“C” simply did not know what to do next. She did not have a job. She was living with one of her girlfriends temporarily until she could either be placed in a host home or find another place to stay. “C” was afraid but wanted to do the right thing. Although not an abortion-risk client, the odds were stacked against her and she knew it. She held the small photo album that Kim had given her, filled with the images of her baby, and asked us for help. She was not committed to a particular faith, was unsure about what she believed, but accepted our offer to pray for her.

“C” continued to keep Birth Choice in the loop. She began to attend a small church that was recommended to her. She was hired full-time at a hotel and asked if BC could help for a short time with a bus pass. Just two months later, she had saved enough money to purchase a used car.

Recently, she sent a photo text of a simple cake she had baked and decorated for herself and her girlfriends as they celebrated the four month mark of her pregnancy. With each small victory, Birth Choice counselors quietly remind her that they are praying for her, how proud of her they are and of the wonderful sacrifices she is making, and how much God loves her.

On Monday, “C” showed up at BC for a quick visit, lamenting that her hours were cut back at work. She was dressed in a light blue button-down shirt, slacks, and black flats, looking for work. She had saved enough money to commit to moving into an apartment with one of her girlfriends, but now did not know how she would be able to afford it. Her BC family gathered around her and prayed with her before she left, certain that God would lead her to her next small victory.

Here is a story of a young woman who is desperately trying to make positive choices that will keep her small family in tact.  We ask that you join us in praying for “C.”  As Meister Eckhart so eloquently put it, “Above all else, know this: Be prepared at all times for the gifts of God and be ready always for new ones.  For God is a thousand times more ready to give than we are to receive.”  “C” – May you find strength in God as you face each new challenge.  May you have hope in your future knowing that anything God asks us to do, he supplies us with the energy and grace to do so.

Patricia was initially not my client but I was blessed to meet her because I went to pick her up and bring her to our office.  I was able to visit with her and get to know her. Patricia had been physically abused by her spouse, and her spouse is totally against her having the baby. The pressure to abort was extremely strong as was her mind-set on having one, as well.

After her intake with one of our Birth Choice counselors, Patricia came and sat down in the front office. The counselor pulled me aside and was distraught as she told me that Patricia was set on abortion.  Patricia had asked that we please not try to talk her out of it. This client was SET on her decision.  I gently guided the “official” counselor to Gene’s office and prayed with her. I assured her that God is in control and that only He can sway Patricia’s mind and heart.  After we prayed, I heard Patricia say that most of her friends have had abortions and that they are fine and it doesn’t bother them. I felt such a nudge to tell her that she WILL one day experience a feeling of loss, but I kept arguing in my head that “this is not my client”.  I also struggled with the thought, “I can’t share with her, then everyone here will know my past.” As the client continued to argue her point that it’s “NO BIG DEAL” I knew that God wanted me to say something. I had already established a connection because I had driven her to the office, so I stepped up to her and kneeled in front of her. God spoke through me because I had no idea what I was supposed to say…all I knew was that I HAD to share my experience. Because it was ALL God, I just remember that I shared, with tears in my eyes that, “I can promise you that you will feel the effects of having an abortion. That it could be days, weeks, months or years, but you WILL eventually face this loss and it will affect your life even if you don’t realize that it is. I had an abortion over 20 years ago, and I have completed post-abortive counseling just recently. I learned that this decision in my past has affected my entire life.” I continued, “I’m not trying to make you feel guilty; I just felt that I needed to share this with you. Whatever you decide, we are here for you.” After that, the counselor took her to San Marcos for her ultrasound.

Later that afternoon, I had a desire to text Patricia to remind her that I was here for her NO MATTER WHAT she decides.  It was less than 5 minutes later that she called me with excitement in her voice. She said she saw the baby and the baby’s heartbeat and that she’s decided to carry the baby. At that time, she had planned to place the baby with her sister. She was extremely touched and enthusiastic about the basket that Birth Choice had given her. I found out later that when she left the ultrasound she was still “undecided,” but apparently with God’s grace and the images of her little one, she had changed her mind. This was awesome news!

Later, I picked up Patricia to take her to the bank.  She asked if I would shop with her for some things for her apartment. We spent a couple hours just hanging out, and she shared more of her story with me. Patricia is due in January.  It’s amazing to see how God can transform a person so determined and resistant to hearing alternative options to abortion.   We will continue to pray that the Lord work in Patricia’s heart and life bringing her ever closer to Him.

Our counselor remembered the call from her girlfriend telling her she just found out her daughter was pregnant.  She wondered how she had not noticed a change in her daughter, or why she did not notice M had been wearing more sweatshirts these last few months.  “Talk to her,” the mother begged. “The father-to-be is not in her life anymore and this can’t be a good choice to have this baby.” It was apparent that the mother did not realize that the counselors at Birth Choice work to encourage all women to choose life for their babies.

