How You Change the Story Around Abortion

On June 4, St. Peter Lutheran Church held an honorary “graduation” for women involved in their Connection group. This graduation represents the long-term dream of ProGrace:

As Christians are transformed, women will find acceptance and support in our churches.

The St. Peter leadership team was one of the first to participate in the ProGrace workshop when we began piloting it several years ago. We love how open they were to having their paradigm shifted, and how they jumped right in and began hosting a group for women. We thank God for the faithfulness of these volunteers and leaders. And we thank Him for the great transformation He has worked in and through this amazing group of women.

The women in the group would also like to say thank you to this team of volunteers. As you read their words, know that you are an important part of this work:

 

Thank you so much for everything. All the ladies have been so wonderful. Anything from providing us with dinner, or asking us about our week and showing up, and hanging out. We were all really sad when Lexi [the volunteer] said it was going to be over. She didn’t use those words. She put it really nicely. Graduation means that we’re in a good place. Not that we don’t still need help, but we’re more like friends now. Instead of mentor and mentee, we’re more on a friendship level. It’s going to be nice to call and just check in and say, hey let’s meet for coffee, or have a play date at the park. Thank you for everything. It’s been so great. – Gabbi

 

I just want to say thank you for welcoming me into the group and not judging me, but really being there when I needed somebody to talk to. You gave great advice, and you gave me a good reflection on my life from an outsider’s perspective. And that’s something that you don’t really think somebody would do. It was nice actually being able to praise myself, and ask someone for help. I don’t usually ask anybody for help, but you were there. Whatever it was I needed, you were always there for me. I appreciate that so much. – Sarina

 

First of all, I want to say thank you so much for everything you have done for me — for listening to me, for giving me advice, for helping me through all the situations I’ve been through. I really appreciate you as a person. I’m going to miss you, this group and everything we talked about. I really could open myself up with you, and be myself with you. Thank you. – Ana

 

Everything the group has taught me, is to never give up, but to keep on striving. I was in a dark place when I joined the group. I was 20 when I had my son, and I was suffering from post-partum depression. That’s when I came in contact with the group. It changed me so drastically. I thought I wasn’t going to make it through. I thought I would stay in the dark. But to have these women around me, these wonderful people to help guide me through, really impacted me so much. It made me a better person and a better mother. To have that support from the sponsors, and leaders and counselors has been very rewarding, and something I won’t ever forget. – Samantha

By believing in what God can do through the ProGrace message, praying for this ministry, and financially supporting this work, you are changing the story around abortion.