First Fruits Friday - Lost & Found

We met this client on the sidewalk. She had a beautiful smile and a tentative look. She was on her way to the abortion clinic. She was approached by a sidewalk advocate and then chose to speak with a Case Manager. It seems she was seeking an abortion because the father had just been arrested and she did not know how she was going to make it on her own. She believed that she had no other option.

After a precarious few weeks, this client ultimately chose life for her baby.  During this trying time, the process Seneca helped outline convinced her that things would be okay, one step at a time. We were able to help her with rent for a house in order to get her established in a better neighborhood and away from ever-present danger. She also worked two jobs.  Crucially, she grew spiritually and mentally. She became involved in our emotional support group. Even with this turnaround, there were moments she would have to deal with remnants of a past which was full of abuse. She certainly had not made the best choices herself.  But, as the baby began to grow inside of her, her confusion and apprehension transformed into the joy of parenting. She was becoming very excited.

On March 23, 2022, her child was to be born. Quite unexpectedly, he came early. No heartbeat was found. At 24 weeks, this baby boy who had passed in his mommy's belly, was held by his distraught mom after a difficult labor. This client experienced a stillbirth.

Seneca handled all the expenses for the baby's funeral. We continued to reach out but it was to no avail. The client struggled with the loss of her child. She fell into a deep depression and sought mental health services. She lost her job, but managed to get another one and another one. She put on a happy face and said all was ok. For months, Seneca kept on reaching out. 

After about six months of no communication, the client called quite out of the blue, on the day before Thanksgiving. She had been in the hospital for two weeks having suffered major injuries in a car accident. She is now wheelchair bound. She told us, "I called you because I need prayer and I know that is what y’all do. When I was lost, Seneca kept on reaching out. Truthfully, I just couldn't handle talking to you all. That is why I never responded. But, now I know that you are my family. I don't need anything except prayer and a work-from-home job when I recover."

This client was lost and was found. While Seneca most certainly made a difference for her, we know that none of it truly came from us.  It was God. 

Ezekiel 34:16

“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.

Sound Journeys is a program for families who have experienced stillbirth. If you or anyone you know is in need of someone to talk to about this situation, please have them call 706-573-2300.