hospital for many weeks; he had tried to share the Lord with the man but to no avail. He was becoming discouraged and decided that maybe by witnessing to the man, he was causing the man's heart to harden to the Lord. So he decided not to continue to talk to the man and prepared to leave his hospital room without speaking of the Lord.
As he was preparing to leave the room, he had this thought, "Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone." He looked at the man, who was very surprised that Taylor had not tried to speak with him, as was his usual practice. Taylor then, with tears, started to share his heart with the man and found him open and receptive to the Lord. The man received the Lord, and Taylor was overwhelmed with joy!
Taylor later reflected on this incident, while working in China:
"I have often thought since then, in connection with this case, and with the work of God generally, that 'He that goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' Perhaps if there were more that that intense distress for souls that leads to tears we would see more of the results we desire. Sometimes while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, it may be the hardness of our own hearts, and our own feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things, that could be the true cause of our want of success."
I saw a similar event happen this week, when I had a heavy heart for one dear woman. I was despairing of her ever turning to the Lord, when I just decided to just pull out all the stops and pour out my heart and concern for her soul. Surprisingly, she was receptive, and I think we have made progress! In my mind and heart, I was convicted about being focused on the wrong thing: the hardness of heart, when I should be focusing on the tenderizing nature of the Word of God.
Showing posts with label praises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label praises. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Students for Human LIFE
University of Minnesota Student Group Event Feb. 13th
We were honored to be able to share our post-abortion stories with the Students for Human Life group at the U of M on Monday evening. The students are taking a stand for life on the campus by bringing in speakers to educate and inform others about life issues.
There were over 30 students in the audience as we shared how abortion did not help us but harmed our lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. One speaker shared that after aborting her first child, she experienced a miscarriage and was never able to conceive another child.
A married couple shared their story of having an abortion together prior to their marriage and the challenges they faced in their marriage because of the sin. The woman in the marriage had 2 previous abortions, and after the third one, she experienced a miscarriage.
Another woman spoke of aborting her child when she was an 18-year-old who did not want to disappoint her parents or stop her school activities. She recounted years of denial and guilt about it until she confessed it as sin and was forgiven by the Lord. She shared that the abortion clinic did not tell her about the years of suffering she would endure when they took her money and killed her baby for her.
Another woman shared how her abortion led to depression, bulimia, and other challenges in her life until she repented of the sin of abortion and received forgiveness from the Lord.
I shared my story of 3 abortions and then making an adoption plan for my son before coming to know the Lord and receiving forgiveness from Him for my sin in general and for abortion in particular. All of us acknowledged that at the root of our abortions, on some level, there was selfishness.
My friend Jim once said, “We put fences at the top of the cliff to keep people from going over the edge, but some will ignore the fence and jump over it, experiencing a dangerous fall. When that happens, we must run ambulances at the bottom to pick up the broken lives and minister to them with mercy, forgiveness, and grace.”
All of us who spoke now have avenues of ministry to help others who have bought into the lie that abortion is a quick, simple solution to a “problem” pregnancy. Romans 8:28 tells us that “ALL things work together for good." Even the sin in our pasts can now be used to warn others not to chose abortion as we did. We surely don’t recommend sinning so that a person can have a future ministry, but the Lord has allowed our lives to be a cautionary tale to those coming after us.
Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. We are no longer condemned but forgiven and free. Our forgiveness through Christ (Romans 10:13) shows others that there is hope and healing at the foot of the Cross and that it is available for all who seek it.
I ask that you pray for the student group at the U of M. They are taking a stand for life in a culture of death. They are the leaders of today and the survivors of the abortion holocaust of our generation. God help them to stay strong and do all that they do for life with great love.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
We were honored to be able to share our post-abortion stories with the Students for Human Life group at the U of M on Monday evening. The students are taking a stand for life on the campus by bringing in speakers to educate and inform others about life issues.
There were over 30 students in the audience as we shared how abortion did not help us but harmed our lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. One speaker shared that after aborting her first child, she experienced a miscarriage and was never able to conceive another child.
A married couple shared their story of having an abortion together prior to their marriage and the challenges they faced in their marriage because of the sin. The woman in the marriage had 2 previous abortions, and after the third one, she experienced a miscarriage.
