In a small strip mall in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, HopeA Womens Resource Center welcomes women seeking free pregnancy tests, maternity and baby items and help with prenatal care. Hope Resource Center is the only pregnancy center in southeastern Arkansas. While the ministry of Hope is similar to other rural pregnancy centers around the country, one unique fact is that the center was launched by a Southern Baptist association that views the center as a vital way to show Christs love in tangible ways.

Volunteer Denise Haynes sorts through baby bottles at the center. photo by jennifer bryant

The idea for a pregnancy care center began with Director of Missions Dewayne Tanton. Church members, dedicated to the pro-life cause, urged Dewayne to look into the idea.

We hear sermons about the importance of protecting life, especially on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Dewayne says. As an association, our goal is to assist our churches to be on mission with God in fulfilling the Great Commission. We felt it was important to practice what was preached. In 2004 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is January 18.

In the three years since the center opened, the association has continued to be actively involved in operations. In the course of a year, Harmony Baptist Association oversees the paid director and volunteers, works with the budget, spreads information about the center through their association newsletter and provides for other needs that arise.

Center Director Cathy Williams became involved with Hope Resource Center after finding healing from a past abortion. When Cathy heard about the associations desire to start a pregnancy center, she felt Gods leading to get involved. Cathy started as the director part time, while also working as a probation officer. In the past year, Cathy has left her probation job to focus solely on the center.

While the needs of young women in their community can be overwhelming, Cathy is encouraged by the women the center has been able to help.

One client stands out above the others. Michele* was one of the first clients to visit the center. Cathy knew that Michele, already a mother of two, was pregnant, but at the time Cathy had no idea that Michele had an abortion scheduled for the next day. During the counseling session, Cathy felt a special connection with the young woman. By the end of their talk, Micheles heart was softened, and she was willing to consider other alternatives to abortion. Michele even visited an adoption agency with Cathy and considered the possibility of making that loving choice.

Center Director Cathy Williams (right) is committed to seeing that the women such as Michele are given hope. PHOTO BY stella prather

The next day, Michele canceled her abortion. During Micheles pregnancy, the two women continued to spend time together and their friendship grew. Cathy was even present at the birth of Micheles son Joshua. I was the first one to hold him, Cathy says. Holding that perfect little baby in my arms made it even more real what our center is all about.

With success stories like Micheles, its easy to see why Hope Resource Center has been welcomed in their community. The uniting of churches in the Harmony Baptist Associationand beyondhas allowed God to reach young women who now have a place to turn for help.

If a center like this is needed in your community, consider the following steps:

Research the need. Long before Hope Resource Center opened its doors, they sent out a research committee to assess community needs. They also visited other centers and became educated on how pregnancy care centers work.

Determine your goals. Hope Resource Center is located in a poor area of Arkansas with a majority of people who are on welfare. From the beginning, the centers goal has been to help women with their physical and emotional needs concerning a crisis pregnancy. They also seek to build relationships in an effort to share the love of Jesuswhether its sharing the plan of salvation, or simply offering love and compassion through all they do.

Seek assistance. Many national organizations offer help to those interested in launching a new center, including training manuals and hands-on help. Others even assist with funding. Also, directors from current centers are willing to share information and resources with new start-ups.

Create a budget. When we discussed beginning this center, my first question was How will we pay for this? Dewayne says. The association has achieved funding in two ways. First, a Baby Bottle Campaign involves distributing bottles to local Southern Baptist congregations. Church members then fill the bottles with spare change. Last year this fund-raiser brought in $17,000.

The second means of support is through donations from the community. When we began in 2001, our budget was $30,000, Dewayne says. For 2004, were looking to approve a budget for $61,000. God has continued to open doors as we expand our vision.

Seek community help. Hope Resource Center actively sought prayer and assistance from local churches. When the center opened, they also sought help with physical items such as televisions, VCRs and furniture for their lobby.

I even asked the committee to pray for ficus trees, Cathy says with a laugh. I wanted the lobby to be homey and inviting. Even though some people where puzzled by the request, they prayed, and in a few days God answered. Three beautiful ficus trees were donated.

Seek volunteers. Hopes 15 volunteers are members of their associations churches. During speaking engagements they distribute sign-up cards for potential volunteers. Many women, like Cathy, have a concern for this cause and are eager to redeem past experiences for good. Others have no personal experience with abortion but recognize each new life as a gift from God and an opportunity to help expectant mothers depend on Him in times of crisis.

Spread the word. Harmony Baptist Association knew spreading word of the center was crucial. One of their most successful media campaigns was a billboard ad, which boosted the number of clients. But perhaps the best advertisement has been word of mouth. Former clients who tell others about the loving help theyve received often refer new expectant mothers to the center.

Excitement about the center has spread beyond expectations. Ive had numerous community organizations ask me to speak, says Cathy. Ive even had one group, 40-miles away, ask me to create an abstinence program for their youth. Its great to see that others appreciate what were doing.

Pray and persevere. Whether youre contemplating the idea of starting a pregnancy care center or are already involved with one, both Dewayne and Cathy recommend two things above allprayer and perseverance.

Pray, pray and pray some more, says Dewayne. Have faith that God can meet every need that comes before you. Not only will God honor your prayers, this is the model of dependence on Him that you want to demonstrate to your frightened wary clients.

And dont give up, adds Cathy. Sometimes its easy to get frustrated over little things, but when we look at the big picture and see formerly abortion-minded girls choosing to have their babies, its all worthwhile.

Due to Gods continued sustenance, the growth of the Hope Resource Center continues. They are beginning a new program called Sexual Integrity, which will offer education to high-risk clients who return for repeat tests.

As she once was helped, Cathy also helps other new center directors, providing advice and training throughout the state. Encouraging other on mission Christians to begin centers of their own is just another way of continuing with the Great Commission, another way of sharing Gods love in practical ways.

Tricia Goyer is a writer living in Kalispell, Montana.