What Can One Person Do to Make a Difference?

A few years ago, Care Net National released research survey results regarding abortion and the church. The findings were staggering. More than 1 in 3 women who had an abortion were attending church at least once a month, but less than 10% of them said they were likely to discuss their pregnancy with anyone at church.

When faced with statistics like these, it can be difficult to know how to make a difference. Yet, when it comes to making an impact in our churches, even just one person can truly bring about change.

Caring Network has been supporting women facing unexpected pregnancy for almost 40 years. The topic of abortion can be a difficult one, yet conversations are taking place with individuals in our community and members in local congregations, as we work together to support life. Join with us in furthering our reach to help rescue more lives.

When the need seems so great, asking “what can one person do to make a difference?” can seem futile. Yet, throughout the Bible and our own history, we have observed God using individuals to bring about change. What may seem like a small effort on our part can have a huge impact in the kingdom of God.

So, what can one person do to make a difference regarding abortion?

Start with having a conversation. Often the topic of an unexpected pregnancy or a past abortion can seem “taboo” in our churches. But, just because it isn’t discussed, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Statistically, 1 in 4 women will have experienced an abortion by the age of 45.* The Care Net study also testifies to the fact that a percentage of these same women are going to our churches on a regular basis. Making these topics a part of our regular conversation goes a long way toward reducing the feelings of shame that keep women and men silent.
If you have a personal story, share it. Did you experience an unplanned pregnancy? A past abortion? Did you adopt a child? Sharing the ways that you have been impacted by an unexpected pregnancy (both the good and bad) allows other women and men who have experienced that to feel safe in opening up. It removes the walls of judgment that are often perceived to be surrounding the topics of pregnancy and abortion.
Present yourself as a “safe person.” Even if you do not have a personal experience with an unexpected pregnancy or abortion, you can be considered “safe” to open up to. We all have certain people that come to mind when we think of a “safe person.” It is someone who will listen, and who will pray. It is someone who will take time to truly hear the ins and outs of the situation, and come alongside the person who is sharing. Being a safe person starts with opening yourself up to others and leading with love.

Our churches are a vital first line of defense in issues of life. Caring Network partners with congregations as well as individuals in the community who are making an impact on a daily basis. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Life Advocate, contact us today. We can’t do this work without you!

References:

Care Net. (2016, July). Study of Women Who Have Had an Abortion and Their Views on Church. Lifeway Research.
Guttmacher Institute. (2018, January). Induced Abortion in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states.