When Gene Rover, B&G Plumbing and chairman of the Builders Care board, met Pam Nelson, executive director of The Nest, A Woman’s Center, he knew Builders Care could and should help the organization.
The Nest is a nonprofit ministry committed to providing a safe refuge for those facing the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy.
The group empowers men and women through education in a caring environment to make informed decisions.
In April, five women heard a call on their lives, trusted God to provide and joined together in opening an unplanned pregnancy center on Jacksonville’s Westside.
With no funding, the women began to pray about the location.
“We prayed for a building that was between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet, medically zoned and free,” Nelson said.
“God did the impossible. Through a mutual friend, God found us a 2,505-square-foot building, medically zoned. It wasn’t free, though. We have a 25-year lease at $1 a year,” she said.
With some work, the building will be ideal for the ministry.
Because it has been unoccupied for some time, construction is a must.
“Heating and air-conditioning, plumbing and electrical are just some of our greatest needs,” Nelson said. “Sheetrock and paint, flooring — the list goes on. But we simply trust that God is going to supply all our needs.”
“This is where Builders Care, with the strength of our NEFBA membership, can truly make a difference,” said Justin Brown, Builders Care executive director. “By reaching out to the more than 1,250 members, surely some of them will feel the call to help.
“B&G Plumbing has already agreed to help with the building’s many plumbing needs. We invite others to join in making the building a safe, comfortable place for the women called to this ministry and the people they serve,” Brown said.
Builders Care is planning a volunteer work day to help with painting and landscaping so these dedicated women can do the work God called them to do.
“I am truly blessed to have my partners work beside me on this project,” Nelson said. “They come in each and every day, working with no pay, no air-conditioning and often times no water. They are my support system, my best friends, always giving of their time and talents for this ministry.
“They are willing to sacrifice because they know this is where the Lord wants them, providing love and support for those facing an unplanned pregnancy,” Nelson added.
The Nest offers free services including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options counseling, a unique earn-while-you-learn training program, adoption advocacy and post-abortion healing workshops.
Builders Care is looking for like-minded business men and women to help with this project.
If you want to be part of this important, compassionate project, contact Builders Care at (904) 727-3443. Visit The Nest on Facebook at facebook.com/thenestjax/.