Baby Luvs

Have you ever seen such adorable baby girls? Well, if you have children of your own ... of course you have! -- your own. But, seriously, these to baby dolls were born in the last two months at Bethany House. There mothers were able to find a safe home and personalized program that allowed them to deliver healthy babies and embrace motherhood. Their successes give us great reason to rejoice.

The Christmas Season and subsequent New Year celebration, remind us of new beginnings and fresh starts. This time of year, every year, most of us find time to evaluate our lives and set goals for the future. These precious little ones have their whole lives before them. Thankfully, now, they their mothers have the tools to provide safe homes and better tomorrows. There is nothing more significant than life. Life is the ultimate example of God's love. Jesus' birth demonstrated that love in a very tangible way. God's love for us resulted in the birth of His Son, who would later pay with His life for our sins.

Most of us would die for our own children, yet can you imagine that same child/ren dying for you? I can't. The pain God the Father must have endured watching Jesus in such agony. The pain Jesus felt with the weight of our mistakes weighing on His perfect heart. Such love. '

What do we do as Christians? Do we exhibit Christ's love to the world around us? or do we "look" like everyone else? Sadly, many of us are not much different from our unbelieving neighbors. We say we're against abortion. We say we feel bad for those homeless people. We think about visiting someone in prison. But do we really do anything?

Believe me, I don't write this stuff to shame anyone. If you're convicted, that's the God talking to your heart. I know He talks to mine every time I share a message like this one. Why not help a beautiful baby experience the best new beginning possible. Support life. Call Bethany House, or another maternity program in your area and give something. Anything will help. Can you imagine if everyone gave just two dollars a month to a program of their choice what a profound difference that would make.

Let's start our New Year out on the right track. Giving for God's work.

Visit http://www.bethanyhousenet.org/ to give online. There are lives depending on this ministry. We can make a difference one life at a time. God bless you and Happy New Year!

When the Flower Finally Opens

So, here we are in the middle of winter with Christmas just around the corner, and I'm posting a colorful flower. There's just no better illustration of new life than a flower in its natural glory. God's creations are simply breathtaking. When a broken, hurting, young woman finds a new life in Christ she, too, shines with God's beauty.

No matter that the wind chill makes it about zero outside and there's stills snow on the ground, for the women at Bethany House, their lives are blossoming into beautiful bouquets. Cold weather can't stop a heart from experiencing renewal.

I'd like to share another story with you from our archives. Yet another weed-filled life turned into glorious bloom of hope.

Christina's Testimony

I was born in Cluj, Romania and raised in a Christian family. When I was 6, my father decided that living in a communist regime wasn't what he wanted for this three children. Less than a year later we ere living in southern California., I was baptized at age 13 and walked with the Lord. We moved from California to Monroe, Washington, and finally to Portland.

In may sophomore year, with no church to lean on, I began to try drugs and drinking. My curiosity led me to marijuana and I began going to nightclubs. By 17, I was addicted to crank which almost destroyed my life. I was completely engulfed in sin. Somehow I quit crank and moved on to alcohol, drinking until I would black out.

Then I got pregnant. I wanted an abortion, but I feared God. The idea of going through a pregnancy and parenthood was so over whelming and confusing. My friends were encouraging me to have an abortion, but I knew it was wrong and didn't like the idea of being a murderer all my life.

I tried to go ahead with it anyway, but I saw the ultrasound picture and knew I couldn't do it. I went to Crisis Pregnancy Center where someone prayed with me, and I felt such peace. I decided to look into adoption for my child because financially and emotionally I knew I couldn't raise a child on my own. Though a facilitator I found a couple to adopt my child.

About that time I decided to look into Bethany House and, after the interview, I know it was where God wanted me to stay. The thing I remember about Bethany House is the living relationship the house parent's Mat and Tina, had and thinking. So this is what God wants marriage to be. The house mother touched my heart. Her patience, kindness and love were abundant, but it was her gentleness that I loved the most. She'll always have a special place in my heart.

I gave birth to a beautiful girl and I will never forget the pain, sadness, and emptiness I felt as I had to say good-bye to my daughter. I started drinking again to numb the pain and fell into a deep depression. Then the Lord got a hold of me and I have never know such fulfillment. His mercy, love, grace and forgiveness is mine. My craving for drugs is gone, I crave Jesus now!!

I look back with sadness at all the time I wasted serving sin instead of God. I marvel at the Lord's awesomeness. Every day I have hope though him and he is mending my heart. I see my daughter once a year and I have a great relationship with her adoptive parents. I am involved with an incredible church and plan on walking with the Lord every day of my life.

Holiday Babies

If you're wondering where we've been, the answer is simple -- helping two new moms with their newborn babies. I consider that an acceptable reason for not blogging.

The lovely mom picture above is Mary, and her new daughter, Bethlehem, Beth for short. Perfect holiday names! Right now, I'd like to share a brief summary of Mary's story. I hope you enjoy. I'm sure you'll discover why Bethany House is so important to the community.

Our very own Mary was born and raised in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Although a poor country, Mary was able to attend school. As a young adult, eager to embrace a better life, she entered a lottery that would allow her to immigrate to the US. Mary “won” one of those coveted spots and arrived here in March. She hadn’t been traveling alone, though. Unbeknownst to her, she was carrying a baby inside.

Her pregnancy was a tremendous shock. Pregnant without a husband, in her country, is absolutely unacceptable. Now, not only is Mary ashamed - She is in a foreign county. She has very limited English skills. Her condition has placed her in a financial dilemma with no way to obtain employment. Uncertain what to do, she confided in one person, who confided in yet another, who knew about Bethany House. This person made the call to inquire about Mary entering the program. During the initial interview it was obvious just how much Mary needed the assistance and acceptance Bethany House offered. She was literally lost with no one to help.

While at Bethany House, Mary has grown immensely and in so many ways. Her language skills have improved. The family like environment and her commitment to taking ESL classes have helped this process. She has gained a greater understanding of American culture, including how to navigate public transportation! She has become a much more confident woman, and all in time for the arrival of her precious daughter, Bethlehem. Yes, Mary and baby Bethlehem.

Beth - for short - was delivered via an emergency C-section on 11/14/08, weighing in at 6 lb 12 ounces. Both mom and baby are thriving. Thank goodness they are here!

Right now, Little Beth is receiving so much love from her own enat (Amharic for mother). Let us celebrate this happy new beginning.