| Nearly twenty years after a family experienced first hand the emotional, physical, and mental anguish
of abortion, God touched the parents of this family and placed a vision in them. This vision was for a home where unwed pregnant
teens, and single young women could turn to for help and support, an alternative to abortion. With the help of many generous
volunteers and the cooperation of local city officials and business, Rachel's Home became a reality in 1993. Later, in November
of 1993, Rachel's Home was moved from the Plymouth Hospital Area to it's current location. It was a big day, as a lot and a basement
had to be in place before the home could be moved. So many things had to be done to the home before hiring house-parents and a
director. A few years passed before the house was ready. Then in the spring of 1996 Carol Aukermen, was hired as the first director,
followed by Todd and Lisa Whitemen as the first house-parents in the fall. Unfortunately, after the first year, the lack of
finances necessary to keep Rachel's Home open, forced the home to be closed.
After being vacant for eighteen months, the former board members came together, certain that if God called the home to be used
to help pregnant girls through their difficulties, He wouldn't want the home abandoned to obscurity, especially since it was one
of only three pregnancy homes in northern Indiana. During the meeting, Christ worked in the hearts of Max and Peggy Hatfield, as
they volunteered to be the new house-parents for Rachel's Home. Shortly afterward, in September of 1998, the Hatfield's moved in
with their little dog, and soon became established as the Rachel's Home house-parents, for the next four years. Max and Peggy served
as counselor, aid, educator, and friend, to the girls at Rachel's Home, some of whom graduated, and have gone to college. Many of
them still consider Max and Peggy as part of their family. Max and Peggy are the godparents of two of the babies from the home,
and delight in seeing the women, some of the girls turned out to be. Sadly, after four years, Max and Peggy felt that it was time
to return to their own home, which had been vacant for four years, and in September of 2002, the doors to Rachel's Home closed once
again.
Two years passed after the Hatfield's generous service as house parents, to Rachel's Home, when the Lord called upon a Bourbon
area resident, Heidi Hostetler, to take up the duties of being the Rachel's Home house-mother. Providence prepared for such a calling;
Heidi had been a camp counselor, youth worker, secretary, teacher, and nurse's aid, with an interest to work with teenagers and young
adults. So once again Rachel's Home was available to help young women and teens that need a place to turn during their time of crisis.
After a year of serving Rachel's Home Heidi moved on, and Rachel's Home once again closed.
A few months after Heidi's departure the Lord called upon Michigan residents Michael and Rachele Sleep to fill the role as house
parents. The Sleeps themselves well prepared having served on numerous mission trips through Teen Missions International and preparing
for the mission field as Wycliffe technicians through JAARS. Rachel's Home was once again open to help pregnant women and girls in
crisis. After their year commitment to Rachel's Home Michael and Rachele Sleep felt it was time to move to New England and begin
building their support group for Wycliffe.
Shortly after the Sleeps left Ester Lewis took on the responsibility of house mother. After retiring from the phone company
with 37 years of service, Ester found herself in Cincinnati Ohio then returned to Plymouth. With encouragement from family and
friends she took on the duty of being a house mother here at Rachel's Home, and once again Rachel's Home was fulfilling it purpose
of providing a home for pregnant women in crisis. A number of month's later Ester's stay at Rachel's Home was cut short and Rachel's
Home was again in need of house parents.
In May of 2008 Plymouth residents Chad and Christian Burman came to fill the roll of house parents. New to missions, and full time
ministry, Chad and Christian took on the duty of house parents with excitement and great expectation. Serving the Lord through Rachel's
Home the Burmans have help with demonstrating the love of God to the girls at Rachel's Home and offering their support with all Rachel's
Home fundraisers, and promotional events. During the Rachel's Home board meeting in February of 2009 the Burmans gave Rachel's Home
notice that they would complete their one year commitment then turn their attentions to pursuing schooling.
Presently, Rachel's Home is prayerfully seeking for a mission-minded couple or a godly single women to take on the duties of being Rachel's Home
house parents or a house mother and looking forward to what God is going to do through the ministry. |
How did Rachel's Home affect your life?
First let me tell you a little about me. In my past I have experienced abuse, unhealthy relationships and depression. So when I unexpectantly
got pregnant I was in an unhealthy relationship, lost my job, had no place to go, was extremely sick and under weight, and I was hopeless about
my future.
The sad part is I didn't find Rachel's Home till I was almost six months pregnant. I called other pregnancy homes but they had a long waiting
list, a cost to stay there, and would not accept me because I was coping with depression. My prayers were answered and Rachel's Home took me
in.
My stay at Rachel's Home effected every aspect of my life. First of all I was able to eat healthy and gain weight. I learned how to be more
responsible. My house parents showed me what a healthy family is, no yelling, no chuas, or negative criticizing. They listen and encouraged me
to do my best. They put me on the right path. They are the mother and father I never had.
I felt loved.
Not only did I learn from my house parents love but loved by the board members. They showed me many things that I have never witnessed before.
They welcomed me into their home. I stayed with a family that has six kids (with no TV). I saw love, patience, and understanding. There was no
yelling or hitting just kindness. They got along, talked, helped each other out, and did not complain. I also joined many social organizations
and made many friends.
I felt hopeful.
At this time I also came closer to the Lord. Attended church and Sunday school. I had many questions, did not know if God was still with me
because of what I did, and felt ashamed. I was shown that God was a forgiving God and that He would help me get on the right path if I let Him
lead the way. And because of Rachel's Home I had a beautiful healthy baby girl.
I thank anyone that has contributed to Rachel's Home in any way. I pray that Rachel's Home will be able to help other girl's, women, and
babies.
Misty
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