Another woman spoke of aborting her child when she was an 18-year-old who did not want to disappoint her parents or stop her school activities. She recounted years of denial and guilt about it until she confessed it as sin and was forgiven by the Lord. She shared that the abortion clinic did not tell her about the years of suffering she would endure when they took her money and killed her baby for her.
Another woman shared how her abortion led to depression, bulimia, and other challenges in her life until she repented of the sin of abortion and received forgiveness from the Lord.
I shared my story of 3 abortions and then making an adoption plan for my son before coming to know the Lord and receiving forgiveness from Him for my sin in general and for abortion in particular. All of us acknowledged that at the root of our abortions, on some level, there was selfishness.
My friend Jim once said, “We put fences at the top of the cliff to keep people from going over the edge, but some will ignore the fence and jump over it, experiencing a dangerous fall. When that happens, we must run ambulances at the bottom to pick up the broken lives and minister to them with mercy, forgiveness, and grace.”
All of us who spoke now have avenues of ministry to help others who have bought into the lie that abortion is a quick, simple solution to a “problem” pregnancy. Romans 8:28 tells us that “ALL things work together for good." Even the sin in our pasts can now be used to warn others not to chose abortion as we did. We surely don’t recommend sinning so that a person can have a future ministry, but the Lord has allowed our lives to be a cautionary tale to those coming after us.
Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. We are no longer condemned but forgiven and free. Our forgiveness through Christ (Romans 10:13) shows others that there is hope and healing at the foot of the Cross and that it is available for all who seek it.
I ask that you pray for the student group at the U of M. They are taking a stand for life in a culture of death. They are the leaders of today and the survivors of the abortion holocaust of our generation. God help them to stay strong and do all that they do for life with great love.
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Amazing Grace Home Update!
Since 2003, Metro Women’s Center has been building a capital campaign fund drive for the establishment of the Amazing Grace Home, a Christ-centered home for pregnant women. The name of the home comes from the Amazing Grace that God has shown me personally (you can read my testimony at www.metrowomenscenter.org) and for the grace He wants to show to each of our clients.
In late November 2011, we purchased a home [pictured above] for $158,000! We are praising the Lord for His provision. Our goal was to raise $400,000 by end of 2012, and God provided us a home for less money than expected and also sooner than expected. We will continue to need operating funds of approximately $75,000/year with paid house parents (living on-site), a case manager working 20 hours/week, and for other expenses for the home.
We are thankful for your past prayer and financial support for this project and humbly ask that you continue to pray and give financially as you are able. For more information on the Amazing Grace Home, email AmazingGraceHome@metrowomenscenter.org. To donate to the operating fund for the Amazing Grace Home you can go to www.metrowomenscenter.org and make a donation through PayPal or send your gift marked “Amazing Grace Home” to Metro Women’s Center, 6418 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55428.
In late November 2011, we purchased a home [pictured above] for $158,000! We are praising the Lord for His provision. Our goal was to raise $400,000 by end of 2012, and God provided us a home for less money than expected and also sooner than expected. We will continue to need operating funds of approximately $75,000/year with paid house parents (living on-site), a case manager working 20 hours/week, and for other expenses for the home.
We are thankful for your past prayer and financial support for this project and humbly ask that you continue to pray and give financially as you are able. For more information on the Amazing Grace Home, email AmazingGraceHome@metrowomenscenter.org. To donate to the operating fund for the Amazing Grace Home you can go to www.metrowomenscenter.org and make a donation through PayPal or send your gift marked “Amazing Grace Home” to Metro Women’s Center, 6418 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55428.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Annual Report and Calendar Available
You can view MWC's 2010-2011 annual report and calendar here.
To order hard copies, email info@metrowomenscenter.org and include your mailing address. A limited number of copies are available.
To order hard copies, email info@metrowomenscenter.org and include your mailing address. A limited number of copies are available.
Friday, October 7, 2011
October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
I appreciate pastors who speak the truth about life from the pulpit and who encourage people to be actively pro-life as a Christian responsibility to care for those in need. Thanks to the pastors of MWC's 27 supporting churches who are leading by example! Thanks to these pastors and others who stand for those who cannot stand for themselves!
