When a young woman in our church met with my pastor husband and me to discuss a new ministry opportunity, I did not know what to expect. Rita, who was saved through the ministry of church planter Mark Thomas (Pueblo, Colorado) is married to Jacob Lynch, a longtime, faithful member of our church, Highland Hills, in Greeley, Colorado. Rita had an important burden on her heart, a ministry to young, single, pregnant moms.
With three children, the youngest only three months old, Rita easily connects with young moms and felt burdened to reach them. She asked if we would consider partnering with a national program called Embrace Grace. The program connects young, single moms in need with local churches. Their desire is for young women to find hope and salvation in Jesus and then become part of the local church hosting the Embrace Grace program.
After meeting with Rita, we agreed our church should participate and welcome these moms in need. We began the Embrace Grace ministry last January. Out of the many women who contacted the local pregnancy crisis center and were referred to Rita, only one young woman named Robyn came. Robyn began classes with Rita and me.
Rita showed pre-recorded videos provided by Embrace Grace. The videos shared testimonies of God’s love, care, and redemption from young women who had been lost and felt unloved and unwanted. God rescued them and brought them into His family. We taught Scripture and answered questions. We listened to and loved on Robyn.
Robyn came to us with a newborn. Her baby was already two weeks old when she joined us for classes. Robyn also was living with her boyfriend. They struggled with work and making rent. Our church helped as much and as often as we could. At first, the Embrace Grace meetings were private. However, after a few classes, Robyn and her boyfriend attended church services, and our church welcomed them with open arms. They knew we loved them. They loved us back.
After several weeks of lessons, Rita threw Robyn a baby shower, which is one of the delightful requirements of the Embrace Grace program. Again, the ladies at church showered her with gifts and love.
One Wednesday evening, Robyn came to church upset. She wanted to talk to me privately. We met in my husband’s office, and I listened to her concerns. It was clear her greatest need was a Savior. There in Terry’s office, I prayed with her and led her to pray and ask Jesus to forgive her sins, to be her Lord and Savior. Such an awesome privilege!
Her boyfriend later met with Terry. He claimed to have been saved as a child but had not been following Jesus. He prayed a prayer of rededication with Terry. God was truly blessing this ministry.
Unfortunately, due to job and financial stress, Robyn moved out of state to be with her mother, but we stay in touch. She is so thankful she met Jesus and our congregation through Embrace Grace. Robyn is looking for a new church family in her home state. Please pray for her success in finding a church home that will help her grow in her life as a new believer in Christ.
We can reach people in many ways. I am thankful Rita has a heart for reaching out to other young women through Embrace Grace. I am thankful for lives touched and changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have begun a new session with a new young lady. Please pray for her, and pray for us as we minister the grace of Jesus to her and her family.
We have been embraced by God’s amazing grace!
About the Writer: Tammy and Terry Miller are NAM church planters in Greeley, Colorado. They are currently serving two churches: Highland Hills FWB Church in Greeley and Waypoint FWB Church in Fort Collins. Learn more: FWBNAM.com.
