24 Ways to Be an Open Door to Brave Families in 2024
One of the questions we ask on our intake forms is, “How did you hear about us?” For many years, it has been a pretty standard top 5 list: family, friends, internet, doctor’s office, sign out front. There was one that crept up in that space last year, and it made me smile. Do you know what that was? THE CHURCH!
We long for the day when women facing unexpected pregnancies run to the church instead of running away, so that they do not run into the deeper arms of the world. This simple intake question shows how God is continuing to orchestrate that beautiful bridge between the church and the Pregnancy Resource Center. Let’s continue to be that open door for the wounded, downtrodden, and scared, and give them a place to run to in their time of need. Oh, how I needed this many years ago.
Here is a list of 24 tangible ways on how you can continue to be that open door to point others to hope and help, hope and help that points to the WAY, the way of Jesus. He is our true HOPE!
Like and follow our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/friendsBCPregnancyResourceCenter/
Once you like and follow our Facebook page, like, share, and comment on our content. This helps others see and find hope and help.
Each Monday on our social media we post a prayer post for our schedule that week. This is a simple way for you to intercede for those we see.
Pick one of our locations, Maryville, Sevierville, and/or our Mobile unit, and pray for the safety of those giving their time. Prayer is powerful!
Write a letter to one of our brave moms to encourage them in their journey. This can be a fun family activity. You never know the power of your words of truth and life that will resonate with someone you may never meet! You can download that template here: Brave Mom Letter
Maybe 2024 is your year to volunteer time and sit knee-to-knee with someone and greatly impact their story. You can start that process here: https://www.youmakeherbrave.com/volunteer-opportunites
Are you a business owner? Create a bin where your customers can collect tangible items our families need the most like diapers, wipes, formula, and baby hygiene items, and drop them off at any of our locations.
Have a fun competition with your Sunday school classes for small groups and collect items our families need the most like diapers, wipes, formula, and baby hygiene items, and drop them off at any of our locations.
Create a Facebook fundraiser. In your search type, “Facebook fundraiser”. There will be an option to click to create a Facebook fundraiser, Click the tab that says, “Create Fundraiser” " select Pregnancy Resource Center Inc (you should see our banner image come up), Edit any amounts and details, and then select create!
Take up a love offering - We have many people who cannot serve at the center physically, but they certainly have a gift to gather friends. Take a couple of weeks or a month to announce your love offering date and then host a collection date to give financially. Many times we don't know someone has decided to do this and they stop in with this gift of love to bless our work.
Gather friends and schedule a work day at our Maryville or Sevierville Center. This can be a variety of different things. You can set that up through our Development Director, Beth, by calling 865-977-8378.
Gather a group of friends and create care packages for our moms and dads. These can be as little as socks, lip balm, devotional, notebook, pen, beef-jerky (for the dads), hand-written notes, etc. This means the world to that mom and dad and greatly shows them that someone cares for them.
Does your church have someone from the Pregnancy Center come and speak about the pregnancy center's work? This is a great first step as many of our families that we serve say the #1 way they find out about us is friends and family. You can set that up by calling 865-977-8378 and asking for Beth.
Does your church do a consignment sale? Offer vouchers, so pregnant moms can come shop and get some crucial items they might need.
Gather a group of friends or your small group and set up a time to help wash our mobile clinic. We take this on the road to serve families in rural areas that cannot get to us. We love having her all shiny and presentable to those we serve. We provide all the washing items, we just need the hands and feet to do it. You can set that up by calling 865-977-8378 and asking for Beth.
Adopt a family going through one of our holistic support programs. What does that look like? First, reach out to Valerie at 865-977-8378 and she will be able to set this up and give more in-depth details to make this work. This would be a family that is currently pregnant and may not have family support to host a baby shower. You can purchase simple items they would need. There is typically one big item such as a new car seat, pack-n-play, swing, and basic items. See the example list: Standard Gift List
Fill our lobby fridge. We have a fridge in our lobby that we have people stock with bottled water, fruit juices, and soft drinks for families to enjoy when they come.
Purchase small amounts of gift cards to local fast food restaurants or gas cards, so families can use them in a time of need and as they navigate hard decisions. What a difference a $5-10 means to someone who thinks they are all alone. It shows someone cares and many times leads to a life decision!
Purchase a new diaper bag fill it with baby items and donate to the Center for a family in need.
Join our monthly family of financial givers called, “The Heart”. This helps our community-funded ministry continue to offer our life-saving work to those who enter our doors. You can start that here: The Heart
Has your church participated in a baby bottle campaign before? If not, maybe now is the time. Change truly makes a difference in the life of the Pregnancy Resource Center. We have many churches, schools, and businesses that make it a fun competition. A competition that impacts life for generations. If this sounds like something you would like to organize call the Center at 865-977-8378 or email elizabeth@prcbctn.com. We will need to know how many bottles you need when to drop off, and by what date.