Ambassador Baptist Church, Pastor Bruce Henry, Shoreview, MN
Berean Baptist Church, Pastor Cary Flinck, Brooklyn Park, MN
Bible Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas Yauch, Farmington, MN
Boy River Log Chapel, Pastor Dennis Gonczy, Boy River, MN
Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Randy Charlton, Chatfield, MN
Chisago Lakes Baptist Church, Pastor Kraig Keck, Chisago City, MN
Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN
Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor David Rogers, Willmar, MN
Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Julian L. Suarez, Saint Paul, MN
Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Keith Hedges, Brooklyn Center, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Brower, Saint Francis, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Gene Witte, Waterville, MN
Fourth Baptist Church, Pastor Matt Morrell, Plymouth, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Shadrak Vork, Stillwater, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Clarke Poorman, Waseca, MN
Liberty Baptist Church, Pastor Don Odens, Eden Prairie, MN
Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor Loren Bjokne, Cottage Grove, MN
Normandale Baptist Church, Pastor Chuck Raichert, Bloomington, MN
Oakdale First Baptist Church, Pastor V. Richard Jensen, Saint Paul, MN
Oakwood Church, Pastor David Sheppard, Saint Paul, MN
Parkers Lake Baptist Church, Pastor Craig Muri, Plymouth, MN
Pine River Baptist Church, Pastor St. Michael, Pine River, MN
Southview Baptist Church, Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Richfield, MN
Sunrise Bible Church, Pastor David Stertz, North Branch, MN
Victory Baptist Church, Pastor Wayne Maupin, Osseo, MN
West River Road Baptist Church, Pastor Floyd Lunde, Brooklyn Park, MN
Woodcrest Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Poorman, Fridley, MN
Ambassador Baptist Church, Pastor Bruce Henry, Shoreview, MN
Berean Baptist Church, Pastor Cary Flinck, Brooklyn Park, MN
Bible Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas Yauch, Farmington, MN
Boy River Log Chapel, Pastor Dennis Gonczy, Boy River, MN
Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Randy Charlton, Chatfield, MN
Chisago Lakes Baptist Church, Pastor Kraig Keck, Chisago City, MN
Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN
Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor David Rogers, Willmar, MN
Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Julian L. Suarez, Saint Paul, MN
Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Keith Hedges, Brooklyn Center, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Brower, Saint Francis, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Gene Witte, Waterville, MN
Fourth Baptist Church, Pastor Matt Morrell, Plymouth, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Shadrak Vork, Stillwater, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Clarke Poorman, Waseca, MN
Liberty Baptist Church, Pastor Don Odens, Eden Prairie, MN
Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor Loren Bjokne, Cottage Grove, MN
Normandale Baptist Church, Pastor Chuck Raichert, Bloomington, MN
Oakdale First Baptist Church, Pastor V. Richard Jensen, Saint Paul, MN
Oakwood Church, Pastor David Sheppard, Saint Paul, MN
Parkers Lake Baptist Church, Pastor Craig Muri, Plymouth, MN
Pine River Baptist Church, Pastor St. Michael, Pine River, MN
Southview Baptist Church, Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Richfield, MN
Sunrise Bible Church, Pastor David Stertz, North Branch, MN
Victory Baptist Church, Pastor Wayne Maupin, Osseo, MN
West River Road Baptist Church, Pastor Floyd Lunde, Brooklyn Park, MN
Woodcrest Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Poorman, Fridley, MN
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Teens are a Blessing for LIFE!
Thanks to the Liberty Baptist Church youth group for preparing 1,400 invitations for mailing for our annual event on November 3rd. Invites are in the mail thanks to your great service. Thanks to Pastor Seth and Crystal Grotzke for organizing this event. You are a blessing for life!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I Just Got Totally Blessed!
A former client called to let us know how she is doing. She had come to MN 13 years ago by bus from Mississippi, 9 months pregnant, not knowing a soul up here. She delivered her baby 5 days later while living in one of our shepherding homes.
She called to thank us again for being there for her and loving her through her time of need. She chose adoption for her baby, and the family still keeps in touch with her! What an encouragement! (story used with her permission)
She called to thank us again for being there for her and loving her through her time of need. She chose adoption for her baby, and the family still keeps in touch with her! What an encouragement! (story used with her permission)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
We love our clients!
Stella is a STAR – Memorized 29 Bible Verses!
