HOMELESS TO STABLE BY GOD’S GRACE
When Rylie discovered she was pregnant, she was shocked. She was not sure that she could get pregnant. She and her boyfriend Thomas were living in an extended-stay hotel at the time and were suffering with many strained relationships. They felt hopeless. Not knowing what else to do, Rylie searched for prenatal care and found First Coast Women’s Services in St. Augustine. From the moment Rylie and Thomas stepped through the doors of FCWS, their life was changed. They both loyally attended Earn While You Learn, and Rylie’s client advocate, Jennifer, eventually encouraged her to reach out to her family. Because of this encouragement, Rylie rekindled the relationship with her parents and they invited Rylie and Thomas to move back home, providing much needed stability. The couple got married earlier this year and have rededicated their lives to the Lord. They have both become regular attendees at their church and are saving to buy a home of their own. The couple were thrilled to welcome their beautiful son, Thomas Jr. to the world earlier this summer
A Letter From Jen Pace, CEO
Dear Friends of First Coast,
Jeremiah 1 is one of the most noted passages of Scripture when speaking about the rights and dignity of life. Verse 5 shares of God’s unique design of each life before we can even see the evidence of it:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God creates life, and it is God alone who forms each of us with a perfect plan, with dignity and meaning. This is a beautiful takeaway. I read this verse the other day, and it hit me differently. I felt a kindred spirit to Jeremiah because right after his call and affirmation, the Lord asks him a simple question: “What do you see?”
We live in a broken culture, and at times it can be hard to see past that. But I believe God wants us to see what he sees. Growing up in Jacksonville, I have seen a lot of brokenness. I saw it and I lived it. But that is not all there is to see. God wants to do something beautiful in our community—to save lives and transform generations—and he wants us to see what he sees.
We’re already seeing glimpses of that at FCWS. New client cases are up 26 percent this year, adoption cases have grown by 240%, and 1,281 babies have been saved so far. By year’s end, we expect that number to surpass 1,600!
So, what do we see at FCWS? We see a day when abortion is not only illegal but unthinkable. We see children of every shape, size, and ability born into loving homes by parents willing to sacrifice joyfully for them. We see families choosing life, fathers breaking the cycle of absence, and single moms surrounded by care. We see men and women who understand their value, holding sex as sacred rather than as a commodity. We see pastors preaching fearlessly, and people sharing stories of redemption unashamedly. We see Northeast Florida shining as a light to the nations, with strong marriages and families held together by God’s love.
When God called Jeremiah, he spoke clearly to him: “The Lord said: ‘Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, a bronze wall to stand…. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you, and I will rescue you, declares the Lord'” (Jeremiah 1:17-19).
The Lord has set FCWS to stand in the face of a culture that devalues life. He has called us to help women and men see the dignity of human life and the treasure of marriage.
Lord, give us courage and the ability to speak your truth with compassion and confidence.
Are you ready to answer that call? We are. Let’s go.
A few of the precious lives saved this year at FCWS…
Grace and Peace,
Jennifer Pace
Chief Executive Officer
call center expansion project
First Coast Women’s Services is currently underway in expanding our Call Center to reach more women and families in need. As the first point of contact, the Call Center plays a vital role in offering compassionate care, timely responses, and connections to our services that include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and parenting support. With this expansion, we’ll answer more calls, extend hours, and ensure no woman feels alone when she reaches out for help. Together with our partners and supporters, we are building a stronger lifeline of hope and help for women in our community.
We still need $50,000 to fully fund this project! Please donate today by clicking below:
Welcome To HEARTBEATS
A podcast by First Coast Women’s Services, created to share honest and impactful conversations. In each episode of our first season, we’ll confront common myths about abortion, featuring men and women who have experienced its trauma firsthand, as well as medical professionals sharing their expertise.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TODAY:
Guest Devotional: Pastor andrew wilkes of kernan church
In the midst of life’s ups and downs, as followers of Jesus we hold to the promise of Romans 8:28, that ‘for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’
