Beaufort Women's Center

Healing Hearts - Abortion Recovery

2012-01-22T15:37:00.003-05:00

If you are a post-abortion woman struggling through the pain of issues relating to an abortion experience, there is healing and hope! The Beaufort Women's Center is offering abortion recovery assistance through "Healing Hearts", a 10-week Biblically based support group that will meet at the Center on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 pm beginning February 9th. All inquiries are confidential. Seating is limited so call 843-525-0300 today and let the healing begin. Ask for Susanne or Donna for more details.

We Could Win Jim Daly!

2011-10-25T07:30:00.005-04:00

WE COULD WIN JIM DALY!

All kidding aside, the Beaufort Women's Center has an entry in Focus on the Family's "Faces of Life" video contest. Henry Jernigan, our guest speaker at the 2009 BWC Banquet, produced a marvelous video, "Viviana's Decision," highlighting the work of the Center. If you have a Facebook account, please take a minute to look at the video. (You don't even have to take the time to look at it...but it REALLY is thought provoking.) Then VOTE for the entry. You can vote once every 24 hours between now and November 3rd. The pregnancy center with the most votes will win Focus on the Family's president and host, Jim Daly, as their guest speaker in 2013! This is a big deal! So click here now to cast your vote. Thanks!

Equally Unique - Walk For Life

2011-10-17T17:44:00.002-04:00

The Beaufort Women’s Center will be hosting their Annual Walk-For-Life on Saturday November 19th on site at their new location at 21 A&B Marshellen Drive in the Belleview Business Park. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the walk will begin promptly at 9:00 am. It’s easy!

• A route that is only two miles. Only 1 1/2 hours on Saturday — how easy is that?

• You can walk, run, bike, rollerblade, stroll a baby, ride in a wheel chair, skip or hop

• We collect the money so walkers don’t have to

• Raising $200 in pledges earns you a free commemorative tee-shirt

• And, if you’re unable to walk that day, walkers can still participate by walking at a time and place convenient for them anytime that week.

Call 525-0300 for more info and to get your pledge form. You can register to walk or become a sponsor at our website at beaufortwomenscenter.com. The Beaufort Wom- en’s Center offers a comprehensive, practical and life–affirming response to women facing unplanned or crisis pregnancies. All funds raised will be used to support the BWC as they offer these services FREE!

• Free Pregnancy Tests

• Free limited STI Testing

• Free limited Ultrasounds

• Confidential Support

• Post Abortion Support

• Prenatal and Parenting Education

This is not a protest—not a rally—not an athletic event but a WALK! Join us on Saturday, November 19th (your place or ours)!!!

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-16T21:31:00.002-04:00

Director’s Report

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.” 1Chronicles 16:8

It is a time for celebration here at the Beaufort Women’s Center and we give God the glory for moving many to join us in our vision to purchase a new building! We are truly grateful!

· Recently we were given the incredible opportunity to double the size of our current facility and purchase a building that had gone into foreclosure.

· Our minimum goal was to raise $25,000 for a 10% down payment towards a $250,000 loan by September 30^th and our ULTIMATE GOAL was to raise the full $250,000.

· We began the Open The Door Capital Campaign on August 17^th mailing out letters and making presentations to churches around the area.

· On September 28^th we closed on our building! Amazing!!!

Yes, God was good and we raised the original down payment goal of $25,000. However, as we moved through the closing process we were able to secure a loan with a better interest rate but with a requirement of 15% down ($37,500) so the remaining down payment was paid from our general operating funds ($12,500).

Our Capital Campaign will remain open until we reach our ULTIMATE GOAL! Our prayer is that God will continue to move others to come along side us and support the wonderful opportunity God granted us.

I leave you with encouraging words from one of our recent patients who was abortion-minded. Mary (fake name) left the following comments on her exit form after receiving an ultrasound at our clinic:

“When I was sad and stressed about this pregnancy and the word abortion crossed my mind, after being here, I would NEVER EVEN CONSIDER that EVER. They are so caring. One of the best clinics I have ever been to.”

Thank you for your support! Thank you for allowing us to serve God through this ministry. Thank you in advance for allowing us to expand our ministry so we can focus on our mission of erasing the need for abortion by effectively serving pregnant, at risk women by transforming their fears into confidence AND to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those that are lost.

In His Service,

Donna McLean

Executive Director

Abortion Recovery

2011-08-10T07:34:00.004-04:00

If you are a post-abortion woman struggling from an abortion experience, there is healing & hope!

The BWC is offering abortion recovery assistance through "Healing Hearts", a 10-week support group

that will meet Thurs evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 pm beginning Sept 8th. All inquiries confidential.

Seating limited. Call 843-525-0300 today & let the healing begin. Ask for Susanne or Donna.

