By: Rebecca Miller
Executive Director Mark Pitman welcomed viewers to a half hour virtual event on the evening of April 27, 2021. This venue allowed the area ministry, Community Pregnancy Centers of Northwest Ohio, the opportunity to communicate their update without holding a live gathering as they have always done in the past.
The video held a “small sampling of the many things that go on in the ministry on a regular basis.”
The mission of CPCNWO is to be a Christian organization that provides free assistance for unplanned pregnancies. They help bring healing for difficult situations and also share a sexual risk avoidance educational program.
In statistics, during 2020 they had nearly 4800 visits to all of the centers, over 5500 phone calls, 139 births, 14 people decided to follow Christ, almost 4000 Volunteer hours, and nearly 81,000 items away including everything from diapers to car seats and cribs.
He expressed his thanks to God for His blessing upon the ministry.
One lady shared how she was blessed to be in on the beginning days of CPC. Another lady shared she heard about it through the newsletters, and one learned of it through the church she attends.
These three shared that they got involved because of the need, because they wanted to stand against the horrors of abortion and for the joys of parenting, and because they love helping people.
Speaking about how the ultrasounds affect the clients, it was shared that when the heartbeat is heard and they actually see the baby “they go away determined to do whatever it takes to give life.” Some of the clients come from hard situations and need someone to walk through it with them.
The ladies all expressed how they love to walk with them and see the babies when they are born.
Many people donate items to the CPC and soon after a baby is born, the mother is given a Layette with everything they could possibly need, all wrapped in a homemade quilt, plus 60 diapers.
During their parenting classes they earn points and can purchase whatever they need from the donated supplies.
Items are also given out to anyone who needs them, such as bouncers, pack and plays and other large things that have been donated. CPC is very appreciative of all that has been given.
Volunteers are needed, so If you “want to grow in your trust of God, be stretched in your ability to listen to and encourage someone along their journey,” then Yes, they want you to volunteer at CPC. There is training for everyone as well as mentoring to learn how it is done. Help in the materials room is also welcome.
A few clients shared their stories of how they found out about CPC and how they were helped. Things mentioned were refresher classes, parenting training, what to expect during pregnancy and someone to confide in, practical services, financially helpful.
They recommended it to others as a great resource, a neutral non judgmental and friendly environment, and a place where you can get practical assistance.
Tami Rhodes spoke of her part in STI Services, explaining how as a nurse it is a wonderful opportunity to help women who find themselves in very hard situations. They get to help with their physical health and spiritual health.
She shared how the girls who come in are often very frustrated and have have never heard of God’s promises for them. “They don’t know that he wants a relationship with them,” she said.
“We want to help them with their physical health but also with their spiritual.” Her joy in seeing “God working” was evident as she spoke about how things work out when it doesn’t look like they could possibly happen.
She also mentioned that they do try to get the clients help outside of CPC, for whatever their needs are. Covid 19, mask wearing regulations have made it harder, as well as not being able to hug the clients when they need it.
Pitman further explained how CPC is blessed to help them make wise and healthy decisions in their challenges. Whatever the situation, the conversations can be challenging but in all of those, CPC wants to look at it from a redemptive perspective, to bring about something that may be very different from what they have thought of.
“How can we help them think about things that might not have been high on their radar but will be helpful in the redemption.”
Gary Stuckey presented information and stories of how Project Respect has been helpful to many students as it enables students to learn how to make good choices.
One example was of a presenter in the Juvenile Detention Center when a boy was saying it was fine for him to have sex with any girl and he did not need to have any responsibility for any possible babies.
He also spoke of his father and how he had never been around. The presenter asked him quietly if that is the kind of father he would like to be. The boy was touched and realized that he needs to make some changes.
A number of middle school students said how Project Respect has helped them. They mentioned that it has helped them to get focused in the way they view this stage of life and the need to walk in abstinence.
A call to get involved in whatever way you can was shared at the end by Director Pitman. The three ways to help are 1. Pray, 2. Volunteer, and 3. Donate financially.
In order to get involved, one may give online at their website, cpcnwo.org or contact them at one of the four sites: Bryan 419-636-5691, Wauseon 419-335-0117, Defiance 419-784-4062 or Napoleon 419-591-1453.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com