Client Stories
It all began this past March 2008 when we realized Melissa was pregnant. Melissa thought she had the flu, but so far it’s lasted 8 mo’s!
Due to medical complications, Melissa was under the impression that it would be very difficult for her to conceive, so we had not taken precautions. We both had come to know the Lord at earlier times in our lives, however, we were living far from a lifestyle that was pleasing to God. Our lives were dependant upon drugs and alcohol and rehabilitation. My addiction I believe was due, to an abortion that I took part in earlier in my life and Melissa’s was due in part to what she saw and experienced in her home and prior relationships.
When we first began our relationship, Melissa was still legally married to another man. Our lives were a mess. We were attempting to find comfort, and purpose in our efforts to numb our emotional pain.
We knew we needed to be clean and separately began counsel with our pastors and support groups. We began attending church separately at this time, and it was a few months before finding out that we were pregnant, that I heard Michelle Forwood speak to my congregation about CPCS.
Knowing that we were definitely in a crisis pregnancy, I remembered the services that CPCS had to offer and I knew that somehow they could help us.
We now attend the same church and have enrolled in the Healthy Choice/Healthy Lifestyle Program at CPCS.
We have learned many things about the stages of pregnancy, what to expect when the baby is born and we’re even earning a crib, mattress and a pack & play.
The greatest lesson that we have learned is how important our choices are not only in our own personal lives, but also in the life of our child. The most exciting lesson learned is that we have a future to walk that all out. We are now free to have comfort in our lives with the Lord, each other and our child. We have found our purpose.
Steve & Melisa
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Hi, my name is Jen, I’m 33 years old and this is my journey.
A little over a year ago I was maintaining a lifestyle conducive to a teenager. I was living at home with my parents, coming and going as I pleased and cared primarily about whatever made myself feel good at the moment. I was raised going to church, I attended a Christian school from 4th grade to 9th grade and I had accepted the Lord when I was 7 yrs. old, however I clung to my stubbornness and perceived independence.
I was in a relationship with my baby’s father for approx. 2 years. During that time, we were on again, off again and it was always rocky. When I discovered that I was pregnant, he was at first in total denial and then threatened to take custody if I claimed child support. Knowing his involvement would not be healthy for my child, I ended contact with him.
During an evening of turmoil I confessed to my mother my thoughts that I might be pregnant. I told her that I had been feeling something strange inside and when my mom placed her hand on my abdomen, my baby kicked her hand! The deer in headlights look on my mother’s face confirmed my thinking.
We had been aware of CPCS through our church’s involvement and decided that we needed to go in for a pregnancy test. The test was positive and we scheduled an ultrasound at the Oxford
During the ultrasound Joyce had asked me how far along I thought I was? I responded with “oh, maybe 5 months”. No sooner had Joyce placed the probe on my abdomen and her expression was one of complete surprise. My baby kicked again and Joyce said, “this is no 5 month pregnancy…I think possibly you’re farther along”. Joyce took measurements and told me I was 33 weeks in my pregnancy. That’s 7 months!
My immediate thoughts were “Wow” and even though I was stunned I couldn’t get over the overwhelming knowledge that here is a life that I helped create! Seeing my child on the ultrasound screen created a shift within me. I no longer felt like the strong willed, independent woman. There was a softening that had taken place.
That evening while sitting alone, the Holy Spirit moved within me in a way I thought I never could imagine. I felt a cleansing taking place. I no longer felt dirty, ashamed, embarrassed and hurt. I knew everything would be all right. It may not be easy, but I wouldn’t be alone and that God would have his hand on our lives.
I enrolled in the Healthy Choice/Healthy Lifestyle program and I got a better understanding of my roll as a mom and how to care for baby. I learned basic parenting skills and it helped me take my focus off of myself and placing them on my child.
Cameron Louise was born November 20, 2007 and my life has changed dramatically. I am so glad that it has! I no longer want my old lifestyle and I really like who I have become. I have continued in the program and have reached the end. I have learned that although I am strong, Christ within me must be stronger and I need to remember that.
My experience with CPCS has been awesome. I have such appreciation and awe of what I have received from the staff and volunteers. Words cannot even describe how I feel. I have decided however, that I want to be a part of CPCS in a more pro-active way. I have completed a volunteer application and am currently awaiting my training as a peer counselor.
I want to say thank you to all of you who support CPCS and to those of you who are on staff and who volunteer. Without the prayers and everything that goes into this ministry day in and out, I don’t know how much my life would’ve changed. It is because of all that God blessed me with in the past year from this ministry, and getting the unending support from everyone, that I want to be a part of this ministry as a volunteer.
My journey is not over, but it is eternal.
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My name is Jenni and I recently turned 20 years old. In August of 2007 I realized that I might be pregnant. I turned to my mother who set up a doctor’s appt. for me. I took a pregnancy test and it was confirmed, I was pregnant. My immediate thoughts were “I’m too young, I don’t know what to do, and my dad’s gonna kill me”. I told my boyfriend and he was shocked, but he wanted our baby. My mother told my father and for several days I stayed away from him and we did not talk. He was struggling with disappointment and I struggled with the fear of rejection.
I was scheduled for an ultrasound and the only person who could take me was my dad. At the ultrasound appt. he was able to see my baby and he congratulated me and that made me feel loved and accepted. In the months that followed he said that he was hoping for a boy. But deep down inside, I knew better.
My mother and social worker both suggested that I consider taking the parenting classes that CPCS had to offer. I enrolled in the Healthy Choices/Healthy Lifestyle program.
Through the program I have learned things such as safety for my baby both in & out of the home, healthy communication with my baby and others, basic infant childcare & taking care of myself and building self esteem. I have enjoyed the classes and I am putting into practice what I’ve learned.
I feel CPCS has helped me be a better person and I feel more confidant about myself and being a good parent. One of the highlights of my classes is being able to meet with Faith who feels like another mom to me and she is the one who introduced me to Jesus Christ. I am now able to allow Jesus to lead me in the way I need to be.
On June 2, 2008 Kyree Rose arrived two days early. Although she’s not a boy, my dad isn’t disappointed and he loves spoiling her to death and handing her back!
Thank you CPCS and everyone who contributes. You are doing the right thing, so please keep up the good work.
Photos used with copyright from clients