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Dear Friends for Life,

We are delighted to have an annual magazine for our community that represents our ministry and the people we serve. This is our second publication of the Heartbeat of North Georgia, a publication of the North Georgia Pregnancy and Family Resource Center here in Jasper, Georgia. Our partners that advertise in this publication made it possible for us to produce something that we trust will encourage, challenge, and inspire you in the days ahead.

The emphasis this year has been focused on the idea of how we can best IMPACT our community. By meeting people right where they are in life, we get to know them, their struggles, their pain, their hurts, and their challenges. I Thessalonians 5:13-15 makes it very clear what our mission is to be.

“Be at peace among yourselves … and we urge you brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

These verses give us our focus and our vision in our ministry.

We have all broken God’s commands and make decisions with unfavorable consequences. We grow weary and forget there is hope. Forgiveness has been provided for us through the forgiveness of sins made possible by the blood of Jesus on the cross. When people feel hopeless, they become stagnant and are unable to make decisions and move forward. They are weak and see no clear path ahead. Often it takes time and patience in working with others, just as our Heavenly Father is patient with us.

We find that many people have never heard the truths that are clearly presented in the Gospel. So many have believed lies and been deceived by what the world has to offer. We have the opportunity with every person who comes to the Center, to share the truth of the Word, pray with them, listen to them, help them with their present needs, give them hope and love, and expect nothing in return. We are able to offer them tangible items through our “Earn While You Learn” program.

“Rejoice” … this is what our Chairman of the Board William Mostellar always says as he is walking out the door. Yes, we should rejoice because we have so much hope and our desire is to share this hope with everyone we come in contact with. And always remember to pray and give thanks.

Thank you for joining with us in this ministry. To God be the Glory, great things He hath done!

With love and gratitude to each one of you,

Pat Page, Executive Director Psalms 78:1-8

Features IMPACT: 2 Lives Transformed After Jail and an Abortion .............................. 4 The Power of Fathers in the Life of the Unborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Laying a Path to Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Making an IMPACT Being a Father to the Fatherless................ 11 Partnering With the Local Church to Meet the Needs of Surprise Parents ..................... 13 Touching Lives Cross-Culturally ............... 17 3 Kids and One on the Way Pushes Couple to the Edge .................................. 19 Partnering With the Local Hospital to Meet Need ................................... 20 The Ministry of Being Present and Praying . . . . . 22

Celebrations! 10 Years of Service to the Community . . . . . . . . . . 18 Volunteers for NGPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 NGPC Celebrates 25 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Angel Babies Boutique's Grand Re-Opening a Huge Success .............................. 30 Making a Bigger Impact -- With Your Help...... 31

Help Us Meet the Needs of the North Georgia Pregnancy and Family Resource Center If you'd like to donate to the Center, please visit babyontheway.org and click on the Help Us tab at the top of the page. Thank you for helping us save lives and meet the needs of these families.

NGPC Board and Staff Board:

• William Mostellar, Chairman • Wayne Collier, Treasurer • Harriet Stroh • Matt Rees • Steve Kroening

Staff:

• Pat Page

Executive Director • Ralph Barker

Development Director • Robie Rens (volunteer)

Director of Client Services • Emily Cribb

Administrative Assistant • Madison Davis - Store Manager

Mission Statement:

• Bring compassionate help and

hope to women and families who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. • Present sexual abstinence as the only option for teens and singles. • Influence community-wide

educational programs and events in an effort to prevent pregnancy outside of marriage. • Provide counseling for healing and restoration for those who have had abortions. • Share the Good News of the Gospel.

© Heartbeat of North Georgia is a publication of the North Georgia Pregnancy Center and Family Resource Center.

Publisher: Steve Kroening Design Director: Kevin Cole

All rights reserved. 1549 East Church Street Jasper, GA 30143 | 706-253-6303 info@babyontheway.org www.babyintheway.org