First Fruits Friday - Miracle
It was a miracle, we all thought. Sam*, a new Seneca client, was determined to have an abortion. Even seeing the baby on the ultrasound did not deter her, but she came to Seneca and spoke with the Case Manager for three hours. Over that course of time, she changed from abortion determined to abortion minded and finally to parenting. She met with our on site professional counselor and our spiritual director and made another appointment for Case Management.
At first Sam said,
"I don't believe in abortion but in this case it is the only option. I feel regretful because it is a life.
I can't financially and physically take care of a child."
The Case Manager spoke with her, telling her about the options of adoption, maternity homes, living at home and going to a local community college to save money, etc. When asked about what she thought God might be saying she said,
"God - I have not been able to hear from God about the abortion. He will probably hate me and I am not going to get into heaven. When I talk to him most days he says, "I've got it." Now he is probably saying that I was trying to rid a life that HE created."
After the second hour, the Case Manager wanted to know where are you at now that you have all of this information about free resources for you? The client said, "I'm still considering it. Let me talk to God."
Yet, Sam stayed another hour. She said that she felt safe at Seneca. The Case Manager simply listened. Sam became transformed in appearance and speech. She began to speak about how she could do it; that she would tell the father of the baby that she has decided to parent. She would look at all options - a local community college, maternity homes, jobs, etc. After talking about family members who were women who were single moms and who became doctors, she eventually talked herself into keeping the baby. Nothing that anyone at Seneca said changed her mind. It was YOUR prayers and the Holy Spirit that softened her heart. She was smiling and happy as she headed back home.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the spiritual battle for Sam. When the father stated vehemently that he wanted an abortion and that he would not help, she buckled. Fear and doubt crept in. How could she do this alone as a university student? She already had to drop a class due to being so sick. Her mom would be disappointed to hear that she was pregnant, and she was the one taking out loans to pay for her tuition.
As is part of our Case Management program, Seneca’s Case Manager calls the client every 2-3 days to check up on her. She has decided to abort, yet there is still hope. She has not yet made an appointment for the abortion and her belly is continuing to grow. Where there is life there is hope. At the last call this week, she was having complications and was advised by Seneca staff to seek medical attention. We are awaiting word on her status and will continue to check in with her.
Please pray for Sam and for our Seneca team as we continue to pour love and encouragement on her. We are also looking at how much we can help with her tuition. Hopefully without that stress, she will feel empowered to continue on with the pregnancy. We are not giving up on this miracle!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - DEUTERONOMY 31:6
*Name changed for confidentiality.
Do you want to be a part of bringing hope and help to mothers like Sam who are considering abortion? If so, Seneca needs your help…