A few months ago, we received a call from the pregnancy center in Columbus, Mississippi. They asked if we could help a woman in her early 40s who was pregnant and scared. Her doctor had told her, because of her age and health, that she should abort her baby.

This mother—already raising children—was terrified that something would happen to her and her children would be left without a mom. But even with all that fear and uncertainty, she said she could not kill this child. She chose life, even when it felt impossible.

We explained how to apply for help and what documents we would need—like a copy of the bill for rent, utilities, or car payments. But at that time, we didn’t hear back. Still, we prayed for her.

Nearly two months passed before her request came in. That same morning, we had already received two others—making it our seventh and eighth benevolence requests just that month.

We had already helped the first four families, but the funds were gone for the month. We had to turn down two other moms already.

You see, our entire annual Benevolence Ministry budget is $18,000, which breaks down to only $1,500 per month. When requests go over that, our Executive Board must vote on whether we can help.

That morning, we looked at her request: She needed over $5,000 to cover back rent, overdue utilities, and her car. Her phone had been cut off, so the pregnancy center was taking calls for her. I had to make that painful call back and explain that we didn’t have the funds to help—but I gave them the contact info for another group, Love Line out of Texas, in hopes they could assist.

The next day, someone from the center called me again. The woman on the phone kept repeating, “Women like this are the reason we are doing this!” She pleaded, “Can’t you help?” And I had to say the words I hate: “I’m so sorry. We just don’t have the funds. “

This year, because of the generosity of donors, we’ve already helped 14 families stay in their homes, and 17 families keep their lights and water on. But moms are still calling, and the needs keep coming—and we’ve already spent over $16,500 of our $18,000 annual budget.

Will you help us grow our budget so we don’t have to say “no”?

Will you help us be a light of hope to moms in desperate need? Your gift today could be the reason another mom gets to say:

“I chose life, and I wasn’t alone.”

You can mail your donation to P.O. Box 320034, Flowood, MS 39232.