“Precious Life is a ministry where God actively works in the hearts of women in need, in the volunteers, and in the staff. This is a place to be ministered to and to minister, to have needs met and to be used in meeting the needs of others. This is a place to witness God’s love overflowing, both into your life and through your life. This is a place without judgment, where tears and smiles are both welcome, a place where sadness and joy are shared. This is a place worth spending some time, where I find satisfaction in serving my God by serving others.”
Feeling a desire to serve God more, I was inspired by my mother, who volunteers at her local food bank, to look for opportunities for ministry in my community. Little did I know the great things that were in store for me when a local service organization held a Baby Shower event. My friend at church encouraged our women’s group to gather donations, then asked me to help her deliver our gifts to Precious Life. After a tour of the office and the Baby Boutique, I had a longing to become an active part of this ministry. Who can resist all those cute baby clothes? But God wanted more from me and for me than saying “Ooh!” and “Aah!”.
Here at Precious Life, I have grown in my faith as God has taught me how to minister to young women in crisis, in need, and who don’t have. My eyes were opened when my trainer, Sharon, helped me understand the term ‘transitional’: individuals who may be living with an acquaintance, friend or family member but who have no security that they will have a place to sleep or food to eat tomorrow. When that individual is a pregnant woman, there may be abuse, there is rarely a job and there is hardly ever a car. The needs of such a woman are much simpler than what you expect for your middle-income friend (consider needing to pack up everything you own and move in a moments notice). I was brought to tears when I understood, which God has transformed to joy as I now have the privilege to minister to women who may be transitional, have low income, may be escaping abuse and have a variety of needs.
When I volunteer, I get to connect with young women, while sharing with them instructional videos about what to expect with pregnancy and their coming child. Having the opportunity to shower them with love and caring through the donations of churches and individuals, I get to see God answer prayer and meet some of the needs of people who walk through our door. I am blessed to be encouraged by the staff and other volunteers as we work together, and have grown in knowing how I can best serve the ministry and what are some of my limitations.
Precious Life has given me many opportunities to volunteer. I organized a donation opportunity at my church, called Fill the Crib, to help restock the Baby Boutique on Giving Tuesday (the first one after Thanksgiving). I have brought awareness of what Precious Life has to offer by talking to family, friends, and co-workers. My family has gotten involved in all phases of the annual Baby Bottle Campaign: we prepared baby bottles at home, delivered and gathered these bottles to and from churches, and helped count money donated during the campaign. I especially like praying for and working with clients in the Earn While You Learn program and helping to restock the Baby Boutique (I get to say “Ooh!” and “Aah!” while putting away cute baby clothes!)
I recently got to share my excitement about seeing God work through this ministry with one of my co-workers who showed interest as we talked about what I do on my days off. When asked if she wanted to donate to my church’s Fill the Crib campaign, she joyfully gave a whole shopping bag of baby clothes. I also invited her and her husband to the Annual Spring Fundraising Banquet, where we got to bond as I shared the many ways available to minister to women locally and in Romania; where Precious Life partners with My Brother’s Keeper. Now she is longing to find where she might fit in with this ministry.
I hope reading this has encouraged you to find opportunities to serve!
– Suzanne Petersen