Our counselor went right over to talk with M.  M informed her that she was sure she wanted this baby, and that was that.  The decision was easy for M, but her mother was not pleased.  Our counselor promised to help M through this and immediately signed her up as a Birth Choice client.  Working their way through the checklist Birth Choice provides, the counselor and M make sure they had a plan for everything M would need including securing her an obstetrician, applying for medical insurance, signing her up for childbirth and lactation classes, and much more.  Eventually, the mother realized that this was her daughter’s choice, and she decided to make the best of it joining in to help with the preparations.

Our counselor had the privilege of attending M’s baby shower.  She reflects, “I got to hold the little fellow shortly after he was born as I brought his little layette filled with blessings from the Birth Choice family of supporters.  The new grandma wept and although I think she was still leery of her daughter’s choice, she began to embrace this baby.  I remember my friend sharing with me how proud she was of her daughter and the loving, tender care she gave to her little son.”

Now, 5 years later, our counselor was filled with joy while witnessing the marriage of M. “My friend cannot imagine life without this precious little boy,” she says.  “She is the mother of the bride.  Her 4 year old grandson walks her down the aisle, her face beaming with pride and joy.”  “You had to be here,” the mother told the counselor.  “I wanted you to see this happy ending.”  God provided a wonderful young man for her daughter who cherishes her and her little boy.

Even though his birth father is part of the little fellow’s life, he proudly announced at the wedding he now has two daddies.  In time, we hope he realizes he has in fact been gifted with three, two on Earth in addition to his Father God in heaven.  His heavenly Father was the one who knit him in his mommy’s womb, and because of His love and a special place called Birth Choice, he was loved and cherished on 9/10/11.

Christians took up posts in the parking lots, on the beach, on the pier, and on sidewalks ready and equipped to save souls. Upon their return to the information booth to check out, Shelly would ask how it was going out there. EVERY time, they would take out a small tablet and share the names of the 3, 6, or 9 people that they had led to the Lord that morning. “We prayed, others ministered, some cooked, and many served.  It was blessing to see God’s family at work,” says Shelly. She also saw how hundreds of Christians attended boot camp trainings throughout the day.  In these sessions, people were taught or reviewed with how to share the gospel using the Evangecube.  They then were prayed over and sent out to spread the Word. “That’s hundreds of Christians better equipped to share their faith and the love of Jesus with others. This was God’s army that day in Oceanside doing a mighty work…God’s work. I was blessed to be a part of it,” recalls Shelly gratefully.  “Continue to pray that the faith of those new believers grows. I encourage all to get involved next year!”

The counselor and Carol continued chatting.  Carol informed us that she was five months pregnant and had actually come into our center earlier in her pregnancy.  She was given a doctor’s referral so she could receive pre-natal care. In that moment, a smile spread sweetly across her face.  It was then that she told the counselor that she had tried six times to get an abortion before calling Birth Choice.  Once the doctor had to cancel the appointment; another time her dad kept calling and calling her so she left the office; the next time, she found out she was too far along and would need a surgical abortion.  After scheduling an appointment at Planned Parenthood, she endured a 10-hour wait at their center. She ended up walking out; the fifth time she fainted, and the final time… God’s beautiful intervention – she felt the baby kick!

Now, Carol is continuing her college education, has the support of her father, and is looking forward to involvement in Growing Families to prepare her for the new challenges ahead and “to learn to be the best mommy I can be.”  It’s moments like these when a light is shone on the divine plan of God. Thank you, Birth Choice volunteers, for being there and helping to be vessels through which God can work his miracles!

Last Friday, one volunteer hosted an “art to eat” morning.  The kids finger painted with pudding, made cut-outs of different shapes using watermelon and bananas, and creatively arranged faces positioning raisins and grapes on apples.  All of this was done while learning to count, recognizing and identifying shapes and colors, and of course enjoying the chance to eat their final products.  We now have 15 children and 9 moms attending this class.  It will run through August, construction permitting.

In another lesson, children made flash cards helping them to learn to count. For older children, money was used to help the kids understand various math concepts. They were each given a baggie of coins and were to see how many pennies made a nickel, dime, and quarter.  They also had to figure out what various combinations of the coins would make up the amount in a quarter.  Needless to say, there was much excitement.  The children were asked to complete a homework assignment – figure out how many combinations could be made to reach the amount in a dollar.  The children who completed and returned the assignment were given an extra “prize.”  The kids work for “seed money” as do the moms.  With this money, participants are able to purchase items from our Growing Families showroom after each session or save for a larger more costly item at a later date.

Here’s the amazing thing…two of the young boys were new to our program.  Upon completing the class, one used his tokens to buy underwear; the other bought a pair of shorts.  The boy who “purchased” the underwear literally tore open the package and just held them in his hands until he left the building.  His mom came to a quilting class the following morning and said he slept with them, not in them, simply with them still in his hands all night.  Seems he and his brother, not the same size, share only 2 pair of underwear. These were the first brand-new underwear that he had ever owned – and they actually fit! This may not seem like a big deal to most, but witnessing the joy in this boy’s face and the tears of thankfulness in his mother’s eyes, is a moment when we are truly reminded how blessed we are to share in God’s generosity.

