Meet Kim Conger, founder of Parenting After Infertility Ministries (PAI). PAI is a Christian-based support ministry for those who have suffered through the heartache of infertility and/or loss and are now blessed to be called Mom.
Curious to learn more about PAI, I asked Kim a few questions.
Laura Christianson: You were formerly the General Director of Hannah’s Prayer Ministries. What was the impetus for starting this new ministry?
Kim Conger: As my term was coming to an end as Hannah’s Prayer’s General Director, I began praying for God’s guidance and direction. Do I volunteer to extend my term for three more years or is it time to go? To my surprise, I felt God calling me away from Hannah’s Prayer. As I continued to pray, I would ask God, “Are You sure?” (Like God needs me questioning Him). He confirmed His desire for me to move on.
Laura: Fertility challenges have played a big part in your own life, haven’t they?
Kim: Yes. I have to chronic health problems, and was unable to carry a baby to term. The risk to me and the baby were significant and my husband, Doug, and I, chose not to take that risk. We are the proud parents of three wonderful children through the loving gift of adoption.
Laura: I know from experience that when you adopt, your infertility issues don’t magically disappear.
Kim: True. My infertility issues were still a big part of my life but my role as Mom to these wonderful blessings God had given me takes precedence over the scars of infertility. My children are older and my own need as a parent was to have a Christian support network for parents after infertility.
Laura: Many mothers who experience infertility and later give birth to or foster and adopt children often feel they have to be perfect parents.
Kim: Parenting can be rewarding and challenging. We longed for and prayed for these precious children and often feel guilty when we feel tired, cranky, overwhelmed, uncertain and frustrated. We may have innocently voiced our frustration only to hear, “You asked for this” or “I would give anything to be a parent.” We may feel a heavy heart when we experience feelings other than sheer joy!
Laura: I can relate to those feelings!
Kim: Moms need a safe place to talk about their children, their pregnancy, their struggles, etc. without breaking the hearts of those who still have empty arms. They need a safe place to say, “I’m having a really tough day being a mommy” without feeling guilty. A place to be a “normal’ mommy and express the joys and the struggles of mommyhood.
Laura: And PAI offers that “safe place.”
Kim: PAI offers a safe place to share your joy, seek advice, wisdom, encouragement and prayer from other Moms who do understand. While parenting is our main focus, we do offer support when the painful scars of infertility and loss reappear. PAI is for those whose family is complete and for those who long for more.
Laura: Is PAI an online or face-to-face ministry?
Kim: PAI began November 6, 2006 as an online ministry. The following women—most of whom are involved in both Hannah’s Prayer and PAI, volunteer as leaders:
- Tara Mock, Website Admin.
- Jennifer Stevens, Leader
- Andrea Flannagan, Leader
- Sonia Lee, Leader
- Marla Ayatsuka, Leader
- Julie Cole, Leader
- Suzanne Murray, Chat Room Hostess
- Lori Davis, Leader
Laura: What is the key focus of your ministry?
Kim: Our desire is to love, encourage, support, and pray for moms as they embark or continue on this rewarding journey called “parenting.” We hope to help each other to be the Christ-centered mothers Jesus called us to be.
Through our Community Forums, Parenting After Infertility Ministries offers 24/7 support as well as other helpful resources for various parenting situations, including postpartum or postadoption depression, general depression, pregnancy, prayer support, special needs, single parenting, and chronic health issues.
Laura: Thanks for sharing with us Kim. How can we find Parenting After Infertility Ministries?
Kim: Visit www.parentingafterinfertility.com
For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and
check out my Exploring
Adoption bookstore.