Eliot Baptist Church

January 22...an amazing day in the history of the United States. On this day, in 1973, the Supreme Court made a decision that has impacted each and every one of us. How ironic that it is a day shared with another significant event - Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, first brought to practice by Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

"We are told that we may not interfere with abortion. We are told that we may not "impose our morality'' on those who wish to allow or participate in the taking of the life of infants before birth; yet no one calls it "imposing morality'' to prohibit the taking of life after people are born. We are told as well that there exists a "right'' to end the lives of unborn children; yet no one can explain how such a right can exist in stark contradiction of each person's fundamental right to life". (From Proclamation 5761 by the President of the United States of America) 

So while we appreciate the beauty and importance of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, we are also saddened by the need for it. But there is a need. In 2011, the staff of Options for Women had the privilege of serving women, men and friends 347 times. Of nearly 700 individuals, all were in need. With care and patience, we reached women, some pregnant and some not, some about to deliver and some already delivered. But all in distress, under pressure and unsure of what to do and where to turn. We dealt with cases of sexual assault on minors, abuse, drug and alcohol addiction: scared, incarcerated, or just absent fathers; parents demanding abortions for their daughters. We were able to initiate hundreds of spiritual conversations, brief moments of being able to share the gospel, hope and truth. We averaged 26 women in our Baby Steps program, dispensing thousands of diapers and wipes, gift cards, baby items and more. With guidance and encouragement, nearly half of those new moms are working and learning to live on their own. All are being armed with information to raise healthy, cared for children. 

This year, our FIT program will begin to serve the fathers...a major piece in the puzzle of choosing life for an unborn child. And when you grab one of those bottles and wonder if the change you throw in it is of any worth or value, consider this. The coins, bills and checks from last year gave us advertising to bring those 700 young people through our doors. With 84 positive tests, we assessed more than 70% to be at risk. Following ultrasounds and counsel, we estimate only one third remained at risk. Further follow-up is revealing that almost half of them are still carrying! Your support is making an impact - one woman, one man and one child at a time. 

So when the President of Planned Parenthood bemoans the "horrible" year they had in 2011 while sitting on over one billion dollars in net assets, consider this...you could probably fit our net assets in your pocket and still have space for your hand. But our bills are paid, our staff is awesome and our hearts are joyful in Him. We have launched an incredibly successful STI testing program this year. We are recognized as a valuable part of the medical community with "Aliyah: Ascent of Hope" Perinatal Hospice Program. Materials are on order and male leaders are stepping up for FIT (Father's in Training). We are entering negotiations to expand the center to accommodate a "Man Cave", additional consulting rooms and a Baby Steps training room including "Intro to Christianity" Bible Studies. 2012 is going to be very exciting. 

And the best days? That's easy. It's when our arms are full of sweet, soft, sleeping children, created in His image and designed for His purpose. That's a significant event worth celebrating on January 22. Thank you.