Advent Gift 2023
Loving women in crisis pregnancies
Every Advent season, Resurrection chooses to give time and resources to a local ministry partner. This year we are blessing expectant mothers who will be served by a new Caring Network women’s center in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Your gift will help furnish and decorate an inviting waiting room for women seeking support for their unplanned pregnancies.
A woman facing an unexpected pregnancy is often overwhelmed and under-resourced. She may feel alone. When she seeks help, the counsel she encounters can prepare her for abortion. Or it can equip her to choose life.
Caring Network centers are for life. They reach women with free medical information, confidential counsel and a calm, judgment-free environment at their time of crisis. When love leads, then fear recedes. And life can grow. (Source Caring Network)
More than ever, women in crisis pregnancies need to know that they can find support and resources while making a choice about their babies. Caring Network’s services are made possible by churches, communities, and individuals who enable them to serve parents in need. Our partnership will enable the new Austin clinic to provide holistic care in Jesus’ name to these struggling expectant mothers and fathers.
How you can help
Our Advent Gift will furnish and decorate an inviting waiting room for expectant mothers in a new clinic in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.
Donate funds to furnish the new waiting room.
You can give online, via check to Church of the Resurrection with “Advent Gift” in the memo line, or cash in an envelope marked “Advent Gift”. You may leave your cash or check in the black offering box on the Advent Gift table on Sunday mornings, drop it off at the church office Mon-Thurs 9-5 or Fri 9-1, or mail to: Church of the Resurrection, Attn: Advent Gift, 935 W. Union Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187
Pray
For staff to be sensitive to the needs of young women
For the safety of all staff and clients as they enter and exit the clinic
For a comfortable environment where the clients sense the peaceful presence of the God
For the complete buildout of the new Austin clinic to flow smoothly
For thousands of babies to be saved
For thousands of clients to come to Christ
Contribute to our Advent Gift through January 7.
Questions? Email Missions Manager emilytalbott@churchrez.org
Stories of Life
These women chose life for their babies after visiting a Caring Network clinic
Elizabeth’s story
Told by Debbie Case, Vice-President of Clinics, Caring Network
Avery
Reminded of God’s Deep Love
Avery came to Caring Network for a pregnancy test and ultrasound, accompanied by her sister. Both women were overwhelmed thinking of all the responsibility that comes with a baby. Although both said they were Christians and didn’t support abortion, they felt that it might be the right option in this situation.
Their pregnancy consultant discussed all of Avery’s options, including adoption and parenting. She reminded them of God’s deep love and sacrifice by sharing the Gospel. Afterward, Avery texted her consultant, “I love you guys so much for supporting me and being there.”
Avery chose life! She said that God helped her make the decision.
Mandy
Discovering Alternative Options
Mandy found out she was pregnant and made an appointment at Planned Parenthood. She didn’t know what to do and hoped to receive Information about her pregnancy options. When she arrived, she was surprised that the only option discussed was abortion.
Mandy left her appointment and reached out to Caring Network. There she received a free pregnancy test and ultrasound, and learned about all the options available to her. She had felt guilty since visiting Planned Parenthood. Mandy came from a faith background and felt bad for even considering an abortion. Her pregnancy consultant shared the gospel with her and discussed God’s forgiveness.
Mandy chose life and was encouraged to trust God through this process. She said she loved the care she received for herself and her baby boy!
Leann
Love Multiplies
Leann found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. A friend recommended she call Planned Parenthood. When Leann called, no appointments were available for a couple weeks. Concerned that she would have to decide about her pregnancy before leaving from an appointment, she still felt very uncertain. She reached out to Caring Network, where she was able to have a pregnancy test and ultrasound quickly, but wasn’t pressured to decide by the end of the appointment. After her ultrasound, she was still torn between abortion and parenting. She already had one child and was worried she wouldn’t be able to love another child equally. Her consultant, a mother herself, encouraged Leann that a mother’s love doesn’t divide between children but multiplies. After her appointment, her consultant stayed in touch with her, and two weeks later Leann chose life! She gave birth to a healthy baby girl and has found plenty of room in her heart to love them both.
