A Message from the Chairman
These were the words of Jesus to His disciples after His encounter with the Samaritan woman. He reminded them that the harvest was ripe and many were ready to receive Him if they only knew.
This led Him to recount the principle of the harvest. When we reap a harvest it is because someone has done the hard work before us. No harvest has ever been gathered without someone first planting, watering, and cultivating that crop.It seems to me that there are a couple of lessons for us to remember as we consider the ministry of First Choice for Women.The fact of the matter is that the great opportunities, influence, and accomplishments that we enjoy today are a result of those who went before us and made theway. There were times when First Choice (then Heart to Heart) did not have the opportunities and resources that we enjoy today. Many sacrificed, worked hard without commendation, and prepared the way for the harvest and blessing that we now know. To those we say “Thank you! We are here today, standing on your shoulders and gathering the harvest that you made possible.” We must never let that reality escape us.A second important lesson for us to remember is that we are today working hard so that others may one day gather an even greater harvest. Hundreds of thousands of babies are still murdered every year in the United States and many of their mothers feel there is no hope or alternative.There is still much to be done–centers to be built, resources to provide, hope to be offered, and lives to be saved. While those of us at First Choice for Women right now may not see the full reaping of benefits in our tenure, or even in our lifetime, we must work tirelessly and give sacrificially to ensure that the harvest will one day come. As one aptly noted:I must never forget that the blessing I reap was first planted, watered, and cultivated before I enjoyed it. What I reap may be because others toiled thanklessly before me. What seems tedious and fruitless for me now may produce a great harvest for another later.Great Blessings,Kevin J. HoltChairman, Board of Directors
