A South Carolina church made a surprise announcement on Sunday, revealing that it would be donating $50,000 to a local pro-life center. Pastor Derwin Gray of Transformation Church presented the sizable check to Women’s Enrichment Center in Lancaster, S.C., and revealed why the mission to prevent abortion is so close to his heart.
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“For those of you who don’t know, my mom was pregnant with me at 16 years old in 1971 at Thomas Jefferson High School. She was bussed to a school then in the suburbs. And the school nurse said, ‘You should go to California to abort your child,'” he explained.
Following this encounter, the pastor’s mom declared, “I will not abort my child,” according to The Christian Post. “It was a conviction she had. She wanted me to live.”
With this emotional backstory, Gray is determined to help other young moms find a better way forward that doesn’t involve the destruction of young lives.
“[Women’s Enrichment Center has] the privilege of serving thousands of young women and their families facing unplanned pregnancies,” he told the 3,500-strong congregation before presenting the check to the Executive Director of the women’s center, Julie Walters.
We love this moment from service yesterday when we were able to present Julie from the Women's Enrichment Center of Lancaster with this check to further their mission.
Posted by Transformation Church on Monday, February 11, 2019
“Julie and her team are right on the front lines of helping women and young men just make decisions to bring forth life,” Gray said after asking Walters up onto the stage. “So we have partnered with her and her team for several years. Today, we the people at Transformation Church want to give you $50,000 to continue to do the great work that you are doing. We appreciate you.”
Gray then prayed a powerful prayer over the center, as he stood arm-in-arm with Walters before the congregation.
“This issue is complex, but it deals with people,” Gray prayed. “Instead of complaining about the darkness, we want to be light and hope in the darkness. That’s why we partner with the WEC, because they are bringing hope, light and the Gospel. Helping… not just raging, but bringing mercy and compassion.”
“Transformation Church, I’m so honored to serve with you,” Pastor Gray tweeted following the incredible donation. “You are making an eternal difference. Thank you.”
The center, which was founded in 1998, says it has had “the privilege of serving thousands of young women and their families facing an unplanned pregnancy.”
“Our services are available regardless of income, race or religion,” the organization’s website states. “Our mission is to serve and empower women. Through our numerous free programs and services, we strive to: Extend Compassion, Provide Hope, Save Lives, Strengthen Families.”
What an amazing show of generosity and a demonstration of God’s love for these women and babies!