I’m sure you have probably heard the old adage:
The problem with many Christians and churches is we are known more for what we are against than what we are for.
I wish I could refute that but I can’t. It seems to have become commonplace for many churches to picket or individual Christians to picket in some form or another. I’m not saying it isn’t warranted from time to time. The old saying comes to mind “If we stand for nothing, we will fall for anything.”
The past week or so has seen some valuable “positives” come our way.
Thursday night the New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center (NBPRC), of which I am the newest board member, held its first ever fund-raising banquet. The theme was “Life is Beautiful.” What an excellent evening! As a board member I was/am pleased with the way everything came together, but was really excited to see how the young people helped serve. They were PHENOMENAL! They helped set up; served; kept our drinks filled; cleaned our tables when we were done; then helped put all the tables and chairs away. The leaders of those young and their parents can sure be proud of them.
Dr. Grant Clark, a former abortion doctor, was our guest speaker. He spoke on the realities of the battle we fight. I had the opportunity to introduce the members of the board. We heard an update on NBPRC which involved the work that has been done and the work we hope to accomplish. We shared some dreams and visions of the future. We raised over $3300 for the night plus some monthly pledges and some much needed volunteer help.
NBPRC is trying to positively reach Owen County with the message of life. We present life. We won’t compromise on abortion, but we prefer to present the positives of keeping the baby or even giving it for adoption.
We want to be known for what we are for. I like that.
Any thoughts? Do you have a center you can be involved in?
The next post I want to share another positive with you.
Hi Bill! My husband and I are going to a dinner for the Life movement on Friday. Must be that time of the year!
Of course I am HUGELY biased when it comes to life issues. My two children are adopted, and we were foster parents for a long time. I wouldn’t have the children I had without someone choosing life for their unborn child. I am so grateful for people like you who get the word out…those children are wanted!
Blessings,
Ceil
That is so cool about the foster and adoption story. Like you, I do believe they are wanted. Thanks Ceil.
I guess we refute that old adage by living a new way. Being all about what we’re for, what we love, what we embrace, what we value.
Instead of doing the ol’ picket line thing.
So true Linda. I prefer the new way frankly as I never did get into picketing but do like having someone listen because they are treated right.
I like the fact that you have not drawn a hard line that cannot be penetrated. That seems like a very reasonable approach, and when it comes to most discussions about abortion, there is very little reason it seems.
I am opposed to abortion Daniel, as you know, but very little is accomplished by the hard line and angry, hate-filled voices. I do want the opportunity to talk to people civilly.
I have been turned off by the venom produced by some of our own. I’m against abortion in any form, but I’m more for life. How many more beautiful children would we have in the world?
Venom is the correct word Larry. I am turned off by it also.
That’s awesome- Praise God!
This past summer I had the opportunity to go to a fund raiser for https://www.crisispregnancyoutreach.org/
It was powerful and moving.
Glad to hear of your involvement TC. We actually used to be New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center but changed the name because not all pregnancies are a crisis.
Love this Pastor Bill,
We have some folks in our body who not only pray out side abortion clinics, but offer women who have had abortions gives and recourses to deal with the aftermath. Though they are deceived into thinking this is their only option at the time, they take the lasting damage to heart and soul. we have seen some real life come from these death mills and it is really encouraging.
Thanks for taking your time to be in leadership there.
Ben
There is a time and place for everything Ben, but I don’t believe there is ever a time for rudeness and meanness (think Westboro). Glad to hear the people in your body are at least trying to reach out in love.
Agree 100 percent on this post and all you said and others have said.
I am getting to know the lady who runs a house, Sarah House here in Simi Valley for single pregnant women. Now she has made a positive statement in just by doing something instead of putting down what isn’t being done. Impressed by those at your church involvement.
Thanks Betty. Glad to hear you are using your time to reach out to someone who may really need the encouragement you can offer.
If we are to attract people, then are we not supposed to be the light of the world – instead of serving the opposition by opening the blast doors of Hell with our condemnation? Like others, I’m opposed to abortion – but I’m also a married male who can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to be 17 (or younger, or older), pregnant, rejected, and alone. Picketing is easy to do – any one can hold a sign and shout or chant – living in loving opposition to a culture requires more than pasteboard and paint. It requires role models.
Living in loving opposition to the culture of pasteboard and paint (and screaming) is where I stand as well Rick. I can’t but do try to put myself into the shoes of someone who is scared.
Such a good approach to this need, Bill–such positive alternatives. My husband and I have been involved with Precious Life in several of the counties we have lived and love that they offer not only an alternative but the start of a new life with Jesus.
Thanks Pam for the encouragement. Have never heard of Precious Life but sounds like the same type of approach. I love your involvement.
From Roberta sent via email: Love this, Bill. Thanks so much and I am so thankful you are on our board. I was thinking this weekend how grateful I am that Pastor Dave told me about OVCF. There were so many members at the banquet and I get so much encouragement from the way the church supports New Beginnings in so many ways. It was not by accident that I am there.
it’s an honor to be part of NB, Roberta. So glad you asked me to help. I can see only good things ahead for the ministry. Also so glad Pastor Dave steered you our way. You even brought your two best friends along with you. 🙂