Displaying items by tag: purpose

by Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services Heartbat International

Every one of us who serves in the pregnancy help movement knows the reality of the battle we are engaged in. On the surface, our work can look like simply handing out baby supplies, providing ultrasounds, or offering encouragement to a mother in crisis. But beneath all of that is something deeper. We are standing in the midst of a spiritual struggle between life and death, light and darkness.

Earlier this year, when I was still working at a local pregnancy center, I was reminded of this in a vivid way. One day, word spread quickly that an ambulance was parked outside our local abortion clinic. My heart sank the moment I heard. An ambulance at an abortion clinic rarely signals anything good. Behind those walls, a tragedy was unfolding. A life had been lost, and perhaps even more - the hearts of those involved were shattered. The weight of that reality settled heavily on me, as it has on many of us when confronted with the harsh consequences of abortion.

It was a sobering reminder of the darkness that seeks to envelop us daily. That ambulance became, in my mind, a symbol of despair, of brokenness, of lives cut short and hearts shattered. It reminded me that the decisions made in those rooms ripple outward with devastating consequences—not only for the unborn but also for the mothers, fathers, and families who will carry the pain.

Yet, just two days later, I found myself staring at another ambulance. This time, it was parked outside our very own pregnancy center. But the story behind this ambulance was strikingly different. A young woman had come to us for a simple reason: to pick up supplies for her baby. In the midst of her appointment, she unexpectedly went into labor. Our nurses immediately jumped into action—not just with skill and training, but with compassion and calm assurance. They offered comfort, encouragement, and the steady presence that every mother longs for in such a moment.

As we waited for EMTs to arrive, the atmosphere in our center was completely different from the scene I had imagined at the abortion clinic just days earlier. Instead of despair, there was anticipation. Instead of loss, there was the promise of new life. Standing there, I could sense the presence of the Lord—His peace filling the room, His fingerprints all over this unexpected moment.

Those two ambulances have stayed with me. They represent the contrast we live with every day. On one side, the darkness of death and destruction. On the other side, the light of life and hope. John 1:5 says it so clearly: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

This is why we do what we do: every conversation with a client, every parenting class taught, every ultrasound offered, every prayer whispered, every act of compassion, no matter how small, is part of this great mission of pushing back the darkness. Sometimes it feels like we are just a flicker in a storm. However, the truth of God’s Word reminds us that even the smallest light has power in the darkest of darkness. And the darkness cannot win.

When I think back to those two scenes, I am reminded of the privilege we have to be bearers of light. We are ambassadors of hope. We are witnesses to God’s redemptive work in the lives of mothers and families. We are frontline workers in a battle where every smile, every prayer, every gentle word of truth makes a difference.

So, when the days feel heavy and the stories weigh on your heart, remember those two ambulances. Let them remind you of the incredible difference we are making—between despair and hope, between death and life. Take courage in knowing that the mission you serve in is one that will endure—it cannot be overcome.

I count it a true joy and privilege to serve in this calling alongside you. Together, we carry the light of Christ into the darkest places, and that light only grows stronger with every step of faith.

The darkness will never prevail—victory belongs to the Lord, and we get to share in it every single day.

by Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services

In the work we do, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next—the next client, grant, or event. We talk about goals, impact, and growth. And rightly so. Numbers matter. But let’s not forget: people are the numbers. Every statistic is a name, a face, a life that matters deeply to God.

I want to share a story that reminds me to slow down and see the harvest right in front of me.

A Seed Planted

Over a decade ago, before I worked at a pregnancy center, I met Destiny. She was 18, newly pregnant, and scared. A mutual friend introduced us, and I invited her to the Teen MOPS group my friend Amy and I had just launched. Teen MOPS (Teen Mothers of Preschoolers) is a support group for young moms.

Destiny declined—shy, anxious, and overwhelmed. Not long after, she miscarried. I sent her a book that had brought me comfort during my miscarriage years earlier, and she thanked me sincerely. That simple gesture planted a seed.

Staying Connected

Destiny moved forward—working jobs, starting college—but stayed connected. While working at a pizza place, she convinced her manager to donate pizzas to our Teen MOPS group because she believed in what we were doing. Later, when pregnant again, she came—hesitant but brave. She found encouragement there and was inspired by the other young moms.

By the time her baby was born, I was on staff at our local pregnancy center, and a few years later, I became Executive Director. Destiny stayed in touch and, with each pregnancy, returned for ultrasounds.

Over the years, Amy, the nurse manager I had hired, and I walked with Destiny through parenting, relationship struggles, and life transitions. She donated gently used baby items, referred friends, and even told me about a community grant through her new job. We applied--and have received that grant every year.

A Critical Crossroads

Then came her fifth pregnancy. It was high-risk and came soon after her fourth. The pressure to abort was intense—even from her doctor’s office. She and Devin, now her fiancé, were scared and overwhelmed. They felt abortion was their only option. But in the middle of that storm, our team was there. At her ultrasound appointment, Amy gently walked Destiny through the facts and risks of abortion, while Devin spoke with one of our male advocates. Still, they left undecided.

Over the following weeks, Amy and I exchanged countless late-night texts with Destiny. She wrestled with fear, doubt, and exhaustion. We reminded her that she was already a loving mother—and that she and Devin were great parents. Raising a fifth child would be hard, yes—but so worth it.

The Turning Point

Early in the pregnancy, they took a family trip to Florida and passed several pro-life billboards. Destiny later told us, “It was like God was speaking directly to us.” That time away gave them space to reflect without outside pressure. The messages they saw helped shift their perspective. Together, they chose life. 

A Full-Circle Moment

That baby—Dayanna—was featured in a video testimony we recorded for our fall banquet when Destiny was nearly nine months pregnant. They attended the banquet with their newborn in their arms. Afterward, Destiny told us,  “So many people thanked me for keeping my baby. It opened my eyes. People do care.”

A few months later, she invited Amy and me to witness her baptism. We stood beside her on stage as she shared her testimony, and I had the privilege of praying over her. That moment was one of those rare, sacred glimpses of God’s faithfulness—a powerful reminder of the life-affirming work we’re so privileged to be part of.

A Message I’ll Never Forget

Earlier this year, she texted me:

“Kathy, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. You're amazing. Thank you for convincing me to keep Dayanna.
She is my world… Your heart is so pure. ❤️ Love you, dude.”

Don’t Miss the Harvest

Friends, we are seed-planters. But if we don’t pause to look, we might miss the harvest that’s already growing. It may not come with applause or recognition. Sometimes, it’s seen in tiny hands and feet—or in the tearful testimony of a life forever changed.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
                                                      —Galatians 6:9