Walk For Life
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16
The Agape Pregnancy Help Center will be hosting our annual Walk For Life Fundraiser this Saturday in San Antonio. Please join us in our efforts to save the lives of precious babies by raising the necessary funds to keep our centers open. There are several ways in which to offer support. You can walk, run or crawl along with us, you can sponsor me as I walk for life, or you can simply donate to the Agape Pregnancy Center online. If you'd like to walk or donate, visit www.agapeprolife.org to get a sponsor form or to donate. If you'd so graciously like to sponsor me, email me at gsabo1@sbcglobal.net with your donation amount, your name, address and phone number.
Whether we want to think about it or not, the fact is, millions of babies are being killed each year due to abortion and we can't sit idly by and ignore it. Here are some of the ugly statistics:
UNITED STATES
Number of abortions per year: 1.37 Million (1996)Number of abortions per day: Approximately 3,700
Who's having abortions (age)? 52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 32% of all abortions; Teenagers obtain 20% and girls under 15 account for 1.2%.
Who's having abortions (race)? While white women obtain 60% of all abortions, their abortion rate is well below that of minority women. Black women are more than 3 times as likely as white women to have an abortion, and Hispanic women are roughly 2 times as likely.
Who's having abortions (marital status)? 64.4% of all abortions are performed on never-married women; Married women account for 18.4% of all abortions and divorced women obtain 9.4%.
Who's having abortions (religion)? Women identifying themselves as Protestants obtain 37.4% of all abortions in the U.S.; Catholic women account for 31.3%, Jewish women account for 1.3%, and women with no religious affiliation obtain 23.7% of all abortions. 18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify themselves as "Born-again/Evangelical".
Who's having abortions (income)? Women with family incomes less than $15,000 obtain 28.7% of all abortions; Women with family incomes between $15,000 and $29,999 obtain 19.5%; Women with family incomes between $30,000 and $59,999 obtain 38.0%; Women with family incomes over $60,000 obtain 13.8%.
Why women have abortions: 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
At what gestational ages are abortions performed: 52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy, 25% happen between the 9th & 10th week, 12% happen between the 11th and 12th week, 6% happen between the 13th & 15th week, 4% happen between the 16th & 20th week, and 1% of all abortions (16,450/yr.) happen after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Likelihood of abortion: An estimated 43% of all women will have at least 1 abortion by the time they are 45 years old. 47% of all abortions are performed on women who have had at least one previous abortion.
Abortion coverage: 48% of all abortion facilities provide services after the 12th week of pregnancy. 9 in 10 managed care plans routinely cover abortion or provide limited coverage.
About 14% of all abortions in the United States are paid for with public funds, virtually all of which are state funds. 16 states (CA, CT, HI, ED, IL, MA , MD, MD, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OR, VT, WA and WV) pay for abortions for some poor women.
Statistical resource: http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
Other resources: http://www.all.org/imnew.php , http://www.lovelife139.blogspot.com/ , http://www.nrlc.org/ .
Showing posts with label Counseling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Counseling. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Good News and Bad News
This morning I listened to two messages on my machine that I somehow missed yesterday. The first was Linda from the Agape center letting me know that a young woman I had counseled last week came back in. She was VERY abortion minded and by the time she left the center, I still wasn't sure what she would do!
Yesterday she came back in to get a Medicaid form because she had chosen LIFE for her baby! I am filled with joy, and praising God for softening her heart and opening her eyes to the truth!
Thank you, Father, for allowing her to hear your words! To God Be The Glory!!!
Now the bad news.......PLEASE pray for my precious Grandmother! The second message I missed yesterday was my dad calling to tell me that Grandma had a stroke! As of yesterday, she was completely incoherent and didn't have use of her left side. They transported her to Merced from Mariposa.
I'm so worried about her, and as of now I can't get a hold of anyone since it's only 6:00am in CA.
Although I am very worried and scared for her, I know God is holding her tightly in His hands, and that He is the Almighty Physician. I take comfort in His perfect will for my Grandmother's life! Please pray for my dad and the Skinner family as they come together to be with Grandma!
Thank you all so much for your prayers! I'll update as soon as I hear something! My Grandma's name is Barbara and she is 74 yrs old.
