Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Stories Collective! We were joined by our friend Paula Beene. We are very thankful for Paula's willingness to share her life with us.
⚠️ Before you listen, we do want to give you a trigger warning for this episode. Specific details of abortion procedures are discussed in this conversation. ⚠️
Paula begins her story by sharing what it was like growing up in Yuma, AZ in the 80s and 90s. She was raised by a single Mom and though it was a rough environment she does have fond memories of her childhood. Her older brother was very protective of her and helped her through the troubles of high school. Paula began seeing a boy her senior year of high school and through this relationship she became pregnant - though she didn't know it. Her brother's girlfriend walked her through the process of taking a pregnancy test and then eventually telling her Mom. Feeling like she had no other choice, Paula, her brother and his girlfriend made the trip to Phoenix so that Paula could have an abortion at around 14 weeks. Paula recalls how horrific the experience was. Unfortunately, years later Paula would find herself back in an abortion clinic in Phoenix. But in God's goodness the story does not end there! Paula very sweetly describes how she met her wonderful husband Clark and how they together have been able to lean into and follow the Lord. Shortly after they started attending Desert Springs, Paula became aware of the ministry Surrendering The Secret. It was through this ministry that Paula began her healing journey, processing what she had been through as a young woman and learning that the Lord had healing, grace, love and forgiveness for her. Paula is now a major part of making Surrendering The Secret happen at Desert Springs! You'll get to hear about Paula's healing journey, her health struggles and how that's grown her closer to God, her life as a wife and mom, how the Lord is using her to minister and so much more.
For more information on Surrendering The Secret, a support group for women who have had abortions, email secrethope@dscchurch.com
Pregnancy centers in the Phoenix area:
New Life Pregnancy Center: https://newlifepregnancy.com
Choices Pregnancy Center: https://www.choicesaz.com
If you are pregnant and needing help, please know that you are not alone. We would love to walk with you in this. Send an email to sarah@dscchurch.com if you need help.
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