Two Success Stories - To God Be The Glory

2011-05-17T07:55:00.004-04:00

Mary (name changed) visited the Center and the pregnancy test was positive. During her visit she stated she was preparing to test for the GED in the near future, she already had a 2 ½ yr old and she was thinking about abortion, but unsure whether she would go through with it. She left the Center undecided. Praise God, we received a call that she decided to parent the child and wanted to come in for an ultrasound. After the ultrasound, she stated the information she received at the BWC was helpful in deciding not to get an abortion and to keep her child. She stated she would recommend the BWC to a friend because they are caring and helpful.

Client Two

Susan (name changed), age 23, visited the Center and received a positive pregnancy test. She stated she had two children age 3 and 8 months and was living with an aunt and her husband. She stated the husband of the aunt raped her two months ago and was adamant that this pregnancy end in abortion. She was encouraged to report the rape but she explained if she reported him, the aunt told her she would have to move out and she had nowhere to go. She stated she had family in Florida and planned to take a bus to live with her mother once she received the funds from her mom to purchase the ticket. She stated she planned to report the rape once she was settled. The client was still very much abortion-minded when she left. Praise God, the BWC received a fax from an adoption agency requesting pregnancy verification. Susan has chosen to place the child for adoption

Because of you and your financial commitment and prayers for this ministry, the BWC was able to minister to both of these women and two lives were saved. May the Lord pour out His blessings on you for your obedience to the call to support this ministry.

”The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.”

Numbers 6:24-25

Off To Charleston

2011-04-07T12:06:00.003-04:00

The Lowcountry Pregnancy Center in Charleston is celebrating their 25th anniversary tonight at their annual fundraiser banquet. A few of us are traveling there today to help them celebrate. Bruce Wilkinson is their guest speaker. Guaranteed to be a wonderful night! Can't wait!

Comments On An Exit Form From One of Our Clients

2011-04-07T11:47:00.002-04:00

Would you recommend the BWC to a friend? Yes, I absolutely love this place. I feel right at home. Lots of love here and Christ is the foundation. Everyone should experience Him. This is the place!

2011-01-13T20:58:00.003-05:00

The Beaufort Women's Center is looking for Underwriters and table Hosts (hosting a table of 10 guests - both guests and hosts attend for free) for our annual fundraiser banquet. The event will be held on Saturday, March 19th at Dataw Island's Carolina Ballroom. Seating begins at 6:00 pm - program is from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. We are pleased to have Bruce Wilkinson as our guest speaker - Author of "Prayer of Jabez" among others. If you are not interested in table hosting or underwriting this event but would like to attend as an invited guest please contact us at 525-0300. This is not a "funraiser" but a fundraiser so there will be an appeal at the end of the evening. We encourage those that have a passion for the ministry and have the potential to donate that evening and/or become a monthly donor to attend.

January 23rd is Sanctity of Life Sunday

2011-01-08T18:09:00.002-05:00

January 23rd is Sanctity of Life Sunday

The following article was reprinted with permission from NIFLA (National Institute of Family & Life Advocates).

"The family is the cornerstone of society, and is facing unprecedented challenges. We must remain focused in our resolve to ensure the traditional family structure is supported and remains intact for future generations.”

By Iowa Governor-Elect Terry E. Branstad & Lt. Governor-Elect Kim Reynolds (written in a letter to Choices Medical Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa)

A Medical Perspective:

This is a personal story. I want to share it with you, because it puts our Sanctity of Human Life ethic in perspective. Go back to 1993: Elissa was her mom’s first pregnancy. Prenatal course was uneventful. Labor at term complication meant an emergency CS was done. I was stunned to deliver a beautiful girl baby with basically no legs. Severe caudal regression syndrome. Totally unexpected. What do you say to the mother and dad? I just prayed “Oh, Lord, give me the right thing to say, and help me not to say something stupid to these parents who are in shock!”

Fast forward to the present. Recently I received a letter from Elissa’s mom. She said, “Elissa has just graduated from high school (at 17, a year early) and she graduated in the top 8% of her class of 650. She will be going on to study Biology in a pre-vet program. She will also be playing on the wheelchair basketball team. You told us when she was born that she was a gift from God, and that things would work out. Little did we know that night at the hospital how true all that was.”

I encourage you not to buy our culture’s demeaning view that if a baby is not “perfect” it will be a burden and the mother should consider aborting it. God has much better plans. “His power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9

By Dr. Joe DeCook (member of American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians & Gynecologists (AAPLOG) & NIFLA Medical Advisory Council)

Abortion Recovery & Wanted

2011-01-03T20:21:00.004-05:00

If you are a post-abortion woman struggling through the pain of issues relating to an abortion experience, there is healing and hope! The Beaufort Women's Center is offering abortion recovery assistance through "Healing Hearts", a 10-week Bible study support group that will meet Monday evenings from 6:30 - 9 pm beginning February 21st. All inquiries are confidential. Seating is limited so call 843-525-0300 today and let the healing begin. Ask for Susanne or Donna.

WANTED the Beaufort Women's Center is looking for a vacant furnished house that sleeps 5 - preferably separate bedrooms to provide a weekend model of our abortion recovery. If you have been blessed with a second home that can provide our needs, please contact Donna McLean @ 525-0300

Here am I, send me!

