I experienced an abortion in 1985. At the time, I was unmarried, alone and ashamed to tell my family. I was involved with sex, drugs and alcohol, and ended up pregnant and confused. I had been brought up in the church, but I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. As a result, I rebelled early in life and went off on my own path, which took me down many rocky roads.

After my abortion, I spent the next 17 years of my life, filled with guilt and shame, hating myself for what I had done. My abortion affected all aspects of my life including my relationships with others and my own self-image.

In September of 2000, I gave my life to Jesus, and asked for forgiveness for having that abortion. And although I knew that God had forgiven me, I could not forgive myself. I lived in a world of constant suffering, denying myself the pleasures of enjoying the family that God had given to me.

In July of 2002, I was finally able to accept God’s amazing grace, mercy and forgiveness, and let go of the guilt and shame of my past. The freedom The Lord gave to me that day set me free!

The burden of that terrible sin was gone. In its place, was the desire to share my story with others, with the hope that I might encourage someone to reconsider this life changing decision and the consequences it would have on their tomorrows, as well as the encouragement that there is hope and healing through the love of Jesus for our past mistakes.

This desire to help others moved into a full time ministry position at my church and in 2013, I was ordained as a Pastor!  Who would have every imaged the plan that God had for my life!  But that is the beauty of our Lord.  He takes the broken vessels and uses them to shed his light on a dark and hurting world.

The door to mission ministry opened and I stepped in, a little unsure at first, but being obedient to the call and I fell in love with the people of Central America!  I fell in love with helping those less fortunate find healing and hope through a savior who loves them so much that he died on a cross for all mankind.  I fell in love with allowing God to use me to spread a message of healing and hope, through Jesus!

God has taken the pain of my past and turned it around for His purpose and in the process, my life has become full; full with serving him and those that he brings into my path. And he is ready, willing and waiting to do the same for you! Take that step of faith, you deserve to live the life God planned for you!

I would love to connect with you on Facebook and be friends!  Here is my personal page:

It’s all because of Jesus,
Joyce

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11