We like to celebrate our clients here at MWC. This dear lady, Stella (name and picture used with permission), has been working hard to learn Bible verses and do Bible studies to earn things for her baby. She was so proud to tell us 29 Bible verses today! Stella has earned a new car seat and a new Pack & Play for her baby through our HOPE program.
Great job, Stella! We are so thankful for your openness to learn!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wonderful Day at Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook, MN and WAFFLES!
4 a.m - I took off early this morning to head down to Shakopee to meet Dave and Jackie Sebald for our trip to Immanuel Baptist Church in Westbrook. We drove through beautiful southern Minnesota, admiring the lush green landscape and wondering, "Will the water that is level with the sides of the highway stay off the road on our way back?" Then it started to rain -- just a cloudburst so we knew things would be ok.
Arriving at the church we were met by Pastor and Mrs. Adams and a group of friendly folks. We were able to present a ministry update during the Sunday school hour, and the church presented us with gifts for our client assistance program. There were diapers, wipes, cute clothing items, blankets, and a car seat. What a blessing! Thank you to the church for their generous love gifts to help MWC save babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time.
After church we all went over to the community center and enjoyed a waffle lunch. It was yummy and the fellowship sweet! The pictures we took of the church group after lunch did not turn out, sorry!
Arriving at the church we were met by Pastor and Mrs. Adams and a group of friendly folks. We were able to present a ministry update during the Sunday school hour, and the church presented us with gifts for our client assistance program. There were diapers, wipes, cute clothing items, blankets, and a car seat. What a blessing! Thank you to the church for their generous love gifts to help MWC save babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time.
After church we all went over to the community center and enjoyed a waffle lunch. It was yummy and the fellowship sweet! The pictures we took of the church group after lunch did not turn out, sorry!
Monday, June 20, 2011
11 years later . . .
Mondays for me can go either way: completely bad or tremendously good. Today was one of those tremendously good, even fantastic days! I have been in the office by myself today, and things have been humming along nicely. Clients have been coming in, the phone has been ringing, and I have even had opportunity to catch up on email and paperwork.
Then, something wonderful happened! No, let me rephrase that, SOMEONE WONDERFUL walked in my door. Actually, 2 wonderful SOMEONES walked in my door! A former client and her 11-year-old daughter, Yvonne, stopped by to surprise us! She shared the following with me (and I'm sharing it with you with her permission):
I wanted to come by and say thank you. I was in a bad situation over 11 years ago, and I came here for help. You were all such an encouragement to me. I was a new immigrant to this country and was pregnant with my daughter. I was going through a bad time, and you ladies were so kind to me. I got all my baby stuff through your center.
You made a difference in my life, so we wanted to say thank you and please don’t get discouraged when it doesn’t seem like anyone is listening to you or when finances are low. The service you are doing was so helpful to me back then.
I wanted you to see my daughter today and to let you know about a special award she just received. She entered the 2011 Minnesota Twins Father of the Year contest through www.fathers.com and yesterday she was presented with her award at the Twins game. Today, my family is back together, and we wanted you to know that you made a difference. Keep on doing what you are doing!
By this time, I was bawling because I was so moved that she would take the time to share this story with us. This story is another reminder about why we do what we do!
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Then, something wonderful happened! No, let me rephrase that, SOMEONE WONDERFUL walked in my door. Actually, 2 wonderful SOMEONES walked in my door! A former client and her 11-year-old daughter, Yvonne, stopped by to surprise us! She shared the following with me (and I'm sharing it with you with her permission):
I wanted to come by and say thank you. I was in a bad situation over 11 years ago, and I came here for help. You were all such an encouragement to me. I was a new immigrant to this country and was pregnant with my daughter. I was going through a bad time, and you ladies were so kind to me. I got all my baby stuff through your center.
You made a difference in my life, so we wanted to say thank you and please don’t get discouraged when it doesn’t seem like anyone is listening to you or when finances are low. The service you are doing was so helpful to me back then.
I wanted you to see my daughter today and to let you know about a special award she just received. She entered the 2011 Minnesota Twins Father of the Year contest through www.fathers.com and yesterday she was presented with her award at the Twins game. Today, my family is back together, and we wanted you to know that you made a difference. Keep on doing what you are doing!
