Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Charlotte has become a destination for women traveling from states with stronger abortion restrictions, especially Georgia. A Preferred Women’s Health Center, which operates abortion centers in Charlotte and Raleigh, reported that approximately 70 percent of its abortions following the decision were performed on women from outside North Carolina.
Behind every one of those numbers is a woman with a story. Many travel for hours believing abortion is their only option. But when they arrive in Charlotte, the Church is there to offer another way: the hope of Jesus and the tangible help they need to choose life.
Brandy was one of those women.
She had reached rock bottom. She was homeless, pregnant, and abandoned by the people she loved. As she approached one of the busiest abortion centers in the Southeast, despair filled her heart. Given her circumstances, she believed abortion was her only choice.
Then she encountered our sidewalk team, whose shirts read, “HOPE IS HERE.”
Brandy stopped and spoke with Vicky, a member of the Love Life sidewalk team. As Vicky listened, she offered Brandy more than encouraging words. She offered real help and shared the hope of the Gospel.
There, outside one of the darkest places in Charlotte, Brandy surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. After seeing her baby on a mobile ultrasound, she also chose life.
She drove five hours home rejoicing, but the Church’s role in her story was only beginning.
Love Life did not yet have a House of Refuge church or mentor in Brandy’s area. Within hours, however, a young woman named Kaylee volunteered to walk alongside her. Kaylee was connected to Love Life through her father, a Charlotte area pastor whose church had participated in prayer walks for years.
Kaylee helped Brandy enter a shelter, where she embraced the program and began working toward stability and independence. Kaylee’s church surrounded her with love, discipleship, and practical support. The congregation eventually became a House of Refuge church.
As Brandy grew in her faith, she began reaching other women. She befriended another pregnant mother at the shelter, helped her choose life, and shared the Gospel with her. That woman also surrendered her life to Jesus and began attending church.
Brandy has now graduated from the shelter and moved into an affordable apartment through an independent living program. She is saving money, learning practical life skills, and building a stable future.
Her baby girl is now nine months old, deeply loved, and well provided for.
Brandy arrived in Charlotte believing she had no hope and no other choice. But when a willing heart encountered the Church, everything changed. Her baby was saved, her life was transformed, and she is now helping other women find the same hope she received.
This is what can happen when the Church shows up with the hope of Jesus and the tangible help women need.
When hope is restored through Jesus and the local church becomes a refuge, one transformed life can help transform many more.