SAVE THE DATE

8th Annual Fall Fundraising Banquet

When:  Monday evening, September 26th

Time:  7:00 - 9:00

Where:  DoubleTree Hotel

  Downtown Little Rock, 424 W. Markham St.

Speaker:  Kathy Sparks, Former Abortion medical assistant. 
For more information, please call Kathy or Tammy at 501-753-4038

Not being able to physically volunteer here at the CPC, many people have asked how they can help. One of the many awesome ways you can help is by helping us keep our shelves stocked. All lessons, regardless of the program a client is enrolled in, have a "reward" for the client who completes her lesson. Once the lesson is finished, the client gets to choose a couple of new maternity outfits (after lesson 4) and a baby item to put in her brand new diaper bag until her 8 week Bible Study is completed or take home with her to save until her baby is born (Parenting Classes). A full diaper bag costs about $300 to fill. Those who have already participated in this form of giving find it very easy to grab a couple packs of diapers when they are at a store or grab some baby outfits, etc. You may deliver the items here at the CPC or we can make other arrangements. If you would like to receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, just ask!

Blessings,
Kathie Archer
Executive Director

Thursday,  September  16th 2010
Fall  Fundraiser  Banquet
Guest Speaker:  David  Bereit

  David is the national director of "40 Days for Life," a ground breaking pro-life initiative that has mobilized more than 215,000 people in 240 cities across all 50 states and seven other countries over the last two years. 
  David helped to start and build a local coalition in his hometown that rallied 60 churches and thousands of people together for life, and slashed abortions in the area by more than 40%.  Planned Parenthood recognized the effectiveness of David's efforts when it labeled his community "the most anti-choice place in the nation."
(For more information on the banquet, please call 753-4038 or 352-2082)

"Volunteer at a Center"
Political change is giving the abortion lobby an upper hand.  What is the best action for pro-life Christians to take next?  Melinda Delahoyde, president of CareNet, founder of BlackGenocide.org, and Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life, offer suggestions in the following article titled, Submitted by Pam Bland, CPC board member and mentor.
"Can you imagine what our nation might look like if every pro-life individual applied the full weight of his or her passion to reaching our with support and care to women facing crisis pregnancies?  Not only would this radically reduce the number of abortions, it would also powerfully communicate the God-given value of human life.  While we have limited opportunities to promote a "culture of life" on legal and political fronts, there is no limit to what you and I can do to inspire life, one person at a time.
Every day, from the moment we get out of bed, we have opportunities to speak words of life, hope and compassion in order to encourage someone to take a positive, life-giving step.  On a yearly basis, 30,000 individuals do this by quietly volunteering in their communities in one of our nation's 2,000-plus pregnancy centers.  Through love, encouragement, and practical help, women (and men) are inspired against all odds to take the difficult step of choosing to carry a pregnancy to term.
As a result of volunteers' efforts, the hearts and lives of hundreds of thousands of women and children are saved, touched, and healed.  The ripple effect is eternal.
What makes volunteering at a pregnancy center so profound and rewarding is developing a loving relationship with a woman in need.  One young woman named Rachael visited a pregnancy center when she was 5 months pregnant , addicted to heroin, and wondering whether partial-birth abortion might still be an option.
Not only did the pregnancy center provide the practical help of getting her connected to a nonprofit physician who provided care during her at-risk pregnancy (which resulted in the birth of a healthy girl), her peer counselor also shared the love and story of Jesus Christ with her.  Rachael said of her volunteer counselor, "I think that was the first time in a really long time that I felt like someone actually cared about me."
You may think, I want to help, but I don't know  that I am able.  But everyone can do something.  There is no talent or skill a pregnancy center cannot utilize and translate into the hands and feet of Jesus reaching out to women like Rachael.  In volunteering, you will join a legacy of Christians who for centuries have provided compassionate outreach to pregnant women in crisis. 
It's easy to feel powerless to affect change in the political arena.  Yet each of us has the power to inspire life every day by simply offering grace and support to women facing unplanned pregnancies -- whether at a pregnancy  center or maybe even in your own family.  What the pro-life movement must do next is foster an explosion of people who do just this."

