Ever Be

Statistics show that 1 in 4 women suffers a miscarriage—a sad reality and a deep hurt that many carry alone for years. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Allow me to share the heart and motivation behind 'Ever Be Ministry.'

About three years ago, after several doctor appointments and a few hopeful tests, Ian and I discovered that we were pregnant. For us, it was a miracle, considering the challenges we had faced. We were overjoyed and eager to share the news with our family and friends, especially those who had been asking, "When are you going to have a baby?"

However, a few days before our first 8-week ultrasound, we visited the doctor due to a complication. That’s when we received devastating news: our baby’s heartbeat could not be detected. The doctor advised us to return on Monday for a follow-up, hoping for a different outcome. Our entire Connect group fasted and prayed all weekend, believing for a miracle. But when Monday came, the ultrasound confirmed our worst fear—our baby’s heart had stopped beating. I was admitted that same day, and by 10 PM, I underwent a procedure.

It was a shock for everyone around us. No one in our family had ever experienced a miscarriage; fertility had never been an issue. That night in the hospital, we were overwhelmed by the support of friends and family who came to hold us up. The love and prayers filled our room, and even the nurses remarked that it seemed like the whole church had come.

The next morning, as I lay in the hospital, I felt an emptiness I couldn’t describe. But I also realized that this experience would only continue to hurt me if I didn’t do something purposeful with it. The Lord pressed on my heart to return to the hospital and pray for the nurses, to minister to them, and not let the enemy steal more from me than I had already lost.

That’s where 'Ever Be Ministry' began. I brought a small Spekboom tree with me, just in case I encountered someone in the same situation. After praying for the nurses, I was directed to Bed 10—the very bed where I had lain the day before. There, I had the privilege of praying with a woman, her mother, and her husband. They had also lost their baby. We cried together and realized that we were not alone; it was okay to grieve, and it was not something to be ashamed of.

As I continued to heal, the ministry grew. People started reaching out, asking me to pray for others in the hospital who had lost their babies. It’s a unique ministry, but it brings healing to my heart. Sitting with someone, sharing what I’ve learned, and simply being present brings a comfort that words cannot describe.

With each setback, including more miscarriages, the Lord deepened my heart for others walking this painful journey. The ministry eventually grew to include a dear friend who had also experienced multiple miscarriages and a stillbirth. Together, we named the ministry 'Ever Be Ministry,' inspired by Bethel’s song "Ever Be," which beautifully captures the essence of our journey:

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips…

This song and name embody our declaration: no matter our circumstances, no matter the pain of infertility or miscarriage, we choose to praise Jesus. We may not always understand, but we will not give up.

Our mission is to serve women in the hospital, ideally before they undergo the procedure. It’s not a counseling session, just a moment of prayer and presence during what can be the most uncertain and frightening time. Some mothers ask us to stay until after the procedure, while others simply need a prayer and a moment of peace.