By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
MAMOU, La. (LBM)–Supporters gathered Tuesday, Jan. 21, for a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the New Life Pregnancy center, located inside the Sanctuary of Praise facility at 1415 7th Street, Suite H, in Mamou.
The facility will be open each Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will offer pregnancy decision coaching by trained advocates, as well as free pregnancy tests, information about pregnancy options, maternity and physical resources, and, post-decision support (including parenting education and abortion recovery groups).
Rebecca Plunkett, secretary for the pregnancy center’s board and the wife of Sanctuary of Praise Pastor David Plunkett, has marveled at the level of cooperation among various denominations and other members of the community to make this dream a reality. Sanctuary of Praise is a non-denominational church.
“We don’t focus on the beliefs of each church and denomination, but instead are anchored on the main thing – saving souls,” she said. “This year-long process has showed us that people of all faiths can come together and for one cause, and that’s for the Lord.”
Connie Landreneau, a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Eunice and a board member, called the opening of the center a dream come true.
“We can play a part in making a difference in the lives of these young ladies,” she said. “Our goal is these women make the right decisions and know they can succeed as a new mother. We won’t just set them up and send them on their way, but will be there for them. What’s so good is we have so many denominations coming together to provide hope for the women who we see.”
“Our vision is to be able to grow our facility, save babies’ lives and work with the moms and the dads to help point them to a relationship with the Lord if they don’t know Him,” Plunkett said. “We want them to see Jesus in us so they can invite Him into their lives. We want this to be a place where all people feel welcome and comfortable — from Mamou and in the other communities. It’s been lots of hard work but it’s been exciting because we know the outcome. The first step is done with setting up the place. Now we are waiting on the workers and working to get out the word.”
Center leaders hope to raise funds to purchase an ultrasound machine, hire a director and expand the days of operation to three days a week.
For more information on the pregnancy care center, call Rebecca Plunkett at 337.230.4192.
