Lifeline Quarterly – Summer 2021
How to Let Faith be Bigger than Our Fear
By Carmen Scott
Fear is a common emotion. So common, in fact, that the phrase “fear not” is mentioned in The Bible 365 times. He has given us literally one scripture to calm our fears for every day of the year. How amazing is our God? He knew we would have this powerful emotion so He made sure we had access to His Word for comfort and peace! I know that sometimes when I pray, I am more inclined to believe that my request will most likely not be answered favorably rather than believing that it will. I like to think of myself as a strong person, but I certainly have things that get to me. I have to admit that once fear is in my mind, it is hard to get those thoughts out of my head. It isn’t always easy to hold those thoughts captive and rely on God to take them. Thankfully, He goes before us and we can’t impose our limits on Him! He is limitless!
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
Fear is a liar. The author of those lies wants to keep us captive in our fears. It is for us to discern who is for peace, who is for disaster, and to choose which voice we listen to. Proverbs 12:25 says “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Remember to encourage one another and be in prayer for one another.
What are your fears? Do you let them take control or do you give them to God?
Here are just a few of His 365 reminders to give your concerns to Him and let them go:
“He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. You are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1
“And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him…”
Romans 8:28
Marie’s Story: Answered Prayers
In December, just a few days before Christmas, Marie came to Pathways cold, scared, and alone. At 18, she was homeless, unemployed, and pregnant. It seemed to her, in the midst of all the turmoil, that an abortion was the only choice.
Our Volunteer RN, Jenine, spent some time with Marie, talking to her about her situation and sharing about her options while providing a much needed shoulder and support. Marie let Jenine know that she and her boyfriend would like to keep the baby but just had no way to support a child. Jenine offered Marie an ultrasound appointment as well as information from some of our community partners that provide support to moms in need.
Marie accepted and came in 3 days after Christmas for her ultrasound. We quickly discovered she was much further along than she thought. The ultrasound showed a happy, healthy, perfectly formed 17 week fetus! Upon leaving the clinic, Marie stated she wanted to carry her baby, but was unsure if she could do it with her circumstances.
We received a phone call from Marie in February, requesting emergency help to find shelter during our crazy winter snowstorm. We were able to connect her with resources and confirm that she was under a doctor’s care.
We tried to follow up with Marie, but as is often the case, we were unable to connect. As we were getting ready for Run for Life, Marie arrived at the clinic with her boyfriend and her brand new baby girl. God showed us how He answers our prayers!
What it Means to be Chosen
By Kimberli Swenson
I am sure by now you have seen, or at least heard of, the series, The Chosen. If you haven’t watched it yet, take two days, several boxes of tissues, and make it a family binge event. You simply HAVE to watch this show. It is life changing in so many ways. Whether you are watching for the first time, or the 10th, every single episode is full of the beautiful heartache that is God’s love for us. Watch Jonathon Roumie’s (Jesus) face, his eyes. You can see the joy, the fear, the utter heartbrokenness that we, His children, cause.
Yet He calls us. We break His heart and He calls us. We disappoint Him and He calls us. His one desire is that we be still and truly hear Him calling us. You see this over and over again in this wonderful show. His Disciples continually argue, try to work things out on their own, walk away, come back, fail, break down, misunderstand… yet He is patient. He waits. He calls again. To see this portrayed in such a beautiful way gives us such awesome insight into how He is working in our lives. It has helped me to look back and see exactly how He has called me and how His plan has connected even the worst events in my life to work for my good for His purpose.
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:8-9
So what does it mean to be chosen? For His Disciples, it meant giving up everything, even their lives, to follow Him. For us, it means taking the time to listen. It means being still when our instincts and emotions demand action. It means knowing that He is always there to hold us up when we fail. Ultimately, it means we are loved beyond our comprehension. Could you imagine sacrificing your child for the sake of another? That is how He loves us. That is why He continues to choose us, even when we refuse to answer His call. He loves us that much.
We are so blessed at Pathways to be His chosen for this mission. I am thankful every single day that He called me to this ministry. To have the privilege of sharing His infinite love and grace with those who so desperately need Him is beyond rewarding. I am also so very thankful that He has chosen you to hear His call to love and support His broken children. We truly couldn’t do this without you.
“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
John 15:16
Run with a Purpose: Run for Life!
It is so hard to believe that Run for Life has already come and gone! This year seems to be flying by at the speed of light! Thank you for praying for and supporting this event. What an amazing day we had! It was such a blessing to be out together in the sunshine praising God and supporting LIFE!
We had an amazing turnout, even with Covid. So many families and friends coming together, it was truly beautiful to see. We were blessed to have Chris and Crystal from 104.1 The Fish join us and broadcast from the event. They brought a whole new level of fun and helped us reach even more supporters!
We had 183 runners/walkers, more than 300 donors, 15 teams, 20 sponsors, and 25 volunteers come together to raise just over $47,000!!
A New Adventure: Expanding Our Reach
We have recently begun working with Mountain View Christian Center in Ridgefield to add a Pathways Baby Boutique to their campus. Pastor Brandon and his congregation have a huge heart for the Pathways Ministry and for sharing the Gospel. We are excited to combine our efforts to reach those in need in our greater community. We will keep you updated on progress, needs, and the schedule. We would appreciate your continued prayer over this new adventure.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Can You Help?
Pathways is growing and expanding and we have several volunteer positions available. If you are interested in learning more, give us a call at the clinic (360-834-2829) or send us an email (clinic@pathways180.com). We would love to meet you and share our volunteer opportunities with you.
Are you an OBGYN, RDMS, RN, MD, or ARNP that has a passion for Pro-Life? We want to hear from you! We have an immediate need for medical professionals to join our family volunteering in clinic with patients or from home reading ultrasounds. Give us a call today!
📄 Download the original Lifeline Quarterly 2021 Vol. 1 newsletter (PDF)