Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA)

A front row seat for the greatest stories ever told

By Nancy Briggs

Published August 1, 2010 in Witness

“Is your life working for you?”

“Do you know there’s another way to live?”

“Have you heard how much God loves you?”

These are questions burning in my heart when I lead a young woman into a counseling room at the Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center (DPRC). At the same time, my heart desperately requests, “Take over, Jesus. Use me, but get me out of the way and meet this woman with Your Presence. Here. Now.”

And off we go together. I listen to her story, asking poignant questions and offering her an ear, understanding, hope, comfort, and possibilities.

Thursday afternoons can’t get any better for me.

Late last spring, Bonner, my then 18-year-old daughter, and I went to a training in the neighborhood about reaching women in unplanned pregnancies. We were curious, but both of our hearts were surprisingly touched. The need for women to speak truth and grace to other women in unplanned pregnancies was so apparent, and it tugged at us to learn more. We knew we were clueless how to help should a woman in need cross our path.
“Train us” was both of our hearts’ desire that night. My daughter, Avery, came home from college for the summer soon after and wanted to join us. None of us knew what to say or how to help. “Equip us,” we asked.

DPRC has equipped us, and they continue to do so. We spent the summer of 2009 observing advocates in action at the DPRC and reviewing the great material they provided. We received great training in a body of knowledge and insights which were ongoing and personal.

The girls went back to school that fall better equipped to speak to their generation. I have continued to serve at the DPRC. It is a front row seat for seeing Jesus touching hurting hearts.

Each encounter seems divinely orchestrated. Each one is unique.
Every person who comes through the door at the DPRC is never the same again, because each has been touched by God’s love. Each responds differently and many are warmed in the Light of the Greatest Lover and His love story for them.

We offer our five loaves and two fish and He blesses.

I’m learning to be available. And not fearful.

What a privilege.

What about you?

Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center is a prolife, evangelical ministry that has been working with women in unplanned pregnancies for the past 27 years. It offers an alternative to abortion and empowers women and their partners to choose life in Christ for themselves and life for their unborn children. Last year 170 babies were saved from the fate of abortion and 80 of their clients became new followers of Christ. Visit one of their websites to learn more about the ministry and the volunteer opportunities available at www.friendsofdprc.com or www.dallasprc.com.
—Nancy Briggs