2010-12-18T22:52:00.001-05:00

Chairs for Children

2010-12-10T06:00:00.006-05:00

The "Chairs for Children" silent auction is taking place now through

December 15 at various locations in downtown Beaufort. Proceeds

benefit the Beaufort Women's Center. Please take an opportunity to

visit: Doodlebugs, The Gallery, Indigo Gallery, Rossignols, and

Grace and Glory to see and bid on these wonderful, whimsical seats!

Christmas Letter

2010-12-09T21:47:00.005-05:00

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE AND BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL” (WHICH MEANS, GOD WITH US)
MATTHEW 1:23

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year! I love all the Christmas Carols playing on the radio, the streets aligned with Christmas decorations, people dressed in holiday apparel, buying gifts for my family and friends. There is just something in the air at this time of year that makes you feel different then any other time. Of course, part of it might be that my birthday falls on Christmas Day. I’ve always felt blessed to celebrate my birthday at the same time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. But, truthfully there is so much more to Christmas than this.
Right now we’re in the season of Advent. This is a time to reflect on Jesus’ first coming when he was born of the Virgin Mary. God came to us and took on human flesh, lived among us, and died for us on the cross taking on all of our sins so we could live eternally with Him. I was reminded at Bible Study that we’re not only reflecting on His first coming but it is also a time to reflect on His second coming.

Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said. "Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Can you imagine - our Savior living among us!!

When women and teens visit our Center many of them come here lost and broken. Some of them don’t know Jesus and some of them have had a relationship with Him at some time in their life but circumstances, “life”, has caused them to pull away from the one person that can give them hope. At the Beaufort Women’s Center if they don’t know this wonderful “Jesus”, we want them to come to know our beautiful Savior and for those that know of him, our prayer is that they will reacquaint themselves with Him and know that regardless of their past, Jesus loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. None of this could be shared with them if He hadn’t died on that cross at Calvary.

All of us fall short of the glory of God but God, in his mercy, allowed his son to die on the cross to save us from our sins. There is nothing we need to do to earn that gift. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the “gift” of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Yes, enjoy this holiday season – enjoy visiting with your families – enjoy the experience of buying and giving – enjoy the parties but please don’t forget the real reason for the season – the true gift – the gift of life given to us by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

At the BWC we not only celebrate the gift of life when our client chooses life for her baby, but we get to celebrate the new life in those that accept or rededicate their lives to Jesus. Our ministry is about both the unborn AND the once born. Thank you God for what you did for us so that we can be used in this ministry to share your wonderful gift.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Donna

Fall Newsletter

2010-10-06T18:41:00.002-04:00

Our latest newsletter has been published. Please click here to view it!

$250 donation from Marke's Heating and Cooling, Inc.

2010-07-22T11:34:00.002-04:00

We received notification that the Beaufort Women's Center was the winner of the random drawing during the month of June with Marke's Heating and Cooling, Inc.! We received the following email from Mr. Tim Ferguson, President of Marke's Heating and Cooling, Inc.:

The Beaufort Women's Center was our JUNE random drawing winner and will be awarded our $250 donation, thanks to YOU and the many other supporters that have been voting each month. Everyone has done a great job. We are proud of all of the Beaufort Women's Center voters that had faith and continued to vote month after month. YOUR FAITH HAS BEEN REWARDED! No charity can win more than one month each year with the exception of December. The charity that has received the most accumulated votes for the period of Jan. 1 thru Dec. 15, will receive a special Christmas donation. Please keep visiting www.markesheatingandair.com to vote and help your charity win a donation. The 2010 donation award rules are posted on our web site. Our donations are now at $11,750.00
Pictures are available on our web site blog section www.markesheatingandair.com

Sincerely,
Tim Ferguson
President

Thank you for ALL the support and dedication in voting for the Beaufort Women's Center to receive this generous donation!

Please take note: Since we can only receive a check (from the Marke's Heating and Cooling, Inc.'s charity) once a year, with the exception of December, we encourage you to support some of your other favorite charities. I recommend the Good Neighbor Free Clinic in Beaufort or the Pregnancy Center and Clinic of the Low Country in Hilton Head. Thanks again for your support!

Summer Update!

2010-07-22T11:28:00.001-04:00

Please take a moment to read our Summer Update!

God Bless.

$43,000.00 grant from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation

2010-07-14T11:17:00.001-04:00

The Beaufort Women’s Center was recently honored by receiving a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation in the amount of $43,000.00. These funds will be used to pay salaries for our nurse manager, client services director and continuing education for our sonographers for a one-year period.

The Board of Directors of the Beaufort Women’s Center (BWC) and I deeply appreciate receiving this grant from the Foundation. We cannot express how much this means to us!

