Serving the Portland and Vancouver area for over 14 years!
Our Story
Jess Layne
Founder & Director
My name is Jess Layne, and I am the founder and director for Restored Nation. Restored Nation came into existence in April of 2010, directly after my miraculous, life changing experience with a Bible Study called Forgiven and Set Free, which addresses the pain and trauma of abortion. I was despite for help, and I found it in this safe group setting where I could learn why I was so angry, and grieve my loss, and say goodbye, properly.
In April of 1997, I found out I was pregnant. I was initially fine with it, but I was just stating a new job at this same time. My new boss made it very clear that I could not do the job pregnant. Just like that I decided abortion was the right option for me at that time. I was very ignorant to the truth about my baby’s development. I had heard all about abortion being safe, easy, and my choice all through high school. Friends had done it and they seemed fine. If I went early enough then it was no big deal, so I believed.
My time at the abortion clinic is foggy. I do remember them making a clear effort to hide the ultrasound screen from me. And directly after having the dealation medication inserted, I knew I had made a huge mistake, but It was too late. My life turned upside down after that horrific day; April 19th, 1997. I would never be the same girl that walked into that clinic.
I only lasted a few months at that job. I shut down all my feelings, so I could survive. I lived in denial, doing everything in my power to forget what I had done. But, on April 1st, 2000, I was pregnant again. This time I was adamant, I was not doing “that” again.
During my first ultrasound, with a room full of family, the realization of what I actually allowed to happen in 1997 took my breath away. There He was Walker D., dancing in my womb. He was fully formed, fully alive and fully loved by all watching but I was horrified all at the same time.
They lied. At 8 weeks, it’s not a clump of cells or early enough to not matter. It is a fully formed baby, my baby, with a heartbeat. This realization caused me to shut down emotionally; completely.
I went on to have 3 amazing sons. I never really believed that I deserved them, and struggled with bonding because of my flawed thinking due to the trauma of the abortion.
On Easter of 2006, I was introduced the Jesus Christ for the first time, and I said yes to a personal and lifelong relationship with him. I needed him more than I could have fathomed before that day. As I learned God’s word, I thought about my abortion. About how it felt and what it did to my heart and soul. I needed the pain to stop.
It was Jesus that led me to a clinic where I would go on to serve the women in crisis, in my community for almost 10 years. But before that I needed to heal from the trauma of my abortion. It was in that Forgiven and Set free Bible study that my healing began, and I was called to lifelong ministry with women who have had abortions. It is an honor to walk with each woman that comes to group. Jesus has healing for all his sons and daughters traumatized by abortion. He wants to heal you too.
Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any of the Restored Nation groups cost money?
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She’s/He’s Restored – our 9 session groups are offered at no cost. The materials needed are also provided for free. We have supporters that ensure we always have these materials.
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She’s Restored Retreat – Our 4 day Retreat Intensive will have a cost associated with it. We will provide meals, lodging, and all materials needed for the retreat. The cost should not exceed $150 per participant.
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In His Arms and Women in Recovery are offered at no cost.
Are the group leaders for She’s/He’s Restored post-abortive?
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Yes – all current group leaders have experienced abortion. They have all attended at least 2 complete groups and received leader training.
Will my identity be kept confidential in all these groups?
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Yes – as leaders we will never refer to you regarding one of our groups unless you initiate it.
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She’s/He’s Restored meet in a very private room with private parking. WE make every effort to keep your attendance confidential if this is what you request. We do this successfully each group.
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In His Arms meets in the same space as She’s/He’s Restored. It is very private.
Book a Speaker or Training
We partner with churches, pregnancy clinics, counselors, and any organization that desires healing and freedom from trauma for the people they love and support.
Whether you represent a church, pregnancy clinic, counseling service, or any organization dedicated to fostering healing and freedom from trauma, we offer compelling speakers for your engagements and impactful training sessions.. Share your needs, and let us know how we can support you.