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Together, Transcending The Culture Of Death’s Sinister Seduction
by Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D., Heartbeat President
 The nation’s largest chain of abortion clinics, Planned Parenthood, reported record profits for 2006. Their clinics performed 265,943 abortions for the year, almost 10,000 more than in 2005.
Their income includes $112.6 million directly from abortion. That means 32.5% comes from the termination of lives. And, government funding for Planned Parenthood last year was $305.3 million, accounting for 34% of their income.
Make no mistake. Planned Parenthood and its anti-life allies are also working hard on other destructive goals. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched a well-planned, vicious campaign to convince states to reject abstinence-only education programs. The first results of this evil campaign: California, Maine, Ohio, and Wisconsin have rejected tax dollars for abstinence education.
A strong Heartbeat is making a big difference in this struggle for Life. Together, we can do much more. It is time for a new strategic approach that marshals our grassroots support. In partnership, with plans and programs based on a shared, strategic vision, we will transcend the sinister seduction of the culture of death.
Obviously, we cannot rely on federal funding. We must meet the challenge together, with a more strategic commitment to regular, private donations. The Circle of Strategic Partners is Heartbeat’s response to this call to action. We invite you to become a Charter Member by pledging $1,000 or more per year to help us adopt new strategies that strengthen a compelling, attractive pro-life vision. Another initiative we have already launched is a comprehensive, community-based framework for teaching God’s plan for our sexuality.
You will hear more about Heartbeat’s Circle of Strategic Partners and initiatives. For now, please know each of you will be welcome among the Charter Members of this exciting program that will help take the pro-life movement to a new level of success. For more information, just call Lindsay Brown, Heartbeat’s new Director of Development, toll-free at 888.550.7577.
I send heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your encouragement, support, and prayers make possible Heartbeat’s vital, strategic progress.
Dr. Alveda King Joins The Heartbeat Board
 The Heartbeat International Board welcomes civil rights activist Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
She had two abortions and believes she suffered a miscarriage of a third baby as a result of the abortions. Calling abortion “the war on the womb,” Dr. King said, “How can the dream survive if we murder the children? I think we have an obligation to protest this war.”
She is a member of the Silent No More Campaign which encourages women who have suffered an abortion to speak out about their experiences. Dr. King has also authored a book titled “Sons of Thunder, the King Family Legacy.”
Dr. King just released a new music video examining the damage wrought by abortion in the African American community. Titled "Latter Rain," the video explores the effects of abortion on black women and families—over the past decades the African American community has seen some of the highest percentage of abortion rates in the country.
Dr. Alveda King has joined the strategic efforts of Heartbeat International in support of programs like the Urban Initiative.
“When I was young, I made the terrible mistake of choosing to kill my babies by abortion. To this day I carry the guilt of that sin within me. Thanks to God's loving mercy, I realize that if the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is to live, our babies must live and our mothers must choose life. Heartbeat International helps abortion-vulnerable women choose life for their babies. I urge you to support this vital ministry.”
— Dr. Alveda King
Read what other pro-life leaders are saying about Heartbeat International. |
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Strategic Thinking Strategic Partnering
What do the gospel, Mack trucks, and babies have in common? Thanks to a strategic pro-life vision of JTM Food Group, Inc., 17 Mack trucks and tractor trailers plastered with huge pictures of babies and filled with Philly Cheesesteak Kits and Steak Hoggies criss cross the Midwest. “The more you have, the more is required, so we feel a calling to proclaim the Sanctity of Life,” says Tony Maas, JTM President who believes in finding new ways to proclaim the gospel.
Tony Maas, his family, and his company JTM Food Group, are champions for the dignity of Life and proud Charter members of the Heartbeat Circle of Strategic Partners.
Next time you see this JTM Food Group truck on the road, honk and wave to say, “Thank you!” |
That vision compels the Maas family to leverage their company by partnering strategically with other resources and organizations.
In fact, the JTM Food Group has partnered with Heartbeat International since 1994 using Heartbeat’s factual information for media campaigns; advising Heartbeat on conference speakers and topics; and incorporating Heartbeat training in educational programs for young people in their community. They are also regular and generous financial supporters.
