Options Wimbledon

I started my role as Outreach Coordinator at Everyday Wimbledon with much excitement in January, and felt very honoured when I was invited to the 10th Anniversary of the Options Wimbledon Pregnancy Resource Centre, based out of Dundonald Church in Raynes Park.

I was expectant, but unaware, of the extent of need for this outreach, but as soon as this became clear I could feel my heart in my stomach and had to swallow back tears. Statistics about sexual coercion experienced by schoolgirls, miscarriages, stillbirths, and abortions are both staggering and heartbreaking.

With around 1,500 abortions every year in Merton alone, the realisation hit me of the number of vulnerable women feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. They may be desperate, and not know the options available to them.

I know from experience that the responsibility of parenting can be daunting, even when it is a planned pregnancy. So when God calls us to love our neighbour, I believe He calls us to show love, compassion, and care to the vulnerable women He has placed in our midst.

Options volunteer advisors are trained to give compassionate, confidential, non-directive support to women who are experiencing pregnancy as a crisis. They also provide miscarriage support, single parenthood support and supporting families through the adoption processes. Everyday Wimbledon is privileged to have the opportunity to play our part in seeing the lives of these vulnerable women impacted and transformed with love, compassion and care. Your giving helps us provide financial support to empower Options to answer this calling. The words of one volunteer struck me: “Unborn lives are being saved and adult lives are being born again. What a privilege to be a witness to these!

Please join us in praying for hope and healing for the women who go through these challenges, and also God’s guidance for the volunteers supporting them. For more information or if you’d like to get more involved with this work, you can email me, or check the Options website here.

 

Lynne Nel-Olivier

Outreach Coordinator

Everyday Church Wimbledon