Shop our Amazon List - This is our “hot” list of items that we always need. You can shop that list here: http://a.co/1Md9lwX
Host a ladies’ tea or men's brunch - If your church or organization has a group that gathers or regularly hosts an event at your church or place of business; our Center will provide the speaker, and you choose either your guests to bring needed material items or collect a financial gift to impact the families we serve in the community.
Lastly, but most importantly pray! Ask the Lord where He desires you to act and show love to those who face unexpected pregnancies. Then step out and be obedient to what He wants you to do
We are blessed by you and it is an honor to serve the Lord with you!
Reason to Rejoice
As we look back on the past twelve months at the Pregnancy Resource Center, we can't help but be amazed at all the ways we have grown and flourished. Who would have thought that we would open our third location right in the heart of Sevierville? It's a testament to the incredible work that God is doing in all three of our locations: Maryville, our mobile clinic, and now Sevierville.
A reason to rejoice
It's truly remarkable to see the transformation that can occur in just a short span of time.
In the case of a year, it's truly astonishing how much can change and evolve. As we look back on the past twelve months at the Pregnancy Resource Center, we can't help but be amazed at all the ways we have grown and flourished. Who would have thought that we would open our third location right in the heart of Sevierville? It's a testament to the incredible work that God is doing in all three of our locations: Maryville, our mobile clinic, and now Sevierville.
Reflecting on the past year is like taking a journey through a rollercoaster of emotions. We have experienced both highs and lows, faced numerous challenges, and celebrated countless triumphs. Each of these moments has played a pivotal role in shaping and molding us into the ministry we are today. Time has this funny way of moving us forward, pushing us towards our goals, while also grounding us in the present and reminding us of the important work we are doing.
One thing that has become abundantly clear is the overwhelming need for our services. Every day, brave families walk through our doors, seeking a safe place to turn to in the face of unexpected pregnancies. I recall one particularly busy day when I stepped into the lobby of our Sevierville office and saw every seat filled with expectant mothers and fathers. The sight filled me with an immense sense of joy and fulfillment. It's moments like these that remind us of the impact we are making in people's lives.
Take the photo above, for example. Look at the smile on nurse Rachel's face as she holds a precious little boy. This child's mother has faced incredible challenges, but she has been courageous and determined to provide the best life possible for her baby. She recently rededicated her life to the Lord and joined one of our partner churches, finding strength and support not only in choosing life but also in growing her spiritual journey. It's a blessing to witness these families not just choosing life but also flourishing in their faith.
None of this would be possible without the continued support and investment from individuals like you. Your contributions allow us to provide the love and support that these brave families need as they navigate the complexities of unexpected pregnancies. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us, and for helping us bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
He Knows Our Name
Our mail lady told us the other day that she has over 80 stops a day and she loves coming in our building because we know her name. She told us that no one has ever called her by her name or even asked. What a simple way we can acknowledge those we serve and those we encounter each day that not only do we know their name, but HE knows their name. Through that simple conversation we can introduce those to our friend--JESUS!
Jesus changes everything! We just show up and report for duty! Can I get an amen?
A couple came to us a year and a half ago and they wanted to drop in to say hey and update us on life recently. They were addicted to drugs when they first came to us. The gentleman’s face was so lit up when he walked in. He said “Can you see Jesus shining through me?”
He said if it wasn’t for y’all I would still be on drugs, wouldn’t have my son, and wouldn’t know about Jesus!
He said when I come in here y’all remember my name and it means a lot to me.
We told him it’s because HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! He knows our every thought. He sees each tear we cry and holds us when we fall.
Won’t HE do it! Praise the Lord! What a blessing it is to serve Him and walk in what He has for us. Thank you for serving our community with us. Stories like this one never gets old. He knows our name!
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A Constant State of Thankfulness
Sitting in my quiet time with the Lord this morning, I am grateful to be in a constant state of thankfulness. Has it always been that way? Absolutely not. I can remember a time where this month was not a "season or a constant state of thankfulness time".
I was running away from the Lord and very bitter. I was filling the void in my heart with every worldly thing I could find, and I was always left feeling empty--but God. I love when He steps in and changes everything! It is pretty incredible to look back and see His hand at work in every hill and valley moment. I’m a new creation and if we live and walk in that mindset—what do we really have to lose?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if we are in Christ then we are a new creation. Our old self is gone and new is here! Praise the Lord!
Aren't you grateful that we all were once in darkness and now have been pulled into His light? We get to shine His truth and love every single day in our everyday lives and here at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
I am thankful that you have answered the call to serve through giving. We are getting to participate in the work of His kingdom! You are making such a huge difference in the lives of others. The things that the Lord has done in and through your act of obedience—I just sit in awe at His goodness.
The stories that are being birthed out of the PRC now at three locations—the mobile clinic, the Maryville office, and the Sevierville office seems like a fairytale. I will also add that this year has been one of the hardest years since I have been serving here. Even though this year has been difficult with the threats of violence, bullying online, etc. it has been the most beautiful year ever.
