Beauty for Ashes
By Chastity Ogburn
Avery County
One woman’s story…..I have been on a long journey of guilt, regret, and grief since my abortion at 17 years old. I did marry my baby’s father later and God has blessed us with children and grandchildren. I know that God brought Anne Ministries into my life. God has used His written word, Chastity’s testimony, and the Bible study “Forgiven and Set Free” to help me start healing. I know God has forgiven me, and I must forgive myself. It’s ok to grieve for my baby. I know my journey of healing is not over but I have my God to help me until He places my baby, Sawyer, in my arms one day.
This testimony is from one of our post-abortive mothers that has been through the Bible study “Forgiven and Set Free” and attends our Beauty for Ashes Support Group that meets monthly at the ministry. The month of April is Abortion Recovery Awareness Month. We want to encourage and extend God’s healing grace to those hurting from abortion. Abortion affects both men and women. Statistics tell us that one in four women will have had an abortion by the age of 45. Worldwide, there are 125,000 abortions per day. With these statistics, it is very likely you know at least one person affected by abortion. You may even be the person affected. Many are suffering silently. They need to know God forgives the sin of abortion. They can forgive themselves and accept God’s gift of forgiveness and healing in their life.
Anne Ministries offers a safe and confidential place for God’s healing to take place in the lives of those that have suffered from a past abortion. The ministry offers one on one support and group support for both women and men. The ministry is committed to helping those that are hurting from a past abortion to find hope and healing through Jesus Christ.
Our Post Abortion Support Group has recently named the group “Beauty for Ashes”. It has been such a blessing to be a part of this beautiful group of ladies. I have been able to witness God taking what was ashes and now seeing God bring so much beauty into the lives of these precious women.
A beautiful verse and promise of what Christ will do for those that are hurting are found in Isaiah 61:3, “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.”
If you or someone you know is hurting from a past abortion reach out to Anne Ministries. Contact Chastity at 828-742-1973 or email anneministries@gmail.com to find out more about abortion recovery and receive the support you need to start on the path to healing.
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In 2018, the Lord put on my heart the calling to reach out to those hurting from loss. Anne Ministries began in September of 2018. Anne means “grace” and that is what this ministry is about, extending God’s grace and allowing Him to heal your deepest hurt. This ministry reaches out to those hurting from abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. The ministry expanded in 2021 offering pregnancy support services to those facing an unplanned pregnancy. Chastity and her family attend Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newland, NC. You can purchase her book, His Grace Covers All, on Amazon HERE.
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