A New Vision For Life: Supreme Court Decision Changes the Focus of the Pro-Life Movement . . . . . . . . . . . pg . 16 The Abortion Pill: The Future of the Battle for Life . . pg . 4 Taking the Men's Ministry to the Next Level . . . . . . . . pg . 10 Inside ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 5
Providentially, when I graduated college, my first job was working for The Conservative Caucus — an organization that fought for life and saving the family, which was slowly beginning to disintegrate I became aware of the killing of the unborn, and my desire to fight for them was awakened
I barely remember this decision because it was hardly mentioned among my circle of friends . I graduated from High School in 1973, and no one really talked about it
When ultrasounds began to reveal that a heartbeat could be detected as early as 21 days after conception, when it became clear that babies in the womb felt pain, and when Christians made clear that each conception was a life made in the image of God, I felt sure that the pro-abortionists would change their minds But they didn’t They didn’t care about the facts because THEIR rights were the only things that
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Keep fighting for life Keep fighting for truth Keep sharing God’s love
Fighting for Life
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Dear AbortionFriends,became
Those of you who have been fighting to overturn Roe realize what a battle this was — but the real battle has just begun We are still fighting for life, and will be as long as there is sin in this world
legal in 1973 Over 60 million babies have been aborted since then It has taken almost 50 years for SCOTUS to overturn Roe v . Wade, and abortion policy has now been turned over to each state .
Many moms need help and hope to continue carrying their little ones and giving them life We are grateful at TPC to be able to meet that need with love, compassion, and resources . We care about both the baby and the mom, and our clients know that very well Most of all, we are able to share with our families the truth about being made in the image of God, and that every life is precious and has purpose
Friends for LIFE, Pat ExecutivePage Director
Didmatteredyouknow
that an unborn baby is not a part of the mother at all? The baby is a totally separate human being, with separate DNA, separate blood type, and independent organs, brain, and body The mother is housing that little life until it is born So how can a woman say, “my body, my choice”?
• Bring compassionate help and hope to women and families who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy .
Table of Contents
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Help 25
Fighting for Life: A Letter From the Executive Director 2
• Matt Rees, Vice Chairman
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• Influence community-wide educational programs and events in an effort to prevent pregnancy outside of marriage .
All rights reserved 7 Caring Way Jasper, GA 30143 | wwwinfo@babyontheway706-253-6303org.babyontheway.org
Our People Make the Difference
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Making an Impact Story
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You Can Reverse Chemical Abortions
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Executive Staff:
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• Tim Boothe, Treasurer
Publisher: Steve Kroening Design Director: Kevin Cole
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The Pregnancy Center is not a medical facility. Counselors are not licensed by the state as professional psychologists. Referrals for these services are available upon request.
Making an Impact Stories
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• Share the Good News of the Gospel © 2022 Heartbeat of North Georgia is a publication of The Pregnancy Center
If you'd like to donate to the Center, please visit babyontheway.org and click on the Donate Now tab at the top of the page. Thank you for helping us save lives and meet the needs of these families.
Client Visits Skyrocket
Our Comprehensive Care
TPC Board and Staff Board:•Steve
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• William Mostellar
• Renée VonBehren, Director
Pregnant? Need Help?
The Abortion Pill: The Future of the Battle for Life
A New Vision for Life: Supreme Court Decision Changes the Focus of the Pro-Life Movement
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Kroening, Chairman
• Provide counseling for healing and restoration for those who have had abortions
• Clare Foglesong, Secretary
Features
Taking the Men's Ministry to the Next Level
Mission Statement:
• Present sexual abstinence as the best option for teens and singles
Making an Impact Story
Volunteer Spotlight: Robie Rens
Help Meet the Needs of The Pregnancy Center
• Harriet Stroh
Ways You Can
Fighting for Life: A Letter From the Executive Director 2
Wings of Hope Infant Loss Memorial Garden Opens 29
An Open Letter to an Abortion Doctor and Nurse
Making an Impact Stories
Caleb & Cynthia's Story
• Pat Page, Executive Director
The abortion pill causes the mother’s body to withhold the lifesustaining hormone progesterone from the baby. Without this hormone, a baby with a strong heartbeat will die quickly. Then, within 24 hours of taking the first drug, the mother must take a medication called Cytotec. This drug will induce strong contractions to expel the baby, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid.
