In October of 2024, we gathered once more for an evening of entertainment, delicious food, live and silent auctions, and most importantly – LOVE. Our annual Night of Radiance has become a cherished event for our community of supporters and donors, and we have so enjoyed watching it grow over the past four years. Night of Radiance provides an opportunity for us to come together in celebration and anticipation of the work that Jesus has done and continues to do through Love and SONshine Ministries. This event is also an avenue for raising funds that will help us continue to provide food, clothing, and shelter for mamas and children in the SONshine Home.
As we celebrated our own mission to support young mothers, we welcomed special guest, founder of Embrace Grace, and author, Amy Ford to speak an encouraging message. She shared her personal journey of facing an unplanned pregnancy and how her experiences led her to launch a non-profit that equips churches around the nation to better love and support single and pregnant women in their communities. Through this incredible work, there are now over 1,070 active support groups that have empowered over 6,000 women to have hope and “choose bravery,” now knowing they do not have to walk through unplanned pregnancy alone. Throughout her time serving Embrace Grace, Amy has witnessed countless stories of churches, pregnancy centers, and the body of Christ coming together to impact communities in a beautiful way.
Why Amy Ford?
“Look out into the world and see what breaks your heart. Run toward your heartbreak, not away from it. Dig in and ask God if your heart is broken because His is too. When your heartbreak becomes a map to find a place to serve, it will set your soul on fire.” ~Amy Ford
I do not think I could have stated this better – RUN to the heartbreak. After Heidi and I cared for so many homeless youth in our own homes, the Lord literally broke our hearts for each and every one of these children, and for our community. Having no idea how to even answer the call – the Lord so graciously placed pregnant or parenting young women on our hearts.
I was first introduced to Amy and Embrace Grace through a mutual friend. And, after I heard her personal story of facing an unplanned pregnancy, I was moved to tears. The words “guilt” and “shame” have been repeated over and over by every young Mama we have had the joy and honor to care for. Her story is our Mama’s story and that is “why” we felt compelled to bring her to Billings, MT – to share HER story, and honor every, single mother and child we serve.
The Embrace Grace expression is “Pro-Love”; and as I think of Jesus’s command in Matthew 22:37-39 to love God and love people, I am reminded of the great honor and privilege we, as believers, have to care for those who cannot care for themselves. Love and SONshine’s heartbreak truly has set our souls on fire. I cannot think of a greater way to genuinely love another by meeting her right where she is at, empowering her to see herself as the Lord does, and to show her the kindness, grace and LOVE of a family.
~ Heather
We are so grateful for another year of gathering at Night of Radiance and for the generous support and prayers from our community. Together, we can transform generations upon generations by first meeting the needs of young mothers and their children today.