Thank you to the BlueCross Foundation for recognizing the value of the Beaufort Women’s Center and the importance of this ministry to the community.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Mike Huckaby interviews Ex-Planned Parenthood Director

2010-07-01T11:32:00.001-04:00

Many of you may have seen this interview but I just revisited this week and thought I would share with those that haven't.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHFVt8yLuyUs&h=5feb7dg4q0ej7tvbgCOL9lLymYA

We Save Lives at The Beaufort Women's Center

2010-06-24T16:16:00.001-04:00

The phone rang and an anxious voice was at the other end. “I need to make an appointment to come in and have an abortion – I just can’t have this baby”. We explained that we were not an abortion clinic or that we referred or recommended for an abortion but were here to lovingly talk to her about her options and to educate her on the abortion procedures. “Would you like to make an appointment”, the receptionist asked “Yes, but I really need to have an abortion.”

She was not able to come in until the next day and many times when we get a call from an abortion minded woman, we never know if she will show up. As always, we began praying that this client would not change her mind about coming to the Beaufort Women’s Center (BWC).

Praise God, she did come the next day - actually she was early because she wasn’t sure of how to get here and wanted to be sure she didn’t miss her appointment. She arrived with her mother. While they were waiting for the client advocate (CA), both the mother and daughter expressed that she had to have an abortion and that she couldn’t have this baby. The BWC provides abortion alternatives so when searching for abortion providers, the Beaufort Women’s Center will often pop up as an option with “abortion” being the key word. The client mentioned that she found us on the computer along with a list of abortion providers in Charleston and Savannah but thought she would come to us first. Again, I reiterated that we were not an abortion provider.

Normally we do not allow anyone else in the room when we first see a client but in this case, with the mother expressing her desire for the young girl to have an abortion as well, we felt it would be helpful to educate them at the same time on the abortion procedures. Both the mother and the daughter followed the client advocate back to the counseling room. Immediately, we began to pray for this young girl, her mother and the life she was carrying.

The client shared with the CA that she was in the process of getting a divorce and as a result of an evening out drinking she was now pregnant and had no idea who the father was. Additionally, she was trying to rebuild a relationship with a prior boyfriend and didn’t know how could she tell him she was pregnant? Even though she didn’t agree with abortion, she felt she had no other choice but to have one. As the nurse manager was recording medical data the young girl asked, “Is it a baby yet?” “Yes, it is.” “The heart starts beating as early as three weeks.” At that point it was like a light went on; she burst into tears and said, “I can’t kill my baby.” An ultrasound was provided which reaffirmed her decision to parent her child. By this time her mother supported her decision and they were both very excited. Of course, her situation wasn’t going to change but so many times it just takes educating our clients about the developmental stages of their pregnancy to change their mind about terminating their pregnancy, regardless of their situation.

As the counseling proceeded, the conversation led to both the mother and daughter’s spiritual life and before leaving the Center, both of them rededicated their lives to Christ. God is so good, another life was saved and the gospel was shared – that’s what the Beaufort Women’s Center is all about.

Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be here for those in crisis without you!

Second Quarter Newsletter

2010-06-04T21:01:00.004-04:00

Read Our Second Quarter Newsletter Online:

NEWSLETTER

VADEN EXTRA MILE

2010-04-23T00:50:00.000-04:00

CLICK to watch Beaufort Women's Center receive a check from Vaden's Extra Mile program!

THANK YOU VADEN!

We Need You!

2010-04-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

The Beaufort Women's Center will be hosting their volunteer training two consecutive weekends in June - June 4th (6-9pm) and 5th (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) and again on June 11th and 12th same hours (location to be determined). Although training is mandatory, you do not have to attend the training before becoming a volunteer.

Whether it is an unplanned pregnancy, the pain of a past decision, or the hurt of a relationship gone wrong-there is an answer in the hope of Jesus Christ. That's why the BWC is here, and that's why we serve. If you would like to join our ministry family, give us a call. You can be a part of touching hearts and pointing the way home.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the BWC.

Call Cassandra or Jo at 525-0300 for more details.

Please Vote BWC!

2010-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Please share a moment of your time this week to help Beaufort Women's Center have a chance to receive $500 from Marke's Heating & Air. All you gotta do is click & vote!

THANK YOU!

www.markesheatingandair.com

Birdies For Charity

2010-03-25T19:34:00.000-04:00

BIRDIES FOR CHARITY

The Beaufort Women’s Center will be participating in the
2010 Heritage Classic Birdies for Charity again this year.
NO, we won’t be playing but they offer a very simple
concept and an easy way for supporters to pledge a small
amount to the Heritage Classic in the name of our organization.
This year the Heritage Classic will be played during the week
of April 12th – 18th. AND, 100% of all pledge collections made
for the BWC are remitted back to us with some¬thing added by
the Heritage Classic Foundation. Please visit
www.heritageclassicfoundation.com, click on charities,
Birdies for Charity in the drop down menu, choose your favorite
charity (BWC) and, then, click to submit a pledge. Example from 2009:
(THERE WERE 1321 BIRDIES IN 2009) 1 cent pledge = $13.21
,
2 cent pledge $26.42, 5 cent pledge $66.05, 10 cent pledge $132.10.

