by Vivian Koob, Founder and Executive Director
Elizabeth’s New Life Center, Dayton, OH

Many of us begin this work with a heart for vulnerable women and their babies. Few, though, relish the unexpected challenges of managing finances, reaching clients through the messy world of social media, or fixing a leaky roof. Some days, it may seem that we spend more time trying to stay afloat than actually serving women and families. Amidst the everyday scramble of starting or maintaining a pregnancy help organization, who has time to think about expansion and innovation?

You do. Your next question might be why do I want to? My job is hard enough already!

Yes, our jobs are hard, but they are also worthwhile. Think of any one of your abortion-minded clients that chose life instead of abortion and you will see reflected in that saved baby’s face the glow of a loving and forgiving God who gives us all the strength we need. You will realize that a life saved from abortion is worth any amount of struggle. Then you will see and understand the complete and overwhelming grace and love of our Father guiding each step as we strive to serve more and more of these needy families becomes a lived reality in our ministry.

Over the past 33 years, Elizabeth's New Life Center has grown from an all-volunteer organization with one tiny, rented building to one of the largest PHOs in the nation. We now have a network of eight Women’s Centers (with a ninth coming soon), a prenatal care clinic, and a healthy relationships department known around the country as Marriage Works Ohio.

What made this amazing growth possible? Of course, God has granted us many opportunities, but our determination continues to be key.

As we traveled the long path from dreams to reality, we learned countless invaluable lessons. Among the most important is that, to successfully continue this work, we must be both open to God’s promptings and determined to see beyond the immediate cares and crises. If I had to list attributes of a successful growing ministry after prayer and trust in God, it would be perseverance and fearlessness. There are often roadblocks to overcome, challenges that seem overwhelming at times and naysayers who try and discourage us. But we must fight on, we must use our wits, our networks, our champions, and supporters to take the harder road and it will all be worth the struggle as we see more and more lives changes and babies saved.

In the midst of the roadblocks, opportunities arise, and we must take them if we can. It’s the only way we expand and innovate.

Are your eyes open to see them?

Practical Tip: The next time you recognize an opportunity for growth, take advantage of your affiliate benefits and call Heartbeat International for a consultation to help identify the benefits and risks of this new opportunity for your organization.

Vivian and her team will be presenting an In-Depth Day at the 2022 Heartbeat International Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida on Growing a Successful Pregnancy Help Ministry. Find out more about the Conference schedule or register to join us by clicking here!