He is good and I get to come to you in your day and highlight what He has done because of YOU allowing Him to work in and through you. Thank you doesn't seem like enough. Your prayers, your time of service, and your financial gifts are making an impact physically and eternally.
On October 29th we had our embrace grace baby shower. It was the end of our 12-week bible study where we invest spiritually in single pregnant moms that attend. Some of you partnered with us this semester and have in the past. We had 10 girls this semester! Our biggest group yet and boy did God move within the hearts of the girls! Two of them were baptized and let us share the joy with you below and yes one of the girls was baptized in a large garden size tub!
I don’t know about you, but that is another reason to be thankful. No matter how messy this world seems to become God is at work! I just think of the early church described in the book of Acts. All the things that the disciples faced that caused them to be scattered all throughout different parts of the world.
Despite all the disciples were facing—the gospel was still on the move! A recent study that I went through on the book of Acts said, " The gospel is not stagnant. It moves. It is alive. It travels. There is nowhere it is afraid to enter into and settle within to bring salvation and restoration!" That fires me up!
Thank you for sowing into PRC, so we can invest holistically in those we serve together!
We Have This Hope
Can you believe it’s already October!?
We are taking a moment to highlight the beautiful things that happened last month! The above picture is a sweet moment at a private worship night for our embrace grace bible study girls. This brave momma is getting prayed over. What a beautiful night! You can learn how to help with some needs this month below.
This is what your prayers, your gifts, and your service help us do each and every day! Celebrate with us!
PRC is where difficult conversations happen. Men and women are at a critical crossroads when they enter our Center doors. They are choosing life or death. We are thankful for this HOPE we have in Jesus and His truth we can share with those we see.
PRC is where amazing relationships are built. This ministry would not be what it is without YOU! Thank you for sowing into what God is doing.
This is where choices are made and we pray that families make a life-affirming choice. We even see those that have made a decision and had no idea we even existed. Our hearts hurt for those that can’t take back an abortion decision, but again we have this HOPE! We get to extend His grace and forgiveness that He offers all
of us!
This is where hope is given and love flows abundantly!
This is PRC!
Last month, 145 brave families received free life - affirming medical services and many will continue to receive holistic faith-based support through our caring mentors. Faith-based support that truly digs deep at the root to find the true cause of what led them to be in the situation they are in. This is where true change is made. Not only a physical change, but many times a spiritual transformation!
We are rejoicing over FOUR new believers this past month and one that rededicated their life to Christ!
We are moving into October with great expectation and rejoicing at the great things HE has done! PRC is HIS ministry and what a blessing it is to follow His leading.
Thank you making a life-saving difference with us by either serving and/or giving so families can continue to get real hope and real help!
Episode 27 - What We Offer Wednesday - Medical Services
Our medical services are really many times the starting place for many of our brave mommas. The ultrasound is such a powerful tool to allow moms to be educated on fetal development and have the opportunity to see the miracle of life within them. Listen in as we share about our medical services.
Today’s Guest: Valerie has a special 4-week episode on letting you know all the things we offer at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
About this episode: Listen in as our CEO shares what we offer.
Today’s Topic: Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Medical Services. Valerie talked about getting on the list about what is next and how your church can help. Send an email to her at valerie@prcbctn.com
How can you help: Today’s episode talks about our Medical Services. What a huge need this is! The medical services we offer are a huge first step in connecting families to all of our other services.
We could not offer the programs we do without the help of our community. Brave families don’t have to worry about paying a dime for the services they receive because you give.
Would you consider joining our ministry partner team through a special financial gift or consider pledging to give monthly. Monthly support is the life-blood of our ministry. You can join us today by clicking on the link below that best fits your interests:
Episode 26 - What We Offer Wednesday - Men's Outreach
Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Champion Mens Program.
Today’s Guest: Valerie has a special 4-week episode on letting you know all the things we offer at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
About this episode: Listen in as our CEO shares what we offer.
Today’s Topic: Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Champion Mens Program.
How can you help: Today’s episode talks about our Men’s Outreach. What a huge need this is! Valerie shared some statistics from www.fathers.com/statistics-and-research/the-extent-of-fatherlessness/ We need our men in our community to RISE UP with us! Let’s love them both—the mom and the dad. As we do that baby is an automatic! Lives are saved and families are being restored!
We could not offer the programs we do without the help of our community. Brave families don’t have to worry about paying a dime for the services they receive because you give.
Would you consider joining our ministry partner team through a special financial gift or consider pledging to give monthly. Monthly support is the life-blood of our ministry. You can join us today by clicking on the link below that best fits your interests:
Episode 25 - What We Offer Wednesday: Community Resources
Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Community Resources. This episode is short and sweet, but such an important resource.
Today’s Guest: Valerie has a special 4-week episode on letting you know all the things we offer at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
About this episode: Listen in as our CEO shares what we offer.
Today’s Topic: Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Community Resources. This episode is short and sweet, but such an important resource.
