Levi* is now two years old. He is smart, healthy, and already reciting his ABCs and counting 1, 2, 3. But just a couple of years ago, his life was at risk.
His mom, Vanessa*, was facing intense pressure to abort. She was in a verbally abusive relationship, struggling with unstable housing, and had little to no support from friends or family. In the middle of that crisis, a friend told her about Providence Church, a Love Life House of Refuge in Raleigh, North Carolina. That friend said the church would help her. So Vanessa walked through their doors, and everything changed.
The pastors welcomed her immediately and connected her with a Love Life mentor. Vanessa started attending church regularly and found a loving community that stood with her through the hardest season of her life. The pressure did not disappear overnight, but she now had support, and that made all the difference. With courage and the encouragement of her mentor and church family, she chose life for her son.
Two years later, Vanessa is still surrounded by God’s provision. She has reunited with her parents and extended family, purchased a home about an hour outside of Raleigh, and ended her relationship with her abusive boyfriend. She stays in touch with her mentor, and just a few weeks ago, she called to ask for help finding a new church in her area. We quickly connected her with a pastor who is stepping into the role of a House of Refuge in her new city.
Her story is still being written. Because a church was willing to say, “We will be a refuge,” Levi’s life was saved, and so much more has been restored.
We do not always get to see what happens years down the road, but Vanessa’s story gives us a glimpse of what God can do when the Church shows up. If you are already involved with Love Life as a prayer partner, a financial partner, a volunteer, or all of the above, thank you. You are part of this story. And if you have not gotten involved yet, would you consider joining us?
*names changed to protect privacy