You, also have the option of pledging a set amount. The Beaufort
Women’s Center will be forever grateful for your support!

BIRDIE PLEDGE FORM

Welcome News

2010-03-12T21:59:00.001-05:00

PREGNANCY CENTERS ENJOY HISTORIC VICTORY IN VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

LANSDOWNE, VA – In just a few short weeks, pregnancy centers in Virginia have witnessed an historic victory in the 2010 state legislature. At the beginning of the session, abortion advocates launched an attack on these faith-based charities. The attacks consisted of an erroneous and biased report and discriminatory and unnecessary regulatory legislation. Less than two months later, not only had the hostile legislation been thrown out by its own sponsors, the entire legislature passed a resolution praising the work of Virginia pregnancy centers.

In the words of the Virginia Family Foundation, “What a difference a few weeks – and the truth – makes.”
Just one week after the legislation against pregnancy centers was introduced, it was dismissed in both House and Senate subcommittees after legislators heard testimony from pregnancy centers directors, former center clients, medical staff, Care Net, the Family Foundation and Virginia Catholic Conference. A few weeks later, pregnancy centers held a day at the state capitol where staff and volunteers came to further educate legislators about their organizations’ work. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Family Foundation and Americans United for Life, a resolution praising pregnancy centers was introduced in March and passed in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate this week.
Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde joined Virginia legislators in praising the work of pregnancy centers. “We are so proud of Virginia pregnancy centers for this recognition and their decades of humble service to women in this state. It’s not a surprise to Care Net that when people hear the truth about the good work you do, they want to praise you.”

A sample “Joint Resolution Honoring Pregnancy Centers” is available in American United for Life’s 2010 Model Legislation & Policy Guide.

Pregnancy centers provide practical help and emotional support to empower those facing unplanned pregnancies to make an informed and life-affirming pregnancy decision. Care Net is a national affiliation organization supporting the work of 1,180 pregnancy center in North America.

Beaufort Women's Center Makes A Difference!

2010-03-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Even though she’d already determined that she was pregnant by a home pregnancy test and had made an appointment at an abortion clinic, she called the Center for pre-abortion counseling and information - The Beaufort Women’s Center calls this a “Divine Appointment” by the way.

She shared with the counselor that she was experiencing financial difficulties and felt she had no other option but to terminate her pregnancy, yet she wanted to get some information before she made a final decision. During her visit she, also, received an ultrasound. Focus on the Family reports that among women at risk for abortion the combined provision of counseling and ultrasound results in nearly 60% more stating decisions for life than with counseling alone. She left the Center that day still undecided about what she was going to do.

Due to the confidentiality of our services, names are not shared with other volunteers and staff but crisis situations are brought to our attention so we can lift them up in prayer. We were told a client that visited our Center was scheduled for an abortion that Saturday so we prayed for her and the life she was carrying all during the week. On Monday she called the Center to say she had changed her mind and had decided to parent.

When we have success stories like the one you’ve just read, its confirmation that through the power of the Holy Spirit the staff and volunteers are fulfilling God’s purpose for which the BWC has been called. It also reminds us how important our donors, volunteers and prayer warriors are - without you, we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of the women and teens that find themselves lost and without hope.
At our annual fundraising banquet on March 18th we will celebrate our 25th year of serving women, teens and their families in crisis and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please join us in prayer that God will supernaturally move the hearts of those attending the banquet – many of them new to the ministry – to give generously to the Beaufort Women’s Center so we can fulfill the legacy for which it has been called.

Donna McLean, Executive Director

Sarah's Choice

2010-02-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Rebecca St. James stars in "SARAH'S CHOICE", the story of any number of women who will walk through Care Pregnancy Centers in America today. Go to Pure Flix website for more information on viewing or ordering this movie today.

Norma McCorvey Speaks Out

2010-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hear from Norma McCorvey ("Jane Roe" in Roe v. Wade) as she describes her greatest regret in life:

VIRGINIA UPDATE

2010-02-01T07:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Great news! Yesterday, all of the harmful legislation against Virginia's pregnancy centers was defeated! Both the House and Senate bills were killed in the sub-committees.

CPC of Tidewater, along with other pregnancy centers, participated in a Senate sub-committee hearing yesterday at our state capital to help defend pregnancy centers in Virginia against harmful legislation.(Please review my last email for an explanation of this legislation.)With less than 20 hours notice informing us about this meeting, our pregnancy centers group tried to put together the best response possible with very little time to prepare.

We were told by experienced lobbyists that they "fully anticipated" the bill to pass this sub-committee as three of the five members on the committee were expected to be in favor of the bill. Also, the chief patron of this bill, Senator Ralph Northam (D- 6th District, Norfolk), was the chairman of this committee.

With little time and support, we knew this was an impossible situation. So we prayed together and entered the conference room trusting God to give us wisdom and words as we participated in the hearing.

It all began with a doctor reading parts of the infamous NARAL reportmaking false and erroneous accusations against our pregnancy centers. However, it was obvious that she and the others in favor of this bill also anticipated it to pass easily in this sub-committee because they did not speak at length or in great number.

