Thank You for Walking for LIFE in 2023
You made Walk for Life 2023 a great success! Every year, some of us choose to add a little friendly competition for babies and Jesus at the Pregnancy Resources Walk for LIFE. Every walker and every gift makes a difference. Babies have a chance to live tomorrow because of your faithfulness today.
In the spirit of friendly competition to help Moms, Dads, and their babies, Cory McAnnally achieved his highest-ever fundraising total and independently raised almost $4500.00. Great Job, Cory!
As care provided by Pregnancy Resources has grown to encompass areas outside the Quad Cities – the Walk has also expanded to these areas. This year’s TWO Top Walk Teams are River of Life Rollers (Quad Cities) AND Buffalo Prairie Team (MUSCATINE).
God does amazing things when His people step up and step out for His truths. Working together, you ensure life-affirming, compassionate care reaches those who need it most. THANK YOU!
Different Times & Complicated Issues
“We live in different times.” It’s something we hear a lot, and it’s true. The world is different than when Pregnancy Resources opened our doors in 1990. As times have changed, the ministry has grown and adapted while affirming life choices. Three locations, limited ultrasound care, mobile medical care, abortion pill reversal, post-abortion care, and male mentorship are all examples of how Pregnancy Resources has adapted to the needs of our community. Our clients have changed, too. Today’s clients are older and face more complicated issues. They are stuck in the culture of “anything goes” and “live in the moment.” Sexual activity outside of marriage is typical, single pregnancy is normal, and abortion is seen as “acceptable.”
Two recent examples come to mind. Sami* has been coming to Pregnancy Resources since she was in high school. Now in her 20’s, Sami has several children with the same man. Tragically, domestic violence, infidelity, and drugs played a role in destroying this family. Now Sami is dating a woman and pregnant with another baby who will grow up without a father. Sadly, this young woman’s dreams of an “intact family” have been shattered. She’s given up on the traditional family roles. While not considering abortion, this woman expresses a different kind of hopelessness. Pray the gospel shared with her will take root.
Another client, Lola*, has several children, all by different men. Each guy stayed a while then left when things got tough. Lola decided she’s better off without a man. She’s shut out the world and is focused on raising her children and working to support them. Lola believes in God but believes that she can only rely on herself. Lola, and others like her have “given up” on knowing a man who will support and love them in the way God intended. Many believe that men simply will not stay to be involved or provide support for the family. Pray that these women will come to know how much God loves them. Pray that these children will find healthy male role models to emulate. Pray that our male volunteers will have opportunities to mentor some of these young men despite great opposition. We know that God designed a different way for families. Daily we testify to God’s better way.
Annetta Cooper, Client Services Director & Davenport Center Director
The New Pregnancy Resources Client
Close your eyes and imagine the typical Pregnancy Resources client. Was it a teenager, or a young woman pursuing her college degree – someone scared and alone? While that perception once was true, today 48% of our clients are 25 or older. Many of today’s clients are in long-term relationships – either living together or married. Some of these clients arrive pregnant for the first time and they are excited and happy. Others aren’t so excited. These couples may see their life as already full and complete. They can do whatever they want whenever they want. They don’t want a baby to disturb the lifestyle they have become accustomed to.
Recently, we met with Isabelle* who is happily married with 2 children, a good job, and life that is exactly how she and her husband want it. They have the house, the cars, the kids, and the vacations. But then, the one thing they didn’t want happened … another positive pregnancy test. This happily married couple’s immediate reaction to this news was simple and straightforward – end the pregnancy.
Isabella made an appointment at the abortion clinic for the following week. Then, 2 days before her scheduled abortion, she felt an urge to come to Pregnancy Resources. She arrived alone. After a pregnancy test and an ultrasound, Isabella shared with the nurse that she wasn’t sure what to do. It was very early in the pregnancy, so Isabella was offered a second ultrasound. She decided to delay her abortion and brought a friend with her to the next appointment. This close friend encouraged Isabella to have the abortion and move on with her life. The baby was still very small, and she was still undecided – so another ultrasound was offered and scheduled. One week later, Isabella returned a third time with her husband. This time things were different. This time the couple clearly saw their baby, and when they left after that 3rd ultrasound, they had made a decision for life!
Tomorrow another couple will walk through the door. Tomorrow another life will hang in the balance. And tomorrow another couple will have the chance to choose life for their child because you help keep the doors of Pregnancy Resources open.
Pam White, Moline Center Director