Update: It's been four years since my grandmother's stroke. She recovered fully and is doing well. Soli Deo Gloria!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Agape Pregnancy Help Center Banquet
Thursday night was Agape's 10th Annual Fundraising Banquet. I can't even begin to express how powerful the evening was to do it any justice! I wish I had pictures to share, but I will just try to give a quick synopsis of the evening!
It was our privilege and honor to have Dr. Alan Keyes as our keynote speaker. He was dynamic, funny, and hit the nail on the head as far as the message! He truly drove home the point of how we as Christians should be on the front lines of saving precious lives. We need to speak for the unborn, who have no voices. And when did taking human life become acceptable in our eyes, simply by changing the word "baby" to "fetus"! Again, my words cannot do justice to the words he so eloquently brought fourth! I know we were all touched very deeply and I was encouraged to work harder for the unborn and the precious mothers who are tricked (by the world) into believing that there is no other choice!
Shirley Thompson, the Agape Executive Director, did a magnificent job of conveying her thoughts for this ministry. Her words were very personal, very honest, and she challenged each of us, especially pastors and churches, to offer their support to this ministry.
We also had two client testimonies as part of the program. I think the testimonies are my favorite because they're the reason we're here. Only they can tell us how God has worked in their lives through Agape. I am so blessed and privileged to be a part of this ministry!
Pastor Steve Branson was our MC again. He's done this for several years and always does a wonderful job! I think this year, though, was the best. He shared a wonderful story of how God used him in a difficult situation and then applied it to Agape and how God can use each of us even in the most difficult situations! His words throughout the night were important, relevant and heartfelt!
Dr. Scott Farhart sang a song called Blue Eyes Like Janey's. I have no words.........I will say that we were deeply touched by the message in the song!
God truly blessed the evening and blessed Agape with the resources needed to sustain two centers. He is always faithful to provide every year and I give Him the honor, glory, and praise!
Photo Credit
Friday, April 20, 2007
Christian Youth
Are Our Christian Teens Set Apart?
Thursday night, Shirley (Agape Director) and I had the opportunity to address a group of teens about the very serious topic of abortion. This was a Christian youth group of around forty kids. Upon entering the home, my first encounter was with two angry young ladies who didn't mind saying bad words in my presence. Pressing forward, I entered the home and met with Shirley to discuss the night's agenda. As I glanced around the room, my heart became heavy upon realizing that, had I not known this was a Christian group, I wouldn't have guessed so based on general countenances and attitudes.
As Shirley began speaking, I immediately began praying for wisdom and guidance in this situation. I had to think hard about how I was as a teenager and try and extend grace upon this group. But as I listened to Shirley fight for their attention by speaking louder and louder, I found it difficult to be gracious! I mean, this is supposed to be a Christian group discussing serious topics such as abortion, and the need to have a firm Christian worldview! Shouldn't we expect more from this group of professed christian teens?
Many of them were carrying on their own conversations, some were snickering, and when the doorbell rang, most of them were more interested in who was at the door rather than what Shirley was saying! I remember thinking to myself, "I would never let my teenager come to a group like this!" Whether a Christian or not, there's still such thing as manners!
As I sat there waiting for my turn, I was trying to think about what I was going to say. I continued praying for God's words to flow through me, because quite frankly, I was too mad to say anything! Before I knew it, the gentleman leading the group asked me to make my way to the front. My heart sped up several hundred beats over what I was about to say!
After a short introduction, I was on! The first words out of my mouth happened to be...
"Do you all take this seriously?"
Most of them said "yes".
I replied, "I don't think so!" (gulp!)
With utter shock in their eyes, I proceeded to point out their level of disrespect, especially at a Christian gathering! Shirley told me later that you could hear a pin drop while I was speaking to them.
I praised God for giving me the courage to call them on their behavior! Once I had their attention, I shared with them the hurt and consequences which result from abortion, and how many women claim to be pro-life until they are faced with an unwanted pregnancy. I also spoke of the importance of abstinence, and reiterated Shirley's words about being firm in your Christian worldview; not just knowing what you believe, but knowing why you believe it. Shirley did a wonderful job of explaining this and stressing the importance of knowing God's word. Shirley and I also spoke of God's grace, love, and forgiveness!
