Sharing Bella’s Story and Mary’s Heart

Good morning!

Since this is Valentine’s Day, it seems only appropriate that I share my heart with you today. But first, a story:

Bella* came to us in late January and sobbed throughout her ultrasound, she told our sonographer “I’m so sad because I can’t keep it”. Ben*, the father of the baby, was with her and although he was polite, he did not appear moved by the tiny baby or the sound of the heartbeat. Our staff spent time with Bella and Ben, patiently explaining abortion procedures and encouraging them to choose life. Bella left saying she felt both the pregnancy and the relationship needed to be over. 

Bella shared with us this week what happened when she and Ben went home. She said it was “emotional and upsetting for both of them”. Ben told her the coaching they received here helped him see “what he was asking her to do”—but he still felt “overwhelmed” thinking of the responsibility of a child. He walks to work every day at his entry level job. Over the next few days our prayers were answered, and Ben came to realize the emotional toll an abortion would take on Bella. 

Together they decided to trust God and have this baby. In Bella’s words, “I believe God and I told Ben that He will bless us when we continue in His ways.” 

When Bella had a second ultrasound, she said, “this place has been such a blessing to me, you all have been kind and supportive and made such a difference in my life.” 

I know you rejoice with every one of us here at Queen City Pregnancy Resource Center over all the Bellas and Bens who choose life for their unborn children. But today, there’s something else on my heart. And that is continuing to serve Bella, Ben and their baby by leading them deeper in their walk with Christ. 

Two years into ministry, QC PRC has a thriving Continuum of Care program that helps our clients with their practical needs. And our HOPE classes for pregnant moms and Father’s Place for dads are both bursting at the seams. These programs provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the families we serve. 

But we feel God stirring our hearts to do more to lead these families back to Christ and the Church for discipleship. God has used churches throughout Charlotte to build and support QC PRC in ways that have humbled us and brought us to tears. Now, we believe He’s leading us to ask churches to connect our clients with families in their congregations who can build relationships that will lead to discipleship opportunities. Would you pray for the churches and for us as we begin to have these conversations? 

You support and pray for this ministry because you believe in our mission statement to serve the client, save the child and share the Gospel. As we enter our third year of ministry, we continue working diligently to discover the best ways to serve, save and share. But in 2024, we are especially focusing on finding the most effective ways to share the Gospel and to disciple our clients and their families. It’s our prayer that God will use QC PRC to help them experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ in their lives.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your giving. And thank you for being a safe place to share my heart! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Love, 

Mary 

P.S. We have a post abortion recovery group starting Feb 22nd. Please feel free to email me for more details if you or someone you know would like to be a part of this 8-week Bible study. 

P.P.S. I am so hopeful that you and 8 of your best friends can join us for our 2nd annual Night for Life April 9th at the Charlotte Convention Center. Your Save the Date should have already arrived in your mailbox, and your invitation will follow on the first of March. Details and registration can be found here.

1 Peter 4:8

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other,

for love covers a multitude of sins.