Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/93

Contributor - Marion Kennedy

Title - Is There An Alternative?

Topic - Ministries

Today much is spoken about ethics and "family values". We Christians continue to cry out amongst ourselves about our concern regarding the lack of Christian morality shown within our government. One major concern is the absence of an abortion law. But what are we doing to show Christian love and compassion to those who are personally struggling and forced to make a decision regarding the life of an unborn child?

I had never given a lot of thought to this until one Sunday, about two years ago, when my pastor gave me a letter and told me he thought I would be interested. This letter proved to have a tremendous impact on my life.

The letter was from Beginnings, an organization in Ontario devoted to providing pregnancy counselling to all women without discrimination. Beginnings had started a new mission, "Project Lifeline", through which they hoped to establish affiliated offices throughout Ontario, one of which happened to be in my own town of Woodstock. They were looking for volunteers and/or supporters to establish this office, and would be holding a meeting in a couple of weeks. I was thankful I could put that letter aside. I didn't have time for anything else, and besides, what did I know about pregnancy counselling?

Two weeks later when my friend, who had also received the same letter from our pastor, called to see if I was going to the meeting, I reluctantly agreed. Both of us are now active committee members for Beginnings in Oxford County. Through this we have learned about pregnancy counselling and have been able to put our faith into practice.

Beginnings is a small organization which operates with no support from the government. The main office, located in Hamilton, Ontario, was opened in 1985, and since that time the services have grown and expanded. Last year Beginnings counselled twice as many women as the previous year. We offer pregnancy tests, phone counselling, assistance in acquiring medical and legal aid, assistance in finding alternative living accommodations, aid in securing financial and material support, as well as training in parenting skills, adoption counselling and post-abortion counselling.

Many of our clients are teenage girls, but not all. We are available for anyone who desires help in sorting through issues regarding an unwanted pregnancy. This includes married persons concerned about the size of their family, those with medical problems, and fathers as well as mothers. Some clients come because they have Christian values and want to speak to a counsellor who shares these values. Some come who want to arrange an adoption, and desire a Christian home for their child.

The need for this work and others like it has never been greater than now. I cannot express the self-satisfaction and fulfilment the Beginnings ministry has given me and my husband. The past two years have presented many challenges. I look forward to the years ahead and trust that God will continue to bless Beginnings Oxford with His love.

Have you ever thought about what a difference you could make in someone's life through a ministry such as this?... contact Beginnings. There may already be a ministry in your community through which you can be of service, or maybe you could start your own!

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