There are currently two forms of chemical abortion. One is called the morning-after pill and the other is called the abortion pill (or RU486). For the morning-after pill to work, the woman has to take the drug within 72 hours after intercourse. The pill prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
The abortion pill, on the other hand, should really be known as the “70 mornings after pill.” A pregnant woman can take the abortion pill up to 70 days (yes, 10 weeks) after conception. If taken within this time period, the abortion pill will kill the baby in 98% of the cases.
The use of the abortion pill can be a miserable experience for the Seismic changes are coming to the fight over abortion! With the US Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade, each state will determine the legal status of abortion. And one of the toughest battles the states will fight is over chemical abortion.
THE FUTURE OF THE BATTLE FOR PILLLIFETHEABORTION
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mother. The normal and expected side effects will be bleeding, cramping, and pain. Possible unexpected side effects include pelvic pain, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, tired feeling, weakness, back pain, and allergic reactions. These can include closing of the throat and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
Becausehospitalization.RU486carries
It is also why we’ll continue to see a huge increase in the number of chemical abortions. Prior to the Covid outbreak, the number of abortions performed in the United States via the abortion pill was 39%.
life-threatening and healthendangering risks, the Food and Drug Administration has kept it in a drug safety program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). This means the abortion pill is supposed to be taken under a doctor’s supervision. But that doesn’t always
Then there’s the possibility of severe side effects. These include failure to end the pregnancy, infection, blood clots in the uterus, undetected ectopic pregnancy, very heavy bleeding, severe hemorrhage, and even death. More than 1 in 100 require
During Covid, the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the FDA to demand a temporary suspension of the REMS. The stated goal was to keep women safe during the pandemic. But the abortion industry has made it clear that its long-term strategy is to remove REMS permanently and make abortions “self-managed” and unrestricted. In fact, chemical abortion is the primary means the abortion industry will use to undermine restrictive state laws.
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happen. In many states, a prescription for the pill is available via a telemedicine visit and then mail ordered to the home of the patient. And it is readily available at many colleges’ health centers where doctors are not usually present.
Chemical abortion reversal is a growing area of ministry for pregnancy centers around the country. These centers are on the cutting edge of educating the public about the abortion pill and also connecting patients with physicians who have the expertise to safely reverse the effect of the abortion pill.
When a woman takes the abortion pill RU486, the drug causes the mother to cease production of the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the baby can’t survive. But the drug doesn’t kill the baby
You Can ChemicalReverseAbortions!
Rescue works about 70% of the time if taken within 72 hours of taking the first RU486 pill. A network of over 500 doctors has saved the lives of almost 4,000 babies to date.
One of the biggest weapons we have in the battle against chemical abortions is a simple hormone that’s already legal and used daily in OB/GYN offices around the country.
If you've started a chemical abortion, you can still save the life of your baby. The Abortion Pill
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Inimmediately.fact,ifthe progesterone supply is restored within 72 hours, it is possible to reverse the devastating effects of the drug and save the baby’s life. All you have to do to restore the supply is take tablets of progesterone. OB/ GYNs give progesterone to women prone to miscarriage on a daily basis. It saves babies every day. And, praise God, it can stop chemical abortions.
If you have taken RU486, please call (855) 209-4848 for help. You can save your baby! And The Pregnancy Center (706-253-6303) can help you walk through this decision and answer any questions you have!
Clearly, chemical abortions highlight the shift in the abortion battle now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. We must continue to fight for the life of every baby. At the same time, we must remember that this isn’t just a political and legal battle. This is also a spiritual battle. We must continue to fight this battle on our knees and with our mouths – speaking truth to the women who consider abortion a viable form of birth control. The baby in their womb isn’t a blob of tissue, but a human who bears the image of God.
MAKING AN IMPACT
As we fight to save the lives of babies, let us also share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who feel hopeless. In Him is our only hope.
Two years later, the percentage of abortions performed chemically has risen from 39% to 54%. This number will continue to rise, as the abortion industry is pushing hard for RU486 to be available over the counter like the Morning-after pill is. This will likely happen under the current administration.
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As a young couple it can be very hard to get started out in life, but even harder when you’re expecting a baby.
