Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf Summer 2014 | Page 8

Reaching Out to Women and Families By Margie Winkler “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him…(Genesis 1:27). Human life is precious because it is created in the image and likeness of God. At the Woman’s Enrichment Center, this attitude is exemplified in all that is said and done. It is a place where women, young and old alike, can receive compassion, support, and the message and love of Jesus Christ. The Appalachian Area Crisis Pregnancy Center, Inc., was developed in 1991 and has grown into the Woman’s Enrichment Centers of Blairsville and Blue Ridge and Life Images Ultrasounds. It is an outreach ministry serving women who are pregnant or in need. The Center is a local, nonprofit, nondenominational organization made up of many Christian churches and individuals who want to share the love of Jesus Christ. All services provided are free of charge. The Woman’s Enrichment Center relies upon the prayers and financial support of the Lord’s people through the local churches and fund-raising activities. At the Center volunteer counselors are there ready to assist and help any woman who enters the door. Counselors go through a training program and are Christian individuals who have a love for and desire to assist women in their time of need. They agree and accept the mission of the Center by giving support to women during pregnancy and through birth; bringing healing and wholeness to lives traumatized by abortion, miscarriages, and sexual sin; and, presenting forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Various services are provided to women at the centers. Women are provided pregnancy tests, ultra sound scans, and practical support through the availability of maternity clothes, baby clothes, strollers, cribs, baby food, formula, diapers, and most anything a mother might need for her new baby or toddler. After the baby is born, the mother can continue to come to the Center for counseling and to receive items needed to take care of the baby as it grows. As a Christian-based outreach ministry the Centers offer Bible studies to the women who come to the Centers. Through these they learn about the love of Jesus Christ and the importance of raising their children in a Christian environment. Ladies learn to live a life that is pleasing to God and to have respect for themselves and the confidence to take care of themselves and their children. The Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:00 to 4:00. The contact number is 706/745-7518. Birth of a Family By Patricia Page “We started talking more and listening to each other.” “I didn’t know my wife thought like that...I am glad we are learning to communicate better.” “We are thinking differently and talking about what we want to teach our children.” “It’s good to be around other people who have the same struggles we have.” “Turning back to God made all the difference in our marriage.” These comments are in reference to their experiences in “Birth of the Family,” an outreach offered by the North Georgia Pregnancy Center in Jasper. It is designed by Stuart Carver with innovative and Biblically sound content and is destined to touch the hearts and lives of many couples. At its center is a support group that consists of a refreshing blend of Scriptural principles