What others are saying...
These are letters from women who have completed the Bible study.
All names changed to maintain confidentiality.
Mary's story:
Being part of the abortion recovery weekend changed me more than I could even imagine. I thought I had completely dealt with my abortion but didn't realize that my constant anxiety and feelings of uncertainty were in direct relation to my experience and need for healing. I was continuing to walk in shame and guilt.
Through understanding the Character of God by reading His Word and the gentle counselor to walk with me, I feel a self assurance in Christ that I only dreamed to experience. I know I'm forgiven.
The Chrysalis Abortion Recovery weekend has truly changed me and equipped me to better serve our Heavenly Father. I highly recommend the program.
Jamie's story:
When I was 17 I chose to have an abortion. I believed satan's lies. The lie that this was ok because it wasn't a baby. The lie that God won't forgive me because the sin was too big. The lie that this was my only choice. The lie that I am such an awful person because I did this. The guilt and shame of my abortion has ruled my life. I have never felt good enough.
I am so very thankful for this ministry. I grew up in church. I teach children in Sunday school, but I always struggled with the guilt and shame of my abortion. This Bible study has allowed me to face and deal with what I did. I always shoved it down deep in my heart, not willing to look at what I did.
This study was so hard, but at the same time so freeing.
Andi's story:
I have had two abortions and for over 30 years I have not talked about them. I never spoke of them because of my shame and fear of rejection. Going through the Forgiven & Set Free Bible study has been a real blessing to me. I have finally been able to feel the pain and sorrow of what I had done and yet know that God has forgiven me and has wonderful plans for my future.
I believe there are women in every congregation who have had an abortion. There is no certain "kind of woman" who has done this. She could be the pianist, the children's Sunday school teacher, the head deacon's wife, or even the pastor's wife. She will never tell because she feels shame for what she has done and may believe she is the only one dealing with this kind of pain.
The abortion recovery ministry has much value because it helps a woman express and come to terms with all of her feelings concerning her abortion. She will learn she can be set free from the shame and guilt of her past, mourn her loss and go forward into the future with a clear understanding of God's forgiveness and love.
If given the opportunity, every church should make this study available to the women of their congregation. A pastor may never know how many lives he has touched by giving these women a chance of freedom from their past but the women will be forever blessed.
Gail's story:
I grew up in Texas. I was sexually abused by my Father from about age 13-18. When I turned 18, I got a full time job, and started trying to grow up. I got pregnant twice within two years. The first time I just took the "easy way" out and got an abortion without thinking or talking to anyone. The second time I told a friend who knew a couple who would have adopted my baby. I still took the "easy way" out. It has not been easy though. It has effected the way I saw myself- as a heartless, hard, uncaring person. It effected who I married, my divorce, and the way I treated my children.
I now know that God loves me still and I can love myself- ONLY because of His Son, who died for me. My children are with Him. I look forward to the day when all my children are reunited.
Nancy's story:
For the past twelve years I had been in denial because of what shame my abortion brought to myself. Forgiven & Set Free Bible study group (Chrysalis) let me first understand there are many other women who have gone through abortion and think they are the only ones dealing with such a thing. It provided a place where I could share all my thoughts, feelings and actions without being JUDGED. Being surrounded by this honesty has really helped with the path to healing and understanding. I am "Forgiven and Set Free" by my Lord, Jesus Christ!
Mary's story:
Being part of the abortion recovery weekend changed me more than I could even imagine. I thought I had completely dealt with my abortion but didn't realize that my constant anxiety and feelings of uncertainty were in direct relation to my experience and need for healing. I was continuing to walk in shame and guilt.
Through understanding the Character of God by reading His Word and the gentle counselor to walk with me, I feel a self assurance in Christ that I only dreamed to experience. I know I'm forgiven.
The Chrysalis Abortion Recovery weekend has truly changed me and equipped me to better serve our Heavenly Father. I highly recommend the program.
Jamie's story:
When I was 17 I chose to have an abortion. I believed satan's lies. The lie that this was ok because it wasn't a baby. The lie that God won't forgive me because the sin was too big. The lie that this was my only choice. The lie that I am such an awful person because I did this. The guilt and shame of my abortion has ruled my life. I have never felt good enough.
I am so very thankful for this ministry. I grew up in church. I teach children in Sunday school, but I always struggled with the guilt and shame of my abortion. This Bible study has allowed me to face and deal with what I did. I always shoved it down deep in my heart, not willing to look at what I did.
This study was so hard, but at the same time so freeing.
Andi's story:
I have had two abortions and for over 30 years I have not talked about them. I never spoke of them because of my shame and fear of rejection. Going through the Forgiven & Set Free Bible study has been a real blessing to me. I have finally been able to feel the pain and sorrow of what I had done and yet know that God has forgiven me and has wonderful plans for my future.
I believe there are women in every congregation who have had an abortion. There is no certain "kind of woman" who has done this. She could be the pianist, the children's Sunday school teacher, the head deacon's wife, or even the pastor's wife. She will never tell because she feels shame for what she has done and may believe she is the only one dealing with this kind of pain.
The abortion recovery ministry has much value because it helps a woman express and come to terms with all of her feelings concerning her abortion. She will learn she can be set free from the shame and guilt of her past, mourn her loss and go forward into the future with a clear understanding of God's forgiveness and love.
If given the opportunity, every church should make this study available to the women of their congregation. A pastor may never know how many lives he has touched by giving these women a chance of freedom from their past but the women will be forever blessed.
Gail's story:
I grew up in Texas. I was sexually abused by my Father from about age 13-18. When I turned 18, I got a full time job, and started trying to grow up. I got pregnant twice within two years. The first time I just took the "easy way" out and got an abortion without thinking or talking to anyone. The second time I told a friend who knew a couple who would have adopted my baby. I still took the "easy way" out. It has not been easy though. It has effected the way I saw myself- as a heartless, hard, uncaring person. It effected who I married, my divorce, and the way I treated my children.
I now know that God loves me still and I can love myself- ONLY because of His Son, who died for me. My children are with Him. I look forward to the day when all my children are reunited.
Nancy's story:
For the past twelve years I had been in denial because of what shame my abortion brought to myself. Forgiven & Set Free Bible study group (Chrysalis) let me first understand there are many other women who have gone through abortion and think they are the only ones dealing with such a thing. It provided a place where I could share all my thoughts, feelings and actions without being JUDGED. Being surrounded by this honesty has really helped with the path to healing and understanding. I am "Forgiven and Set Free" by my Lord, Jesus Christ!