For You From The Word
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again. (Jeremiah 31:3-4, NIV).
For You To Think About
Raquel and her daughter
When a drunken one-night stand on her 21st birthday led to an unplanned pregnancy, Raquel Kato was terrified. Five positive pregnancy tests later, the single college student finally accepted the truth … and scheduled an abortion.
In the days leading up to her appointment, Raquel attended church. She sat in the back with her head down. The weekend right before my scheduled abortion God spoke to her soul. “He loved me too much to let me off the hook,” said Raquel. She cancelled the abortion and gave birth to a baby girl, whom she named AveMarie Rose, in October 2012.
Support from friends, family, and neighbors meant that Raquel was able to complete her undergraduate degree, maintain a part-time job, and begin graduate school. Her goal is to ultimately support her daughter with a stable job. “None of this would be possible without those people helping me with childcare,” Raquel stressed.
Raquel’s story spread on the internet as she began blogging, giving interviews, and responding to other women in crisis.
The most important thing she hopes others can learn take from her story is an understanding of how to love mothers who are face unplanned pregnancy. They need practical help and they need love and compassion. “These women are broken and scared,” she explained. “They need to be reminded that they are loved in the midst of brokenness.”
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Touch hearts in women who face an unplanned pregnancy. Let them know their dignity, value, and worth. Place people in their lives who reflect love and offer practical help.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More on Serving Pregnant College Students
How to Save Lives on College Campuses
58% College Age Students Don’t Know Where to Get Pregnancy Support