Programs Needs List

• Large diaper bags
• Crib sheets
• Baby gowns
• Hooded towels
• Car seats
• "Swaddle Me"
• Infant Wraps
• Maternity clothes
• Diapers (all sizes)
• Umbrella strollers
• Baby clothes
• Large baby quilts

Hugs Helps

"I just wanted to say that the HUGS program has helped me a lot.  It brought me closer to God and helped me realize that you are not alone.  God is always with you.  There is no need to fear, put everything in His hands and it will be okay.  I will miss the HUGS program, but I will continue to study the Bible and pray."

1 mentor + 1 client + 1 hour = 2 changed loves; theirs....and yours.

Nine Girls Waiting For A Mentor

There are 9 girls on the waiting for a mentor to take them through a program. If you would like to help, please call @ 753-4038

Why I'm Here....By Barbi Vinsant

I called about volunteering at the CPC because I felt God was calling me to this ministry.  I had come to a time in my life when commitments with family and work had slowed down and I didn't want to slip into total self-centeredness, which is so easy for me to do.
 I called and came to help. Ever since then it has been full of surprises!  I was incredibly surprised at the facility the resources, the organization and the tireless commitment  to God's work and calling that the people who volunteer here have and the ones who came before must have had to put this ministry in motions and keep it going.  So surprised that weekly, often daily, lives are saved as the gospel is shared and accepted and the minds are changed about abortion.  I had no idea what an opportunity to serve and share God's good news was just down the street!
 Another surprise was quickly to follow, that was my surprise at the intensity of feelings of fear and inadequacy and even worthlessness that set in as I began to get involved.  I told myself they would go away as I learned and became more comfortable, but it is still a battle in my mind and emotions.
 I can probably guess what you are thinking right now....why am I surprised at God's saving power and love, my own selfishness and inability and Satan's schemes?  I'm not sure except that the depth and consistency of these things always catches me off guard.  The wonderful thing is that we don't have to wait to be surprised to see that in the end, if we are following Jesus Christ, God's love will prevail in the lives of the people we serve". and in mine!

THANK-YOU!

We were blessed in a big way when the Quintero small group from Summit Church provided their skills in carpentry and organization to give our care closet an awesome make-over!  We were double blessed when Women on a Mission sponsored a baby shower for clients in our programs.  THANK YOU!!!

Urgent Need...By Brenda Dawson Counselor & Mentor

Help us keep one of our mom's in school!  Cari is one hard working young woman!  Before her little baby girl was born, she came to us and participated in our incentive earning H.U.G.s Bible Study program.  When she completed her HUGS program, she went on to complete another study called, "Train Up a Mom."  Cari works from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at a local restaurant.  In the evenings, she attends classes in order to earn a degree as an x-ray technician. 
 Cari has taken a few weeks off since the arrival of her baby girl.  She has been spending this time at home bonding with her new little daughter and making baby sitting arrangements with family and friends so she can return to school.  In addition, Cari has begun taking our "Earn While You Learn" parenting classes.  Every Thursday she comes to the CPC with me and spends the whole time doing the lessons while I counsel other clients who come to see us. 
 Cari has managed to keep up her busy schedule without owning a car.  Cari has had to rely on her  mom (who is widowed and has 3 jobs) and her friends for rides to where she needs to go.  Cari's schedule is going to be busier than ever now that her baby girl has arrived.  
 I have said all of the above so I could ask this". If anyone has a "gently used" car they would like to donate to this hard working mom, please give us a call the CPC at 753-4038 or you can reach me at 416-7183.  You will receive a tax donation receipt for your generosity.

April 2010 Stats

• days open: 13
• client visits: 179
• ultrasounds done: 20
• unborn babies rescued: 6
• clients in HUGS Bible Study: 18
• clients in parenting class: 25
• clients accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior: 8
• clients referred for post abortion counseling: 4

From those who provided the information...

• fathers who will be involved in their baby's life: 90
• fathers who will not be involved in their baby's life: 10

PO Box 1455
N. Little Rock, AR   72115
Physical address:  2003 Fendley Rd., N. little Rock  (WE DO NOT RECEIVE MAIL AT OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION.  FOR MAILING PURPOSES, PLEASE USE:  PO BOX 1455, N. LITTLE ROCK, AR  72115).  For a change of address, or to add your name to our mailing list,  contact Kathie Archer at 501-352-2082 or 753-4038.  Copies of this  newsletter may be reproduced and distributed at your local  church or pro-life organization.  (www.cpcarkansas.org / FAX:  501-771-2618).  The CPCCA is a nonprofit interdenominational 501C3 organization that is solely supported by private contributions from individuals, businesses, and churches.  All donations are tax deductible.   Thank you for your prayers and support!

