Sanctity of Human Life

First Day, First Client

by Connie Ambrecht

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
“Just thought I’d let you know that the first client scheduled for an ultrasound training is abortion-minded. In fact, she’s already been to the abortion clinic, paid her money, and is scheduled to go back this week, on Wednesday.”

If the executive director had said, “your first client is my daughter,” or “someone from my Sunday school class,” or “a volunteer,” I would have felt much better.

Knowing our first client already had an abortion scheduled added unforeseen anxiety to our first ultrasound training day. As it happened, God had a different plan than we did.

I tried to speak as calmly as possible to the abortion-minded client.“As you know, you are here on an ultrasound training day, and we’re glad you’re here. After we obtain our needed images, we’ll turn the screen so you can see what we are seeing.”

Since our first day brought a first client that was not exactly like we planned, we kept our emotions to ourselves, even though seeing the image on the screen made us want to squeal with delight.

We turned the ultrasound moniter toward the client, still anticipating her reaction. “Oh my gosh,” she exclaimed in a quivering voice, “is that my baby? Moving? Jumping like that?”

“It is.” I answered. I looked at her to gauge her reaction and determine what to say next. It was clear that God was at work. “Be still”, I heard in my heart. “Be still and know that I am God.”

We could only imagine her thoughts as we watched her wipe away her tears. Tears representing a mixture of joy and disbelief at just how close she came to never seeing or meeting the child she carried. The child God had entrusted to her. A child He wanted her to mother.

Day one, first client, trainer and trainees watched God reveal His purposes. God's timing: perfect. God's provision: perfect. Her life: changed forever.

As it happened, God had a different plan than we did. He again would reveal Himself to a group of pilgrims, making their way to His banquet table. A banquet table where we will one day celebrate the event of day one, client one in the center.