SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women

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SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
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                 SPRING 2019
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                     1

      AT WESTMINSTER PRESBYTARIAN CHURCH 2801 WEST RIVERSIDE AVENUE MUNCIE, IN
               REGISTER FOR THE
          2019 ANNUAL WALK FOR LIFE!
  \
      IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3!
       • Come rain or shine
       • Receive a free T-shirt by registering online
         by April 26th and collecting $50 or more in
         online donation sponsorships
       • Receive a chance to win great door prizes
       • Walk on your own if you can’t join us
      STEP 1: Register online, by mail, by phone, or
      with your group leader TODAY.
      STEP 2: Ask EVERYONE you know to
      donate. You will be amazed how many
      people will say YES!
      STEP 3: Bring completed pledge
      form(s) and collected pledges with you the
      day of the walk and/or utilize our online
      fundraising site – it’s fun, easy, and friends and
      family can sponsor you from anywhere in the
      country!
      Share a link via Facebook, Twitter and more!
                                                             Glad Tidings 100 th Anniversary
      Additional information is available at               Celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings.
      firstchoiceforwomen.org, by clicking on the
      Give Some Help button and selecting Annual
      Walk for Life from the Our Events menu.
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                             2

                                            Message from the Chair
                                            by Cindy Costerison, Chairperson of the Board

                                            Where does this divisiveness and          Word of God. His Word is truth and
                                            animosity come from? John 10:10           we can trust in it. We must live out
                                            says, “The thief does not come except     our faith at all times, demonstrating,
                                            to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”,   but not preaching to the world, that
                                            but the good news is, it doesn’t stop     there is a truth they can believe in,
  Life today can be difficult to            there. It goes on to say, “I have come    hope in, and trust.
  navigate. We live in a world that is      that they may have life, and have it
  in turmoil, hearing voices that tell us   more abundantly.” These were              When       many       people     are
  what is right and what is wrong, yet      Jesus’ words at a time when there         surrendering to the ways of the
  when we see it through a Biblical         was conflict over His claims to be        world, we must always go to God.
  worldview, these perspectives are         the Messiah. Jesus explained that         When our humanness makes us
  proven faulty. We are divided in our      spiritual blindness was the cause of      want to lash out in anger, or
  towns, cities, counties, states, and      their unbelief.                           participate in divisiveness, we must
  our country. We make laws that                                                      resist the schemes of the devil and
  save baby animals, but end the lives      The thief is, of course, Satan. He        focus on what we know to be true.
  of baby humans. And people are            wants to destroy our cities,
                                            counties, country, and our world.         “The Lord is my strength and my
  angry. Angry at everything they                                                     shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He
  don’t agree with, and angry with          He wants to kill our hopes and
                                            dreams and our joy. And he wants to       helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and
  those who have differing beliefs.                                                   with my song I praise Him.”
  They march, they protest, and they        steal our belief in a good and
                                            gracious Savior. It is critical that we   ~Psalm 28:7
  make a lot of noise. It is confusing
  and disruptive to our daily lives.        open our spiritual eyes, and filter
                                            what we see and hear through the

   We Do Food   •    Catering for Fine Dining
                •    Casual Catering Experiences
                •    National School Lunch Programs
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                          3

