Making a Difference: Volunteering at Options

Options' student volunteer opinion.

I never had the chance to decide where I was born. I was born in a country where men and women have never been truly equal. Even though we had the first declaration of human rights in the world, throughout history, women have always had to fight for the most basic rights. Men have always been the ones telling women what their rights are. But I am proud of the women in my country. They are powerful and brave. I was lucky because the Lord chose me to be His believer. I inherited my countrywomen's strength, and I feel that God gave me extra power to fight.

I didn’t have access to many resources to question or learn about the Bible, Jesus, and the Lord. All I had was the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Last year, God took my hand and told me it was time to change my life. I trusted Him and listened. I came to Canada as an international student at Bishop’s University.

While studying and working, I promised myself that one of the first places I would visit would be a church, as I never had the opportunity to go to one in my home country. The penalty for having a Christian faith was met with extreme repercussions, even death. I started attending church regularly and felt like I had found a new family. I decided to be baptized in the spring.

During the summer, I volunteered at Boutique Encore. There was a summer party for volunteers, and that’s where I met Hannah. From the first moment, I felt a connection with her, even before knowing much about her. She introduced herself and told us about the Options Pregnancy Options Centre in Lennoxville.

While she was talking, I felt strongly that this was a place where I wanted to contribute, even though my field of expertise wasn’t directly related to the center’s mission. I was certain that God would show me how I could help. After my interview and further discussions with Hannah, I had no doubt. I knew this was a place for women, where I could contribute and have a meaningful role.

I’m not a counselor or a specialist in medical science. I’m a computer science student, which seems unrelated to the center’s mission. But I am a human being with feelings, and that’s enough to love people and help them. I come from a country where many religious people try to impose their beliefs on others, but here, I’ve found people who have faith and also respect others’ beliefs and opinions. They love everyone, no matter what they believe or what they’ve done, and they help without judgment.

I know what it feels like to be under pressure, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way—especially women. Women who not only have to think about themselves but also about a baby. A baby we know nothing about yet — someone who could grow up to be a kind person who helps the world or even an inventor. Who knows?

I believe everyone’s life is valuable. A mother’s life is as valuable as the baby’s.

It is the mother’s decision.

As part of my faith, I want to help others as much as I can in the way that God shows me. I offer my time, love, and sometimes my knowledge. The Options Pregnancy Options Centre is not just a place where I volunteer and help others. It is also a place that strengthens my faith, challenges me to reflect on my beliefs, and helps me grow as a person. Sometimes, we have different opinions about controversial issues at the center. But everyone respects and considers others’ opinions. I love the times we sit together, talk, and pray.

It is not always easy to find people who are faithful Christians and who also love and accept those who don’t believe in the Lord. But this is a safe and loving place for everyone, no matter who you are or what you believe. Here, you can find kind, compassionate people and contribute to the community in a meaningful way.