As the founder and executive director of Not Forgotten Ministries (NFM), a nonprofit organization that helps women find healing after abortion through online Bible studies and in-person weekend healing retreats, I can personally attest to the importance of generosity offered by people, businesses, and churches. Without that essential support, pro-life ministries cannot survive.
Living Hope Church of Kernersville, North Carolina, recently provided a wonderful example of how a church can come alongside pro-life organizations to raise awareness, show support, and bless their efforts financially. The small church family of approximately 80 adult members first heard about NFM in January when their pastor, Ben Cotten, gave a pro-life message on “Sanctity of Human Life” Sunday. NFM’s Board Chairman was visiting Living Hope Church with her daughter that day. After hearing the pastor’s message, she spoke with him about NFM.
Reality hits close to home
That same day, a young church member requested that her church family pray for her close friend who was contemplating abortion at that time, causing the church to reach out to local pro-life organizations for help. After being contacted by a few ladies from the church, NFM attempted to reach the abortion-vulnerable woman. As a ministry, we desire to share the truth of abortion with those considering it by telling our very real, very difficult stories with them. When given the chance, our vulnerability often helps women see the full picture and make a different choice.
Sadly, the young lady did not return our texts or calls and went through with the abortion.
READ: Tori was haunted by her abortion for years: ‘This is not the easy way out’
After the church shared the disappointing news with the organizations they had reached out to, Not Forgotten Ministries was the only organization that remained connected and involved, still showing love toward the now post-abortive woman. We asked about her numerous times and requested someone tell her about our ministry so she might begin her healing journey as soon as possible.
A divine appointment
Living Hope was moved by our concern for someone who had chosen abortion, leading them to invite me to speak at their church during a Sunday morning service. I shared my personal abortion story and told the congregation all about Not Forgotten Ministries.
The young lady who recently had an abortion “just happened” to be in the service that morning, even though she rarely attends any church. After the service, I was able to talk with her and offer our programs to her. By the end of the day, she was connected with a “sister” in our Not Alone Program, and she had signed up for an upcoming Bible study.
As a result, Living Hope Church decided to host a Black-Tie Gala in NFM’s honor to raise funds that will help us continue providing all our programs free of charge.
Blessing a ‘transformative’ ministry
The event was held on March 23, 2024, in the church’s sanctuary/fellowship hall. London Carter, Living Hope’s Outreach Director, orchestrated the event and put a tremendous amount of thought and work into every detail. She used our ministry logo and colors along with quotes from many of our previous participants to decorate for the gala. During the evening, we enjoyed an amazing dinner, had a raffle for themed baskets, auctioned off desserts, played an exciting generations game, had a balloon popping gift card giveaway, and toasted (with sparkling apple juice) to all that God is doing through NFM! On top of all that, this small church family raised almost $20,000 for our ministry!
London Carter said, “When you go and serve according to where God leads the body, there is so much fruit that comes from it. It really goes to show that we can’t do it without God and his plans!”
Simply saying “thank you” to Living Hope Church feels like such an understatement. As a ministry, NFM is so very grateful and feels so loved! This church family is an example of how God can use His Church to provide for and launch ministries out into the community and the world. Not Forgotten Ministries is honored to have been the recipients of such lavish support, kindness, and generosity.
“What Tori and her team at Not Forgotten are doing through their ministry is transformative, and it was our honor to put on our Black-Tie Gala in support of their efforts,” Pastor Ben Cotton said. “Our hope is that the rest of the community will lend their support as well. We can do more together than we can apart.”
Tori Shaw is the founder and executive director of Not Forgotten Ministries and is a regular contributor to Live Action News.