                                 SRA Update                                     First Choice has already brought
                                 by Sharyll Martin, SRA Director
                                                                                the abstinence-only message to
                                                                                thousands of students this school
                                          positive health benefits of           year. Recently, a Central High
                                          waiting to be sexually active until   School sophomore wrote, "these
                                          marriage.                             lessons helped me further
                                                                                understand why abstinence is
                                          An article written by Kirk            important to practice, because it
                                          Johnson and Robert Rector for         is worth it throughout your life.
  Abstinence Only Education               The Heritage Foundation, reports      [It]     showed       me      the
                                          there is strong support, and          consequences of what sex could
  In our last newsletter, we
                                          many benefits, for teaching           lead to and how to avoid the
  described     the     difference
                                          young people about abstinence –       infections and diseases. It helps
  between         abstinence-only
                                          and it just makes sense.              me      consider     relationship
  education and comprehensive
  sex education. The article may          Social science data shows that        commitments and acknowledge
  have initially caused some              teens who abstain from sex:           self-goals."
  confusion about what program
  we use in our local schools, so I           •   Are less likely to be         Another Central student gave
  wanted to take a moment to                      depressed or attempt          permission to publish his CPR
  clarify.                                        suicide                       poem: “Having clap isn't great
                                              •   Experience fewer              Abstinence means that you can
  First Choice for Women’s Sexual                                               wait!” (See why we enjoy
                                                  occurrences of STDs
  Risk Avoidance Program (SRA)                                                  working with these kids!)
  uses     an     abstinence-until-           •   Have fewer out-of-
  marriage curriculum called                      wedlock children              Student comments are one of the
  Creating Positive Relationships,            •   Are less likely to live in    many reasons we do this job, and
  (CPR).                                          poverty                       they are written proof of the
                                              •   Are more likely to have       impact the abstinence message is
                                                  stable and long-lasting       having in their young lives.
                                                  marriages as adults
                                                                                If you would like to see firsthand
                                          This article also reveals findings    what is so great about teaching
                                          on academic performance in            Sexual Risk Avoidance to young
  CPR is an Indiana based company         teens who practice sexual             people, please contact me before
  located in Carmel. You can learn        abstinence. Sixty percent (60%)       the school year ends to observe a
  more about this program, as well        are less likely to be expelled from   class. I'm praying you will!
  as link to the CPR site from the        school; fifty percent (50%) are
  First Choice website at:                less likely to drop out of high
  https://www.firstchoiceforwom           school, and are almost twice as
                                                                                   WANT TO HELP GUIDE OUR YOUTH?
  en.org/services/abstinence-             likely to graduate from
  education/                              college.
                                                                                Volunteer to be an SRA Instructor and help
  Abstinence Education Benefits                                                 educate our youth about healthy relationships
                                          To read the entire article go to:     and the importance of abstinence. Contact us
  In keeping with our mission and         https://www.heritage.org/educ         today to learn how you can make a difference!

  vision, First Choice uses a             ation/report/teenage-sexual-          SHARYLL MARTIN, SRA DIRECTOR
  curriculum that advises students        abstinence-and-academic-              abdirector@firstchoiceforwomen.org
  to consider the facts about the         achievement                           (765)286-6085
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                                 4

           VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

            JANET POWERS                         Client Connection
                                                 by Leslie Hatcher, Muncie Center Director

                                                 Fathers Matter
                                                 Our ministry is called First Choice
                                                 for Women, but we all recognize
                                                 the important role fathers play in
                                                 the lives of their children. The            could die of SIDS,” (Sudden Infant
                                                 article “Fathers’ Involvement and           Death Syndrome).
                                                 Children’s Developmental Outcomes:          Nate has been meeting with
                                                 A Systematic Review of Longitudinal         volunteer mentor Dee Moore who
                                                 Studies,”   notes,    “An     active        recognizes the value of educating
                                                 fatherhood role not only reduced            young fathers. “ParentCare is an
  Janet Powers has been a volunteer              the frequency of behavioral                 important tool to prepare young
  with First Choice for Women in                 problems in boys and psychological          people    for   parenthood.    I’m
  Muncie since 2016. She serves in the           problems in young women, but it             impressed with Nate’s desire to
  ministry as a ParentCare Mentor                also had a positive effect on               learn how to be a good father. I’m
  and a post-abortion recovery                   cognitive development, along with           looking forward to continuing to
  program leader.                                decreasing     delinquency      and         meet with Nate and to eventually
                                                 economic disadvantage in low-               meet his baby!”
  “As a retiree, I felt this was my time
                                                 income families.”
  to give back,” notes Janet. “I enjoy
                                                                                             Would you like to make a difference
  connecting with the clients, praying           At First Choice, we welcome the             in   lives    of    dads,    moms,
  with them, and just being there for            dads, step-dads and grandfathers            grandparents and babies? Join us in
  the moms through their pregnancy               who come each week to our center.           our vision to achieve a community
  journey.”
                                                 Sixteen year old Nate(1)and his             in which every child is wanted,
  Janet attends CommUNITY Church                 girlfriend are expecting a baby in          cared for and nurtured!
  and enjoys quilting, sewing,                   June. Nate heard about our services
  gardening and raising chickens. She            from an agency staff member who                Children in Fatherless Homes are: (2)
  and her husband of 30 years,                   encouraged him to participate.
  Charlie, love spending time with               Upon learning he was going to be a
  their nine grandchildren.                      father, Nate shared, “I was in
                                                 disbelief at first. Everything else I
  Thank you Janet for your
                                                 was doing, partying, everything - it’s
  commitment to the clients of First
                                                 gone, over, done. I knew I had to
  Choice for Women – we appreciate
                                                 ‘man up’ and do what I needed to do
  you!
                                                 for my baby.”
                                                 Currently Nate is working toward
         WANT TO BE A BLESSING?                  earning a crib and mattress set and
           BE A VOLUNTEER!
                                                 hopes to continue attending
 Are you, your small group, or anyone you know   ParentCare classes after the baby is
 interested in learning more about our           born. “I have some nieces and
 programs or how to become a volunteer at our    nephews, so I knew the basics about
 Muncie location?
                                                 childcare, but the worksheets and
 Please Contact:                                 homework have helped me learn
 LESLIE HATCHER, CENTER DIRECTOR                 about all that could happen, like if I
 leslie@firstchoiceforwomen.org                  sleep in the same bed as the baby, it
 (765)286-6085

