Lead 222 Serves at First Choice
First Choice for Women was blessed with the assistance of a group of students from Wheaton, Illinois as part of Lead 222, a youth pastor coaching organization. Lead 222, in conjunction with Eastside Church of God in Anderson, sponsored the event where youth from all over the Midwest converged at Anderson University, to spend a week serving the Anderson community. They sorted baby clothes, cleaned our facility, helped with a mailing and provided prayer support. “It was very impactful, “stated leader, Allison Crowley. “Especially when we prayed in each room for the clients of First Choice.”The experience was especially meaningful for student Sarah, whose great-grandmother had been faced with an unplanned pregnancy. “My great-grandmother was raped and in a very abusive relationship” shared Sarah. “Her husband said he would not raise someone else’s baby and threatened to kill the baby if she continued with the pregnancy.” Alone in
the attic of her house, this brave woman delivered a little girl and placed her for adoption. “My grandmother was raised in a loving Christian home,” Sarah continued. “If not for the courage of my great-grandmother, I would not be here. That’s why I want to be involved in this type of ministry.”The Illinois group was joined by two Liberty Christian School students who served as local leaders of the group. “We have enjoyed building new relationships as we work together,” said Jessica. She and fellow student Ally attend East Side Church of God and plan on continuing to volunteer with First Choice in the future.Matt Swigart, point leader for the mission trip, shared his objective for the week. “As youth pastors and students spend time with us learning about servant leadership, it is our hope that they will go home and live it out more fully in their own communities.”