How can you help: Today’s episode talks about our Community Resources that we are able to connect with in the community. We could not offer the programs we do without the help of our community. Brave families don’t have to worry about paying a dime for the services they receive because you give.
Would you consider joining our ministry partner team through a special financial gift or consider pledging to give monthly. Monthly support is the life-blood of our ministry. You can join us today by clicking on the link below that best fits your interests:
Episode 24 - What We Offer Wednesday: Bible Studies
How can you help come alongside us as we offer so many different medical services and programs? Check out the show notes at www.armoredwithtruth.com to see who you can support what we are doing together.
Today’s Guest: Valerie has a special 4-week episode on letting you know all the things we offer at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
About this episode: Listen in as our CEO shares what we offer.
Today’s Topic: Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Bible Studies. This is for families that have a desire to grow in their spiritual walk.
How can you help: Today’s episode talks about our Bible Studies that we offer in house. We could not offer the programs we do without the help of our community. Brave families don’t have to worry about paying a dime for the services they receive because you give.
Would you consider joining our ministry partner team through a special financial gift or consider pledging to give monthly. Monthly support is the life-blood of our ministry. You can join us today by clicking on the link below that best fits your interests:
SHOP OUR BRAVE STORE
Episode 23 - What We Offer Wednesday: Step Program
Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Step Program.
Today’s Guest: Valerie has a special 4-week episode on letting you know all the things we offer at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
About this episode: Listen in as our CEO shares what we offer.
Today’s Topic: Each Wednesday in the month of June, Valerie will be sharing about a service that we offer the community. There are many people that are not aware of all the services we offer the families we serve. What better way to come to you each Wednesday to highlight a ministry service we offer. Today’s topic is all about our Step Program.
How can you help: Today’s episode talks about our Step Program. We could not offer the programs we do without the help of our community. Brave families don’t have to worry about paying a dime for the services they receive because you give.
Would you consider joining our ministry partner team through a special financial gift or consider pledging to give monthly. Monthly support is the life-blood of our ministry. You can join us today by clicking on the link below that best fits your interests:
Episode 20 - We Serve a Mountain Mover
In this episode, there is BIG News! Listen in as our CEO shares about what is next for the Pregnancy Resource Center and more ways that you can be involved. Valerie mentions having crazy faith and that following the obedience of the Lord and the visions he plants in our hearts is really the only way to go.
Today’s Guest: Valerie shares some BIG NEWS about our amazing Mountain Mover we serve!
About this episode: In this episode, there is BIG News! Listen in as our CEO shares about what is next for the Pregnancy Resource Center and more ways that you can be involved. Valerie mentions having crazy faith and that following the obedience of the Lord and the visions he plants in our hearts is really the only way to go.
Today’s Topic: God’s timetable is so much better than ours. Listen in as we share how that faith as small as a mustard seed is moving mountains here in East Tennessee for the sanctity of life and the work we get to do together. You the listener are truly what helps make this work possible when you serve through giving of your time, talents, and financial gifts.
How can you help: When you partner with us financially you are helping brave families find us first. When they do they get free and confidential help — one being a life-saving ultrasound. A mom gets to connect with her pre-born child and falls in love with the confirmation from our team that the fear she feels is temporary and will soon pass away.
Three easy ways you can partner with us:
Pray - be an intercessor. There are times you can come into the center to pray over our space. Appointments for the day and lift up our team. This can be done on or off site. We know that there is power in prayer. We start every day coming together as a team to pray. It truly sets the tone for the day ahead. If you’d like to come on-site and join us send an email by clicking here.
Become a volunteer advocate. You can start that process here: be an advocate
Make a financial contribution and impact the lives we are serving together. Find out all the ways you can give here: Ways to give
A benefit concert you DO NOT want to miss!
Thursday, March 31st, 2022
Click the image below to take you straight to our events page!
Episode 19 - Life or Death Decisions
Listen in as Amanda shares her brave testimony of choosing life for her baby. She was 80% sure she was going to have an abortion and then she found us.
Today’s Guest: Valerie airs a brave story from one of their brave moms they served, Amanda.
About this episode: Many of the women that choose to have abortions wish they would have known of the resources that were available to them. The abortion industry does not want to empower women with their options. They only want to capitalize on the fear they are in. Sure they are in a crisis with an unexpected pregnancy, but too many times to count when they do abort their life still is in a crisis. The pregnancy is not the crisis—their life is and we need to use our voice to truly empower women and men that we can help. We are here to encourage, empower, and equip families that they can thrive and get out of the hiccups that life throws at us. This is exactly what Amanda did.
Today’s Topic: Listen in as Amanda shares her brave testimony of choosing life for her baby. See his sweet little picture below. She was 80% sure she was going to have an abortion and then she found us.
How can you help: When you partner with us financially you are helping brave families find us first. When they do they get free and confidential help one being a life-saving ultrasound. A mom gets to connect with her pre-born child and falls in love with the confirmation from our team that the fear she feels is temporary and will soon pass away.
