Faced with financial pressure, unstable housing, and another unexpected pregnancy, Jayla* and her fiancé began to feel like abortion was their only option.
But because The Bridge Church Miramar, a House of Refuge church in Love Life’s South Florida chapter, had already been walking with this family, they did not face that moment alone.
This is what it means to be a House of Refuge.
Jayla first began attending the church in early 2023 with her toddler son. She had limited finances, no reliable transportation, and a difficult housing situation. Still, she kept showing up, often relying on rides from church members.
Behind the scenes, the church stepped in with financial help, childcare, employment resources, a baby shower, and even a donated vehicle.
Nearly a year after the birth of their second child, Jayla learned she was pregnant again. Their resources were stretched thin, their housing situation was unstable, and they could not see how they would be able to provide for another child. In that difficult place, she and her fiancé began considering abortion.
But the church did not respond with pressure or shame. They responded with prayer, truth, compassion, and practical help.
Jayla confided in a trusted female staff member, who encouraged her to choose life and reach out to Diaka Tartt, the Love Life House of Refuge representative connected to the church.
The Bridge placed confidential QR codes inside the women’s restroom stalls, giving women a discreet way to ask for help when facing an unplanned pregnancy or the weight of a past abortion.
For Jayla, that step opened the door to support. Through prayer, encouragement, groceries, diapers, and a free ultrasound through Hope Women’s Center, she and her fiancé were strengthened to continue forward.
Soon after, they chose life.
And just a few days ago, their baby was born.
Diaka continued walking with Jayla as a Love Life Mentor. A husband and wife ministry team also began discipling the couple. The father started attending church, placed his faith in Jesus Christ, proposed, and the couple is now preparing for marriage.
Today, the family is moving out of a crowded one bedroom apartment and into a home of their own.
This is what a House of Refuge looks like.
It is the body of Christ stepping in, meeting real needs, speaking truth with compassion, and walking with families long after the crisis moment has passed.
Is your church ready to become a House of Refuge?
To learn more, visit lovelife.org/refuge.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
*Name changed for privacy.