Bracelets of Compassion

“What can I do? I’m just a kid,” Julia said, teary eyes. A pained look marred her face as she gazed into her parents’ eyes with the question, expecting an answer. “What would you like to do?” The parents knew the reason behind Julia’s question. Julia heard a sermon on the sanctity of life preached by Lead Pastor Tim Wilder. Mixed emotions funneled into her heart that day. “The Holy Spirit worked in Julia’s heart and gave her a conviction and compassion towards women and children in unplanned pregnancies” admit parents Jeff and Tessa Lehman.

Julia's desire to respond to the gospel message was clear. Her parents, recognizing her passion, encouraged her to channel it into something tangible. They suggested she make bracelets for the Lord, a task she found joy in. And so, the idea of bracelets of compassion was born. With each bead she threaded, Julia poured her love and compassion into the bracelets. She then began to sell these bracelets, donating the proceeds to the Osceola Pregnancy Center (OPC). 

During the Upward season, with permission, she sold bracelets of compassion on Saturday mornings. She made her first donation of two large boxes of diapers to OPC and then donated cash from subsequent bracelet sales. Mrs. Lehman explains, "After reading on the OPC’s website, it takes approximately $70.00 of services to save a baby.” In April 2023, OPC received $162.00 from bracelet sales.

Julia's bracelets of compassion gained popularity. God's guidance led her to make bracelets for OPC volunteers to give to clients during gospel presentations. Reflecting on the unexpected, Julia humbly confesses, “I did not know this would grow this big. This happens when you put something small in God’s hands.” Inspired by Julia’s dedication, the volunteers at the Center rallied around her. The ripple continued to spread, reaching a nearby community where two orders of bracelets of compassion were made.

In March 2024, the Center lacked items in its Wee Care Boutique. With $390 in the account, Julia headed to Walmart. She purchased high chairs, strollers, bouncy seats, a Pack-and-Play, and clothes. The cashier heard why Julia had bought those items and gave her a discount at checkout.

Julia advises her peers, “If you want to help out in something, you don’t have to be an adult to make an impact.” Her advice is grounded in 1 Tim. 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and purity.” 

Julia’s journey in making bracelets of compassion continues. 

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.