RACHEL rachel@itspowerful.com

I started working with Pregnancy Center West in the 2005-2006 school year and have really treasured every minute of my time with the In Control program and with Cincinnati's Catholic youth. Although chastity is only a part of God’s plan for us, I’ve been amazed at how powerfully this one choice and one virtue can bring grace into the whole of our lives. Pope John Paul II wrote a lot about the Theology of the Body—about how much we can learn about the ways of God through understanding how He designed us as men and women—and I have become increasingly excited by the chastity message as I have been teaching it to others, discovering God’s love for His people built into His plan for their relationships. I got married in December 2007 and am definitely praising God for my wonderful husband! He teaches junior high Social Studies and we enjoy sharing stories about all the interesting things that happen in the classroom during the day. We also like to read a lot, play with our big gray rabbit, Gandalf, and visit family and friends.

BOB bob@itspowerful.com

How’s it goin? My name is Bob and not to brag, but I have one of the most recognizable coolest names in the world. J/K. A lot of wonderful changes have come my way since I started during the 07-08 school year. The first being I got married to my wife Paula in January 2008. It was an awesome and beautiful wedding and we are truly enjoying the married life. But the latest and greatest news is that my wife and I are expecting a child!! The baby is due in January 2009 so we are totally excited. Purity has taken on new dimensions as my roles in life have changed. I am only at the beginnings of my call as a husband and father. I am learning that with the married life there are unique challenges and successes. I have to be the provider, giving of my talents and blessings, and I’m called to be a model of purity to my new child. The greatest preparation for my marriage has been living a life of purity. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey know that God takes a personal interest in all that you do. Respond to His call right now: “…God wants you to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor” (1 Thess 4:3-4). The grace is there, embrace it!

Mary Beth marybeth@itspowerful.com

Hi my name is Mary Beth Reyering and I have been a volunteer teacher for the "In Control" program for the last eight years. I began volunteering because I felt so deeply about the importance of the message this program communicates. Having been a junior high and high school teacher for eleven years, I've seen that young people really need to know how precious they are in God's eyes. They also need to know that God has a special plan for them regardless of their past. As my own five children have been growing up, I've prayed that they, too, would benefit from this program. Well, God has begun to answer my prayers in many different ways. Two of my children have now had the program and I pray that the other three will too. Also, this year, God has allowed me the privilege of becoming part of the teaching staff with Rachel and Bob, teaching two days a week with them. I am so excited! I love working with young people because I find that while teaching them, I learn so much myself! I look forward to a school year full of God's blessing as we spread His good news about being "In Control!" God bless you!