        (1) To protect our clients’ privacy, names have been changes.
        (2) https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood-data-statistics
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                   5

Together for Life!
  Thank you for making the 2019 First Choice for Women of
  Anderson & Madison County Annual Banquet a wonderful success!

  Because of the generosity of our sponsors and caring people like
  you, nearly $25,000 was raised to give hope to women who are
  faced with an unwanted pregnancy, provide material support to
  families in need, offer healing to those who have
  suffered from a past abortion, and instruct young
  people in the importance of abstinence before
  marriage.
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                                  6

                                                                                            •   Develop a Volunteer
                              Operations Overview                                           •
                                                                                                Recruitment Strategy
                                                                                                Create a Client Marketing
                              by Lisa Miller, CEO
                                                                                                Plan
                                                                                            •   Develop a Comprehensive
                                            about Kailee and her extensive                      Succession Plan
                                            history with First Choice on Page 6!            •   Implement STD/STI Testing
                                                                                            •   Implement a Safety &
                                            We are very excited about these two
                                                                                                Security Plan
                                            ladies and believe they complement
                                            the exceptional volunteers and staff            •   Locate a Permanent facility
                                            already serving in the ministry.                    for the Anderson Center
  With the passing of winter, we see                                                        •   Identify Satellite Locations
  the cold fade to warm, and spring                                                             for Muncie
                                            What’s New
  burst forth with brilliantly beautiful
                                                                                            •   Identify Satellite Locations
  arrays of color and new growth            Some change comes unexpectedly,                     for Anderson
  popping up over the landscape like        but that doesn’t necessarily mean
  a Bob Ross painting. These are the        it’s a bad thing. For instance, a few      Although this may be our most
  seasonal changes we expect in             weeks ago I received a call from our       challenging Three Year Strategic
  Indiana - in fact, we look forward to     landlord informing me that he was          Plan yet, we are confident that this
  them!                                     putting the building that houses our       type of forward thinking will equip
                                            Anderson facility up for sale.             the     ministry    for     growth.
  The immense joy I feel when spring
                                                                                       Additionally, these objectives will
  arrives accurately reflects the           Initially I panicked, but then I           enable First Choice to reach more
  excitement I have with all the            remembered Philippians 4:19. ”And          women and families in need, while
  amazing     changes     we     are        my God will supply all your needs          furthering our influence in the
  experiencing at First Choice for          according to His riches in glory by        communities we serve.
  Women!                                    Christ Jesus.” First Choice is God’s
                                            ministry, and He will help us find         We hope you are as excited about
  Who’s New                                                                            these opportunities as we are, and
                                            the perfect place - a place with
  If you missed the press release in        easier client access, additional           look forward to partnering with you
  the Harold Bulletin or the email-         parking, and room to grow our              on this bold new adventure!
  eblast sent out by First Choice last      ministry.
  February, you can meet our new                                                         WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE FOR
                                            With this change comes opportunity
  Center Director of Anderson and                                                           LIFE IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA
                                            to sow into the community. If you or
  Madison County, Alyssa Ritchie, on
                                            someone you know would like to             First Choice for Women is compassionate ministry
  Page 8!
                                            make a building donation or capital        committed to helping women and families in our
                                            contribution, we would be honored          community. Are you are interested in learning
  We began talks with Alyssa last fall,                                                more about how you can make a difference in the
  and were very excited to have her         to discuss the possibility.                life of a young mother?
  begin leading our Anderson
                                            First Choice is a 501 C 3 not-for-         Please Contact:
  Madison County team earlier this
                                            profit, and all gifts are tax deductible   LISA MILLER, CEO
  year. Please reach out to Alyssa if
                                            as permissible by law.                     lisa@firstchoiceforwomen.org
  you would like to learn more about
  First Choice, how we are making a                                                    (765)286-8798
                                            What’s Next
  difference in the community, or how
  you can become a part of the great        Over the past few months the Board
  work happening there!                     of Directors has developed a new
                                            Three year (2019-2021) Strategic
  First Choice for Women is also            Plan that includes the following
  welcoming Kailee McKnight to the          objectives.
  ministry. Kailee joined the team in
  late February as our new Office                   •   Create and a Implement
  Manager and brings immense                            New Development Plan
  passion and exemplary skills to the               •   Create a Board
  organization. You can learn more                      Development Plan
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                 7

