By Laura L., volunteer sidewalk counselor
I was on the sidewalk with Janet M. Karen and Stella were present as prayer supporters. A car came in with a couple and they stopped in the driveway. Janet talked to the mom whose English did not seem to be very good. I was able to talk to the dad.
I told him that by the time a woman knows she’s pregnant, her baby has a heartbeat. I shared with him that a pregnancy help center (Abria) was close by offering help and an ultrasound. Janet continued to talk to the mom while I spoke with the dad . We both gave them our brochures. He seemed concerned about insurance, and I told him that they could get free help at Abria. He was concerned about future visits so I explained that Abria would be able to help him get the care that his wife needed up until birth and after the baby was born.
He said he wanted to discuss this with his wife. There was only one escort on and he did not try to stop us from talking to this couple. The couple backed the car out of the driveway and went into the parking lot of the adjacent building for about five minutes to talk.
I waited for them to come out, directing them to the Abria location. I was able to meet them there and introduce them to the Abria staff member. I told the mom I would be praying for her. The dad shared his phone number with me so I was able to offer them encouragement and prayers. They did have two young children with them. Later, he texted, “Thanks for pointing us to Abria. They said they are going to help us get the insurance we need. Hopefully that happens soon so that my wife and the baby can get the help they need.”