To learn more about our Growing Families program, please contact us by email or call (760) 621-3414.

She had called to ask if she could bring a friend to the next week’s study.  She also wanted to express her thanks to the center for giving her hope in what seemed to her to be a hopeless situation.  Her step into Birth Choice to attend our classes was her first day out of the house since receiving the news of her pregnancy.  She had been suffering from depression due to the fact that she was unmarried, pregnant and facing a very uncertain future. Having attended our classes, she felt she had regained some sense of balance and knowing that support was out there was helping her to take each new step forward.   Praise be to God!

I came into Birth Choice not knowing if I was pregnant.  I really wanted to know.  I had gone to other clinics before and the test would come out negative, but I had a feeling that I was pregnant.  So I called Birth Choice and made an appointment.  I came and got a pregnancy test, and it came out positive.  Right away, they gave me an appointment for an ultrasound. I saw my baby for the first time here at Birth Choice, and it made me feel happy.  Birth Choice made me feel right at home.  My experience was great.  I was very scared at the beginning, but the staff made me feel comfortable.  Now, every time a friend or family member thinks they are pregnant, I always recommend Birth Choice.  Thank you Birth Choice for all your help and support!

Sarah had the opportunity to speak with “Liz.” Throughout the conversation, Liz struggled to see any option other than to abort.  She talked about her anxiety and fears.  She was in the middle of a divorce.  This unplanned pregnancy was the result of a sexual relationship with her new boyfriend.  She was worried that this would change everything.  Their relationship was new, and she feared that he would lose his job.  The boyfriend was aware of the situation but was not saying anything either way.  Her family lived in another state and would not be supportive.  How could she possibly manage?

After an extensive conversation and through the grace of God, Sarah was able to get Liz to finally agree to come in for an ultrasound in Oceanside.  Our wonderful ultrasound technician was able to talk with Liz and show her images of her baby, which appeared to be 6 weeks old.  Although clearly moved at seeing her baby, Liz still felt she had no choice but to abort.

Even after having her offers of support dismissed, Sarah remained committed to helping Liz through this time.  She followed up with phone calls and texts.  Only twice in 3 months was she able to make contact.  During those conversations, Liz told Sarah that twice she had made appointments for an abortion but had decided not to go.  She was still struggling with the decision.  Sarah again told Liz of the many ways that Birth Choice could offer support.  Sarah tried to convince Liz to come back into the center, but Liz was paralyzed in her crisis. Sarah even offered to provide Liz with a ride since transportation was an issue. Finally, in agreeing to the ride, Liz did give Sarah her address but then backed out of the appointment. Eventually, Sarah made the decision to go by Liz’s house to simply drop off a “Celebration Basket” filled with goodies to welcome a new baby. This is just one of the ways that Birth Choice celebrates the decision to choose life.  Upon seeing Sarah and the gift, Liz was moved to tears at this show of support.  Later, Sarah would learn that this was a turning point for Liz.  It was around that time that Liz would make the decision to choose life

One month later, Sarah got word that Liz had moved up to Washington to be with family.  Although she had not seen a doctor for the first half of her pregnancy, she was now receiving care.  She was living with her twin sister who also has a baby.

Just recently, Sarah received word via text that Liz had her baby girl.  Weighing in at 6 lbs.12 oz., the baby was healthy and happy to be living in this world.  Liz and the daddy expressed loving her so much.  Along with the news, Sarah received 5 photos all showing Liz and the daddy loving on their new little one. Liz relayed her gratitude to Sarah and to Birth Choice for all their support.  She said, “You were so much more than just an ultrasound.  You were there from the beginning.  Thank you!”

It’s stories such as this that are a testimony to the miracles happening in places like Birth Choice – with dedicated volunteers, a long list of resources, and God’s countless blessings, we’re happy to say that one more life has been saved!

He states, “I know it’s countercultural. More than 90% of college housing is now co-ed. But Christopher Kaczor at Loyola Marymount points to a surprising number of studies showing that students in co-ed dorms (41.5%) report weekly binge drinking more than twice as often as students in single-sex housing (17.6%). Similarly, students in co-ed housing are more likely (55.7%) than students in single-sex dorms (36.8%) to have had a sexual partner in the last year—and more than twice as likely to have had three or more.”

Click on the WSJ.com – Opinion: Why We’re Going Back to Single-Sex Dorms to read the article in its entirety.  The topic is one of interest particularly to those who pray that the youth of today have the strength and moral conviction to respect their bodies and save sexual relations for within the sanctity of marriage.   I must admit that I was saddened by the many comments which criticized Mr. Garvey for his stance.  Perhaps this is not the answer, but it is definitely worth considering.  It’s hard to believe that the prevalence of sexual promiscuity among college students could get much worse.