   First Choice Welcomes New Office Manager
    by Lisa Miller, CEO

                                       much of her time as life              Kailee holds an Associate of
  First Choice for Women is            permitted. She has participated       Applied Science Degree in
  excited to welcome our new           in, and co-lead our Surrendering      Business Administration, and
  Office Manager, Kailee McKnight!     the Secret post-abortion study;       plans to complete her Bachelor’s
                                       provided advocacy services to         Degree in Human Services. We
                                       women facing an unplanned             believe God has placed her at
                                       pregnancy; and helped with a          First Choice with a purpose and
                                       variety of administrative support     are very excited to have her in
                                       services, including a short stint     this role! We look forward to
                                       as Administrative Assistant in        seeing what the future holds for
                                       2014.                                 Kailee in this ministry!
                                       Kailee has also shared her
                                       personal      testimony      with
                                       multiple churches and women’s            Troubled by a past
                                       groups on behalf of First Choice,
                                       in hopes of demonstrating how          abortion? We can help.
                                       God causes all things to work          Abortion can be one of the most
                                       together for good (Romans 8:28).       traumatic experiences in a person
                                       Conveying a message of hope            life and First Choice for Women is
                                       and grace through her own              here to help.
                                       adoption story, sharing of a time
  Born in Tennessee, Kailee and                                               Our Surrendering the Secret post-
                                       when she too faced an unplanned        abortion recovery program is a 6
  her     parents      moved      to   pregnancy, and the life altering
  Alexandria, Indiana when she                                                step biblical healing model for
                                       choices that ultimately lead her       women who feel they have never
  was in the first grade. Graduating   to accepting Christ as her Lord        completely healed or recovered
  from Alexandria High School,         and Savior.                            from an abortion experience, or
  this Madison County native has a                                            that a past abortion may be
  heart for helping others.            “God never had a ‘plan B’ for my       affecting their current quality of
                                       life” Kailee stated. “When I was       life.
  Kailee is a devoted wife to her      younger, I had dreamed of one
  husband, Jeremy and mother of        day opening a place that could         Surrendering the Secret is
  three young daughters. She loves                                            designed to bring women
                                       help women who were faced
  spending time with her family                                               together who understand the
                                       with circumstances similar to          need for seeking peace with the
  and especially enjoys traveling,     those I had experienced. Then I
  reading, writing poetry, making                                             past and desire a better
                                       found First Choice for Women!          understanding of God’s plan for
  meals for the Muncie Mission,        Although only God knew what            making the most painful losses of
  and helping her church family.       laid ahead, in a sense, I felt that    our past work for His glory!
  Kailee was placed for adoption at    my dream had come true and I
                                                                              Our mission is to provide a
  birth. God knew her future from      was doing what I had been called       supportive and confidential
  the beginning and would use her      to do for His glory.”                  environment that facilitates
  experiences to make a difference                                            healing and restoration while
                                       Kailee has already proven to be a
  in the lives of women and                                                   bringing a sense of hope and
                                       valuable asset to First Choice for     purpose for the future.
  families through the First Choice    Women and continues to use her
  ministry.                            skills and experience to help the       Call our 24-Hour CareLine at
 Kailee began volunteering at First    ministry achieve its’ mission          (765)286-6060 for help today.
 Choice over 7 years ago, giving as    throughout East Central Indiana.
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                                          8

