Many ministries have been birthed out of personal experience. Hannah Sasser’s infertility journey led her to find others who also were “waiting in hope.”
Sasser’s story began a year or so after her marriage in 2018. Hannah, a well-baby nurse, and her husband, Levi, were ready to start a family, yet months passed with no positive pregnancy test. They consulted with their doctor and started infertility medications.
Once again pregnancy tests were negative. The couple decided to take the next step — consultation with an infertility doctor in Pensacola. The process is emotional, time consuming and expensive. Most insurance plans don’t cover certain costs related to infertility treatment.
The disappointments related to longing for a baby and the pressures related to making decisions can bring heartbreak and depression, Sasser shared.
‘Desiring His plan’
“Infertility is like a cycle of grief,” she said. “Yet Levi and I are learning the importance of prayer and trusting God, desiring His plan.”
The Sassers also felt the isolation that can come with the infertility process. No one in their families had dealt with the issue, and in their circle of friends they felt left behind as new babies arrived for the other couples, but not for them.
“I found myself returning to the question, ‘What else do I need to do?’” Sasser admitted.
During this time she participated in a Bible study at her church titled, “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa TerKeurst. The author asks, “Why would God allow me to go through this particular burden?”
Hannah asked herself the same question.
It sent her on a quest to research Christian organizations that assist couples struggling with infertility and miscarriages. In October 2021, Sasser found Waiting in Hope.
Personal experience
The Texas-based ministry hosts local Waiting in Hope groups that offer support, Bible study and an online community. Waiting in Hope was founded by Justin and Kelley Ramsey, whose own experience led them to start a ministry connecting other couples dealing with infertility. They currently have sites in Texas, North Carolina, New York, Alabama and Nebraska.
After Sasser learned about Waiting in Hope, she and Levi approached their pastor, Kyle Adams, regarding the possibility of starting a group at Mill Creek Baptist Church in Andalusia. A launch event was held earlier this year.
There are six books in the Waiting in Hope (WiH) start-up kit for group leaders, with a focus on what the Bible says about waiting, not passively but actively seeking God and desiring His plan.
Mill Creek church members are supportive of the new ministry, which Sasser called a “shower of love behind the scenes.”
Ministry to others
While hoping and waiting, the Sassers decided to contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources regarding the process of becoming foster parents.
In January they enrolled in classes and were approved in March. Today they are loving and providing care for several babies.
“There is a huge need for foster parenting for sibling sets,” Sasser said she has learned. “Levi and I encourage others to look into the potential ministry opportunities found through foster care and adoption.”
The Sassers are honest that they are like many couples who find their expectations not turning out as they had hoped. Yet they are learning to trust and submit to God’s plan.
“Leading a support group for Waiting in Hope has increased my faith in the Lord and taught me to trust His timing,” she reflected. “We have established a community in a time of isolation, hope in a time of desperation and a love for the Lord that surpasses all earthly desires.
“I plan to continue leading Waiting in Hope as long as there are couples in our area needing love and support during these heartbreaking times.”
For more information about Waiting in Hope of Andalusia, contact Hannah Sasser or call 334-804-9172.
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