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Editor’s note: Heather Noel, Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries director of communications, contributed the majority of this article.
At Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries (ABCFM), we are privileged to serve at the intersection of life-affirming care, supporting women in crisis and fostering hope for vulnerable children and families. From expectant mothers facing unplanned pregnancies to foster families opening their homes, we are committed to nurturing a culture of life that reflects God’s love and compassion.
Reflections on the Sanctity of Life
From conception to life’s final moments, every life reflects God’s image and holds intrinsic value.
“I serve women in crisis who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. By stepping into her life with kindness, resources, and practical support, I can affirm that her life and the life of her unborn child matter to God. Serving these women is about affirming their courage, bravery, and immense value. It’s about showing them they are seen, known, and deeply loved by their Creator,” said Caryl Watson, ABCFM adoption specialist.
Similarly, foster families extend this message of life-affirming care by providing children with safety, love, and stability in the most challenging circumstances. Supporting life doesn’t end at birth—it means walking alongside families and children with practical care and compassion. Together, we embody the sanctity of life by responding to God’s call to defend, nurture, and honor life in all its stages, ensuring that every child and family experiences the fullness of His love and provision.
How you can get involved
- Share the Mission
- Spread the word about ABCFM’s ministry to expectant mothers in your church or community. If someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, encourage them to reach out to us for support.
- Pray with Purpose
- Pray that God would guide women in crisis to our ministry and open their hearts to His hope.
- Pray for the resources, wisdom, and strength needed to serve these women with compassion.
- Pray for foster families as they create homes that reflect God’s unconditional love.
- Take Action
- Consider becoming a foster parent to provide a Christ-centered home for children in need.
- Host a baby shower, diaper drive, or resource collection at your church to bless expectant mothers.
- Volunteer your time or advocate for ABCFM’s services to expand our outreach.
Together, Arkansas Baptists can create a culture of life that honors God by defending the vulnerable, nurturing the brokenhearted, and celebrating His love for all stages of life.
Pregnancy care centers
ABSC Community Missions Strategist Clint Ritchie shared that in 2024, the pregnancy care center sites that receive funding from ABSC Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering reported 15,460 clients, 115 professions of faith and 1,047 babies saved from abortion.
Not represented in those numbers are the classes completed that focus on parenting, budgeting, and other essential family skills as well as the personal investment that volunteers make into the lives of their clients.
Sanctity of Life Sunday resources available
The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission released a free prayer guide and bulletin insert for churches to use in observance of Sanctity of Life Sunday, Jan 19, to help create a culture of life within families in the church.
The bulletin insert and prayer guide are available here.
For more information on resources of the ABCFM, visit abcfm.org. To learn more about the pregnancy care centers supported by the ABSC, visit absc.org/pregnancy.