   No gift to your mother could ever equal…
                                        Honor your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend by giving a special
                                           Mother’s Day honorarium or memorial gift in her name.
                                                 Your gift will help young moms who have decided to give life to their baby
                                                  despite pressure to end their pregnancy. It took great courage for them to
                                                   follow their convictions and choose life...
                                                    …and many more are in the process of making additional life choices that
                                                    will impact them and their children forever.
                                                  Will you help us be there for these young women by honoring a special
                                                 person in your life and give in this meaningful way?
                                              Your generous gift empowers First Choice for Women to support these young
                                           ladies at this important time in their life by providing ultrasounds, education,
                                        practical assistance, and most of all, hope …

   …. hope that the Lord gives us; “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound
   in hope…” ~ Romans 12:12

   Of all the gifts you could provide, giving this special gift today will make a difference for a lifetime, and
   perhaps an eternity.
   We’ll acknowledge your gift with a beautiful card of appreciation per your instructions on the certificate below.
   Simply return your certificate and gift on or before April 30, 2018 (this will ensure that the recipient will receive
   the card by Mother’s Day on May 12, 2019).
   What better way to honor a special mother than by helping another mom during her time of great need.

                                                                    …her gift to you – Life!
    Yes! I’m giving a gift to honor a special mom…
    Gift Designation:         Muncie Center      Anderson Center                        ☐ YES! I want to become a monthly giver. Go to
     ☐ $15        ☐ $25        ☐ $50    ☐ $100      ☐ $250 ☐ $500                       www.firstchoiceforwomen.org, click the DONATE
                                                                                        menu button OR complete this form and mail it to:
     ☐ $1,000 ☐ $2,500 ☐ $5,000 ☐ $10,000 ☐ $__________
                                                                                                 First Choice for Women
    ☐ Check Enclosed             ☐ Charge my credit card (complete section below)
                                                                                                 3020 N Oakwood Ave
                                   ☐ Master Card       ☐ Visa                                    Muncie, IN 47304
    Card#
    Expiration:           /       Three digit CVC (on back of card):                            ☐ In Honor of       ☐ In Memory of

    Billing Address:                                                                Name:

    Charge me $                            on the          day each month           Notify:
    Printed Name:
                                                                                    Address:
    Signature:
    MD2019                                                                          City/State/ Zip:
SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                                     9

                                            To Everything There Is a Season
                                            by Alyssa Ritchie, Anderson Center Director

                                               - spending time in and around the          prepare     to    make     life-affirming
                                               water are our favorite things to do.       choices.

