Taking the First Step

[marycomm]

The first step in starting anything new is the hardest. Sometimes it's as simple as posting your desire to start an abortion recovery program in your church on this message board. However, IF God is calling you to this task, IF this assignment is from Him, ONCE you take that first step -- stepping out in faith -- He begins the ball rolling and you will be amazed as confirmation follows confirmation. And before you know it, the fear you have will be turned to excitement!

My encouragement to you today is to take that first step. Say it out loud -- or better yet, say it here! Then watch as God sends you confirmation and encouragment through other members of the body of Christ.

Our God is so good and His calling upon our lives is the greatest privilege! Be who God created you to be! Follow Him in complete surrender and obedience and experience His joy. That's what it's all about!

In His strength,
For His glory,
Mary

[iamhealed]

I really liked what you had to say in terms of just starting up a group....this is what I've been longing to do....so, how do I just "start it up"? Thanks....Karin

[marycomm]

Hi Karin, thanks so much for your question!

Taking the first step is making the decision to follow God in obedience. Before you can "just start up a group" you need some training and experience. Walking people through the healing process (following an abortion) is heavy stuff and I would never suggest that you can just make up your mind to do and form your first group. (If I communicated that in my earlier post I apologize!)

The second step --if you have been through a healing group yourself -- is to go through a training program. I can recommend a couple of good ones if you're interested. Of course, if you have had an abortion and haven't been through a healing group that would be your second step. (Does this sound confusing? I hope not!)

We always have to go through a group as a group member before we take on the responsibility of leading a group. Take the time to go about this the best way possible, Karin, and God will bless your obedience and your efforts.

If you have any more questions, feel free to post them here.

Blessings in Christ,
Mary

[iamhealed]

I have had an abortion (16 or so yrs ago), and I've gone through an extensive healing weekend retreat. I'm at the point now of waiting to volunteer at a women's clinic to "give back to women" what I never received back at the time.

Is there something within this website that I have to go through (training wise), or what does need to be done. And really, know you shouldn't just "start up" anything without knowing what is going on, this is why I'm asking questions. Can you please explain what I would need to do?

Karin

[marycomm]

Hi Karin,

I'm glad to hear you've been through an extensive healing time. One never knows what the other person's experience is and you can't be too careful.

I recommend you go through a facilitator's training. Kim Olson at Hope for the Heart in Dallas does a wonderful, comprehensive training. Her training is very sound and will give you the tools, knowledge and confidence to begin following God in this area. You can learn more about her training and teaching schedule at http://www.hopefortheheart.org/site/PageServer?pagename=mns_abortion_recovery_ministry.

There are several other organizations that do facilitator trainings. Go to Abortion Recovery International Network at http://www.abortionrecoverynetwork.org/Conferences.html to see a list.

Once you've been through the facilitator's training you will have a better idea of how to get your abortion recovery ministry started.

If at that point you would like more information on how to work with your church to bring abortion recovery in-house, I have just written a manual about how to begin going about that. It is in the preview stage and should be published within a month or two. Reference this forum message and I will send you a complimentary copy once it is published. (Check back periodically on our newsletter page for that announcement.)

I hope this is helpful, Karin. I pray God's very best for you as you embark upon this incredible journey! Please keep in touch to let us know how you're doing in this new adventure. And if there's anything else we can do to help along the way, just let us know!

Warmest regards in Christ,
Mary

[iamhealed]

Hi Mary -

I noticed though that IF I was to go through this "program", there isn't any in my area....I am unable to just pack up and travel due to my job/finances. So, what should I do?

Blessings~
Karin   

[marycomm]

Hi Karin,

I'm sorry for the delay in responding to your message. I've been out of town.

I appreciate your situation. Many people are unable to just pick up and leave town to do this kind of training. After praying about it, I have a recommendation.  Contact Sheila Harper at SaveOne.org. They have a DVD training, but better than that, SaveOne has an incredible network of SaveOne affiliates all over the US and around the world. There may be someone in your area with SaveOne that can train you. Sheila travels quite often, so there's also the possibility that she may be in your area sometime in the near future.

Please contact Sheila and tell her Mary from In Our Midst sent you. Sheila is an amazing woman of God and has a tremendous heart for this ministry. You will love her as I do.

Please let me know how all this works out... I pray God's VERY best for you! I know He will honor your desire to serve Him in this ministry.

Warmest regards in Christ,
Mary

[Mary CD]

Thanks for the help.  How do you advertise for a Post Abortion Recovery Bible Study in the church.  We have brouchures made out but do not know how to get the word out to people in the church about the ministry.  We are holding the classes in a local pregnancy center.  We thought having it on site at a church would not be good.  Any ideas and throughts about this.  Thanks
Mary CD