By this time, I was bawling because I was so moved that she would take the time to share this story with us. This story is another reminder about why we do what we do!
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Thanks for praying and we will keep on looking . . .
Well, we put in offer on a house for the Amazing Grace Home and were outbid, so please keep praying. There is a home for us somewhere out there.
Thanks to our board and realtor and our great God for His specific answer about this house. We will carry on!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
There was GOOD news this weekend - a baby was born [whose adorable feet are pictured below] who had been a risk of abortion. Reminds us of why we do what we do: for the moms and dads and babies - we are thankful!
Thanks to our board and realtor and our great God for His specific answer about this house. We will carry on!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
There was GOOD news this weekend - a baby was born [whose adorable feet are pictured below] who had been a risk of abortion. Reminds us of why we do what we do: for the moms and dads and babies - we are thankful!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Obstacles of Potential
Well, here we go! We are on our way!
MWC’s board met, and we agreed to put in a bid on a home for the Amazing Grace Home.
This has been an incredible journey of prayer, faith, tears, learning, hoping dreaming, planning, doubting . . . just take all those things and repeat them over and over since 2003 and you get the picture. We hope to be able to share good news with you soon.
Our next prayer need is for house parents to live in the home and minister to the women. More details to come. Thanks for praying!
This came just at the right time from my friend Heather.
OBSTACLES OF POTENTIAL by Heather Berndt
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you not harm you … to give you a hope and a future.”
Several weeks ago, while planning my summer devotionals, I chose to share this verse this particular week. I had no idea that my week was going to be so heavy. I cannot help but smile at the fact that God knew what I would be dealing with and that I would need this verse this week to encourage me!
It can tend to be easy to share the “obstacles” in our every day life ... the stresses ... aches and pains ... financial worries. But we need to see these as opportunities, not barriers. We need to keep our focus on the warm face of our heavenly Father and remember that His word is truth and that what He says He will do. We can lean on that very solid foundation even when we feel helpless.
I realized that I need to focus on the fact that somewhere in the midst of my obstacles God is working for my personal good. So---Praise God for being in the midst of your storms! Praise Him for never leaving your side! Praise Him for His patience and compassion!
I am so thankful for a God who is becoming so very real to me through the obstacles in this life. Today as you evaluate your life and your situations ... praise Him! He is truly faithful and can be trusted. So hang in there, He is not finished yet!
MWC’s board met, and we agreed to put in a bid on a home for the Amazing Grace Home.
This has been an incredible journey of prayer, faith, tears, learning, hoping dreaming, planning, doubting . . . just take all those things and repeat them over and over since 2003 and you get the picture. We hope to be able to share good news with you soon.
Our next prayer need is for house parents to live in the home and minister to the women. More details to come. Thanks for praying!
This came just at the right time from my friend Heather.
OBSTACLES OF POTENTIAL by Heather Berndt
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you not harm you … to give you a hope and a future.”
Several weeks ago, while planning my summer devotionals, I chose to share this verse this particular week. I had no idea that my week was going to be so heavy. I cannot help but smile at the fact that God knew what I would be dealing with and that I would need this verse this week to encourage me!
It can tend to be easy to share the “obstacles” in our every day life ... the stresses ... aches and pains ... financial worries. But we need to see these as opportunities, not barriers. We need to keep our focus on the warm face of our heavenly Father and remember that His word is truth and that what He says He will do. We can lean on that very solid foundation even when we feel helpless.
I realized that I need to focus on the fact that somewhere in the midst of my obstacles God is working for my personal good. So---Praise God for being in the midst of your storms! Praise Him for never leaving your side! Praise Him for His patience and compassion!
I am so thankful for a God who is becoming so very real to me through the obstacles in this life. Today as you evaluate your life and your situations ... praise Him! He is truly faithful and can be trusted. So hang in there, He is not finished yet!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Welcome, Oliver Ross Moreau!
We're rejoicing with our board vice-president, Jennifer Moreau, on the arrival of her son Oliver Ross.
Oliver was born Friday (his due date!) at 8:50pm.
He weighed in at 8lb 5oz and is 20" long.
You might remember our post about his big sister.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Joy!
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
I am so grateful for the joy of the Lord. I spend time digging in the dirt this week, planting the plants I got at the Amazing Grace Walk. I was so happy getting dirty, even though it was a little chilly and the forecast was not all that great.
