As Care Net celebrated its 50th anniversary at the 2025 National Conference in Charlotte, NC, former president Melinda Delahoyde joined current president Roland Warren to look back on the ministry’s remarkable journey. What began in the 1970s as the Christian Action Council—a small coalition of believers stirred by the legalization of abortion—has become a national network of more than 1,200 pregnancy centers united under Care Net’s vision for abundant life.
In this special episode of CareCast, Melinda shares how the early movement took shape, how faith guided bold decisions, and how God’s provision—through faithful leaders, donors, and everyday believers—built the foundation for the thriving ministry we see today.
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#1 From Conviction to Action
Melinda recalled how Roe v. Wade awakened a generation of Christians to act. The early founders—guided by theologians and leaders like Harold O.J. Brown, Francis Schaeffer, and Dr. C. Everett Koop—recognized abortion as a direct assault on the sanctity of human life. What began as peaceful advocacy soon evolved into a hands-on ministry to help women in crisis, led primarily by women stepping forward in faith with little more than conviction, prayer, and handwritten letters asking, “What can we do to help?”
#2 The Birth of a Movement
In response, Care Net’s forerunners began developing the first pregnancy centers—without manuals, consultants, or formal training. Melinda described traveling across the country helping communities start centers, write bylaws, and host fundraising banquets. What began as small, local efforts soon connected into a larger movement unified by one mission: to offer practical help, hope, and the gospel of life to women and families.
#3 God’s Faithfulness Through Every Season
From the creation of the Pregnancy Decision Line to the expansion of mobile medical units through ICU Mobile, Melinda celebrated how Care Net continues to adapt to new challenges like the abortion pill and digital outreach. Yet one thing remains unchanged: God’s faithfulness. As she put it, every phase of growth—from the first center to today’s network—has been homegrown, Spirit-led, and God-sustained.
Join Us in Equipping Others
Melinda Delahoyde’s story is one of many that reveal how God has worked through Care Net’s 50-year mission to champion life and equip the Church. Don’t stop here—explore more stories of leaders, families, and ministries transforming communities through compassion and discipleship.
👉 Visit care-net.org/abundant-life-blog to discover more stories of what God is doing through Care Net today—and how you can be part of the next chapter in this movement for life and abundant hope.