Too Afraid To come To Our Office
Stories Tell It All
It was about 2pm on a Friday when the phone rang at the office, and I have to admit that I was hoping it would not be an urgent call. "Birthline. How may I help you?" I answered. All I could hear were sniffles, sobs and heavy breathing (more like gasping) at the other end. The person would not (or more like could not) answer me.
I continued to try to get them to speak ........ and finally a ver weak voice cried "I don't know what to do!"
"Now take a deep breath, and tell me about what it is that you don't know what to do about?" I responded.
"They all wanted me to have this abortion, and I have an appointment for tomorrow, and I am afraid. Will it hurt? Will the baby feel pain? Will I be able to have babies later on? I don't know what to do!" she blurted out.
So began the long conversation which led to going to her with our Mobile Office, as she was too afraid to come to our office in case someone found out. We drove and met her just a little north of Fort Collins.
When I saw her from a distance, she was huddled over, sitting on a bench and crying. I came up to her and said "Hi, I'm from Birthline, and I am here to help you know what to do". I put my arms around her, and just held and rocked her while she continued to cry, louder and louder.
We went into the Mobile Office which is just an RV without our magnetic signs on it. Our cozy little office in the back offered a warm, welcoming and safe feeling, because she began to blurt out all that was and had been happening in her life. She went on and on, about her boyfriend being 10 years older than she was and had promised her that he would be there for her if she got pregnant, but who "flew the coop" as soon as she told him that she was.
"He had told me that he loved me," she said.
We talked for about two and a half hours. Her parents had always told her that if she ever got pregnant, she would have to find herself another place to live and that they would totally disown her. She said she had a job, but thought she might lose it if she were pregnant, as she was required to do some heavy lifting. Her reasons for having this abortion went on and on. They were all legitimate reasons from her perspective.
It is difficult for me to explain the feeling that is experienced during one of these calls, but I can sincerely tell you that the words that come out are given from a higher power. I mean it. We do not and cannot teach a canned pitch for situations such as these. It has to come from our hearts, and I believe that the Holy Spirit is right there with us when we are speaking.
We proceeded to discuss (review), one at a time, the reasons that she had for having this abortion which was already scheduled. Each reason was discussed, and a response given regarding how we at Birthline could and would help her. Sometimes, I knew that I was going to have to pray in that specific help, but nevertheless, I knew that God knew what was needed and would provide. I have to believe that in my heart, or I/we could not do it. We must have discussed about six different reasons and for each one, I made a commitment to her to help.
Nearing the end of our meeting, we reached the point where she allowed me to pray with and for her. She burst into tears in the middle of the prayers.... and after I said "Amen" ....... she said "I never knew that there were people like you guys out there. You care for me and you don't even know me."
I replied, "Yes, and so does God. He is the one that gives us all that we need to be able to help you."
Our next step was to arrange a visit the following day so that I could go with her to tell her parents. Now this was another two or more hours and even far more intense. Her father hit the roof and I thought was going to grab and hit her. It was very emotional, but eventually, we all prayed together and I assured them all that we would be there to help them all no matter what.
The dad said "You know, I always told her if she got pregnant we would kick her out. I can see now that it is not what I should do, and as difficult as it is, I will go along with whatever you suggest we do." To which I replied, "Just show her love, and let us all work thru this step by step. The Lord will do the rest."
And so, the story goes on. We just found out that she is expecting twins, and that Dad is busy preparing the baby room for not one, but two grandkids.
Please keep this family in your prayers as they are still finding it difficult to accept
2346 Gilpin Street,