Dear Friends of First Coast,
I remember back this time five years ago we were getting ready to open our Northside Center and the pandemic was approaching, unbeknownst to us. We were able to write scriptures and quotes on the studs of the building and I wrote the verse Genesis 16:3. Hagar is running, alone and pregnant, and has an encounter with God and names God as “the one who sees me”.
The more I study that verse, the more I think of the women who come to our centers—scared, often running away from their circumstances, needing an encounter with God.
Recently, I received a text from a former client who was running from her circumstances when she came to us. She sent me a text to encourage me, unaware of my heart-connection to this story. She said she had been reading a devotional that morning and thought of First Coast Women’s Services and sent me a screenshot of the devotional.
It reads:
“I realize now it was an appointed time, a season where God used them to draw me to Him. It changed the course of my life. Precious mom, I wonder if we realize how rare and important it is to be that friend or mother who genuinely ‘hears,’ and how much of the impact we make when we really listen. It’s life-altering because when one feels heard, one also feels deeply known and loved, and that opens up a whole new world.”
She then texted, “Reading my devotional today, and I couldn’t help but think about the impact First Coast Women’s Services and Embrace Grace had on my life. Literally, I don’t know where I’d be today without YOU.”
When I read this text that day and again today, I am reminded of the beauty of a ministry like First Coast Women’s Services: to be present — fully present — in a woman’s life when she is vulnerable, desperate, and in need of guidance. You will have the opportunity to learn more about clients like this at this year’s Denim & Diamonds.
Denim & Diamonds this year is going to be hosting Matt Hammitt, the former lead singer of Sanctus Real. Matt and his wife, Sarah, were advised to consider abortion during Sarah’s pregnancy with their son Bowen due to a severe heart defect. However, Matt and Sarah chose to trust in God’s plan. Despite the grim prognosis, they chose life and Bowen received medical treatment after birth, including heart surgeries. Now 15 years later, Bowen is a happy, healthy 15-year-old!
Matt wrote the song ‘Lead Me’ as part of this journey—a song that went on to become a major hit for Sanctus Real, touching the lives of many. Consider joining us Friday, March 28th at Sullivan Hall in Fleming Island to hear some wonderful songs by Matt, a lively silent and live auction, and a great night to support life and to raise funds to sustain our Clay Center and expand our Call Center building.
If you can’t make it to the event, will you prayerfully consider giving a donation to save babies’ lives, like our client’s daughter, Malani?
Thank you again for being the heartbeat of First Coast Women’s Services. You are saving lives and transforming generations daily. God sees the need and calls us alongside Him to do this great work in Northeast Florida.
Grace and peace,
Jennifer R. Pace
Chief Executive Officer
