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KELLY
DEMOES
I am in awe that Reflections is beginning its SIXTH season, and in even more in awe that God is choosing me, a non abortive woman, to be the Ministry Director. Who would have ever imagined? Certainly not me eleven years ago when my best friend, Heidi Williams, wanted to end our friendship one night while we were having coffee because she had made the choice to have an abortion and thought I would want nothing to do with her when I found out. I must admit that I didn't have any personal experience with abortion or insight into post abortive syndrome symptoms. However, what I did have was a love for my Heavenly Father and my friend that would weather the road that lay ahead of us that evening.
Just like the paralytic that needed to get to Jesus, I knew Heidi also was paralyzed by her past choice and needed help from a friend in order to meet Jesus where she was. I was able to walk along side of Heidi as she completed a Bible Study that we currently use in Reflections. As she would share, I would pray and write notes of encouragement to her. God began to transform her right before my eyes, and in the process changed my heart, as well. He began to show me that my own sin is seen the same in His eyes and gave me a heart of passion to see other women with abortion in their past come to experience the same freedom, hope and joy I now saw in Heidi.
Shortly after the study, Heidi and I began praying every Wednesday morning at 5:00 am for five years about how God wanted to use our journey together. We didn't have all the details but the one thing we knew had to be a component was that non post abortive women would be anonymous prayer partners for bible study participants. You see those of us who have NOT had an abortion are critical as we represent God's love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance to women who thought no one would ever love them if they knew their secret, especially those who have never experienced it themselves and perhaps have judgmental or self righteous attitudes. The journey has not always been an easy one, just ask Heidi how many times she was mad at me during those first few weeks of study, or the spiritual warfare not only us, but our families have endured, but if you do ask her, don't forget to also ask how we have BOTH been transformed more and more into the women God desires us to become. Would we travel this road again? Yes, two unlikely best friends, with two very different pasts, with one AMAZING God who finds delight when we walk in obedience with Him. I am excited that you are exploring this website, and know that your are already being prayed for and that God wants to do the same transforming work in YOU if you will only say yes.
Kelly Demoes
Ministry Director
Bakersfield, CA.
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