Dear Sustaining Partner,
“We may run, walk, stumble, drive or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.” Gloria Gaither
Honestly, until about a year ago, I never considered retiring. “Why would I?” I’d ask when people would question me about leading a more leisurely life. “I love what I do, the people we serve, our partners and my (kind of) flexible schedule.” I told my husband, Mike when we talked about getting married not to expect me to stop working. Then people, situations, needs and circumstances changed. I found myself wondering, “What if…?” My question turned in to a plan, and the journey toward implementation is well underway.
In the initial stages, I was a little lost. I’ve always been pretty good at getting started…just jump in and do the first thing and then the next and the next. This situation felt very different, but I soon found out what I already know: Feelings may be strong but are not necessarily reality. As I prayed for guidance, God brought I Thessalonians 5:24 to mind: “Faithful is He who calls you who also will do it.” I immediately realized the God who called me to this ministry had called me into something else. Either way, the journey is my calling. I can trust Him to lead, guide and direct on this new path, just as I have for the more than 15 years I’ve been associated with this ministry.
Once my calling out was confirmed, the next stage of transition began. For anyone who knows anything about labor, you’ll agree transition during the birth process is the worst. It’s not a good time to try to begin a rational conversation. Everything happening feels bad and confusing, Over the past months there are many times I’ve felt frustrated, but because I knew who had planned this journey, I was confident His will would prevail. And, I couldn’t be more pleased, excited and relieved.
Kathleen Jones who has served as our very competent, creative office manager since January 2017, is in training to succeed me as executive director when I finish my tenure the end of July. I am absolutely convinced though there will be times of confusion and frustration, she will soar as she follows the Lord who will minister to her as she ministers to our clients, staff and partners. Kathleen is relentless in her desire to know and follow God and He is relentless to take her where she needs to go. Will she do things differently? I advise her to seek advice, pray for wise counsel and then be who she is in Christ as she leads the way for more growth and ministry in our community. This is sure to be an exhilarating time for all whether you watch from the sidelines or in active ministry with Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.
But wait! There’s still a couple months for me to be hard at work, keeping you informed while I train Kathleen and oversee operations and events. Much has been happening in the country which has been ugly and divisive; however, since the passing of some horrifically brutal abortion laws in a significant number of states and the release of the film, Unplanned, we have experienced a welcome surge of interest from our community. I’m glad people are finally understanding it is time to stop talking and do something to stop the perilous slide into the abyss of “Choice.”
Attendance and giving both increased at the Walk for Life this year, as truly people did “Spring in to Action” to help raise funds and awareness. We pray God will continue to speak to and call folks to take an active role as we fight for every inch of ground we get to support, promote and honor life. We pray folks will listen as God makes His will for us to defend life known.
One major factor which impedes our ability to serve is the lack of volunteers. This will continue to be a problem through the summer when schedules change. Now’s the time to train to be an advocate. Contact Wendy to be put on the class list and to schedule an appointment to tour our facility and pick up a volunteer application. I hope you’ll “ink” in Monday, June 3 from 5 PM to 7 PM as the day you’ll begin your journey to becoming a client advocate. This schedule will accommodate both men and women who work. In the future we need to add Saturday hours to compete with the two abortion clinics in our neighborhood.
The women’s tea featuring “The History of Hats,” is reserved for Saturday, August 10 at the Colton Women’s Club facility. More details in the upcoming Summer newsletter, monthly letters and our Facebook page, but I hope you’ll reserve the time now. I’ll still be somewhat involved in this event by providing the food for the gluten free table and I have been invited by the committee to speak. I’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Save the Date! Comedian and Champion for Life, Mike G Williams will keynote on Friday, October 25 at the annual fall fundraising event, “Por La Vida.” Come expecting lots of fun, information, testimonies and a taco bar for our guests to enjoy. Share the time with us as I pass “the baton” to Kathleen during what will be my last official act as Executive Director. I will look forward to seeing all of you at this unique event.
I’m thinking a lot about what it means to leave a legacy and like this quote a lot. “My legacy isn’t so much what I leave behind, but more what I’ve sacrificed before I go.” (Anonymous) I pray this truth will resonate with you too.
For Life!
Lisa J Wholley
Executive Director