Although the night started out a little rough, I believe the message was heard. Several kids asked great questions afterwards, and we even had the opportunity to minister to a few. To God be the Glory! I know He works in all situations, no matter the circumstances.
My main reason for writing this was not merely to point out what we spoke of Thursday night, but point out the painful observance that these teens, in my opinion, were not set apart from the world. I think that when we start to expect less of children, and don't require basic levels of respect, their hearts and attitudes reflect our lowered expectations.
Lest you think I'm being too harsh in my opinion of these kids, I'll concede that I was not any better than they as a teen. But, I was taught respect for your elders and to listen when others were talking. The youth group I attended as a teen would NEVER have tolerated such behavior. And simply being held accountable for our words and actions IN youth group, exhorted us to be mindful of our words and actions outside of youth group!
May we all be wise in our decisions as we work diligently to raise our children in the training and admonition of the Lord!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Thursday night, Shirley (Agape Director) and I had the opportunity to address a group of teens about the very serious topic of abortion. This was a Christian youth group of around forty kids. Upon entering the home, my first encounter was with two angry young ladies who didn't mind saying bad words in my presence. Pressing forward, I entered the home and met with Shirley to discuss the night's agenda. As I glanced around the room, my heart became heavy upon realizing that, had I not known this was a Christian group, I wouldn't have guessed so based on general countenances and attitudes.
As Shirley began speaking, I immediately began praying for wisdom and guidance in this situation. I had to think hard about how I was as a teenager and try and extend grace upon this group. But as I listened to Shirley fight for their attention by speaking louder and louder, I found it difficult to be gracious! I mean, this is supposed to be a Christian group discussing serious topics such as abortion, and the need to have a firm Christian worldview! Shouldn't we expect more from this group of professed christian teens?
Many of them were carrying on their own conversations, some were snickering, and when the doorbell rang, most of them were more interested in who was at the door rather than what Shirley was saying! I remember thinking to myself, "I would never let my teenager come to a group like this!" Whether a Christian or not, there's still such thing as manners!
As I sat there waiting for my turn, I was trying to think about what I was going to say. I continued praying for God's words to flow through me, because quite frankly, I was too mad to say anything! Before I knew it, the gentleman leading the group asked me to make my way to the front. My heart sped up several hundred beats over what I was about to say!
After a short introduction, I was on! The first words out of my mouth happened to be...
"Do you all take this seriously?"
Most of them said "yes".
I replied, "I don't think so!" (gulp!)
With utter shock in their eyes, I proceeded to point out their level of disrespect, especially at a Christian gathering! Shirley told me later that you could hear a pin drop while I was speaking to them.
I praised God for giving me the courage to call them on their behavior! Once I had their attention, I shared with them the hurt and consequences which result from abortion, and how many women claim to be pro-life until they are faced with an unwanted pregnancy. I also spoke of the importance of abstinence, and reiterated Shirley's words about being firm in your Christian worldview; not just knowing what you believe, but knowing why you believe it. Shirley did a wonderful job of explaining this and stressing the importance of knowing God's word. Shirley and I also spoke of God's grace, love, and forgiveness!
Although the night started out a little rough, I believe the message was heard. Several kids asked great questions afterwards, and we even had the opportunity to minister to a few. To God be the Glory! I know He works in all situations, no matter the circumstances.
My main reason for writing this was not merely to point out what we spoke of Thursday night, but point out the painful observance that these teens, in my opinion, were not set apart from the world. I think that when we start to expect less of children, and don't require basic levels of respect, their hearts and attitudes reflect our lowered expectations.
Lest you think I'm being too harsh in my opinion of these kids, I'll concede that I was not any better than they as a teen. But, I was taught respect for your elders and to listen when others were talking. The youth group I attended as a teen would NEVER have tolerated such behavior. And simply being held accountable for our words and actions IN youth group, exhorted us to be mindful of our words and actions outside of youth group!
May we all be wise in our decisions as we work diligently to raise our children in the training and admonition of the Lord!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
