From: the Outside Looking in, To: the Inside Looking Out

I think I was about ten years old when my dad asked me to be his prayer partner at a training he was officiating. Since it meant a day off school, and time with my dad, it was a win-win for me.

He would be teaching a seminar to the staff and volunteers at Hope Women’s Centers. I do not remember much about what my Dad shared. I do not even remember what the seminar was about, or how long it lasted. But, what I do remember, has stuck with me to this day.

At ten years old, I still remember how powerful the atmosphere was. I remember thinking to myself, these women are full of the Holy Spirit; even though, I’m not 100% sure I knew what that meant. I recognized the presence of Jesus.

These women were such servants. They welcomed me (a 10-year-old kid). And, listened intently to my Dad—wanting to know how to be better counselors, friends, and servants.

Now, nearly twenty years later, I am now working at Hope. The feeling is the same. The atmosphere is one of peace. The servant’s heart mentality is branding on every woman heart. Some women have moved on, and some new ones have come. Yet, the atmosphere is the same. It is a testament to the faithfulness of God to each woman and to the ministry.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege to attend a “Press Release” breakfast put on by Hope to announce the new Pembroke Pines Center. While I was sitting there, I once again was touched by the staff that shared.

These staff members had been in the shoes that many patients we help have found themselves in—pregnant when they didn’t want to be, and feeling cared, panicked, alone. But, through God’s faithfulness to them, they made it through, although not without scars. But now, they are giving back, working with the patients and offering hope, sharing truth, and protecting life.

After years and years of sowing seeds, the leadership at Hope, and the women who work here, continue to sow more seeds. They could say, “We’ve done enough” or “Why open another center when three centers keep us plenty busy?”. Instead, the staff see the need.

I think when each one of us examine all that God has done for us, nothing we do will ever be enough. But, it comes from a “get to” mentality. It is not as though we are working for God. We are working with God. He cares deeply about us when we’ve been crushed, confused and alone, and He cares about every patient who walks through our center doors crushed, confused and alone.

Although, it has only been a few weeks, I am beginning to see why the atmosphere is so full of peace and joy even during trying times.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31

Christi joined our staff in late October and is a valuable asset to the team. When Christi is not at work, she enjoys studying Marshall Arts and drinking local coffee. She is also studying Biblical Studies at Southern California Seminary.

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