Spring 26 (Wishful Thinking!)
Quiet Conversations
. . . Change the World
Kirk Walden /the PHC Connection
VOLUNTEERS don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart!
Do you have the heart? It doesn’t take a lot of time to make a difference in someone’s life! Call your local office today!
When Erica first learned she was pregnant, fear and anxiety took over. With little support around her, she felt overwhelmed and unsure of what her next step should be. Everything changed during her ultrasound. At that moment, Erica chose LIFE, she knew there was no other option. “When I came to Choices for my ultrasound, I saw that little heartbeat and I knew what to do,” she shared. “That was my baby, and I was going to have him. I would do anything to keep him safe and protect him!” Through this journey, Erica discovered something deeper God feels the same way about her! She realized she is far more precious to God than she had ever imagined. She's looking forward to meeting her little guy soon!
April had missed several appointments, and I sensed something was wrong something she hadn’t yet found the courage to share. When we finally connected, she opened up about the heavy news she’d been carrying alone. Her baby hadn’t been growing for several weeks, and the doctors were becoming increasingly concerned. Fear, anxiety, and endless what ifs had been weighing on April’s heart! She had been holding it all in to herself. When she finally shared, you could feel the relief she knew she was in a safe place.
Unsure of what to do next, April turned to her Heavenly Father! We prayed together, and others joined in, lifting up this precious little one to the One who could help. The following week, after an in-depth ultrasound with a specialist, April returned with joyful news! “Guess what,” she said with a smile. “The baby is gaining weight just like they wanted. I still have to go in for monitoring several times a week, but I’m so relieved that my baby girl is gaining weight!” Together, we praised God for answering our prayers. While doctors continue to closely monitor her pregnancy, April’s faith has grown stronger, rooted in the assurance that God hears her cries and responds with love.
YOUR CHOICE... Does it still trouble you?
Our post-abortion recovery program offers a safe and nonjudgmental place for you to begin the healing process and be honest with yourself about your experience and the impact it has had on your life. Call today: 217-345-8000
As we enter the New Year, I find myself reflecting on the past year, and how God continues molding, stretching, and teaching me. I have this incredible peace in my life that can only come from Him! As the world around me loses control, I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” It’s true!
My prayer for the center this year, is that the young ladies who come in for assistance will understand that this peace they see in me, isn’t because I’m perfect, or deserving, or I have it all figured out, it’s because HE loves me! He made me, He knows everything I have ever done, and still loves me enough to forgive all my sin! Join me in praying that every heart that enters this center will feel the love and security of Jesus Christ, and will accept what only He can offer; true love, joy, forgiveness and peace! ~Tammy
New year, new you! We hear it all the time in the secular world, but we also hear that from God as His mercy and grace is new every day! When our moms (and recently more dads) come in seeking a new beginning we at Choices can be that light, can be that voice that encourages each one right at the place they are in. One woman came in looking for a pregnancy test although she didn’t believe she was pregnant because doctors had said she couldn’t have a baby. She and her sweetheart came together and together they saw that the results were positive! Throughout the journey with their pregnancy Sarah struggled with high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and continual nausea but her attitude every time she came to the center was one of joy and excitement. She loved getting ready for the little one that God had given her as a blessing! January came and baby came early but now their little family is all new in a new year! ~Janice
Most days are similar in the office, but there are those “special” days that only come occasionally. There was a call from Teresa who wanted to come in that day but there really wasn’t any time available. As she talked, I realized that she needed to come ASAP so I extended my office hours and set the appointment for 4:30pm. When Teresa got to the office she began to tell what had happened since the last time I saw her (approximately a year ago). Sadly, the circumstances of our girls are very similar; they live from one crisis to another in their daily lives. Teresa was no different but this appointment was…instead of giving her a lesson to watch or discussing solutions to her issues, I felt the Father say, “Listen!” About 2 hours later Teresa said, “well, that’s about it. Thanks for listening; I desperately needed someone to talk to. I feel so much better”. We hadn’t worked on “problem-solving” or looked for practical ways to get through her current situation; instead, I was a sounding block for her. It isn’t always providing help in tangible ways, listening to someone validates their worth! Teresa is doing okay and is planning to come weekly again but that night was “special” as I let go of my time-schedule and my supposed agenda and just listened. ~GayLynne
We had a Christmas surprise! A donor walked in and said “a number of years ago, you helped us, so I want to make sure there’s a Christmas for a mom to let her know she is loved Here’s some money for them, use it how you know best.” My heart leapt for joy as I had just had a conversation with a client the day before about struggling to meet a need in her life, specifically - tires. I planned out how we could help her and called her with the surprise. She thought she was in trouble when I asked her to come in to discuss it all. I reassured her it was a good surprise! She rejoiced, cried, and said “I didn’t come here for my faith, but I sure found it, because God keeps showing up.” We were able to bless her this Christmas and meet a need to make her life a little less heavy. But in reality, her need for Christ and His unconditional love is being met as she is tearing walls down and allowing the Holy Spirt to WRAP HER IN HIS LOVE! It’s a huge blessing to witness it all and see just how God’s majesty is moving over her life. ~Cali
All client names have been changed for confidentiality
Our Sexual Risk Avoidance Program provides students a positive and truthful message that when they choose to avoid drugs, alcohol, & tobacco and choose to save all sexual activity for marriage, they are more apt to avoid poverty and achieve success! This is not “sex-ed”! We want to empower our young people to make good choices. Making wise and healthy choices at a young age, means they are more apt to have happier, healthier, and more successful futures. Help us make connections with our area educators and parents. Please spread the word that we will share this message in any school - free of charge! ~LeAnn
Join us for the 2026
Choice Bits & Pieces
Things to think about, pray about, and give thanks!
Illinois March for Life
March 19th in Springfield…
Illinois the Top Abortion Destination in the Nation.
From: Illinois Right to Life
A Solemn Anniversary
by David Bereit/ ED Life Leadership
During a press conference, Governor Pritzker cited recently-released data from the Guttmacher Institute that solidifies Illinois' spot as the nation's top abortion destination in 2024, performing 23% of all out-of-state abortions in the U.S. Out-of-state abortions made up 39% of Illinois' abortion total in 2024.
January 22, marked a solemn anniversary in our nation’s history the day in 1973 when Roe v. Wade was imposed on America by the U.S. Supreme Court, unleashing abortion coast-to-coast. Although that decision was ultimately reversed in 2023 through Dobbs v. Jackson praise God January 22 still carries enormous weight.
Grief for the tens of millions of lives lost to abortion.
Sorrow for the countless women and families harmed.
The Illinois March for Life is an annual pro-life event held in Springfield, Illinois, to advocate for the protection of unborn life and promote policies supporting both mothers and children. Come and take a stand!
IN MEMORY:
Colton Deedrich
Norma Shoot
Marilyn Chancellor
Pam Harmon
Shannon Barnett
IN HONOR:
Josh Robinson
Susan
This news is heavy, but it's not a shock. In fact, the Governor has been outspoken about his intentions for Illinois' abortion industry for many years. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Pritzker has made it a core facet of his administration's efforts to expand abortion access - not just for Illinois women, but for women across the U.S.
Heartbreak that, even in postRoe America, more than 1.1 million children continue to perish each year.
This reality does not come without a cost. In 2025 alone, Operation Rescue reported 21 women who were injured in 8 abortion clinics across the state of Illinois. And these are just the ones we know about. It's not just Illinois women who are being affected by the low standards of care in Illinois abortion clinics - it's women from as many as 17 states across the Midwest and beyond.
Choices 2026
Friend raising Dinner is coming!
September 19th
McKenna-Yost Convention Center, Mattoon
Watch our Facebook page @partnersofCPH for more details
And, I believe, a profound call to prayer. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the darkness of abortion… If you’ve wondered whether prayer truly makes a difference… If you long to see healing, hope, and a genuine culture of life take root…we must pray! On this tragic anniversary, may we not grow weary but instead recommit ourselves to prayer, compassion, and faithful action.
Want to be a Choices Prayer Warrior? Call: 217-345-8000 today!
Board Member Kent Elam & Pastor Mike from Villa Grove First Christian Church collected items and donated funds for several car seats & diapers!
dropped off donations from Praise Assembly for Mission
project.
THINGS OUR BABIES NEED
• Similac Formula (Total Comfort & Advance)
• Diapers: 3, 4, 5
• Wipes
• Infant car seats
• Pack–n–play’s
Janice, Paris CSD & Vicky, Volunteer accept a donation from the Paris Elks Club
Vickie Hayes
of the Month
Cali, Janice, Veronica & Lisa
Thank you to everyone who made Christmas special for our clients & their children!
A couple, who have been CPH Partners for many years, reached out to donate a car. God’s timing is always perfect… because the transmission in this mama’s car just went out! She uses it daily for work and she has a special needs kiddo. God blessed her greatly as well as the donors and we got to see it firsthand!
Atticus
Donovan Zaine
Wrenley
Jerlan Westyn