Life... all of it is precious. The life of an innocent child but just as importantly, the life of a mother. For years, my Pro-Life heart couldn't wrap my mind around how someone could possibly be so selfish and choose to abort a delicate innocent life. Over time though, God has softened my heart. I began feeling a burden on my heart for these mommas, the same ones I admittedly stood in judgement against. These mommas who were scared, who were probably feeling lonely, who most likely didn't know Jesus, were never taught about abstinence and purity and how God valued every part of them. They choose abortion because they feel there is no other way and just maybe it will save them from more heartache. My heart hurts for them in their sadness, shame and hopelessness. And this is what has spurred me on to want to be a part of something that will help them see there IS another way. And THIS way will give life and save life, both lives.
As I began having children of my own, I marveled at this little one growing inside me and I loved each time I got to see my babe on that ultrasound screen. It was a way I could connect with my baby. Through my own babies, I realized the power of the ultrasound! Jeff and I found ourselves in discussions about how we could provide free ultrasounds and counseling to women who were facing unplanned pregnancies. The thought seemed impossible! But then we discovered a new ministry, a ministry that does just what we had been discussing. They actually meet women in their moment of need. Instead of waiting for women to come to them, this ministry actually goes to the woman instead, and offers her hope in her moment of hopelessness. Save the Storks is a ministry full of great people ready to change the Pro-Life world. They are making huge strides in opening the eyes of the Christian community to do what Jesus asked us to do. To be his hands and feet, to love God and to love others, NOT condemn them. Jeff and I began praying about how we could be involved. We knew God called us to "take action" but we just didn't know what that meant. It didn't take long until God took our willing hearts and moved us to start raising funds to bring a medical mobile unit here to Houston. Since we said "yes" He has been moving quickly and, with very little effort on our part, He has been connecting the pieces.
In order to bring a bus to Houston, we need to partner with a Pregnancy Resource Center. The PRC will operate the mobile unit as an extension of their existing services. We have built relationships with a two local PRC Directors in the greater Houston area. One plans to go mobile in the future, the other is desperately desiring a mobile unit ASAP. Their heart is to go to women in their moment of need. You see, just down the street from this PRC is an abortion clinic. This clinic literally has a line out its door every weekend and performs around 100-200 abortions between Friday and Saturday, every weekend. The PRC director is ready, with her staff, to get out there each weekend with a Save the Storks bus and begin offering these women hope. I don't mean convince them to keep their babies and send them on their way, but begin building a loving relationship with them, providing options and offering help ... with absolutely no condemnation. These PRCs provide resources, counseling and education throughout the pregnancy and for the first year of life all for no cost to the patient. They also partner with adoptions agencies for those that choose to give their babies a family.
Does this approach work? YES! 84% of Post-Abortive women say they felt abortion was their only choice. 3 out of 5 women who board a Stork Bus choose life for their baby! STS and their affiliates have even built - through loving kindness - relationships with Doctors, Nurses, Staff at the abortion clinics who are sending their clients out to the STS bus for ultrasounds, counseling, and options. This only works through showing the love of Jesus Christ rather than casting stones of judgement and condemnation.
In order for this to happen, we your need help! Yes, we need your money! We need workers and donations to get a bus here in Houston. The task can seem overwhelming at times, but we know God has a plan and that the glory will all be His! It's time we, as a Pro-Life community, stop saying "stop abortion!" and actually do something about it. Let's show love to these mothers who feel lost and hopeless. Let's offer them hope in Christ!
https://www.savethestorks.com/fundraiser/houston
1 John 3:16-17 The Message
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
Micah 6:8NIV
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
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