As many of you know, last week I spent in Wisconsin with author, Cathe Swanson. While there, I met several of the local authors including Becky Melby! Becky hosts a bi-weekly author meeting in her home, and I was privileged to attend. Not only did she serve FABULOUS gluten-free muffins, she even let us overstay our welcome and fed us a delicious lunch!
While I was there, two large boxes of Do You Know What I Know? arrived, and I was privileged to buy a signed copy! I should have bought more. I don’t know what I was thinking! UGH! However, I did inveigle her into a guest post here, so all was not wasted! WOOT! If you want to read my book review, it’s HERE.
A week before Christmas, a phone call from the obstetrician’s office goes to the wrong person, igniting a yule-log-size blaze of misunderstandings for two couples. Elizabeth Schmidt is hurt, Bethany Schmidt is confused, and Pastor Jay Davidson is wondering if God asking him to play the part of Joseph in real life and not just in the church Christmas program.
But, you’re here to read what Becky has to say! This is a fabulous opportunity, and I’m grateful she chose to let me be a part of this. So, without further ado, Becky Melby!
Infinitely More
Years ago, as the director of a crisis pregnancy center and board member of a maternity home, I witnessed the fear and aloneness that often drove young pregnant women to make choices they would later regret. In the United States, we have resources to help these women. Churches, para-church organizations, and government programs can provide shelter, food, and medical care. Thousands of volunteers and professionals across the country offer solid counsel about healthy pregnancy habits, parenting, and adoption plans. If a woman makes a bad choice out of fear, it’s because she either isn’t aware of the help available or chooses to reject it.
This is not the case in Kenya. An unmarried teen who becomes pregnant (more often than not because of rape) will be turned out of her home and kicked out of school with nowhere to go for help. Prenatal care is not an option. To survive, a woman must make horrible choices. Often it comes down to this: prostitution or abortion.
Carrie Reichartz, a dear friend of mine, and a group of volunteers are doing what they can to offer a solution to this heartbreaking problem by starting a 501(c)3 organization called Infinitely More, which is building a pregnancy crisis center in Mombasa. When complete, the center will offer shelter, food, Biblical counsel, education, and job training for women who would otherwise be living on the street or choosing abortion. Infinitely More currently has about $30,000 of the $45,000 it will cost to finish constructing the center and provide training for the staff.
Ever have that helpless feeling when faced with a seemingly hopeless situation?
Like you, I want to help, but how? To be honest, I want to book a flight to Kenya! For now, I’m adding a tiny drop to the bucket and hope you will join me. This Thanksgiving, from Thursday, November 24 through Sunday the 27th, I’m donating 100% of the profit from online sales of the print and Kindle versions of my Christmas novella, Do You Know What I Know? to Infinitely More. This book is a light read and would make a great Christmas gift for the women on your list. With your purchase, you will be giving twice.
Thank you in advance, and please pray for Infinitely More. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Becky, for your post.
Tina at Mommynificent says
I’ve never volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center before, but I think it’s something I would like to do someday. This book sounds great!
Karin says
Just purchased, even before I read this! Now I’m really glad I bought this tonight instead of waiting like I had originally planned! I’ve never worked with a crisis center, but my family has fostered seven sweet babies. One of them was the daughter of a teen mom, who was also a foster child (so yeah- she was young, only 16). Such hard stuff.. thank you both for doing something to help these precious women and their babies.
Emma Filbrun says
No, I’ve never helped at a pregnancy crisis center, although I believe my sister has. It would be a very worthwhile ministry, however. I tried to comment on your post yesterday, by the way, and couldn’t see a place to. 🙁
Chautona Havig says
It should work now. I woke up at like 10 a.m. and had to rush over. Woke up out of a dead sleep because I remembered that I’d forgotten to click comments! EEEP
Emma Filbrun says
That’s terrible when it happens! Our subconscious minds are rather fascinating.
Anonymous says
Thank you for the opportunity to share with your readers, Chautona! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!