Shop our Brave Store
When you give to the ministry of the Pregnancy Resource Center—you are giving men and women that we serve together —courage! When they have the opportunity to see their baby on the ultrasound over 90% of the women make the courageous decision for life! Thank you for purchasing a shirt to help the brave families we serve!
SHIRTS
Bella+Canvas material (soft)
52% Cotton
48% Polyester
Episode 18 - Support After Abortion with Lisa Rowe
Lisa Rowe with Support After Abortion shares how we need to lead with compassion when helping our nation heal from abortion.
Today’s Guest: Lisa Rowe, CEO at Support After Abortion
About Lisa: Lisa Rowe has spent the last 2 decades equipping and empowering thousands of at-risk children, hurting adults and broken families find hope, healing, and restoration. Lisa’s clinical experience, coupled with her organizational leadership has assisted government, nonprofit and private organizations to grow their impact, increase their sustainability, and leave a national imprint.
Lisa has invested a great deal of time and leadership into helping men, women and families heal from the following adverse experiences: foster care, teen parenting, sex trafficking, an unexpected pregnancy, divorce, abortion, codependency, and addiction.
Her passion for revealing the root of dysfunctional behavior and helping people find freedom from early childhood trauma is evident in her own life, the lives she helps lead, public speaking engagements, and the program model she has and continues to build to serve clients.
Today’s Topic: Listen in as Lisa shares about Support After Abortion and how our stories need to be heard and led with compassion
Where To Find Lisa and her team at Support After Abortion:
Clothing that GIVES LIFE -
Make a difference with us by purchasing a t-shirt from our shop
Episode 17 - Being a Voice with Allan Parker
Listen in as Allan, Tracy and Allison share about The Justice Foundation and how we need to speak up and be aware of the tools that are available to help stop forced abortions.
Today’s Guest: Allan Parker Jr., President of The Justice Foundation, Tracey, Center Against Forced Abortion Coordinator, and Allison, Center Against Forced Abortion Consultant
Today’s Topic: Listen in as Allan, Tracy and Allison share about The Justice Foundation and how we need to speak up and be aware of the tools that are available to help stop forced abortions.
Being a Voice
Listen in to find out why we need to speak up and be aware of the tools that are available to help stop forced abortions.
About our Guest: Allan Parker, President of The Justice Foundation, is a former Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, where he taught Education Law and Civil Procedure. He was a Visiting Professor at the University of Texas, and studied International Human Rights at the International Human Rights Institute in Strasbourg, France. He taught International Human Rights at the St. Mary’s Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria in 1992.
The Justice Foundation represents the women and men of Operation Outcry, a ministry of The Justice Foundation that seeks to end the pain of abortion in America and around the world by mobilizing women and men hurt by abortion to become witnesses who share their true stories of the devastating effects of abortion through courts and legislatures. Operation Outcry holds the largest collection in the world of legally admissible, written testimonies from women hurt by abortion.
The Justice Foundation's Center Against Forced Abortion (CAFA) provides free legal resources and training for lawyers, police, school counselors, and pregnancy resource centers and direct legal help to mothers who are being unduly pressured, forced or coerced into an unwanted abortion. We estimate the Center's training, assistance and legal tools save between 1000-2000 mothers and babies annually.
The Moral Outcry is a ministry of The Justice Foundation providing free legal representation to Melinda Thybault and assistance to those who sign her nationwide petition asking the Supreme Court to reverse its abortion cases. This petition serves as a symbol of America's Moral Outcry against abortion. It will wake up the nation and galvanize the national conscience to end the scourge of abortion in America. Sign the petition at www.themoraloutcry.com
Allan Parker, President, was lead counsel for Norma McCorvey, formerly “Roe” of Roe v. Wade, from 2000 to 2012, and Sandra Cano, the “Doe” of Doe v. Bolton, until 2014 in their efforts to overturn the two landmark cases that brought legalized abortion on demand to America.
Mr. Parker received his J.D. degree with high honors from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. He was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review, a Chancellor, Order of the Coif, and Order of Barristers for his outstanding advocacy skills. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Economics in 1974.
CONNECT WITH THE JUSTICE FOUNDATION
All of the letters mentioned in today’s podcast can be found on the website below.
Where To Find Allan:
Connect on his website: https://thejusticefoundation.org/cafa/
Are you grieving from a past forced abortion?
Many people across our communities are privately grieving from a past abortion or past forced abortion. You may feel like you are all alone—YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many resources to connect you to hope, healing, and the opportunity to break free from the pain of your past.
You can email valerie@prcbctn.com and she can help connect you to resources close to you or make you an appointment at our center where we offer abortion recovery.
Clothing that GIVES BACK to life-affirming work
Shop our Be Brave Store today by clicking the image below:
An Ambulance Came Roaring In
The abortion business lies to them in the name of choice. How heartbreaking. On this particular day, the ambulance arrived to pick up a patient. You couldn’t see anything other than the brown sheet that lay across the lifeless body.
