In downtown Greenville, KY there is an amazing ministry called Pathway of Hope that ministers to families who are facing unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. This ministry, directed by North American Mission Board missionary Diana Anderson, helps these families to make life-affirming choices, with their main goals to love on those they serve, share factual information with them, and be Christ-like in their love for them. “We want them to see Christ through us,” Diana says. “We try to share Christ with everyone that comes in the door.”
Since the ministry opened, nearly twelve years ago (October 2004), they have seen 76 persons accept Christ as their personal Savior. Several others have recommitted their life to Christ, Pathway of Hope helps their clients to find, and get connected with, a church close to where they live.
Other services provided (free of charge) by Pathway of Hope include pregnancy tests, diapers and wipes, clothing (from newborn to size 5T), and anything baby-wise. They can use donated items, even homemade items such as baby blankets, etc.
Pathway of Hope works with at-risk parents through Social Services and the court system. Those include parents at risk of losing their children due to drug issues, domestic violence, disciplinary issues, etc. Their “Earn While You Learn” curriculum, written for pregnancy center use, is an education program that deals with many of the needs these families face. Post-abortion Bible studies also allow them to see the transformation and healing that God provides.
Diana says there has never been a true need that God has not already provided what the person needed. One day a lady come to Pathway of Hope in need of a car. She had a newborn baby boy with a benign tumor on his forehead. The father walked out of their lives and they needed a mode of transportation to get to Louisville every other week for treatment. At 10:30 that morning they prayed specifically for this need. At 3:30 that same afternoon, the answer came. Another single lady called saying she had gotten a new car and would like to give the old one to someone that could use it. The car had new tires and had just been serviced. The two ladies met, the car exchange took place, and there was much rejoicing.
When asked about how someone could help at the ministry, Diana recommended they seek out pregnancy care centers in their own area and see if they might meet a need. “The needs are generally for volunteer labor, financial needs, material needs and, most of all, prayer. It is not an easy job,” she says, but it is sure making a difference in the lives of so many families and children.
Please pray for Diana and Pathway of Hope as they minister to these families. Pray for them to be bold in their witness. Pray for other pregnancy care centers across the state. Then, go to http://www.kybaptist.org/pregnancycare/ to find a pregnancy care center in your area and see how you might get involved. If you know of a center in your area that is not listed, one that is private, Christian based and Southern Baptist connected through a local church and/or association, we are interested in working with them as well. Contact us at [email protected] with that information.
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