                                               In my personal down time I enjoy           Galatians 6:2 states “Carry each
                                               reading, writing, and snuggling with       other’s burdens, and in this way you
  In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God informs us          my rescue babies (I have 6 rescued         will fulfil the law of Christ”.
  that, “to everything there is a season,      animals).
  a time for every purpose under the                                                      While believing there is a season for
  heaven…” As a devoted Christian              Vison for the Future                       everything, I also stand firm in the
  and woman of God, this scripture             During this new season for First           belief that as Christ followers we are
  has proven to be true time and time          Choice in Anderson and Madison             called to love and serve just as Jesus
  again throughout my life.                    County, we want to ensure that             did. There is a great need for
                                               every member of our great                  compassion and support in the
  As First Choice for Women moves              community knows about First                Anderson and Madison County area,
  forward in 2019, I am honored to be          Choice for Women and the variety of        and a great need for people like you.
  the new Center Director of                   free services we offer.
  Anderson and Madison County. My                                                         As we venture into this exciting new
  hope is to ignite those I meet with a        We are also dedicated to partnering        season, I encourage you to search
  desire to make a difference and              with the other organizations that          your heart and prayerfully consider
  serve God alongside of our ministry.         serve our community. Together we           partnering with us. There are many
  I feel so blessed to have been called        can help ensure that the women,            opportunities to make a real
  to lead our center into a new season         men and families in Anderson and           difference in the life of someone in
  of growth and excitement!                    Madison County are receiving the           need through First Choice, right
                                               assistance they need to fully care for     here in Anderson and Madison
  About Me                                     themselves and their children.             County. I look forward to all God has
  My name is Alyssa Ritchie, my                                                           in store for this ministry and I look
  husband, Matthew Ritchie, and I are          As we approach our two year                forward to hearing from you!
  blessed to be the parents of our             anniversary in Anderson, one of our
  three wonderful children. Our                goals is to expand center hours so
  family attends Madison Park Church           that we can better meet the needs of              WANT TO BE A BLESSING?
  of God and we actively serve                 our community. With expansion                       BE A VOLUNTEER!
  through our church missions.                 and growth, comes the need for             Are you, your small group, or anyone you
                                               additional volunteers to serve in the      know interested in learning more about our
  I have spent 6 years in the Human            ministry. Together, our staff and          programs or how to become a volunteer at
  Services field and look forward to           volunteers are prayerfully seeking         our Anderson location?
  using my skills and experience to            those special people called from the       Please Contact:
  benefit the women and families in            Anderson and Madison County
  need throughout Anderson and                 churches,       businesses,      and       ALYSSA RITCHIE, CENTER DIRECTOR
  Madison County.                                                                         fcamcdir@firstchoiceforwomen.org
                                               educational institutions to work
                                                                                          (317)922-7204
                                               alongside First Choice and surround
  When I am not working, I enjoy               the women and families of this
  spending time with my family. Our            community with love, compassion,
  children are very active in clubs and        and prayer. The more volunteers we
  athletics, which keeps us on the go,         have available to serve, the more
  but we are always looking for                hours we are able to open our
  activities that allow us to spend            center to the public and allow Jesus
  quality time together. We love the           to shine His light over the
  outdoors - hiking, fishing, kayaking         community as women and families
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                 10

  Community
  Connections
  Thank you for making a
  difference in the lives of
  those who come to us in
  need each week.

 Cardinal Catholic Council
   students volunteer in
  donation maintenance!

                                     Hooked on Helping knit and
                                     crochet group blessed First
                                        Choice with beautiful
                                        handmade blankets!

        TrueLight Baptist Church
         small group helps with
              a big mailing!
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                      11

  In each issue of First Choice         This gives the congregation an          recruitment of former board
  Quarterly, we like to take the        opportunity for fellowship before       treasurer and current CEO, Lisa
  opportunity to highlight one of our   worship, prayer and deliverance of      Miller. Pastor Overton states, “She
  supporting churches, and recognize    the Word.                               has hung the moon with her sense of
  their     involvement     in    the                                           excellence! It is amazing to see what
                                        Kingston Avenue Baptist Church          Lisa has been able to do in her
  community. Anderson’s Kingston
                                        offers many opportunities and           position and I am so proud of all she
  Avenue Baptist Church is in the
                                        encourages         small     groups,    has accomplished.”
  spotlight this quarter.
                                        involvement within the community,
                                        and youth engagement. Young             In his second year at Kingston
                                        people have an opportunity to           Avenue, Pastor Overton shared,
                                        participate in monthly youth group      “Last year, our church decided to
                                        outreach programs, as well as the       add First Choice for Women to our
                                        ability to attend camp annually. The    budget. We give each month and
                                        women of Kingston Avenue are            encourage other churches to do
                                        passionate about God and enjoy a        likewise. Our church,” Concludes
                                        monthly Saturday journaling class       Pastor Overton, “enthusiastically
                                        where they are able to write, pray,     supports First Choice for Women
                                        and share their love of Jesus.          because this ministry truly saves
                                                                                lives. Mothers and fathers are
                                        Kingston Avenue proudly hosts an        challenged to treasure life. At First
  Lead by Pastor Tim Overton, the       annual Easter egg hunt with a carry-    Choice,      they      are    offered
  church is located at 5403 Kingston    in luncheon, a firework show in July,   opportunities to learn how to
  Avenue Anderson, IN 46013. This       and a fall festival that includes a     physically care for themselves and
  small, 50 person gospel-focused       Trunk or Treat. These fun family        infants, as well as develop parenting
  congregation has shared the Word      events are free and open to the         skills. All training is done from a
  of God for over 50 years.             entire community. Pastor Overton        Christian perspective that lovingly
                                        stated, “We want be a place of          offers the Gospel. Testimonies of
  Kingston holds weekly Sunday          refuge where people in our              lives     saved      and     changed
  school classes at 9:30am, worship     community are able to find Jesus,       demonstrate why this ministry is
  services at 10:30am, and Sunday       enjoy time with their families, and     worthy of support.”
  evening services at 6:30pm. They      come to a place where they can
  also offer midweek services on        transform their lives. We welcome       First Choice for Women appreciates
  Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm.         anyone to walk through our doors”.      Kingston Avenue Baptist Church
                                                                                and THANK YOU for partnering
  Kingston Avenue values building       Pastor Overton, a long-time             with us!
  relationships within their church     supporter and former board
  family and provides dinner before     member of First Choice is
  their midweek services, at 5:30pm.    passionate about the ministry. He
                                        was pleased      to  claim     his
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                                                           12