Scrolling through Facebook last week, I came across a live video from a pastor that I follow. He engages people who are walking into the abortion facility in Nashville in hopes of telling the women that hope and help are available to them besides abortion. He has helped over 200 families in the Nashville area that were determined to abort and was able to give them all the love and support they needed to choose life for their babies.
This particular day that I happened to see his video was different. An ambulance came roaring into that abortion facility, and my heart sank. I couldn’t stop watching. That abortion facility performs surgical abortions up to 19 weeks and 6 days gestation. Many moms have no idea that at week 3, for instance, the baby’s blood vessels and sex cells form. Foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are laid, and the next week the baby’s heart begins to beat. Eyes, ears, and lungs begin to form.
The abortion business lies to them in the name of choice. How heartbreaking. On this particular day, the ambulance arrived to pick up a patient. You couldn’t see anything other than the brown sheet that lay across the lifeless body. Tears began to flow down my face as I thought of the ladies who have no idea that other options are available. My heart broke for the woman laying on that gurney. She had no idea that this would be her story.
Many in our community have no idea of the number of lives taken in the name of choice right here in our area! The Guttmacher Institute estimates that approximately 12,140 abortions took place in Tennessee during 2017. That is roughly 33 abortions a day. Let that sink in for a moment.
I am so thankful our Pregnancy Resource Center is here to be a light in that dark moment for a woman who feels as if she has no other options! She does have other options, and we are here to help guide her (and many times her boyfriend) on how we can help. This is made possible through people like you.
It does seem as if evil is on the rise, and you need to be aware! Not long ago, I got an email from Planned Parenthood—the largest abortion provider in the world, might I add. It read, “We’ve broken ground!”
We are breaking ground? What on earth!
We have heard stories of Planned Parenthood expanding, but it wasn't confirmed. Not only is the largest abortion provider expanding—they are expanding to provide surgical abortions. We have two abortion facilities just 16-19 miles away from our life-affirming center, and soon both will be doing surgical abortions. Planned Parenthood’s email shares about Knoxville and the surrounding regions having an immediate need for affordable, accessible sexual and reproductive health care—which is abortion.
The thing is. there is a need, but there is never a need for abortion. Abortion businesses sell one product—and that is abortion—and yet claim choice. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is time for those of us who affirm and confirm the sanctity of life to take back the word “choice” because it is ours. The abortion industry only gives moms in crisis one choice when it comes to unintended pregnancy, and that is abortion.
We educate, empower, and equip brave moms and dads with all their options. We hope they don't choose abortion, but if they do, they know that we are always here for them with open arms. We are a place to connect them to our Restorer and Healer. We do have many who choose life. In fact, over 90% of women who see life within the womb here at our Center do choose life. That is a true testament to you and your commitment to what God is doing here.
In the breaking-ground email, Planned Parenthood mentions getting $1,050,000 and they only need $250,000 more to make their project completely funded. I find it no coincidence that we have a similar goal to raise as of right now: $250,000 over the next two years to retire our mortgage to focus more on a mission—a life-affirming mission, that is. Reading this news can make many of us feel defeated; I know it did for us for a minute as we read that email. What I do know is that if you give me some good hearts, we can and will change the world—one heartbeat at a time. God's supply is in abundance.
How can you help?
You can give a special gift or become a recurring life-saving monthly sponsor to help brave families choose and see life.
You can volunteer!
You can let others know about our life-saving work and continue to let families know their true choices.
You can schedule a private tour and get an inside look at what God is doing here and see how you can become more involved.
Let’s RISE UP together and put feet to our faith!
Maybe one day...
Have you ever made that statement?
Maybe one day.
Someday I will sit down and do this.
My story has so many moving parts it is always a blessing when I have the opportunity to share about the work of the Pregnancy Resource Center ministry. God always provides a window for me to share the struggles of my past and what He has brought me through and how it relates to the work we do day in and day out at the Center.
It takes all of us working together to make a huge impact on the lives that are touched and saved here. Every person plays such an important part. From the donor who gives monthly or periodically, the volunteers who give of their time, the staff that has been called for a higher purpose to serve, the board that is very engaged at making our vision and mission come to life, and the moms and dads we have the opportunity to serve through all the moving parts. The ministry is 35 years old and that in itself is such a huge testament of grit and perseverance to meet the needs of our community over the years.
Without a doubt, God had a hand in placing me here to serve along with so many amazing people.
I always said to myself that one day I would write a book to share the deep pain points in my life and point it back to the only person that matters and that is the Lord. Without him, I would not be here at this moment today. Last week, I celebrated my seven-year anniversary serving as the Director here at the Center and it has been such a growth journey in my faith.
My eyes have been opened to the reality of the need for the work we do and how so many of our fellow neighbors need the voice of truth. We are bombarded with the voice that wants to kill, steal and destroy our lives. I know for me the voice that kills tried to take my life until the Lord stepped in.
