In life, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next—the next job, the next bill, the next big goal. We talk about making an impact and seeing growth. And rightly so. Numbers matter. But we can’t forget this: people are the numbers. Every statistic is a name, a face, a life that matters deeply to God.
I want to share a story that reminds me to slow down and see the harvest that’s right in front of me.
Over a decade ago—before I began working in a pregnancy help center—I met Destiny. She was 18, newly pregnant, and scared. A mutual friend introduced us, and I invited her to a group for teen moms that my friend Amy and I had just started.
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Destiny declined—she was shy, anxious, and overwhelmed. Not long after, she miscarried. I sent her a book that had brought me comfort after my own miscarriage years earlier, and she thanked me deeply. That simple gesture was a seed planted.
Life moved forward. Destiny worked different jobs, started college, and stayed loosely connected. She worked at a pizza place and convinced her manager to donate pizzas to our group because she believed in what we were doing. Later, when she became pregnant again, she came to the group—hesitant but brave. She found encouragement there and was inspired by the stories of the other young moms.
Devin and Destiny shared their experience in a video for New Hope.
By the time her baby was born, I was working at our local pregnancy help center, and Destiny continued to stay in touch. Over the years, Amy and I walked closely with her—through the ups and downs of life and the challenges she and her boyfriend, Devin, faced. After each child, she donated baby items she no longer needed and referred friends who needed help. When she started a new job, she told me about a community grant her company offered and encouraged me to apply. We were awarded that grant—and have received it every year since.
Then came her fifth pregnancy. It was high-risk and came soon after her fourth. The pressure to abort was intense—even her doctor’s office was urging it. She and Devin, now her fiancé, were scared and overwhelmed. They felt abortion was their only option.
But in the middle of that storm, our team was there.
During her first ultrasound appointment, Amy gently explained the facts and risks of abortion, while Devin spent time with one of our male client advocates. Even with that support, they left still considering abortion.
Amy and I exchanged countless late-night texts with Destiny as she wrestled with fear and exhaustion. We reminded her that she was already a loving mother, and that she and Devin were great parents. Raising a fifth child would be hard—yes—but worth every sacrifice.
Early in the pregnancy, they took a family trip to Florida, passing pro-life billboards all along the way. Destiny told us later, “It was like God was speaking directly to us.” Away from the pressure of outside voices, they had space to talk and pray. Seeing those pro-life messages helped shift their perspective, and together, they made the decision to continue the pregnancy. By the time they came home, they weren’t just at peace—they were excited to welcome another child.
That baby—Dayanna—was featured in a video testimony for New Hope's fall banquet when Destiny was almost nine months pregnant. They attended with their healthy newborn baby in their arms. Afterward, Destiny told us, “So many people thanked me for keeping my baby. It opened my eyes. People really care.”
A few months later, she invited Amy and me to witness her baptism. We stood beside her as she shared her testimony. I prayed over her, overwhelmed at the faithfulness of God and the beauty of seeing a seed bear fruit.
Tweet This: Under pressure to abort, Destiny found hope through a pregnancy help center—and chose life for her baby.
Earlier this year, Destiny texted me:
“Kathy, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. You're amazing. Thank you for convincing me to keep Dayanna. She is my world… Your heart is so pure. ❤️ Love you, dude.”
This is just one example of the long-term relationships that can develop. Through the work of pregnancy help, we are all seed-planters in one way or another. And if we don’t pause long enough to notice, we might miss the harvest God is growing right around us.
Slow down. Look closely. The harvest may not come with applause or recognition—sometimes the impact of your “yes” to God is found in tiny hands and feet, or in the tearful testimony of a life forever changed.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Editor's Note: Kathy Jerman is the Director of Affiliate Services for Heartbeat International which manages Pregnancy Help News.