All they ask in return is that you watch one video on parenting, for which you get to go pick out three free things for your baby. Every time you watch a video, you get to pick out three more things. On
top of that, they also gives you Baby Bucks, which is essentially Monopoly money to spend at the baby store next door.
Caleb & Cynthia’s Story
As a mother, you want to give your baby everything he deserves and so much more. That was very hard for my husband and me as struggling new parents.
> TPC UPDATE: Caleb and Cynthia came by a few months later and brought in their new baby boy! They may even sign up for parenting classes soon.
We were young and trying to juggle multiple payments. On top of that, we were expecting our son. The Pregnancy Center in Jasper, Georgia takes people like my husband and me in and gives us free baby items such as a diaper bag, diapers, wipes, clothes, pacifiers, etc.
They also paid for our marriage license after six counseling sessions with a local pastor. The Pregnancy Center has helped our family out so much, and we will forever remember them and appreciate all that they’ve done for us.
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MAKING AN IMPACT
My name is Destiny Mathes. Before I moved to Georgia, I got pregnant. Once I found out, my mom started telling me about this place called The Pregnancy Center. Telling me how much I would love it and how welcoming everyone is. On top of that, they are faith-based and love to help anyone in need. I saw this as a good opportunity to start my life over and learn how to care for my newborn once he arrived.
Once I moved back to Georgia to be around my family, I started to visit The Pregnancy Center. As soon as I walked in, everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. It felt like I already knew them. They made me feel as if I was at home and taken care of. They have classes you can take, for which you earn Baby Bucks to help you get whatever you need that you aren't able to afford for the baby. The classes have helped me out so much, and helped me learn a lot about newborns and how to take care of them.
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Once my son was born, I knew that I could take care of him with no problem because the classes have taught me so much. Now he is three weeks old, and I am doing amazing. I have him on a little routine, and everything is moving along nicely and smoothly. I still enjoy visiting The Pregnancy Center! They are such a blessing in my life, and I am so thankful to have them in my life!
The process of taking the men’s ministry to the next level began in early May 2022, when Pat Page reached out to discuss a men's ministry with Nick NickRichardsoncalled
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First, we are in the process of expanding the Men’s
Taking the Men's Ministry to the Next Level
To continue building on that foundation, The Center has recently added two additional roles in order to serve even more of the dads
A couple of years ago, Mike Smith began the men’s ministry at The Pregnancy Center by serving as a Client Mentor Mike met one-on-one with a young man who had been through some hard times in his life, and wanted to be a better father
In response to that meeting, Doug VonBehren began volunteering as a Client Advocate for the eight men who were attending classes with their wives at that time . Since then, we have been able to reach 19 men at one level or another
together a group of men to learn about the current needs and discuss possible next steps .
Mike and Diane Smith
MAKING AN IMPACT
One of our new volunteers is Jeff Miller, who is one of our client advocates . Jeff spent most of his life in the corporate world leading a small high-tech company After leaving that world behind, Jeff attended seminary and has been looking forward to what’s next in his life He has a passion for people and for helping out when needed His wife, Kim, began working for the Pregnancy Center in 2022, and shared that a men’s ministry was ramping up . Jeff has been serving as a volunteer advocate since then Jeff and Kim live in Jasper, and have two boys, both married, and an adopted son as Anotherwellnew
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volunteer is Gerald Lambert Gerald is volunteering as one of our Wednesday evening discussion leaders . Gerald has been married to Lannie Lambert for over 50 years They have two adopted daughters, who, as Gerald says, “have given us great love and joy Children are a blessing from God, and we continue thanking Him for making us a family ”
A young man was an expectant dad, and was engaged to be married. In the initial interview, he identified himself as a Christian. In order to learn more about what that meant, I asked a question similar to what Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:13-16, “Who is Jesus to Hisyou?”reply was, “Now that is a good question.” After giving it some thought, he concluded that to him, “Jesus is a teacher.”
DougGeraldJeffVonBehrenMillerLambert
Gerald has been interested in men’s
At the end of our session, I asked, “how can we be of assistance to you today?” The young man replied, I have been in church quite bit and had heard quite a few sermons, but just didn’t really see how the Bible has anything to say about being a husband or a father.”
