His Love Family Resources, which resides in my small hometown of Mio, Michigan, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. It’s a non-profit, faith-based resource center that lays along the main road that runs through the tiny town, which had a population of 1,504 people as of 2023. Though it is small, the ministry has provided me with a powerful example of determination and love for the preborn, mothers, and families.
Ruth Ressler, a volunteer and board member at the resource center, has been involved since the very beginning. She recounted to me where it all began, explaining that God had put single moms and the abortion issue on her heart for a long time. Ressler and another mother had attended a local fundraiser dinner in 2002, leading her friend to say, “Oscoda County needs a pregnancy resource center,” to which she replied, “It does, but we don’t have the people or the resources.” This was a reasonable reply; our small area in Northern Michigan isn’t known for its funds, innovation, or people. However, God wouldn’t let this idea be tossed aside so easily.
Ruth’s friend began to share her idea with others in the community, focusing on prayer and sharing needs. This praying group of mothers eventually rented a small house within which a resource center could operate. Their efforts weren’t wasted; after about five years of being in operation, the center had to move to a bigger, custom-designed building because of just how much they were doing.
The center doesn’t provide ultrasound and medical services because our tiny county doesn’t have enough pregnant women or young people to warrant it, so the center focuses on offering free pregnancy tests, one-on-one parenting classes, and moms groups. In exchange for learning more about parenting, young couples earn “Mommy Money” that can be spent in the baby pantry, which includes a wide array of donated clothing, shoes, books, stuffed animals, and more for children. His Love’s aim is to support young parents and offer them the resources they need to build up their family. They welcome all, even those who aren’t dealing with unplanned pregnancies or a lack of resources.
I asked Ruth how she has seen His Love act as a light in our small community. She explained how, even though the ministry is open to those who don’t believe in God, they are able to share the love of Jesus and are often asked to pray for specific family needs. One testimony stood out to her:
“This year, we had a client expecting twins who had complications, and her doctor recommended abortion for one or both. She came frequently and refused to take the life of her child. The babies were born early and we were able to help with gas cards for travel and a lot of extras. The babies are doing well and she and the babies’ daddy recognize that God was with them.”
Another way that His Love has been a witness of love in our community is through its annual Walk for Families, which is a big part of our well-attended Pumpkin Festival in autumn. The ministry allows walkers from all over the county to collect donations online for the center, as well as enjoy baked treats and partake in a raffle at the festival. So many people come to this traditional celebration, and His Love is able to reach out to so many in it.
Despite all that the center has done, it has faced many obstacles in the years it has been operational. Ruth explained to me that their needs have been overwhelming at times, and that they’ve seen how our culture has grown darker and darker. She said, “I thank God we can be there for families, but sometimes hearing the hurts can be a burden, because when you go home they are still on our hearts.” The volunteer described the lessons she’s learned while working at His Love:
“I can love, I can pray, I can follow through with what I say I will do – but I can’t make someone make a better choice. Just because a mother already has one child, it does not mean she will not consider abortion for another. Listen, listen, listen – and don’t judge. A small act of love and caring can make a difference.”
All of us pro-lifers can learn from Ruth, His Love, and other faithful volunteers in the world of pregnancy help. As Ruth says, “I’d like current and prospective volunteers to always depend on the Holy Spirit to give them wisdom and words. I’ve seen God work in big ways through those who want to just sort donations, but end up in conversation with a client that really changes a heart. No matter what your role there – God can use you in a big way.” She also reminded me how us pro-lifers must listen to the pro-choice activist and the confused mother in a respectful and kind way, making it clear that God loves them while also standing on the truth: “Remember we are not warring against the person but against Satan’s messengers.”
The pro-life movement is largely made up of small, maybe unnoticed people, and it can be easy to falter and become discouraged. My local family resource center is a testimony of how even the smallest of efforts can create great change. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Whom you would change you must first love, and they must know that you love them.” Ministries like His Love are a big part of doing that in the abortion issue, and we celebrate their faithful witness that has lasted over 20 years. If you are thinking of volunteering at a pregnancy resource center, learn from the words of Ruth and other experienced pro-life volunteers you may know. Their efforts have left us behind a beautiful legacy we must continue.
Cover and story photos taken by His Love and used with permission
I love history, Middle Earth, writing, cinema, and Jesus. I hope to use the gifts He has given me to spread the Truth about His love and protect those in the womb.