On September 26th, 37 people from a variety of churches arrived at our CPC at 8:00 a.m. and settled in for a full day's work. Client packets were stuffed, railings were repainted, rotted boards replaced, a closet was made, doors refinished, touch-up painting on the inside was done & much needed landscaping was completed.  When volunteers returned the following week, they were very excited about how much  better the CPC looked!  We even received compliments from some of the clients!  A big "thank you" to all who were there for being an awesome example of how the body of Christ works together!

Welcome New Volunteers!
Kristen Bell
Gerry Williams
Lincoln Harris
Pam Bla nd
Barbi Vincant
Kailey Hogue
Regina Fruchey
Dana Valasquez
Kathy Harrill
Crystal Graham
Fancae Wright Cook
Courtney Roberson
Barbara Berry

We are now the proud owners of our building! 
An Answered Prayer...

By  Kathie Archer

Finally! After years of praying for God's direction, wisdom, and timing with the help and support from St. Vincent's, awesome churches and individuals who gave financially...the day arrived for us to purchase our building!  On September 15th,  board president, Scott Archer, our attorney, David Davies, and I met at the abstract company to complete the necessary paperwork.   It was an exciting moment!  I wish all of you and those who had the original vision for this CPC 25 years ago could have fit in their office in order to witness the signing of the sale agreement.  This building fits our ministry perfectly and will allow us to forge on with the call God has for this ministry!

   Why Volunteer at the CPC?

To help you understand the motivation for volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, let me share what the girls who come here have taught us.Every time I sit down with a client who finds out she has a positive pregnancy test and listen to her sob uncontrollably, I remember this is an issue which goes beyond the political, intellectual, or societal debate. Does this girl who is literally shaking because of her worries and fears, become relieved or healed  because the law states she has the freedom to choose whether her baby should live or not?  The girls I've spoken with are lonely, uncertain, afraid, anxious, numb, and hard.  Their hearts have become hardened to the pain they feel inside.  Many come from a life of brokenness--broken families, broken relationships...broken souls.  They struggle to understand what God could possibly have to do with their personal lives and why should or would He want to care for them.  Most have no understanding of who Jesus is or what His purpose is. They cannot even fathom what abundant life means.  In our crisis pregnancy center, there is a tremendous need for the revelation of Jesus to lost souls. Every client that comes in is encouraged to understand the value Jesus Christ has for her and make a commitment to accept Him as her Savior and Lord.

The crisis pregnancy center is a ministry where sincere love for the clients and one another is shared.  There is a Christ-centered unity which reaches beyond any barriers life and the "enemy" intends to use to deter us from teaching these girls that Jesus Christ can and will make a difference in their lives. Every girl who walks in our door is a divine appointment...a gift from God!

2009 and Beyond

As we close out 2009 we want to thank you for your faithfulness to this ministry.  This commitment is clear through your prayers, involvement on a personal level, and continual sacrificial financial support. We prepare for 2010 with anticipation knowing God has a plan for this ministry which is to continue touching lives with the hope of Christ, continue changing hearts, and continue leading lives to His saving grace in the process.  Last week 3 babies were given the gift of life as their moms acknowledged that abortion was the wrong decision not only for their unborn baby but for themselves as well! During July and August, 13 women accepted the gift of eternal life as they made a commitment to let Jesus Christ be their Lord and Savior!
Please consider us at year-end!  Your special gift will give us a significant boost as we close out the year and set our course for 2010.  With the purchase of our building last month, we are now looking at the possibility of upgrading our  ultrasound machine.  This new machine will allow our abortion- bound young women to catch a glimpse of their unborn little one much earlier in their pregnancy---possibly at 5 weeks! 
Despite the odds the current political climate sets against us, our plan is to continue moving forward in this ministry! We are reminded that we always advance with His wisdom; yet when it comes to matters of life, there is no room for retreat!

2009 Banquet Snaps 

Pictures of the 2009 Banquet are on the right hand side of the page. Also included pictures of our office staff.