The draft of my testimony sat on my computer for over two years. Self-doubt always held me back from doing anything with it until last year during the throws of covid I knew it was time. I prayed and told the Lord that if he really wanted to see this to fruition then he would need to give me the words and the drive to complete what he started. He is always so faithful!
I am so happy to share with you that, A Voice that Kills, was published at the end of December and is now available at our local favorite store, The Village Tinker, and available online on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578827468/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_gd45FbRT7A30D
I have said if my story helps one person through this process then it is worth it. From one negative voice after the other, I share how we can overcome the voices that want to kill, steal, and destroy our lives by pointing it back to the Voice of Truth, the Holy Spirit, our helper.
The devil calls us by our sin, shame, and guilt, but Jesus Christ calls us by our name: His beloved daughter or son. Overflowing with the hope we can all have in Jesus, A Voice that Kills will help anyone going through past or present hurts to walk in the redemptive story that is waiting on them.
Can God use your story for His glory?
Can I overcome these feelings of being all alone and rise up as His beloved?
Does Jesus really want to pursue me? Did you know that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us?
We need to use our voice of compassion and truth to save lives. It is needed more than ever! We have been silent for far too long. Your voice is needed and could be the very one that leads others to know about our Heavenly Father. We can be a part of many great missions, but it is great to be a part of something so much bigger and that is the Great Commission. God has a story within you. Maybe it isn’t with the pregnancy help community. Regardless, your voice is needed.
I am excited to take this journey with you and pray more people will be set free by listening to the right voice and that is the Voice of Truth!
The heavy fog will pass – 48 years and life-affirming pregnancy help goes on
We may be disappointed that we could not march for life in person this year, but we can do these three things to help women and men across our nation as they choose life for their babies.
written by: Valerie Millsapps, Executive Director
Driving to drop my daughter off to school on a recent morning you could barely see the road. The fog was like a heavy thick blanket covering the air. Even as the sun came up that day on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I could not see anything as I gazed out my kitchen window. Normally, we have a beautiful view of the sunrise peaking up over the mountains.
The view of the thick fog reminds me of the work our team at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Maryville, TN, gets to do on a daily basis.
We get to speak to clients as if the fog has lifted and they are no longer in crisis.
We speak to the woman we know they are. They are strong and capable, and they have a whole community that will walk with them during and after their pregnancy.
Women that face difficult pregnancy decisions are often in a crisis. Much like the thick fog that morning, they have this heavy weight encompassing them. They cannot see past the current circumstance.
Some common scenarios we hear are:
“I cannot have a child right now.”
“It is not the right time.”
“I have a small apartment and there is no room.”
These are just temporary circumstances.
We have had this horrible landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, ruling that abortion is a right found in the Constitution, since January 22, 1973.
Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S., touts that this dreadful day affirmed that access to safe and legal abortion is a constitutional right.
Abortion is not safe, as an innocent human being dies during the procedure. It is heavy stuff and January 22 should be a day where we mourn the 62+ million lives lost to abortion in the United States since 1973.
Women and men often look at a difficult pregnancy decision as if it’s a thick fog, a problem for which they just need a quick way out. In the moment of panic, they search for help and many of times end up at an abortion facility to solve the perceived problem. The abortion industry will highlight this fog in which our clients find themselves and point to a supposed quick solution.
We have seen and served the very women who were lied to by the abortion industry in this regard.
They have told them to take the abortion pill and all their difficulties will be gone. The fog will be lifted, and you will be able to move on with your life.
For many women that is not the case. Their pregnancy isn’t just tissue to pass.
Many women have had to find out the hard way as they are left to face the “taking care of this problem” alone in their own homes. It becomes a nightmare they will have to visually remember. They realize in that moment as they see that the tissue is indeed a baby that the abortion industry lied to them. They realize in that moment they cannot undo the decision they have made, and they are devastated.
We are thankful for pregnancy centers like ours that offer abortion recovery groups to walk men and women towards healing. There are many abortion recovery groups that men and women can connect to such as www.supportafterabortion.com orwww.godeeperstill.com. A true light in the darkness.
When women search for abortion or ask around for places where they can go for help in an unplanned pregnancy, life-affirming centers need to be that first choice.
Our pregnancy center and many like ours across the globe are that safe, life-affirming place. We are the vision casters of that individual’s future.
We share truth in love with them as they get to see life—their baby on the ultrasound screen.
Our medical team and volunteer advocates speak to our brave moms as if the fog has lifted, because the fog will lift, and when it does, the moms and dads will be so thankful that they had someone speak to them and let them visualize the beautiful sunrise over the mountains as the fog dissipates.
They have had time for the pressure of a difficult decision to fade and be so grateful that they didn’t make a quick decision. They’ve had time for someone to calm their fears and speak life into them.
Let this day and every day be a reminder to speak as if the fog has lifted and the sun will rise, and moms and dads will have this beautiful view of a baby created in the image of our Creator.
We may be disappointed that we could not march for life in person this year, but we can do these three things to help women and men across our nation as they choose life for their babies.