The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Human Defense Initiative.
Mylee Kann
I love history, Middle Earth, writing, cinema, and Jesus. I hope to use the gifts He has given me to spread the Truth about His love and protect those in the womb.
The Inspiring Testimony Of A Small 20-Year-Old Family Resource Center
Mylee Kann
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His Love Family Resources, which resides in my small hometown of Mio, Michigan, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. It’s a non-profit, faith-based resource center that lays along the main road that runs through the tiny town, which had a population of 1,504 people as of 2023. Though it is small, the ministry has provided me with a powerful example of determination and love for the preborn, mothers, and families.
Ruth Ressler, a volunteer and board member at the resource center, has been involved since the very beginning. She recounted to me where it all began, explaining that God had put single moms and the abortion issue on her heart for a long time. Ressler and another mother had attended a local fundraiser dinner in 2002, leading her friend to say, “Oscoda County needs a pregnancy resource center,” to which she replied, “It does, but we don’t have the people or the resources.” This was a reasonable reply; our small area in Northern Michigan isn’t known for its funds, innovation, or people. However, God wouldn’t let this idea be tossed aside so easily.
Ruth’s friend began to share her idea with others in the community, focusing on prayer and sharing needs. This praying group of mothers eventually rented a small house within which a resource center could operate. Their efforts weren’t wasted; after about five years of being in operation, the center had to move to a bigger, custom-designed building because of just how much they were doing.
The center doesn’t provide ultrasound and medical services because our tiny county doesn’t have enough pregnant women or young people to warrant it, so the center focuses on offering free pregnancy tests, one-on-one parenting classes, and moms groups. In exchange for learning more about parenting, young couples earn “Mommy Money” that can be spent in the baby pantry, which includes a wide array of donated clothing, shoes, books, stuffed animals, and more for children. His Love’s aim is to support young parents and offer them the resources they need to build up their family. They welcome all, even those who aren’t dealing with unplanned pregnancies or a lack of resources.
I asked Ruth how she has seen His Love act as a light in our small community. She explained how, even though the ministry is open to those who don’t believe in God, they are able to share the love of Jesus and are often asked to pray for specific family needs. One testimony stood out to her:
Another way that His Love has been a witness of love in our community is through its annual Walk for Families, which is a big part of our well-attended Pumpkin Festival in autumn. The ministry allows walkers from all over the county to collect donations online for the center, as well as enjoy baked treats and partake in a raffle at the festival. So many people come to this traditional celebration, and His Love is able to reach out to so many in it.
Despite all that the center has done, it has faced many obstacles in the years it has been operational. Ruth explained to me that their needs have been overwhelming at times, and that they’ve seen how our culture has grown darker and darker. She said, “I thank God we can be there for families, but sometimes hearing the hurts can be a burden, because when you go home they are still on our hearts.” The volunteer described the lessons she’s learned while working at His Love:
All of us pro-lifers can learn from Ruth, His Love, and other faithful volunteers in the world of pregnancy help. As Ruth says, “I’d like current and prospective volunteers to always depend on the Holy Spirit to give them wisdom and words. I’ve seen God work in big ways through those who want to just sort donations, but end up in conversation with a client that really changes a heart. No matter what your role there – God can use you in a big way.” She also reminded me how us pro-lifers must listen to the pro-choice activist and the confused mother in a respectful and kind way, making it clear that God loves them while also standing on the truth: “Remember we are not warring against the person but against Satan’s messengers.”
The pro-life movement is largely made up of small, maybe unnoticed people, and it can be easy to falter and become discouraged. My local family resource center is a testimony of how even the smallest of efforts can create great change. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Whom you would change you must first love, and they must know that you love them.” Ministries like His Love are a big part of doing that in the abortion issue, and we celebrate their faithful witness that has lasted over 20 years. If you are thinking of volunteering at a pregnancy resource center, learn from the words of Ruth and other experienced pro-life volunteers you may know. Their efforts have left us behind a beautiful legacy we must continue.
Cover and story photos taken by His Love and used with permission
Mylee Kann
I love history, Middle Earth, writing, cinema, and Jesus. I hope to use the gifts He has given me to spread the Truth about His love and protect those in the womb.
The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Human Defense Initiative.
Mylee Kann
COMMENTARY
NATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
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Abortion Laws, Definitions, and Exceptions in all 50 States
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