Gift Registry

One of the biggest challenges in being involved at the CPC is finding creative ways to create public awareness as well as make donating to our center easier.  Frequently different churches or ladies groups will sponsor a baby shower for us and donate the items to the center.  We often get a request for a list of what we need.  I came across an innovative way to make our ongoing needs easily accessible to our supporters.  Similar to how people register at a variety stores for weddings and baby showers, we are going to register the needed baby or maternity items at the following stores:  Target, Walmart, and JC Penney's. These stores have awesome clearance sales at the end of seasons!
 How it's supposed to work J...On the gift registry menu,  choose "wish list" or "gift registry."  To find our list, type "CrisisPregnancyCenter" for the first name and "CentralArkansas" for the last name.  Be sure not to leave spaces between the words.  This is a brand new way of doing things for us so if you encounter any glitches, please be sure to let us know!

New Parenting Classes Going Strong!
 The parenting classes we are now offering are doing very well!  We currently have 12 girls taking lessons with 13 girls on the waiting list.  Originally the classes were going to be one on one, each girl being assigned to a mentor.  In order to reach the girls on our waiting list, we had to come up with "Plan B," which hopefully will alleviate the back log.  Supervised classes have been made available to those clients who do not mind taking themselves through a lesson.  A volunteer will "set up" a client's lesson for her by providing the necessary materials (the DVD and printed material). When they are finished, a volunteer will visit with them about their completed lesson and help her select an incentive.  In order to make this work, we had to have several portable DVD players with headphones on hand so the clients can take themselves through their lesson.  A big thanks goes out to Greg Giles for donating 4 DVD players, and also to Candace and Travis Caldwell for donating 2 DVD players!  If you would like to donate a DVD player with headphones or be a mentor donating one hour a week of your time, please call and ask for information!

    "The hymn Onward Christian Soldiers is a familiar one, reminding us of the verse in 2 Timothy where Paul exhorts Timothy to stay on task in his service.
     Toy soldiers dress nicely; they keep in step and look the part to perfection.  The only problem is, they never accomplish anything.  In the end, they all look the same--and on one is afraid of a toy soldier.
     True soldiers however, at some point leave behind the "perfect" look.  They have to, because while shined boots are a part of discipline, those boots must get dirty in order to accomplish a mission.
     True soldiers keep in step when necessary, but when it is time to run, or time to crawl through a jungle, they worry less about appearance and more about getting the job done.
     So it is for those of us involved in the "soldiership" ministry.  We have to understand that around us there are toy soldiers, whether we want to admit it or not.  Toy soldiers--sadly-are in our churches.  They dress the part, keep in step and march back home at the end of a service.  The only problem is, they never do anything of value for the kingdom of God.
     The true soldier has to get dirty-and life at a crisis pregnancy center is certainly one of foxholes of Christian soldiering.  Here, we break open our own wounds at times, in order to assist in the healing of others.  It's a messy work.  But, it is vital if we are to accomplish the mission God has for us.
     At times we are going to be discouraged.  It's the life of a soldier.   At times we are going to want to quit.  It's the life of a soldier.  And at times we are going to look for something to do that makes us feel better-and less stressed.  That's understandable; and it is the life of a soldier.
     Yet we will continue.  We won't give up, we won't back down and with love in our hearts we will continue to advance forward.  And in the end  we will see the rewards of eternity, because we didn't take it easy and we never lost sight of the mission the Lord gave us.  Thankfully, this too...Is the life of a soldier."

(This article is written by Kirk Walden, Publisher of The LifeTrends Connection)

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Help Wanted!
       We are in need of people who are willing to serve as table hosts for our upcoming fundraising banquet on September 17th.  Our prayer is that 50 people will volunteer to be table hosts.  All that means is that you would be responsible for inviting  8 other people (if you have a spouse) to sit with you at your table.  We do not sell tickets in order to attend the banquet, so there is no "selling" anything! If you are interested in serving in this way or would like more information, contact Cheryl Bond at golden.pond@sbcglobal.net or Kathie Archer at 352-2082.