I was very proud of our team when we were given an opportunity to speak. We gave testimony of the great work of helping women and preborn children visiting our pregnancy centers throughout our Commonwealth. Several clients even testified on our behalf. One of those clients had been helped by our ministry here in Tidewater. She brought tears to the eyes of many in the room, including mine.

Several Pregnancy Center Directors addressed the false accusations levied against our centers. Their accounts were so compelling that it was easy for the casual observer to determine that NARAL's investigation and report was a thinly veiled attempt to discredit and harm pregnancy centers in Virginia.

In the end, it was very apparent that pregnancy centers in Virginia operate with excellence, uphold high standards and serve women with integrity.

It was also apparent to the senators on the committee because they voted unanimously AGAINST the bill. Even the chief patron of the bill, Senator Northam, voted against it and it was his bill!

Representatives from the pro-abortion groups left quickly, but I, along with others from the pregnancy centers group, hurried to shake the hands of the committee members. I especially thanked Senator Northam for his courage to overturn his own bill. We disagree on the rights of preborn children, but he acted honorably and with great integrity in this hearing.

I would imagine that Senator Northam will get a lot of negative feedback for this decision. Would you please contact him and thank him for boldly voting against his own bill?

Click Here for Senator Northam's contact info

All praise to God for His provision and protection. This was a day that I will never forget. There is so much more that I could share. However, it would make a very long email. The day did end with another victory as the House sub-committee also voted against their version of the bill by a party line vote of 4-3.

NARAL spent lots of money and more than a year preparing to do great damage to pregnancy centers here in Virginia. It was a very strategic and well orchestrated effort. We were blind-sided by their attack. We had no money and almost no time to prepare ... but God gave us favor. This battle has been won. All glory and honor to Him.
I would like to thank Victoria Cobb and the rest of the Family Foundation for providing us with remarkable support, direction, and encouragement. They worked tirelessly to defend us. I am so grateful that they were there. God used them mightily.

Also, special thanks to Kristen Hansen with Care Net for walking with us through this trial and speaking on our behalf before the committees.

There are many others like NIFLA, Heartbeat International, and the ACLJ that provided valuable support. Thank you, Governor Bob MacDonnell, for sending a representative to clearly communicate your opposition to these bills.

Many people have called, sent emails and text messages letting us that they were praying for us and contacting legislators on our behalf. All of this support has been very encouraging.

I trust God will use all of this to glorify Himself and further His mission of saving lives and sparing hearts though the ministry of the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater.

For LIFE,

Toby DeBause

President

Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater

For more information:

CPC's Website: www.cpcfriends.org

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
Psalm 10:12 NIV

Please forward this to friends and family.

Super Bowl Pro Life Ad Controversy

2010-01-31T19:57:00.000-05:00

>>Copied from circulated email<<

Have you been following the controversy about the pro-life ad featuring Quarterback Tim Tebow that Focus on the Family intends to air during the Super Bowl? Well, the ad has a number of abortion advocacy groups really upset because it features the decision of Tim’s mom to carry her pregnancy with Tim to term against all odds. In fact, the controversy has gotten even more heated when this morning on Fox News these groups attacked the work of pregnancy centers! Care Net was quick to respond. Below is our press release and a link to where you can watch the Fox News clip on Youtube. This just goes to show that pregnancy centers are making an impact in helping to save lives and heal hearts. Thanks for your support in helping to make this happen!

Care Net would love to hear your thoughts on this story on our Inspire Life blog!

Blessings,
The Care Net Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 29, 2010
CONTACT: Kristin Hansen, (703) 554-8742

CARE NET CALLS TEBOW AD OPPONENTS’ SLAM OF PREGNANCY CENTERS ‘NONSENSICAL’

LANSDOWNE, VA – Care Net, a national network of 1,180 pregnancy centers that provide free support to pregnant women, was drawn into the Tebow Super Bowl ad controversy when opponents attacked the charities Friday on Fox News. Watch the Fox clip here!

Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde said the criticisms by women’s advocacy groups are “nonsensical,” particularly as pregnancy centers provide free services to 1.9 million people every year.

“We’re scratching our heads as to why anyone would attack Pam Tebow’s courageous story or hinder a message of hope to other women facing similar circumstances,” said Delahoyde. “As an organization that helps provide support to women with difficult or unplanned pregnancies, Care Net is even more confused why any group advocating for women would criticize the compassionate, practical help offered by our nation’s pregnancy centers.

“Part of the reason why our country is increasingly pro-life is because of the positive, volunteer-led work of pregnancy centers in communities across the country. Focus on the Family, the ad sponsor, has come alongside pregnancy centers for years with resources to empower women to make an informed pregnancy decision. Attacking such charitable help is not only nonsensical but also very much out of step with a majority of the American people.