The Maas family commitment has earned them a place among the Charter Members of Heartbeat’s Circle of Strategic Partners. Strategic Partners is a newly launched program based on the premise that together we can do much more to transcend the sinister seduction of pro-choice messages. In partnership, we will offer communities a compelling, pro-life vision through strategically planned initiatives.
“We need to step up to the plate in support of the values that we believe in,” urges Tony. He understands that organizations like Heartbeat and our centers cannot rely on government funding. We know that you understand, too. So, please join JTM, the Maas family and many other pro-life advocates in this exciting call to strategic action. Your pledge of $1,000 or more per year is all it takes to become a Charter Member. You will hear more about Heartbeat’s strategic initiatives on a regular basis.
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Unprecedented Opportunity For Pregnancy Centers
Movie Inspires Women, Men To Value Life
Rising soccer star José was on his way to sign a major contract when tragedy struck. Now a chef in his brother’s restaurant, he is haunted by his past.
New York City waitress Nina, José’s coworker, is pregnant and late for her job twice. Desperate, she thinks abortion is her only choice.
Nina (Tammy Blanchard) and José (Eduardo Vertegui) inspire a compelling,
pro-life alternative to abortion. |
José and Nina draw you into the new film Bella, which opens in theaters this fall. The movie’s story and artistic depth will move you to laugh, cry, and embrace the value of life. Bella has the potential to provoke genuine cultural change by inspiring people to value alternatives to abortion.
Eduardo Verstegui (José) was deeply touched by pregnancy center workers while preparing for the lead role. He even helped save two babies from abortion during production. He and others involved with Bella have publicly supported Heartbeat International with gratitude for our pregnancy center ministry.
Verstegui’s masterful portrayal takes Heartbeat’s message of the Dignity of Life to a vast audience. In essence, the way that José responds to a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and provides what she needs reflects the same compassionate care that pregnancy centers provide women every day.
Heartbeat affiliates across the country plan to host private screenings this fall. Through these screenings, pregnancy centers can awaken people in their communities to the importance of reaching out to women facing crisis pregnancy.
We encourage you to support the film and our Heartbeat affiliates by taking a group of friends to opening night and by encouraging others to do the same. The bigger the attendance on opening weekend, the wider the film will be distributed.
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Dedication of New Pregnancy Help Clinic In Miami
by Rev. John Ensor, Executive Director, Urban Initiative
Dedication prayer:“Cross-bearing
for the child-bearing…”
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The week before our official dedication ceremony on June 2nd for the new pregnancy help center in Miami (a city with 37 abortion clinics) was filled with roadblocks and setbacks. But our mission to save lives was being accomplished even before our doors were opened.
Besides planning for our dedication, we were organizing teams of people all week to get the electricity fixed, the building painted, the toilets working, the lawn landscaped, etc. Then the phone rang. It was a man who, the previous Sunday, had heard a presentation about Heartbeat of Miami (HOM) in his church. He was calling from his friend’s office, where a 17-year-old girl had just come in and told him, “I need an abortion.” The abortion facility was across the street. His reply, “You came to the wrong place!”
Then remembering what he had heard about HOM, he corrected himself. “No, you’ve come to the right place. Let me get you the real help you need.” He called us. We dropped everything to help a young girl in pregnancy distress. And so it has gone. Every surprise, every interruption has turned us toward prayer and progress.
Heartbeat President Peggy Hartshorn with the staff of Heartbeat of Miami
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On June 2nd, we gathered to “standing room only” to dedicate to God our mission, our new Staff and Board, our finances, and our strength to the life-saving and life-changing work before us. The 17-year-old girl and her baby’s father, our first clients just days before, were there. She had decided to keep her baby and she came to the dedication herself to tell other people what Heartbeat had done for her, even before we opened! The gentleman who led her to us was also present to give God the glory.
We are opening in Hialeah, a Miami neighborhood plagued with seven abortion facilities. The new Center Director is
in training. The building is being renovated. It feels like we are pregnant and in the midst of our own labor pains to bring forth this first clinic. So pray for us. The vision of Heartbeat of Miami is now becoming a reality. Pray us forward, up and over every delay, interruption, lack, and surprise. Cross-bearing for the child-bearing. . .
For more information, please visit: HeartbeatofMiami.org
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Heart Searching and Counseling Lead to Adoption
by Brenda E. Newport
The generosity of a church food pantry, two hours of time, truth about the value of the unborn,
and some groceries saved a baby’s life today. Here’s how. . .
A girl seeking abortion information and a free sonogram came to our medical office. Across the sonogram monitor we watched in awe as a 14-week-old pre-born baby moved and breathed with ease. The mother-to-be and her fiancé had little money and even less family support -- so little they didn’t know where to turn or how they could feed themselves, let alone a child. Abortion seemed like the only choice for them.
Elizabeth was easy to love….this sweet girl with a childlike face. We talked about the abortion procedures, what would happen to her baby, the value of this little child, and options. I shared with her the adoption dreams of many childless couples. We talked about the emotional consequences of abortion on her life, her heart, and possibly on her love relationship. We looked at a parenting plan and how we could help her through the difficulties.
When I learned she had no food, we dropped by the church food pantry and then the grocery store for fresh produce, milk, and of course some ice cream…a total of $30. She thanked me over and over as we unloaded the groceries in her kitchen. I replied, “Everyone from the Center would want you to have this help… You are the reason we are here.” She smiled, “I thought today was going to be terrible and it turned out to be a very good day!”
In due time, Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby. After months of heart searching and counseling, she selected just the right adoptive parents who touched her heart and matched her hopeful plans for her daughter. We give thanks to all of you who helped save a life today and blessed this young woman through your faithful support!
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Philippians 2:3 NAS) What better description of a loving mother who plans a future for her child through adoption?!
Brenda E. Newport serves as Executive Director of Women’s Care Center of Erie County, Inc., a Heartbeat affiliate in Pennsylvania since 1994.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but
with humility of mind let each of you regard one
another as more important than himself.” Phillipeans 2:3 (NAS)
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Option Line® Consultants:
Missionaries Serving Women In Crisis
Deep silence in the heart of night magnified the fear of a young woman. She wept, alone, at the kitchen table and looked again at the test results in front of her: Pregnant. No family or friend to console her, threatened and abandoned by her boyfriend, she felt grief and fear crash through her like a huge boulder. Rage filled the hole left behind.
April (standing) mentors Option Line consultants like Jackie. |
Often, the only place for troubled women to turn in their desperation are the consultants at Option Line, Heartbeat’s 24/7 national phone call center for women in crisis. April, who started consulting two years ago and is now the Option Line Training and Human Resources Coordinator, tells of just such a call. “Late at night and alone, the woman who phoned needed someone who would listen to her, not an easy request when the caller is hostile.”
Consultants learn that the anguish of an unexpected pregnancy often goes hand in hand with the anger of a dysfunctional lifestyle. So, April offered just what the heartbroken caller needed — consolation and the local pregnancy center phone number. And in true charity, April gave the woman a special gift — a silent prayer.
Option Line consultants are true blessings that Heartbeat brings to the pro-life movement, thanks to our supporters and volunteers across the country. Consultants are well-trained professionals on the front lines serving women in crisis. The difficult work requires enormous caring and God’s grace.
April provides guidance and training to a cadre of 40 counselors. The devastating impact of abortion awakened a passion in April, “Abortion is considered acceptable by many in our society, even among Christians. In fact, over a million unborn children die each year because of abortion and most who choose abortion report a Christian religious affiliation.” As a Christian, April feels called to reach out to her brothers and sisters.
Option Line (800-395-HELP), a joint effort of Heartbeat International and CareNet, also connects women in crisis to pregnancy resources through the Option Line website OptionLine.org.
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Electronic Fund Transfer Provides Powerful Provisions
 If saving and changing lives is your reason for giving to Heartbeat then you should be an ePartner for Life. Electronic monthly partnership provides powerful provision! Investing monthly in Kingdom work is as effective as monthly retirement investing in this world but eternally more valuable. More effective and cost-saving.
Even if the Lord has been directing you in single gifts, we want you to consider both. Why? We need both in this war against life. Rock-solid monthly ePartners combined with occasional giving in addition as needs arise makes you extremely effective in this battle for life. Donate now or call Anita at 888-550-7577 for personal service. You are joined with us in this labor of love. Thank you.
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Address: Heartbeat Int., 665 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Suite 440, Columbus, OH 43229, USA
Phone: (888) 550-7577 | Fax: (614) 885-8746| Email: vcline@heartbeatinternational.org
©2007 Heartbeat International, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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