Week 1 Abigail’s Story

Recalling the early days when she found out she was pregnant, Abigail acknowledges that as a single mom, she wrestled with the decision of whether to continue the pregnancy, “I was truly very worried I wouldn’t be able to be there for my kids”. She had also just enrolled in a post-secondary program and was about to pursue a new career.

“I was stressed out of my mind. I was very unsure what to do with my life and wondering if this was another thing I couldn’t go through with”.

Abigail reached out to Envisage and met with a support person. Over several visits, she talked out her situation, and took time to consider her choice. Eventually, she made the decision to defer her program, and continue her pregnancy.

Throughout her pregnancy, she felt unwell, and experienced health issues and at times, she was hospitalized and unable to cope. Envisage came alongside Abigail, offering meals and meeting needs. “That made me really emotional, the meals. I couldn’t cook”.

She recalls this period being the biggest personal growth time of her life, “I have always struggled to accept help... you aren’t supposed to go through life without help. I needed to learn that”.

Envisage team members were there to reassure her, providing a support system she did not have. She received prenatal support, life coaching, and birth support services. Her doula helped her advocate for herself during labour and delivery. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of Envisage.

Her baby girl arrived, healthy and well. For Abigail, her daughter, whose name means, “Spared by Jehovah,” is God giving a second chancereminding her that she has been blessed to be a mom, and that she is loved. “She grounds me and makes me calm. She makes me a better person”. With the support of Envisage “I was able to return to school and follow my dreams”.

Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.

Isaiah 1:17 MSG

Step into Their Story

Sometimes life feels like a juggling act; it can be difficult to meet the responsibilities of work, school, family life, relationships and finances (especially if one or more of these areas has added challenges). Try juggling rolled up socks, imagining that each one is a responsibility you have. How many can you juggle at once? How would it feel if you had to constantly juggle more than you realistically could? How can you help others who are struggling with too many challenges?

Please Pray

Day 1: That Envisage would be known as a place where people are supported and cared for... and that God’s love would shine through everything we do.

Day 2: That people facing difficult pregnancy situations would easily find Envisage and have the courage to contact us.

Day 3: For the team at Envisage - that God would give them wisdom about the best ways to care for each person they serve.

Day 4: That God would continue to grow the team at Envisage in His good timing - that He would bring volunteers, staff and board members to serve in various different roles.

Day 5: That God would use the baby bottle campaign to remind people about each person’s value and also the very real challenges that some people face.

Day 6: For those who are wrestling with whether to continue their pregnancies - that Envisage’s care would make them feel cared for and supported, and give them hope.

Day 7: For Pregnancy Care Canada as they equip centres nationally to serve with excellence.

Fill The Bottle

As you pray for each day’s request, colour in the section of the bottle for that day. At the end of the week, the bottle will be full!

Day 7

Day 6

Day 5

Day 4

Day 3

Day 2

Day 1

Week 2

Elizabeth & Paul’s Story

Elizabeth was suffering from severe postpartum depression when she bravely contacted Envisage. Her baby boy was two weeks old, and she was isolated in a basement apartment during COVID lockdown. Her husband, Paul, had lost his job so they had moved in with family.

“On my first contact with Envisage, my support worker provided me with several postpartum resources. I don’t really know where I would be today if she hadn’t kept checking in with me every few days. They would deliver food to us, go for walks with me and coached me through my postpartum”.

When her baby was 10 months old, Elizabeth found out she was pregnant again. Paul told Elizabeth he did not know if he was ready or if he even wanted another child. She became mentally foggy, and their relationship became more and more unhealthy. Elizabeth continued to visit Envisage and within a short time Paul softened to having another child and even attended childbirth classes with her. These classes became a lifeline for Elizabeth; she soaked in all she could and was grateful for the relationships she built.

During this time their living situation changed and had become difficult because of alcohol use in the home and space was tight with other tenants. They had little food and no income.

After their second baby was born, Elizabeth’s struggle with postpartum depression was shorter. Paul found a secure job and Envisage helped them connect with the housing retention program, which equipped them to move into their own place. They became more stable and were able to face challenges as a family.

Elizabeth attended our Strengthening Families Program and was given tools to build a healthy family. She opened her own business with a friend. Elizabeth knows Envisage gave her HOPE for her future and is grateful for their help during a difficult, unknown time in her life.

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

James 2:15-16 NIV

Step into Their Story

Many people are struggling with financial difficulties these days. Some don’t have enough income to pay for safe, suitable housing and food. The cost of baby items can stretch already tight budgets. Prepare a meal for under $2 per person in your family. What can you make? How it would feel to eat this way every day, especially if you were around others who were eating food you love but can’t afford? Consider donating the money you saved on this meal.

Please Pray

Day 1: For clients who do not have reliable housing situations. Pray that God would provide safe and affordable places for them to live.

Day 2: For families who face unemployment, that God would lead them to a job that is perfect for them.

Day 3: For clients who are alone or in unhealthy relationships - that they would see their value and have the courage to reach out for help.

Day 4: For clients who struggle with health issues (themselves, their families or children), that God would give them energy they need and direct them to helpful care and support.

Day 5: For clients who are living in poverty, struggling to afford housing, food and other basic needs - that God would provide for their needs.

Day 6: For clients who are considering adoptionthat God would give them courage, wisdom and direction.

Day 7: For Envisage clients who are overwhelmed facing pregnancy because of their difficult situations - that God would provide for their needs in miraculous ways and give them hope.

As you pray for each day’s request, draw hearts in the section of the bottle for that day. At the end of the week, the bottle will be full!