Jehmu Greene, president of the Women’s Media Center, said the following on Fox News about Focus on the Family’s contributions to pregnancy centers: “This organization has supported fake crisis pregnancy centers that provide medical misinformation; they provide negative pregnancy tests; they provide fake ultrasounds…”

Delahoyde continued, “These are common accusations that abortion advocacy groups have been using for years, and they couldn’t be further from the truth. Organizations like Care Net provide training and oversight to pregnancy centers to ensure that services are offered with professionalism and integrity. When you hear the stories of women that have been helped by pregnancy centers, when you visit your local centers and meet the volunteers who serve there, it’s clear that these are false accusations meant to deter women from visiting us for help.

“Pregnancy centers serve women like Pam Tebow every day - women who bravely choose to carry their pregnancy to term against the odds. Their courageous stories are an inspiration to us all.”

For more information about the work of pregnancy centers, visit Care Net’s Inspire Life website

The Invitation Stands

2010-01-29T09:20:00.000-05:00

Dawn Pate, executive director of the Osceloa Pregnancy Center in Kissimeee, Fla., shares how she experienced forgiveness and salvation after abortion, and how pregnancy centers are making a difference in the lives of those in similar circumstances:

The Invitation Stands.com

Urgent Letter From CBC President Toby DeBause

2010-01-27T16:59:00.004-05:00

CPC urgently needs your prayers!

Please read this email in its entirety and

forward to as many prayer partners as you can.

Dear Friends,

I received some alarming news late last week. A group called NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia (NARAL), which is part of the national group NARAL Pro Choice America, has launched a very strategic attack against pregnancy centers all across Virginia.

During most of 2009, NARAL sent people into pregnancy centers throughout Virginia pretending to be women in need of our services. This week they published a report making fallacious claims and accusations based on the experiences of these pretend clients.

On the very same day that they made this report available, NARAL held a news conference. They announced harmful legislation being considered in the Virginia General Assembly to regulate pregnancy centers in Virginia.

If the House Bill 452 and Senate Bill 188 are passed, the mission and ministries of pregnancy centers all across Virginia will be impacted. Part of this new regulation stipulates the following:

A copy of all materials distributed by the centers must be submitted to the state.

Any employee or volunteer of the pregnancy centers found to have violated any of the policies of this new regulation are subject to fines up to $500 per violation.

A sign prominently placed in our centers with letters almost an inch in size stating things such as we are "not an abortion clinic" and that we are "not required to maintain medical confidentiality or medical records in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)"

Although we are not required to do so, we voluntarily

uphold HIPAA standards. Confidentiality is a sacred trust

with the women we serve. We go above and beyond

to ensure that their information is protected. This

type of signage is unnecessary and would cause our clients

to distrust us.

It's hard to believe that legislation like this would ever be introduced based on a report from an obviously biased group like NARAL. However, it is a reality and I will be in hearings this week as a voice for Virginia's pregnancy centers because these bills are likely to be voted on NEXT WEEK.

This is a very well orchestrated effort leaving us with almost no time to defend ourselves. Would you activate your prayer teams and pray for us? May we glorify God and honor Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions as we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Please would you pass this on to others and call your state Senators and Delegates on our behalf?

As you know, CPC is not a political organization. We have been passionately serving women and their preborn children for over 25 years. Being thrust into the legislative process at the State Capital is a bit overwhelming... all the more reason why we cherish your prayers.

For Life,

Toby DeBause

President

Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater

For more information:

CPC's Website: www.cpcfriends.org
Find your state Senator or Delegate
Family Foundation's Blog regarding this legislation

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
Psalm 10:12 NIV

Please forward this email to friends and family.

The Gift of Adoption

2010-01-26T14:32:00.001-05:00

Nearly twenty-one years ago I was unmarried, pregnant and did not know what to do. My boyfriend’s only solution was abortion, but deep in my heart I could never choose that. Yet, I did not know where I could go or what I could do. How could I provide for a baby? I didn’t know it then, but God had a plan. It was a plan to give us hope and a future, but it was something I could not see or even hope for at the time.

Late one night, I called a crisis pregnancy center. I found a compassionate Godly woman on the phone, who cared about me and what I was going through. She shared the gospel with me and encouraged me. She prayed with me and asked if we could meet. She stepped out in faith, obedient to God’s calling and forever made a difference in my life. God began to work in my heart. He surrounded me with love and support-giving me mentors, friends, and a church home. I soon came to realize that I was not alone on my journey, but was being guided by a sovereign God.

Around five months I began to consider adoption. I was introduced to families within the church who had adopted and those who wanted to adopt. Through many meetings I became more certain it was the right decision for me. In my seventh month, I entered a maternity home and spent the final six weeks of my pregnancy with other unwed expectant mothers.

My final decision for adoption was made at the hospital. God spoke to me through reading Romans 8. Releasing my baby required me to make a huge sacrifice. I would have to go against my flesh and trust God to provide for both my child and me. I prayed and read God’s word. Next, I would have to take a leap of faith - to trust him with my daughter. It was not an easy decision, nor was it made lightly. Not everyone who knew me supported my decision, but I knew it was the right one. God gave me a perfect peace that surpassed all understanding that sustained me for nearly twenty-one years.