We have also added a Wednesday evening group session for the men The purpose of the Wednesday evening group sessions is to reach the dads who are working and cannot make it to the Center during regular business hours In this role, group discussion leaders will cover topics similar to those the client advocate covers, except the evening classes will be done in a group setting, and dinner will be served!
In the client advocate role, we try to build relationships and get to know the unique story of each of our clients. In this way we gain some insight on each man’s strengths as well as areas where he would like assistance. Here is a brief look into one of those stories.
Client Advocate role In this role, the advocates meet one-onone with the dads during the Center’s regular business hours to discuss fatherhood, parenting, relationship, and other life skills from a man’s perspective
So, when we met again, we began by studying Ephesians 5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.” And to further understand what that means, Romans 5:8 “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”
My response to the young man was, “Since you have described Jesus as a teacher, would it be OK with you if I pulled together a few verses for next week that talk specifically about those roles?” He thought that sounded good.
What an awesome, amazing privilege it is to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ come alive in a young man’s life as it is presented in the context of his current circumstances!
– Doug VonBehren
Doug VonBehren is volunteering as the men’s ministry coordinator at the Pregnancy Center in Jasper . His heart is to help men become the fathers and husbands God has called them to be The focus of Doug’s ministry is to build relationships with young men who may have never heard of Jesus, and to help them understand the sufficiency and relevance of God’s Word in everyday life and in every Doug’ssituationheartand
ministry and especially mentoring younger men since he was in his late 40s . Gerald has been involved with mentoring ministries for over 20 years He has been led to continue the mentoring passion God has given him by joining the pregnancy center’s reaching out to men who might need a mentor Gerald remembers how he wished he
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Doug has been blessed to be married to Renée for 44 years They have two sons and five grandchildren Doug and Renée also have an adult foster daughter who is living independently
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passion for the lost includes ministering to children in foster care and leading bible studies in a senior living facility and now in the Pro Abundant Life ministry
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12 t h e j o y h o u s e . o r g 7 0 6 . 2 5 3 . 7 5 6 9 T e e n R e s i d e n t i a l P r o g r a m a n d C o m m u n i t y C o u n s e l i n g e n t e r w i t h l o c a t i o n s i n J a s p e r , E l l i j a y a n d W o o d s t o c k f o l l o w u s o n
Once enrolled in our program, moms and dads can receive “baby bucks” to spend in our Angel Babies Boutique (which is open to the public) to purchase diapers, wipes, clothing (infant-5T) strollers, cribs, car seats, formula, and everything you need for your child. All items are discounted 25-75%. Pregnant moms can receive a new diaper bag, newborn items, and more for their baby on the way.
So as you can see, we are a loving community organization with trained advocates to help guide you in your parenting journey. We offer tangible help and spiritual hope to all those who enter our doors, in a non-judgmental, caring atmosphere. We care about our community. We are here for you!
Free pregnancy test, prenatal classes, childbirth classes, parenting classes, life skills, finances,
If you are pregnant and need to talk with someone about help or concerns, The Pregnancy Center here in Jasper is here for you. You may feel confused, scared, or worried about how you are going to take care of a little one, and what your future looks like. For over 30 years we have helped moms and dads navigate through expected and unexpected pregnancies.
We are located just off Samaritan Way where other community services are located, such as Cares, the Thrift Store, the Health Department, and Good VisitSamaritan.uson
Facebook or go to www.babyontheway.org to contact us and see our hours of operation.
7 Caring Way Jasper, GA 705-253-630330143
Pregnant? Need Help?
single parenting, multi-generational parenting, newborn care, and toddler training are just a few of over 500 lessons that we offer at the Center. We also have online classes for those who cannot attend in person. Our men’s services are helpful for dads as they prepare for fatherhood. Our male mentors can relate to the challenges men have in their role as dads, and appointments can be made during our office hours and Wednesday evening.
The Pregnancy Center
We are a vital part of the community as we serve moms, dads, and babies with our free services. They are free because we are a nonprofit organization supported by fundraisers, organizations, churches, and private contributions.
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You may have suffered infant loss that is still difficult for you to discuss, and just need to talk with someone about how to deal with the sadness you struggle with. We are here for you as well.
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Nurse, you failed on multiple levels as well. This I know because I, too, am a nurse – though I was not one when I made the worst decision of my life: to abort my baby. It is the sacred duty of our profession to care for each patient to the best of our abilities. We also have moral standards that dictate that we will devote ourselves to the welfare of those committed to our care, we will do no harm, and we will integrate the core values of human dignity, integrity, and social justice. You failed to care for my unborn child to the best of your ability. You failed to devote yourself to the welfare of my child and myself. You failed to provide and uphold human dignity, integrity, and social justice as you assisted the physician in sucking my unborn child from my body. By standards and ethics, you don’t deserve to be called a nurse. Nor should you be allowed to continue to practice in our profession. My choice and your actions have caused me a lifetime of pain and regret, but I want you both to know that by the wonderful grace of God, I do forgive you for your part in my decision. It is my utmost hope and prayer that both of you have been delivered from work in the abortion industry, and even more that you both have been redeemed by the precious blood and love of Jesus Christ our Lord.
15 Dear scared,theasholdmyAsmurdertheIPhysicianAbortionandNurse,personallyacceptblamefortheofmychild.themother,itwaschoice.YetIdothetwoofyouaccessoriestoact.Iwasaveryconfused,
An Open Letter to an Abortion Doctor and Nurse
deserve to be called a physician, nor should you be allowed to continue to practice medicine.
and desperate young girl. I did not have the life experience or knowledge to understand the devastating lifelong consequences associated with my choice. However, the two of you were adults and medical practitioners – both of you in professions dedicated to the health and wellbeing of others.
Physician, your profession was founded on a set of ethical standards outlined in the Hippocratic Oath. This oath specifically states that physicians (meaning you) will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asks for it, nor make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly physicians (you) will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. Yet you failed. You did exactly both of those things. The oath further states that you will keep pure and holy both your life and your art, and will maintain the utmost respect for human life. Again you failed miserably, as there is nothing pure, holy, or respectful about sucking and scraping a baby from the protective environment of its mother’s womb. By standards and ethics, you don’t
Your Former Patient, Dana Ware
Supreme Court Decision Changes the Focus of the Pro-Life Movement
A New Vision for Life
~ By Dr. William Lile
Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz once said, “If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.” This is the attitude the pro-life movement needs now!
if the decision to overturn Roe was big, what we need to do now is even bigger. The political battle has now shifted from one court in Washington, DC to 50 different state courts, legislatures, and However,governors.there’s an even bigger and more important battle — it’s in every pregnancy resource center in the country, particularly in states that will increase the restrictions on abortion. In these states, we’ll
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The recent US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a huge victory for the cause of life. We need to celebrate this victory and rejoice. A lot of people worked very hard to see this day in our nation. They deserve our honor and respect. But
Turning women away from abortion and toward Christ is an effort that is much bigger than defeating Roe v. Wade. It requires all of us to be involved — now! Please become familiar with the local pregnancy center in your area. Contact the people there and let them know that you will be praying for them, that you appreciate their ministry, and ask how you can support their ministry.
You see, pregnancy resource centers are on the front lines of the Gospel. Every woman who comes into a pregnancy resource center needs Jesus. Her husband or boyfriend and her babies need Jesus. And there is no one who has a better opportunity to share Jesus with them than the people who work and volunteer at these centers. If we could lead all of these women and those connected to them to a right relationship with their Creator, we would see this nation turn toward Christ.
Remember, we are all created in the image of God — not at the time of our birth, but at the time of our conception. At the moment of conception, each baby is genetically unique from the mother and also from the father. In fact, each child is genetically unique from the other seven billion people on the planet. He or she is a whole person from the very start.
This is why your local pregnancy resource center deserves the time and support of the church. Church leaders need to understand how many people come to know Jesus in these centers. They are a Gospel-centered ministry that sees lives saved spiritually and physically every day. Few local ministries come close to this kind of impact.
Dr. William Lile, DO, FACOG, “The ProLifeDoc,” is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is licensed to practice medicine in both Florida and Alabama. He has been an instructor for both the University of Florida and Florida State University, OB/GYN residency programs. He is the former chairman of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL. He has an active practice in Pensacola, FL.
We were already seeing an increase in the number of women carrying their babies to term as states implemented more restrictions on abortion. But now the number will go up significantly. This is what we wanted. This is what we fought for.
see a much higher number of women who will, praise God, be delivering their babies.
We can’t abandon these women and children. We have to be prepared to help them in their time of need, and stick with them as they go through their pregnancies and births, and as they raise their children. If we want to see this nation turn to the Lord, we have an opportunity before us that will help us do just that.
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From our conception, we bear the image of God. And this spiritual dimension frames the entire issue, for abortion is fundamentally an attack against God. In Genesis 1:26, the triune God said “Let us make man in our image.” Abortion is an attack against that image, and thus a war against God leveled at the evidence of Him that we can see and touch.
18 706-669-5539 CELLULAR 706-276-1254 BUSINESS mdrake@etcmail.com 329 River Street • Ellijay, GA 30540 www.cbHighCountry.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated HIGH COUNTRY REALTY Marilyn Drake GRI, ABR® Realtor® Marilyn Drake.qxp_Layout 1 7/13/18 11:13 AM Page 1 The Pregnancy Center God-Centered. Scripture-Guided. Worship-Oriented. For more information and service times visit FaithCommunityChurch.org
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The Pregnancy Center was able to help her by giving her the knowledge she needed to obtain an ID and other documents so she could apply for Pregnancy WIC.
Elaine came to The Pregnancy Center needing someone she could lean on during a horrific time dealing with the death of a child. Both The Pregnancy Center staff and Angel Babies Boutique staff stayed after hours as needed to pray and talk with this distraught mom.
Bus:
MAKING AN IMPACT
At first, she was taking classes alone at The Pregnancy Center, but soon afterward her boyfriend (and baby’s father) would accompany her from time to time.
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Jasper,
Tawanna came to us as a single pregnant teenager. She came from an out-of-state foster care system without ID, social security card, or birth certificate.
At our initial meeting, when asked who Jesus was to her, she answered “my best friend, my guide, and protector.” She was referred to a local church where she could grow in the Lord.
The Pregnancy Center staff was able to offer lessons that she could work through to help with grief. She is also working through the Bible study pack to reinforce God’s truths in her situation.
Knights of Columbus Committed to spiritual and economic support of the pregnant mother and her unborn child. (706) 253-4121 852 East Church Street Jasper, GA 30143 Remodeling • Carpet • Painting Countertops • Hardwoods • Tile SlaterFlooring.com
21 OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE 2nd floor of The Pregnancy Center $300 and up Randy Gordy • Norton Realty 706-499-7035 Rental fees support TPC
Council 14348
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church Jasper, Georgia
Words from Pope John Paul II: “Human life is sacred and inviolable at every moment of existence, including the initial phase which precedes birth. All human beings, from their mother’s womb, belong to God who searches them and knows them, who forms them and knits them together with his own hands, who gazes on them when they are tiny shapeless embryos and already sees in them the adults of tomorrow whose days are numbered and whose vocation is even now written in the ‘book of life.’ There too, when they are still in their mothers’ womb—as many passages of the Bible bear witness— they are the personal objects of God’s loving and fatherly providence.” (Papal Encyclical: Evangelium Vitae, 61).
client advocate, she would laugh, cry, pray, share truth, and speak honestly as she counseled girls with compassion and care. She would sit in the waiting room and talk to new moms, hold their babies, and discuss the challenges of mother hood. She knew how to welcome and become friends with even the shy moms and dads. There were times that a mom had no one but Robie at the hospital when their babies were born. She even attended their birthday parties and took girls out to lunch to encourage them in times of Robieneed.
One volunteer in particular, Robie Rens (with husband, Arlen), just recently retired and moved to be near family after Robie’s almost 15 years of faithful volunteer service as our Director of Client Services. When I first began working at the Cen ter in 2009, I met Robie and we instantly became friends. I loved her zeal and energy for serving our sweet girls, her bright smile, honesty, and humor. She was so welcoming to everyone who walked in the door and to everyone who called.
would purchase things behind the scenes as needed with her own money. She taught me about tough love, and taught me how to work with even the hardest cases. She was a true sister to me, and I will continue to learn from her and be there for her during our aging years. She was easy to please—we just had to make sure she never ran out of dark chocolate!
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Robie wore many hats at the Center. She kept our plants from dying, made coffee, emptied trash, attended local outreach events, served at the annual banquet, spoke at events, gave many tours of the Center, and brought fresh eggs and homegrown veggies to share. Often I would walk into my office and see a beautiful arrangement of flowers on my desk from her garden.
Volunteer Spotlight: Robie Rens
The biggest lesson Robie left behind was her love for others. Everyone felt loved by Robie. As a
So, if you are wondering how to serve others as you are able, please remember that what we do “as unto the Lord” is what truly counts for eter nity. At TPC, we love to see relationships begin,
Volunteers are some of the world’s most incredi ble people! Without them, we could not accom plish what we do here at The Pregnancy Center.
advocate was able to lovingly speak truth, and help her see that abuse comes in all kinds of forms. In sharing the Gospel and repeatedly sharing the truths of God’s Word, the client advocate was able to help her see her value in Christ.
Caring for a Mom in a Health Crisis
On a later phone call with Jana and her mother to help them find resources for insurance that would cover a serious operation for Jana, her mother stated, “we feel like you all are our friends!”
Thank you Robie for the legacy you left behind for us. Your passion for the Lord and your love for others will never be for gotten, and we will continue to carry the torch for Life!
develop, and mature as we are able to offer tangible help and spiritual hope along the way to bring glory to God!
Rejecting Abuse and Accepting a New Baby
Alisha came to The Pregnancy Center right before her labor and delivery with her second child. A single mom, she lived with other family members, including an abusive
Jana first came to The Pregnancy Center with her mother. Her mother was very broken over her daughter’s situation as a pregnant single young woman with a debilitating health issue.
In addition to hearing about the immediate needs of this young woman, we also learned the baby’s father was in drug rehab. At the end of that initial meeting with Jana and her mother, her mother stated, “The Lord knew we needed you all.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
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Jana has since had her baby, and both she and the baby are healthy. In addition, her fiancé is out of rehab.
Theboyfriend.client
(L) Kristin Richardson, ABB Floor Manager, (R) Lori Woodworth, ABB Store Manager
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Our People Make the Difference
Volunteers L to R: Cecelia Mostellar, Vickie Rees, Holly Boothe, Tiffany Kittelson, Carol Hall, Mary Jo Barranco
Our people are the life-blood of The Pregnancy Center . Without them, we couldn’t meet all the needs we see every day They keep the ministry moving They help and encourage our clients And they have hearts that want to serve . We praise God for them!
Staff & Volunteers
Staff:
• Carol Hall, ABB
• Doug VonBehren, Coordinator
• Help distribute our annual magazine in the community
• Sort donated items or train as an assistant to serve in the Angel Babies Boutique
• Pat Page, Executive Director
• Vickie Rees, Advocate
• Arrange a tour for your group or organization
Ways You Can Help
$1200 (or $100 a month) supports a pregnant mom during her entire pregnancy and first 3 months postpartum with advocate support, crib, car seat, stroller, baby clothes, diapers, wipes, blankets, baby accessories and more for a year .
Men's Ministry:
• Diane Smith, Advocate
• Holly Boothe, Donations Coordinator
• Kristin Travers, Advocate
• Beth Kroening, Advocate
• Mary Anna Fillmore, Mommy Store
• Isabelle & Lindsey McGreger, ABB
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• Lisa Dudash, Client Services Coordinator
• Melissa Payne, Child Birth Classes
• Serve in our Men’s Ministry
$50 a month helps supply moms with infant and children’s clothing and helps with diapers and wipes as well as advocate support .
• Katheryn Krause , ABB
• Tim & Kit Brown, Addiction Counseling
• Kristin Richardson, ABB Floor Manager
• Jackie Smithwick, Graphic Design
Volunteers:
• Kim Miller, Client Services Support
• Gerald Lambert
• Hadley & Joanie Allen, ABB
• Jeff Miller
$500Donate:gift
• Renée VonBehren, Director
• Scott Wilder, IT
$25 a month provides on-line resources for our clients who use our Bright Course classes .
provides a baby shower with a crib, car seat, stroller, baby clothes, diapers and wipes for a new mom
• Lori Woodworth, ABB Store Manager
• Collect gently used clothing for our Angel Babies Boutique
• Pray – sign up for text messages
• Mary Jo Barranco, ABB
• Mike Smith
• Tiffany Kittelson, ABB
• Host a baby shower or diaper drive
• The Pregnancy Center/Angel Babies Boutique
• Nick Richardson
• Volunteer to train as a volunteer advocate
Renee VonBehren, Pat Page, Ronna Kenney
If you're interested, please contact the Center at 706-253-6303 or email us at info@babyontheway org
Kim Miller, Client Services Support
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Mary Anna Fillmore, Mommy Store
We are always looking for volunteers to serve in The Pregnancy Center and the Boutique.
ABB Volunteers: Lindsay & Isabelle McGregor
December 13 21 7 30
• The Diaper Bag and Mommy Store
Family Resource Center
• Foster-family support
Our Comprehensive Care
March 30 36 9 10 84
• Gently used baby clothes (0-5T)
April 29 40 0 10 79
November 11 26 19 54
• Collaboration with community support agencies
Pregnancy Services
• Fatherhood classes & mentoring
June 14 22 22 17 96
February 14 14 22 13 74
Angel Babies Boutique
• For those in our program and also open to the public for cash sales
Client SkyrocketVisits
May 50 30 3 12 103
• Options education
January 17 17 37 7 54
• Tour The Pregnancy Center by appointment
• Free pregnancy tests
• First trimester ultrasound referrals
Community Outreach
The Lord has really blessed The Pregnancy Center's ministry . As you can see from the chart, the number of clients we serve has gone up dramatically in 2022 . In fact, through eight months, we've almost doubled the number of clients we saw in our best prior year ever .
• Abortion recovery education
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2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
October 36 22 26 48
• Childbirth classes
• The Earn While You Learn program
• The Earn While You Learn program
• Court-approved parenting classes
• Family and life skills classes
TOTAL 339 305 208 262 669
MONTH CLIENT VISITS
Lisa Dudash and Vickie Rees
August 55 26 27 19 105
September 36 36 27 20
• Baby clothes, shoes, baby items, books, toys, pack and plays, cribs, etc
• Community assistance referrals
July 34 15 9 22 74
• Speakers available for churches, civic groups, schools, events, etc .
• Sexual integrity guidance for youth, parents, and youth leaders
• Tax deductible donations welcomed
• Annual fundraiser banquet in October
28 580 Avery Road • Canton, GA 30115 GasCodeSewerWaterCameraGeneral678.776.6008RepairLocationServiceLineReplacementLineRepairUpdatesLines
Since the dedication service, families have continued to place memorial stones and use the garden as a special place of remembrance For more information about the Wings of Hope or to place a stone, contact The Pregnancy Center
On June 12, 2022 our community gathered at Pleasant Hill Christian Church to dedicate the Wings of Hope Infant Loss Memorial Garden . After a time of song, scripture reading, butterfly release, and prayer, families who have experi enced infant loss were invited to place a person alized stone in the garden Each of these stones serves as a memorial to a life so little yet loved so much .
Wings of Hope Infant Loss Memorial Garden Opens
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30 BUHL ORTHODONTICS 706-253-7989 • 706-692-7989 • 706-692-0228 Fax 9 South Main Street, Jasper, www.orthodonticsbybuhl.comGA Changing the world One SMILE at a time! Richard F. Buhl, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics FreeConsultations NoLifetime Retainers Buhl Orthodontics.qxp_Layout 1 6/25/18 4:32 PM Page 1
We accept baby-related donations during store hours . All donations are tax deductible, and all purchases support The Pregnancy Center . The center provides over 500 video classes both in-person and now online that offer Baby Bucks that can be spent in our boutique just like cash .
The Angel Babies Boutique is a gently used baby clothes and more store . We carry adorable children’s clothing (sizes preemie – 5T), nursery items, formula, diapers and wipes, strollers, bassinets, highchairs, toys, and much more! All at 5075% off retail price
Mention this Ad for $5.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more! $5 off The Angel Babies Boutique is open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00-5:00 Saturday: 10:00-3:00 Call for more information BabyOnTheWay.org706-253-0011
Check out our Facebook page to see our latest deals! Find us on Facebook @angelbabiesstorejasper and Instagram! @angelbabies_boutique