Planting makes me optimistic. In theory, you stick something in the ground, and it rewards you with foliage or produce after a time of waiting and waiting . . . I have been blessed to watch the Amazing Grace fund grow; but even more than that, I have been able to watch our team of volunteers and board members grow in their walk with the Lord during their time at MWC. Watching our clients blossom has been pretty exciting, too! Thanks, everyone, for being a Garden of Blessings to MWC!
We had the Amazing Grace Walk last Saturday, and it feels like it was a month ago already! The turnout for the walk was good, and the weather was tremendous. People were coming back from the walk in the woods with actual sweat on their brows! The Sauerkraut String Band did not have to wear gloves this year, and blankets were not needed! So far it appears that over $8,000 was raised for the Amazing Grace Home via the walk. Thank you everyone who participated!
You can still give at www.firstgiving.com/metrowomenscenter if you would like to do so. Nearly $600 was raised through the sale of plants and garden items. Thanks to the Calcamuggio family, Beth Stoll, and Phil Holmquist for your generosity with these items. Pictures of the walk are posted at www.facebook.com/metrowomenscenter on our fan page.
I am so grateful for the joy of the Lord. I spend time digging in the dirt this week, planting the plants I got at the Amazing Grace Walk. I was so happy getting dirty, even though it was a little chilly and the forecast was not all that great.
Planting makes me optimistic. In theory, you stick something in the ground, and it rewards you with foliage or produce after a time of waiting and waiting . . . I have been blessed to watch the Amazing Grace fund grow; but even more than that, I have been able to watch our team of volunteers and board members grow in their walk with the Lord during their time at MWC. Watching our clients blossom has been pretty exciting, too! Thanks, everyone, for being a Garden of Blessings to MWC!
We had the Amazing Grace Walk last Saturday, and it feels like it was a month ago already! The turnout for the walk was good, and the weather was tremendous. People were coming back from the walk in the woods with actual sweat on their brows! The Sauerkraut String Band did not have to wear gloves this year, and blankets were not needed! So far it appears that over $8,000 was raised for the Amazing Grace Home via the walk. Thank you everyone who participated!
You can still give at www.firstgiving.com/metrowomenscenter if you would like to do so. Nearly $600 was raised through the sale of plants and garden items. Thanks to the Calcamuggio family, Beth Stoll, and Phil Holmquist for your generosity with these items. Pictures of the walk are posted at www.facebook.com/metrowomenscenter on our fan page.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Blankets and Bottles and Blessings – Oh, MY!
Thank you to Grace Baptist Church in Waseca for your gift of $171.00 for the Amazing Grace Home through your ongoing "Baby Bottle" campaign! We appreciate you!
Thank you to the "Bright Lights" girls and Normandale Baptist Church leaders for making these great polar fleece blankets for our babies. Thanks for sharing and giving for life. You are all blessings to us!
Thanks to the Ambassador Baptist Church Sparkies and leader Jon Ekblad for contributing to our Amazing Grace Home fund - over $65.00 in change was given!
Thanks for encouraging us and loving on our moms and babies!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thanks to the Lord for Great Gifts!
The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes,
but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.
~Helen Keller
but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.
~Helen Keller
Thanks so much to all of our donors who share their resources with us to help women in crisis! Today is only Monday, and already my heart been encouraged by three different events!
First, we received two cases of Bibles from the Gideons today. This organization gives Bibles free of charge to anyone who would like to give the Word out. If you would like to donate to the Gideons, go to www.gideonsinternational.org. Our Bibles come from the Coon Rapids office.
Secondly, Naomi Pietenpol, Ambassador Baptist, sewed some double-flannel receiving blankets for our new moms as a high school project. Thanks so much for the blankets! That was a very sweet gesture!
And finally, we received a wonderful gift of $475 from Brist Chiropractic & Naturopathic Nutrition Center. Dr. Brist and his staff sponsored a spinal health day at their clinic where patients received spinal health care in exchange for a donation to Metro Women’s Center’s Acacia Fund. The Acacia Fund is MWC's fund to provide items for our clients that we cannot get elsewhere such as car seats, bus cards, utility bills, special formula emergencies, ultrasounds, or other client needs related to their pregnancies. The fund was set up in honor of the Brist’s daughter, Acacia, who passed away as an infant. Thank you so much for providing for our clients in this special way!
THANKS FOR THESE BLESSINGS!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Seven-11
This season has been interesting and stressful at the Center and personally.
Actually, since before Thanksgiving when my father-in-law passed away, things have seemed a bit “off”. There have been clear moments, and then CRASH! Everything seems to happen at once: my car went haywire, my parents were ill, my dear friend Diane’s mother passed away, one of our volunteers is in hospice care, another on dialysis for kidney trouble. Another volunteer had her knee replaced, so we miss her smiley face around the office. Abortion foes are plentiful, and some clients decided to “fall (leap) off the spiritual wagon” by making some not-so-wise choices, and the snow continues to fall ...
But in the midst of it all the LORD has been holding us up. I have been thinking about “Where can we go to get all of our needs met, if not to the LORD?”
My dear husband shared this passage of scripture with me that seemed to be just the ticket! Psalm 27:11-14
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of my enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.“
I often have a hard time remembering the address of Bible passages, but this one I will remember because I am linking it to a 7-Eleven store--you know, the place where you can get just about anything you need! Just like with the Lord, who gives us everything we need! We don’t have to faint because we know the goodness of the LORD and can go to Him at any time for help in times of trial!
Well, so as not to leave you thinking that all is tragic, here is some great news! This week two women prayed with us to receive the LORD as personal Savior! Chisago Lakes Baptist Church did a diaper drive, providing 29 more bags of diapers! Volunteer Rose Seymour (pictured below) headed up the drive! A long-time client has been making beautiful progress and plans to be baptized, and during this season, two babies lives were spared from abortion.
So, when you get discouraged, think 7-11, Psalm 27:11-14 to be exact. Thanks, God, for encouraging us!
Actually, since before Thanksgiving when my father-in-law passed away, things have seemed a bit “off”. There have been clear moments, and then CRASH! Everything seems to happen at once: my car went haywire, my parents were ill, my dear friend Diane’s mother passed away, one of our volunteers is in hospice care, another on dialysis for kidney trouble. Another volunteer had her knee replaced, so we miss her smiley face around the office. Abortion foes are plentiful, and some clients decided to “fall (leap) off the spiritual wagon” by making some not-so-wise choices, and the snow continues to fall ...
But in the midst of it all the LORD has been holding us up. I have been thinking about “Where can we go to get all of our needs met, if not to the LORD?”
My dear husband shared this passage of scripture with me that seemed to be just the ticket! Psalm 27:11-14
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of my enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.“
I often have a hard time remembering the address of Bible passages, but this one I will remember because I am linking it to a 7-Eleven store--you know, the place where you can get just about anything you need! Just like with the Lord, who gives us everything we need! We don’t have to faint because we know the goodness of the LORD and can go to Him at any time for help in times of trial!
Well, so as not to leave you thinking that all is tragic, here is some great news! This week two women prayed with us to receive the LORD as personal Savior! Chisago Lakes Baptist Church did a diaper drive, providing 29 more bags of diapers! Volunteer Rose Seymour (pictured below) headed up the drive! A long-time client has been making beautiful progress and plans to be baptized, and during this season, two babies lives were spared from abortion.
So, when you get discouraged, think 7-11, Psalm 27:11-14 to be exact. Thanks, God, for encouraging us!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Great Day at Normandale Baptist!
We had a wonderful time sharing the MWC ministry at Normandale Baptist Church in Bloomington on Sunday. We thank the Lord for churches that speak the truth about life in the womb from the pulpit, openly welcome those who are recovering from the devastation of abortion in their lives, and that also support ministries like MWC which provide peaceful, life-affirming services to individuals in the larger community.
Thanks, Normandale Baptist, for being a pro-life partner! And thanks for giving us Dave Sebald, MWC Board President, and new board member Pastor Chuck Raichert, your pastor!
Thanks, Normandale Baptist, for being a pro-life partner! And thanks for giving us Dave Sebald, MWC Board President, and new board member Pastor Chuck Raichert, your pastor!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
More Photos from our Annual Event
Click on on MWC photo album on our facebook page to see pictures of our 20th Annual Ministry Celebration: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34172&id=110397839005293.
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