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Stats From January to July
# Days Open:  80
# Client Visits:  805
# Ultrasounds Done:  69
#  Babies Saved:  15
# Women Making Commitment to Jesus Christ:  40
# Clients in Parenting Classes:  4
# Clients in Parenting Classes:  2

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"There is an appointed time for everything. A time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth...a time to laugh...A time to dance...a time to embrace...a time to love."                    
Saving life..Transforming lives.A Time to Celebrate Life! Stayin' Alive:  Pro-life Advocacy in the Obama Era (The following is taken from an interview with Scott Klusendorf)

     "There is no doubt we've experienced a crushing defeat in the current political cycle.  The executive and legislative branches of the federal government are now firmly in the hands of those deeply committed to the proposition that an entire class of human beings can be set aside to be killed simply because they are in the way of something we want...The moral logic in play here is baffling.  First, if abortion does not unjustly kill an innocent human being, why is Obama worried about reducing it?  But if it does unjustly kill a human being, isn't that a good reason to legislate against it?  Second, laws which allow--indeed, promote--the killing of unborn human beings are unjust even if no one has abortions.  Imagine a candidate who said he was personally opposed to spousal abuse while he had a 100% voting record in favor of men having a right to beat their wives.  Suppose he told the public the underlying cause of spousal abuse is psychological, so instead of making it illegal for husbands to beat their wives, the solution is to provide federally funded counseling for men..  It's no stretch to say the voting public would see right through his smokescreen, even if he favored social programs to treat the underlying causes that allegedly contribute to abuse.  After all, there are underlying causes for rape, murder, theft, and son on, but that in no way makes it misguided to have laws banning such actions...Obama won't be the only one telling pro-lifers to surrender politically.  Voices within Christendom will assert that evangelicals have spent too much time on politics, with little to show for it.  What's really needed, so the claim will go, is more time preaching the gospel.  Well, I'm for preaching the gospel, but why should anyone suppose that political efforts aimed at protecting human life detract from the biblical command to go make disciples?  Why can't pro-life Christians do both?...Truth is, pro-lifers are simply outnumbered and underpowered.  But this in no way justifies political silence in the face of evil, the likes of which we are about to witness at a whole new level...In short, the true solution to our current political defeat is to equip more pro-lifers to engage the culture, not shrink back in defeat.  Quitting now is simply not an option."

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Save the Date
Monday, September 21st @ 6:30 p.m.
      For this year's after-banquet activities, we are going to try something new.  At the close of the banquet, attendees are given the opportunity to make a donation to the CPC.  Part of the donation process includes completing an attendance/informational card.  There is a box on this card for those to check if they would like to receive information on how they can be involved at the CPC.  Even though modern technology has provided us with many ways to contact someone, I am still having problems connecting with those who seek additional information about the CPC. 
     In an attempt to avoid that after this year's banquet, we are going to have a "HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED" informational meeting the Monday night after the banquet.  This will take place at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the CPC which is located at 2003 Fendley Dr., North Little Rock.  Attending this meeting will not "lock" you into a commitment of serving at the center.  The purpose of this meeting is to explain the various ways someone can serve at the CPC.  An added bonus to attending this meeting is it allows us to "show off" what God has given us!  In addition, volunteer packets will be available for those who feel God may be leading them to get involved to take home.  If you are attending the banquet, there will be more detailed information in the program or please contact Kathie Archer at 501-352-2082 for more information.
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What  should  Christian  leaders  do to  advance  the  pro-life  cause?

Banquet speaker, Scott Klusendorf, believes that there are four vitally important tasks that Christian leaders should commit to:
"Christian leaders should purposefully preach and teach a biblical view of human value and do it often. 
Christian leaders must not only preach about human value; they must equip their people to engage the culture. 
Pro-life Christians must hold their churches and parachurch organizations to account.
Pro-life Christians must recruit more full-time apologists.  Theology gives church members a Biblical foundation for their pro-life beliefs.  Apologetics gives them the tools to take those Biblically informed beliefs into the marketplace of ideas."

