For as long as I can remember, I have been the official present wrapper for my family. They always had me wrap the presents for Christmas and birthdays. I really enjoyed doing it. I would always try to make every package beautiful and uniquely special. I always chose the wrapping paper that I thought would make the recipient happy. I would select a pretty ribbon and tie a big, beautiful bow on top. When I was a stay-at-home mom, I would wrap presents for my children’s gifts with extra care and meticulous detail. I think I tied a little love in each bow.
Recently, I have been pondering over my past 24 years here in service to the Lord and His ministry. The Holy Spirit reminded me that it was a very different type of wrapped package that led me to Refuge. You see I remembered the day that I wrapped up all the UGLY of my life in a box and gave it away. I wrapped up my abortion and all the things that came with it, before it, and after it, in that package. I took that box, and presented it at the feet of King Jesus on the cross. In my eyes it was the most ugly and disgusting package ever. It looked horrible. I was so ashamed.
Because I took that step in faith and gave Him all my ugly, He turned right around and gave me something beautiful and more precious than gold…He gave me my life in Christ!
At first, He removed my burden and shame, and He gave me back the gift of FREEDOM! His forgiveness and mercy sparked in me a desire to help others, and He drew me toward Refuge. I didn’t know ministering to ladies and working at The Refuge Center was going to be the big bow on top! That gift He gave me is so beautifully wrapped with love!
When I first came to Refuge, I was terrified. The thought of talking to, sharing my story and praying with abortion vulnerable women was frightening. I remember my hands would shake uncontrollably and my palms would be sweaty. I think it was because I knew each encounter was a matter of real life and death. As time went on, I got a little better and more comfortable in those situations. And I soon realized that my favorite place to be… is Refuge.
It has been my honor to be in service to the Lord through this wonderful ministry for 24 years. I have made so many friends and have had the privilege to speak with thousands of women. I have been blessed to see what Jesus is doing every day at Refuge. There have been so many God moments that I cannot possibly remember them all or write them all down. As the book of Ecclesiastes suggests, there is a season for everything. So now the time has come to pass this blessing onto the next generation. My dear friends, I am officially announcing my retirement from the position of Executive Director of The Refuge Center, effective December 31, 2024.
To be quite honest with you, I’m scared to step into retirement. Refuge has been like a home for me. It is woven into my very being. I’m not really sure who I am apart from it. I feel that the Lord is calling me out to the next chapter in His story in my life. So, as I’m stepping out into retirement, just as when I came to Refuge, I am trusting that God will arrange my steps.
I feel like the mama here, our staff and volunteers are part of my family. I have been teaching them everything I know, and everything that was taught to me. After much prayer and preparation, I realized that because God has provided Refuge such a wonderful team, I have no fear of what the future holds for this ministry. He has gifted my staff in many ways. If I didn’t have all confidence in them, and God, I don’t think that I could walk away.
Isn’t it wonderful how God is always several steps ahead of us when it comes to planning and providing what is needed? Ten years ago, Kelbie Milon stepped up and became a volunteer client advocate here at Refuge. She showed up here very much in the same state as me, nervous and unsure but with a willing heart. Soon her sweet demeanor and compassion shined through. Not only did our clients love her, but our volunteers and staff began to respect and admire her leadership ability. Eight years ago, Kelbie became the Client Service Director, and she has been doing a wonderful job ever since. I’m very happy to announce that she has been confirmed by our Board as the new Executive Director.
Finally, my friends, I want to express my immense gratitude for you and all you have done. Your support has meant more to me than I can even express. I am certain that each of you chooses to support this ministry and the cause of Life for your own unique reason. Many of you have shared your story with me. We have prayed together, we have laughed together, and we have cried together. It has been one of my greatest honors to have earned your trust as Executive Director. I know not everyone that supports this ministry can volunteer, join our staff or be at every event. However, every pack of diapers, bag of clothing, roll of toilet paper, or dollar contributed has been felt and appreciated. Each morning when I unlocked these doors and turned on the lights, I thanked the Lord for you and your support. You have truly been the ones that have lifted my arms when I didn’t think I could continue. Your faith in me has been truly a blessing. I pray that you will give Kelbie and our staff the same support and trust in the next chapter of The Refuge journey.
Again, I want to say thank you. To my staff, my family, our board, all the wonderful volunteers, and especially our friends and supporters…you have made this journey the blessing of my life. You have allowed me to watch the Lord take my ugly box and exchange it for a crown. Someday I will take that crown and lay it again at the feet of the King.
41 is coming...
The ministry of The Refuge Center has been blessed with the Lord’s provision for 40 years. We first opened our doors in October of 1984. We have moved our office location a few times, we have modified our name twice, and we have had two Executive Directors. But most importantly, we have been blessed to have been part of the beginning story for 10,715 babies, and 2,237 of those babies and mothers were saved from the horrible consequences of abortions that were considered! Praise God!!
40 years of loving families with compassion, with no judgement, and shining the light of Jesus into the darkness. As we move forward into a new chapter, one with a new Executive Director, we are asking for your prayer and continued support. Change can be scary...but God is good. After all, 41 does seem to be a consequential number in God’s kingdom...
· Noah survived rain for 40 days and 40 nights...Day 41 came and the rain stopped.
· Moses committed murder and hid in the desert for 40 years...Year 41 came, and God called him to help rescue Israel.
· Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days...On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments.
· The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years...Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land.
· Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days...Day 41 came, and David defeated him.
· Jonah preached a message of repentance to Ninevah for 40 days...On day 41, God stopped His plan to destroy them.
· Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days...Day 41, the devil fled.
· After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days...On day 41, He ascended into Heaven.
Meet our new Executive Director...She has been called out to step into stewardship of the Lord’s ministry at Refuge.
Kelbie Milon has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, as well as a MBA in Finance. She is an experienced motivational leader with an emphasis on problem solving and team building. During her ten years of serving here at The Refuge Center, we have witnessed a depth of compassion for our clients, and an unending faith in the Lord. Our entire family at Refuge looks forward to year 41 with confidence knowing that God has put a calling on our new Executive Director. We cannot wait to see what 41 brings!
One More Thing...
Many people have asked if there will be a big retirement party for Angela. The short answer is No. Angela does not like the spotlight. She humbly asks if you would like to honor her many years of service to the cause of LIFE, please consider making an end of year donation in her name. This will help put year 41 on a strong financial footing! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT—We could not do any of this without you.
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