Lifeline Quarterly – Spring 2021
God Remains the Same
By Carmen Scott
Welcome to 2021. This year is the year of the New Normal. It seems that we have just accepted that this is it. This is life now. THIS IS NORMAL.
Marketing teams everywhere are making millions off the latest hashtag #WFH (Work from Home), focusing on comfortable sportswear and cute sweatpants. Comical as it may be, changing out of our PJ’s and into sweats to head over to the kitchen table “Home Office” where we simultaneously transform into employees and home school teachers has become our “New Normal.”
If you are like me, you had high hopes that New Year’s Eve was going to close the door on the heartache and chaos of 2020, and open up the possibilities of a fresh, bright new year full of possibilities. I know I am not the only one watching my new, shiny planner fill up with one Zoom meeting after another instead of family events, vacations, and parties with friends. Who would have thought that we would miss business lunches and chatting with co-workers in person? What we wouldn’t give for a hug or to see an actual smiling face!
So, what have I learned through all of this? God remains the same. Even though we are still experiencing this “New Normal”, our constant is still and ever will be God’s promise to us.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come to me and pray to me and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:11-12
He hears us. He knows our hearts. We know that His plan is perfect. At Pathways, we see daily that unexpected blessings happen in even the worst of situations. This is His reminder that “all things work together for His good!” Normal is relative, yet “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8
Avery’s Story: How You Saved a Life
Avery recently visited Pathways, scared and confused, facing an unplanned pregnancy. During her visit, she confided that she was in an unstable relationship and living situation. She was sure that she would not have support from the baby’s father or from her family.
Avery was given a pregnancy test and was able to talk to her client advocate and our RN about her situation and her concerns. She decided against having an ultrasound that day, but she did accept her “Positive Pregnancy Test Bag” — a gift that clients receive that includes pre-natal vitamins, a beautiful book about early pregnancy and health, flyers and information regarding help and resources available at Pathways and in the community, and a small personal gift. In Avery’s case, the gift was a crochet baby hat.
We were thrilled when Avery called us a short time later requesting an ultrasound! During her appointment, she tearfully let us know that she had scheduled an appointment with Planned Parenthood, but then found the tiny hat in her bag and cancelled it. She said it made her realize she was carrying a baby, not a problem.
Because you keep Pathways and our clients in prayer, because you volunteer your time, because you donate sacrificially, Avery had the opportunity to encounter God’s love and grace. Your faithful support changed Avery’s mind and saved her baby’s life!
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
By Kimberli Swenson
Walk by faith, not by sight. That is what we are called to do as a Christian, but as a human being, it is very often the hardest command to follow.
Every day, we are bombarded by worldly influence. Surrounded by so much chaos, it can be hard at times to be still and not give in to our innate human need to control or to be overcome by doubt and fear. This is when it becomes imperative that we keep our focus on God even during our most turbulent trials.
Our country is facing unprecedented times. God’s people are being divided and sifted. Our government is embracing ideology that teaches human life has no value, and that women should “Shout their abortions.” Protections for our precious babies were ceremoniously undone with a single signature. Abortion is once again funded by the US worldwide. This blatant attack on children does not stop with the pre-born.
Nationwide, states are mandating Comprehensive Sexual Education be implemented in our public schools starting in kindergarten. It is to be entwined throughout every curricula including social and emotional learning, leaving the “opt out” option for parents null and void. This curriculum includes teaching adolescents to find a trusted adult other than a parent, that gender is a social construct and changeable upon a whim, and that pregnancy resource centers like Pathways are “fake” clinics that trick, mislead, and shame women into keeping their babies.
As Christians, we should recognize this as our call to battle. We need to know what is going on in our schools and what our kids are learning, and we need to keep our legislators’ toes to the fire. Do you know who your legislators are? Do you know how to see what bills are coming up for hearings and votes? Do you want to know what is included in Comprehensive Sex Ed and where you can find an alternative for your child or grandchild? I am happy to meet with you and share how Pathways can help you create awareness, join the fight to protect our kids, and arm them against the pull of the world.
“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
Will You Pray with Us? A Pathways Prayer Tour
The Word instructs us to pray in all things (Philippians 4:6). At Pathways, we honor this command in everything we do. Our staff comes together to pray before each and every shift. We pray for our clients, the clinic, each other, and our community. Our Board of Directors opens and closes every meeting in prayer and asks for God’s guidance for every decision. We have a Prayer Partner email list where we share monthly requests and praises with supporters who have signed up as partners.
Prayer is integral to everything we do. It is important to us to honor God and to follow His will as He has entrusted His ministry to us. We believe in the power of prayer and have seen the blessings He bestows when we are faithful.
We would like to invite you to join us as we give thanks and lift our hearts to Him during a special day dedicated to guided prayer over every aspect of the Pathways Ministry. On March 20th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the clinic will be open for you to come and pray over each area. We invite you to come individually, with your family, or with your church group. We will have prayer boards in each room of the clinic to help guide you, and our Executive Director, Kimberli, will be here to answer any questions you may have about Pathways.
Give us a call if you have any questions or to RSVP: 360-834-7256
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Our Expanding Family: Meet Our New Nurses and Board Member
We are so excited to welcome new members to the Pathways family! Please join us in welcoming our new nurses Deb Collins, RN (Nurse Manager) and Sherry McKinney, RN, as well as our new Board Member, Makayla Blum. We are so blessed to have them serving alongside us in this mission.
Upcoming Events
- Prayer Tour — March 20, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Passover — March 27
- Easter Sunday — April 4
- Spring Blood Drive — May 14
- Run for Life — June 12
- Banquet Gala — October 15
- Christmas Toy Drive — November 1 – December 23
📄 Download the original Lifeline Quarterly 2021 Vol. 1 newsletter (PDF)