That is what I love about crisis pregnancy ministry. It moves beyond the angry rhetoric.
Justice In and Outside the Womb
From Pastor Chris
Confession time. Four years ago, when Rachael and I were praying about coming to Groveton, I deployed a spy to visit the church and let me know what she thought. There is only so much you can learn about a church from a website, so my sister made the drive from Purcellville to attend a service. Afterwards she sent me pictures of the bulletin and one of the inserts in the bulletin that day was for Sanctity of Life Ministries (SLM). That was one of many confirmations that Groveton would be a great fit for our family.
What I did not know was the story behind this emphasis. Brenda Richards is one of our main liaisons with SLM, and last year she shared her story of why this ministry is so important to her. She told us about the circumstances of her birth, a situation where many would encourage someone in her birthmother’s position to have an abortion. Instead she chose adoption. Brenda’s heart is that other women in crisis pregnancies can find support and encouragement to make the same brave choice that her birthmother did.
That is what I love about crisis pregnancy ministry. It moves beyond the angry rhetoric surrounding abortion to the real time struggles of those considering it. As this excellent article from The Gospel Coalition puts it, “Most Abortion-Minded Women Aren’t Calculating Killers. They’re Afraid.” Our calling is not to meet them with angry chants and protest signs but with empathy, compassion, and practical help. SLM even has Bible studies for those who need to process their decision to have an abortion. Their heart is to point people to Christ regardless of what decision they have made.
This emphasis on people over issues also challenges us in how we think of life outside the womb, especially when it comes to racial injustice. The juxtaposition of Right to Life Sunday and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day invites us to consider both. If we only champion the rights of unborn babies yet tolerate injustice against those babies after they grow up, our moral voice is hollow and suspect. Pastor Jonathan Beckom has a powerful word to share with us on Sunday about the dignity of all life, whatever size or color; of justice in the womb and justice outside the womb.
As I look back at my act of espionage four years later, I am so thankful that God saw fit to bring us to Groveton. Our heart for adoption and racial harmony has found a home here, and we are grateful for the privilege of locking arms with you, our church family, for the good of all in our community.