In the summer of 2009, I began praying to find my daughter. I spent months searching, making phone calls, and tracking leads. The adoption agency and maternity home had closed years ago and no one knew where their records were. God answered my prayers and I was put in touch with someone who could help me. In less than six weeks I had a response from the adoptive family and they requested pictures of my family. On 19 December 2009, my daughter and I were reunited! God is so good and faithful. His timing is perfect and his plans far exceeded what I ever imagined.

My daughter, Katie, is a nursing student. She gave her life to the Lord at age nineteen and has been working for him since. When asked to describe our reunion, all I can say is God is good. Peace reigned the entire time. As for her, she said she feels more loved than ever before.

I trusted God enough to surrender my child in accordance to His will. His peace sustained me over 20 years. He used my circumstances to teach me about trust. He used time for me to see his faithfulness in fulfilling his promises. He used my unplanned pregnancy to change my life and help me see that his ways are not my way; his plans are not my plans. He is the sovereign God who has the best in mind for me and Katie. Thank you, God, for letting me see your goodness in my life. Thank you for giving me and my daughter a hope and a future.

~by Caryn Funderburk

(BWC Volunteer)

Birdies For Charity

2010-01-21T16:30:00.004-05:00

BIRDIES FOR CHARITY

The Beaufort Women’s Center will be participating in the
2010 Heritage Classic Birdies for Charity again this year.
NO, we won’t be playing but they offer a very simple
concept and an easy way for supporters to pledge a small
amount to the Heritage Classic in the name of our organization.
This year the Heritage Classic will be played during the week
of April 12th – 18th. AND, 100% of all pledge collections made
for the BWC are remitted back to us with some¬thing added by
the Heritage Classic Foundation. Please visit
www.heritageclassicfoundation.com, click on charities,
Birdies for Charity in the drop down menu, choose your favorite
charity (BWC) and, then, click to submit a pledge. Example from 2009:
(THERE WERE 1321 BIRDIES IN 2009) 1 cent pledge = $13.21,
2 cent pledge $26.42, 5 cent pledge $66.05, 10 cent pledge $132.10.
You, also have the option of pledging a set amount. The Beaufort
Women’s Center will be forever grateful for your support.

WINTER 2010 NEWSLETTER

2010-01-21T13:28:00.000-05:00

READ THE WINTER NEWSLETTER

DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER PDF

Christmas Letter 2009

2009-12-21T11:34:00.005-05:00

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

The staff, volunteers and board members would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a truly blessed New Year! I’m sure you’re like many people around this time of year – busy decorating your home, preparing for visits with family and friends, going to Christmas parties (possibly hosting one – yikes!) going to Christmas pageants and shows and, of course, I’m sure you’re busy with last minute shopping - making sure you don’t forget anyone or trying to find that “perfect” gift for that certain someone. Ah-yes, Christmas is in the air!

One gift you can feel confident about giving this year is the gift you give to the Beaufort Women’s Center, be it monthly, quarterly, one-time or year-end; it couldn’t be anymore “perfect” for us.

We generally think of gifts as something someone can hold in their hand and admire – maybe a toy a child has been wishing for, a piece of jewelry or maybe some tickets to a long awaited event. But the gift you give to the BWC is so much more than that. Many of the women or teens who visit the Center feel hopeless and lost with no where to turn and often wonder how they’ll make it with another mouth to feed. Because God has blessed you with the privilege of sharing that which He has given you with us, the BWC can offer so much more.

Because of you, we can provide a physical gift through our Earn While You Learn Program, a prenatal and parenting program, by helping to defray some of the expense of a layette filled with baby items from 0-3 months which the client receives after completing the program. Because of you, we can give the gift of satisfying an emotional need by providing a place where they receive God’s love, grace, compassion and a listening ear from one of our trained volunteers; but most of all, because of you we can supply a spiritual gift and there is truly no better gift then sharing the Bread of Life, the Word of God, the Gospel, the Good News that God loves them and has provided a way for them to enter in to His Kingdom.

There are so many ministries out there and God doesn’t call us to give to them all but for some reason He has called you for such a time as this to support the BWC and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Yes, we love giving gifts. I believe it IS more blessed to give than to receive, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we love receiving gifts as well. I pray that this Christmas season, especially in these troubled times, we will all take time to remind ourselves of the real reason for the season and remember the best gift WE will receive this Christmas, the greatest present, is from God when He provided a way to dwell in his presence now and forever!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life” John 3:16

God Bless You All!

2009-10-26T15:59:00.000-04:00

WALK FOR LIFE- November 14, 2009

2009-09-20T01:00:00.001-04:00

BEAUFORT WOMEN'S CENTER IS NOW ON TWITTER!

(https://twitter.com/BftWmnsCtr)

2009-09-20T00:51:00.000-04:00

Take A Look Inside A Typical CareNet Women's Pregnancy Center: