First Fruits Friday - Seneca Saves
Reflecting back over the years I have been honored to be part of the Seneca family, In that time, I have witnessed many challenges: From the circumstances that lead mothers to making an abortion appointment, to the situations our team of dedicated staff and volunteers have helped clients overcome so well, that the clients chose to join the force for good here at Seneca. So many have seen how Seneca Saves!
I reflect back on the foundation of Seneca and Kelly’s story, a 19-year old college student who found herself over 19 hours from home with no family support, and discovered she would be losing her college scholarship and most likely her life dreams, if she continued with her pregnancy. I look at the circumstances of our Operations Manager, Karen, who as a pregnant high school student fell under great scrutiny from peers. There was pressure to abort from the father of her baby, and also the loss of her dream to become a professional singer. I think about our Sidewalk Manager, Amanda, who as a six-year-old girl witnessed her teenage sister’s unplanned pregnancy. Thankfully, her sister ultimately canceled her abortion appointment right next door, sparing the life of her nephew. Finally, I reflect on stories from people like Angie, one of our dedicated sidewalk advocates, who was pressured to abort 40 years ago at the abortion facility right next door to Seneca. Angie did not feel supported in her church, as she sought strength to go against the grain and make the next right choice, giving her baby life.
What I see in common in all these circumstances and situations is the overwhelming power and mercy of Jesus Christ. Whether the choice for life, or the despair of losing a baby to abortion, Jesus was there with each of these women and their families every step of the way. When we seek forgiveness and reconciliation, He is there for us! Christ is omnipotent, He is here for each of us before, during, and after our situations and circumstances, trials and tribulations. I am convinced Jesus has ordained that Seneca be on the frontlines of the battle for Life.
Next week we will launch our virtual fundraising campaign which we have designated Seneca Saves.
The campaign will run from August 11th - September 8th. Our goal is to raise $45,000. Mothers in circumstances similar to those mentioned above are in desperate need of Seneca’s life-saving free services.
There are no other programs in our community which offer the broad array of services that Seneca provides. We are fighting on the frontlines in the battle of abortion. We give hope to mothers, help to the unborn, and healing to families in need.
Our annual budget for this fiscal year (round numbers) is $375K. In order to effectively run our life-saving and life-changing programs we are in need of more ministry partners and significant one-time donations. We are blessed to count on $191K from our monthly ministry partners and other funding from this past year. But, to meet expected needs, we will need to raise $184K throughout the next 12 months.
From August 11th - September 8th, you will meet some of our moms in our life-saving ministry. You will discover how Seneca Saves in so many ways. We pray this will inspire you to share how Seneca Saves with people in your circle! Perhaps you’d like to become a monthly ministry partner, or if you are already supporting Seneca, please consider spreading the word to those you may know who can join the force for good to ensure Seneca Saves in the months ahead.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved”.— Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)