          You Make a Difference ♥ Get Involved Today!
                ☐ I would like to learn about becoming a First Choice for Women volunteer or board member.
                ☐ I would like to be a Life Ambassador for First Choice with my church/group/organization.
                ☐ I would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer Abstinence Education Instructor.
                ☐ I am considering a gift or becoming a monthly donor, please contact me.
                ☐ Please add me to your email list in order to save postage expense.
                ☐ I will be a prayer partner and commit to pray for this ministry.
                ☐ I would like to be a team captain at the next Walk for Life.
                ☐ I would like to be a table host at the next banquet.

         Name

         Address

         City                                               State              Zip

         Phone                               Email

                           YES! I Want to Stand Together for LIFE!
  Designation: ☐ Muncie                 ☐ Anderson                                               YES! I want to become a monthly giver. Go
                                                                                                 to www.firstchoiceforwomen.org, click
  ☐ One-Time Gift                   ☐ Recurring Monthly Donation                                 the GIVE SOME HELP button then click on
                                                                                                 the DONATE menu OR Complete this form
    ☐ $15    ☐ $25    ☐ $50    ☐ $100    ☐ $250                        ☐ $500                    and mail it to:
    ☐ $1,000 ☐ $2,500 ☐ $5,000 ☐ $10,000 ☐ $

  ☐ Check Enclosed                ☐ Charge my credit card (complete section below)                         3020 N Oakwood Ave
                                                                                                             Muncie IN 47304
                       ☐ Master Card             ☐ Visa                                                            Or
 Card#                                                                                                     1817 N Madison Ave
                                                                                                            Anderson, IN 46011
 Expiration:           /        Three digit CVC (on back of card):
                                                                                                   Get a Choose Life license plate today!
 Billing Address:

 Charge me $                            on the             day of each month
                                                                                                    Visit: https://www.in.gov/bmv/2620.htm
 Name:
 First Choice is a 501 C 3 not-for-profit ministry; donations are tax deductible as permissible by law. TIN# 35-1695860   2nd QTR. NL2019
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20                                                                      13

       Thank you Sponsors!

                                     CORNERSTONE                                     Bret Overdorf
                                       RETREAT                                         Insurance

                                                                    Church Street
                                                                       Commons
                                                                    Ministries Inc

                                                                                         Cathy
Matthew & Alyssa Ritchie
                                                                                       Grollimund

                                                                                        NON-PROFIT
                                                                                       ORGANIZATION
                                                                                        U.S. POSTAGE
                                                                                             PAID
                                                                                      MUNCIE, INDIANA
                                                                                       PERMIT NO. 866
    3020 N Oakwood Ave
      Muncie IN 47304                         [Addressee]
                                              [Street Address]
     1817 N Madison Ave                       [City, ST ZIP Code]
      Anderson IN 46011
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