We can pray and get connected to our local pregnancy center, asking if there are any specific prayer needs.
We can volunteer. Many pregnancy centers are shorthanded due to the pandemic and could use a dedicated person to devote a couple of hours a week to lighten the load.
We can give. If we look back in our check book over the year and add up all the little snack trips we made or dinners out, we can see that 2021 could be the year that we were intentional of skipping a meal out to save and impact lives.
It takes all of us to speak life into the future generations of our nation. Let’s all do at least a small part, and as we do it, we will make a huge impact on the lives in our communities.
Editor’s note. This appeared at Pregnancy Help News and is reposted with permission.
A Tale of Two Visits
She knew that the front door of the PRC was a revolving door where she would be loved and supported anytime she walked through it. She felt seen and heard in a comforting way.
Upon the second visit, the mother had decided to choose life for her child. The Pregnancy Resource Center was able to provide her with an ultrasound…
A Tale of Two Visits
The first appointment was filled with fear and anxiety for what a child out of wedlock may look like. Fear can paralyze us. That is why it is so important to get connected to a trusted advocate that will listen to your fears, step into that place with you, and share the truth to help you make sound decisions.
After the mother shared her fears with one of the Pregnancy Resource Centers advocates, the advocate was able to share her story. The mother was encouraged, but still a little unsure. She knew she had a lot to think through and knew she had a safe place to run. She knew that the front door of the PRC was a revolving door where she would be loved and supported anytime she walked through it. She felt seen and heard in a comforting way.
Upon the second visit, the mother had decided to choose life for her child. The Pregnancy Resource Center was able to provide her with an ultrasound as well as resources for continuing care at one of the local OB offices. The PRC also provides support programs for couples to encourage the mother and father as they care for their child. They know they have someone in their corner and someone that they can count on in a time of need during and after pregnancy.
We all face times of fear and God’s word encourages us to not cling to fear. Here are a few verses to help you when you are paralyzed by fear:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
When you give to the Pregnancy Resource Center you are doing so much more than providing families with free life-saving medical services and support programs. You are connecting them to real people to step in places of pain and give them hope for the future.
When you volunteer and have the opportunity to share your story with others it has the power to break down barriers.
Consider giving a special life-saving gift or subscribing monthly. Lives will be saved and hearts will be changed because you had the heart to make a difference. People need you and your voice.
A Light in the Darkness
A Light in the Darkness
For this mother, a positive pregnancy test after a miscarriage made her cautiously hopeful. At her first appointment, she was able to sit down with one of our advocates and express her concern for this pregnancy. We were also able to give her a memory bag filled with a memory bag, devotional and other things to comfort her past loss.
At each follow-up appointment, she was able to have an ultrasound and an advocate who could walk through this process with her. Any time a mother experiences the loss of a child there is darkness. The pregnancy resource center is here for you, to embrace you, encourage you, and lift your eyes to the hope that we have in Christ. This mother does not have to go through this alone.
There are many people here at the pregnancy resource center that will gather around you and encourage you through the darks and lights of life.
Help brave moms receive life-affirming care and programs by becoming a monthly sponsor. Sign up today and help save and impact lives walking in our door each and every day.
“For God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
Episode 12 - Serving up Hope
We may have to mask up, wear gloves, take temps, and more when serving our brave mommas right now. We know that one thing is for sure and that is nothing changes our mission. We love serving up some hope in the midst of it all. On today’s podcast, Valerie is sharing some stories of Hope.
We may have to mask up, wear gloves, take temps, and more when serving our brave mommas right now. We know that one thing is for sure and that is nothing changes our mission. We love serving up some hope in the midst of it all. On today’s podcast, Valerie is sharing some stories of Hope.
Each Thursday for the month of April, Valerie will be sharing stories of Hope. We cannot wait to share some good news despite COVID-19. We can always use some stories that change our perspective.
In today’s show, Valerie touches on the below topics that are linked below:
The perfect read for the book junkies out there. Lysa Terkeurst, (https://lysaterkeurst.com/) wrote the book, “It’s not suppose to be the way”. You can purchase that book here: https://www.p31bookstore.com/products/instbtw Valerie feels that this book applies very well to what is going on in the world right now.
Would you like to help fulfill baby needs right now? This is our amazon wish list for needed items right now: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/30RJ96987RABH?ref_=wl_share
In today’s show, Valerie mentioned the study the Center is doing called Embrace Grace. It is an incredible way to start in your own church or in your pregnancy center. You can find find more information here: https://embracegrace.com/start-a-group
Do you have a story to share? Maybe a reason why you support the prolove movement? We would love for you to share that with us! You can email valerie@prcbctn.com and we will share with others on the show. What a great way to encourage others right now!
It is Valerie’s 40th birthday!! Will you give a life-saving gift of $40 right now? Or maybe you want to give every single month to help moms as they choose life! You can do that here: https://youmakeherbrave.kindful.com/