The Client Connection

Power in PrayerEach day the staff and volunteers of First Choice for Women have the privilege of sharing the hope of the Gospel and the love of Jesus with our clients. We look for opportunities to share the Gospel in everything we say and do. The love of Jesus takes many forms - a warm smile, a listening ear, a Bible or gospel tract, or even a free package of diapers. But prayer is the key to opening the door to the Holy Spirit’s work in our clients’ hearts.When Chris and Molly (names have been changed) came to First Choice they were distressed and in despair. Their newborn had been removed from their home by the Department of Child Services. As young, inexperienced parents, Chris and Molly had not realized that some of their parenting decisions were actually harming the baby. They came to us for parenting education in hopes of being reunited with their child.Carla, a First Choice client advocate, listened compassionately to their story. After the first parenting lesson was complete, she asked if she could pray with them. The father looked at her hesitantly and said “But I’m Wiccan.” Undaunted, Carla said, “That’s ok; I can still pray for you.” Although Chris just looked at his cell phone during that first prayer, his heart has since been softened to the point that he and Molly now bring Carla specific prayer requests each week! Please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will use the seeds of these prayers to bring about the fruit of salvation.Sowing Seeds for LifeWe are often “seed planters” with our clients, but occasionally we have the honor of participating in the harvest!When Susan came in for a pregnancy test, I asked her about her spiritual beliefs. “I used to be very close to Jesus,” she stated. “But I feel like I’ve drifted away.” When I asked her why she felt this way, Susan noted that she and her parents were Christians and used to go to church, but now do not. She started to weep, “I feel like a failure to God.” We talked about a relationship with Jesus based on asking forgiveness and accepting the sacrifice He made for all of us at the cross. We talked about her life choices and that God’s grace is available to her, right now. We prayed together and Susan rededicated her life to Jesus!Hosea 10:12 speaks of planting the seeds of righteousness and harvesting a crop of love. Please pray for the staff and volunteers of First Choice for Women that we will be sensitive to every opportunity to share with our clients the love and hope found only in Jesus.FAST FACTS31-41%The most common reason that adolescents ages 15-19 gave for not having sex was that it was “against religion or morals” (41% of females and 31% of males).44-49%Among unmarried 15-19-year-olds, 44% of females and 49% of males had had intercourse.