Wellspring Pregnancy + Health Center (Hastings, NE)

A young mom and her boyfriend were recently referred to Wellspring by one of our ministry partners. Later that day, the young couple showed up with their adorable baby and signed up for classes. Our staff and volunteers eagerly waited for their appointment the next week -- just like all clients who come to Wellspring! However, the following week, they didn't show. Trisha, who coordinates the parenting classes, tried to contact them. No luck. Over the next week, she made several tries. Finally, we got a text from the mom: "I'm in the hospital. Sorry, I won't make it." This new mom ended up being in the hospital for 8 days due to complications after her childbirth.

Luke 15:3-7 tells this parable:

"Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Jsut so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance."

We aren't told why the sheep was lost, or whether the lsot sheep accidentally wandered off or if the sheep did it on purpose. What we do see is the relentless pursuit of the Shepherd who says that one sheep who is lost matter as much as the 99 who stayed with the Shepherd the whole time. And when that sheep is found, the Shepherd rejoices over that hseep as much as all the others.

This parable speaks volumes to the worth and dignity of all people. No matter what their situation or how they got there, we are to relentlessly pursue those who are lost. And passionately rejoice when they are found. Every day, our staff and volunteers pursue lost sheep -- from those coming through our doors considering abortion to those, like this young young, who have chosen life but are nervous about parenting because of an unplanned pregnancy. We look to empower those coming through our doors and give them hope. We are committed to relentlessly pursue every lost sheep because that is what Jesus did and because we believe that -- as Pope St John Paul II says -- "we must defend and promote the dignity of every human person, at every moment and in every condition of that person's life."

Thankfully our staff's pursuit of this client resulted in this couple starting classes again as soon as the mom was on the mend. Please pray for us as we continue this life-saving work, and that clients coming to us will see their dignity and worth through our work.

Learn more about this missions partner here.