Marlo’s Story

I grew up in a loving home with amazing parents who taught me about Jesus.  I accepted Jesus at a young age but like many in their teen years, I hardened my heart and walked away from Him. 

At the age of 19 I was pregnant with my first child - Abby.  Although I chose to parent, I was not the mother that Abby needed me to be, often putting my own needs ahead of hers.  I was living a self indulgent life.

For more than two decades following that I chose a difficult path that was filled with unhealthy relationships with men, drugs + alcohol, and promiscuity. Between the years of 1998 and 2013 I had 4 abortions. 

As I look back, and knowing the things I know now, I am certain that childhood sexual abuse and early exposure to pornography played a large role in the sexual choices I made in my life which ultimately led to my pregnancies and abortions. 

For many years I lacked self-worth, I didn't value my body, I didn't value life, I kept secrets, I was full of guilt and shame, I was angry and had rage issues, I put myself before others, I was estranged from my family, and my heart continued to harden.

And then, in 2018, something miraculous happened!  Jesus relentless pursuit for my heart and soul finally paid off. I hit my knees and was born again!  At that time, I owned and operated a successful business, was in the best physical shape of my life, and appearances would have you think that I was doing pretty well.  But the reality was, I was ending each day all alone with a bottle of wine.  One particular morning I woke up and was at a low point and I called out to God.  He told me to go to bible study and I did.  It was the first time in years that I stepped in to church of my own volition.  That was the day everything changed for me. 

 In 2018, I chose to dedicate my life to Jesus and was baptized that fall.  Since giving my life to Jesus, I no longer find my identity in the world and I have left my old habits behind. I now know that I am cherished and loved and I find my worth in Him.  The sexual sin of my past has been forgiven and I have been redeemed. I am free from the bondage of addiction. Relationships with family have been restored.  I have found a peace that I never thought I would know. And my heart has been softened which has allowed me to extend love, grace, and forgiveness to others.  

I believe that your ministry is found where you've been broken and your testimony is found where you've been healed.  I am grateful that God has given me the opportunity to redeem my story through my work at pregnancy centres and through this post-abortion ministry.  I pray that He will use to me to heal the hearts of others that are broken by the pain of abortion.