Blessings,

Kathie Archer     
Executive Director   

Watching the news can be somewhat disconcerting at times; there are so many problems in the world that just watching the TV, reading a newspaper or surfing internet news can be overwhelming and disheartening.  Our country is going to experience many changes during the next four years.  Some of those changes will heighten our determination, passion, and belief that all life is sacred and valuable to God.  In the days ahead of us, we need to be a church that stands in readiness, filled with grace and truth, empowered by the Spirit of God and available to be used in His service.  We need to be focused on His calling and His purpose rather than the turmoil and anxiety that fill the world.  God has promised that He is our refuge and our strength...our help in times of trouble.
What could all these changes mean for our crisis pregnancy center?  Based on the information that I am receiving from national affiliations to which we belong, it has been strongly recommended that a pro-active strategy be developed in order to defend our CPC against legislative attacks.
Over the past several years, the National Abortion Rights  Action League (NARAL) and Planned Parenthood have stepped up their attacks on crisis pregnancy centers/pregnancy resource centers.  In 2000, these organizations produced a handbook entitled,  Unmasking Fake Clinics. This handbook provides a step by step guide and attack plan for destroying and discrediting crisis pregnancy centers.  The goal of these prochoice organizations it to bring an end CPCs by passing anti-pregnancy center legislation.  It encourages their volunteers to enlist the help of supportive state legislators.
In addition, this handbook provides guidance and scripts specifically designed by NARAL for use by pro-choice supporters who pose as  fake clients. The supposedly  factual  information that these fake clients present to CPCs  for help with their crisis pregnancies, will be used in investigative reports. The reports will be used to promote lawsuits and anti-pregnancy center legislation.  Within the past two years, 5 states have had legislation introduced specifically targeting pregnancy centers.  One bill, if passed, would have required CPCs to post a sign, or hand information to their clients, stating they were not required to provide clients with factually accurate information.  The abortion industry has made it very clear that it is going to continue to make efforts to pass legislation that will harm the work that CPCs do...and the industry will have the blessing of the current presidential administration. 
As a center, we may be propelled back to the time when we first opened our doors in 1983.  We met quite a few  fake clients  whose sole purpose was to prove that we provide false information and do not let them leave until they watch graphic abortion videos and listen to what we have to say.  I myself was accused by a fake client.  Planned Parenthood paid for her to appear before a legislative committee in Washington DC and testify that I locked her in a room,  pushed her against a wall, and forced her to listen to me.  She also testified that another volunteer kept her young children from her.  I learned about this through a phone call that I received from a Washington Post reporter who wanted to write an article about the occurrence.  He wanted to be fair and hear my side of the story. 

We must be on the alert and prepare for the coming attacks...whether that is at a federal level or at a state level.  Please continue to read the rest of this newsletter in order to find out how you can help us stay alert!
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Taking a Pro-Active Strategy to Defending Crisis Pregnancy Centers
or Pregnancy Resource Centers by National Institute of Family & Life Advocates

Historically, the pregnancy center movement has purposely remained  underground, avoiding the limelight and the controversy of pro-life activism for the sake of reaching abortion-vulnerable women.  Over the past 20 years, this movement has grown tremendously.  Without a pro-active and advocacy strategy , the movement has inadvertently allowed itself to be negatively defined in certain circles by it opponents such as NARAL, Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion organizations. For the sake of God's glory and protecting the ongoing work of pregnancy centers, we intend to bring the work of pregnancy centers into the limelight.  Matthew 5:14-16:  'You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

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HUGS GRADUATES

Due to confidentiality policies, names can not be printed, but I would still like to congratulate the mentors and their young women who completed the 8 week incentive earning H.U.G.S. Bible Study. 26 women graduated in 2008!  That makes a record breaker for this program! Please be in prayer for the young women who go through HUGS  this year.  Jesus promised that His Word will not return void!

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2008 Statistics

# days open - 138
# of client visits - 994
# of babies rescued from abortion - 44
# of women who made commitments to Jesus Christ - 94
# of non-diagnostic ultrasounds done - 76
# of HUGS Bible Study Visits 193

2009 Statistics

# of days open - Jan - 10 Feb - 12
# of client visits - Jan - 88, Feb - 90
# of babies rescued from abortion - Jan - 6, Feb - 6
# of women who made commitments to Jesus Christ - Jan - 7, Feb - 5
# of non-diagnostic ultrasounds done - Jan - 16, Feb - 10
# of HUGS Bible Study Visits - Jan - 13, Feb - 28
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HB1113: The Partial Birth Abortion Ban

Sponsor:  Representative Dawn Creekmore (D)
Senate Sponsor:  Senator Cecil Bledsoe (R)
On January 16th Representative Creekmore filed HB1113 which would ban partial birth abortions at a state level.  27 other states already have their own law banning this method of abortion.  Up until now the state has been going by the federal law which bans partial birth abortions.  President Obama has already promised that if the Freedom of Choice bill reaches his desk, he will sign it. If signed into law, every piece of legislation protecting the unborn since Roe vs Wade would be eliminated. Representative Creekmore decided it would be better to be proactive than reactive.  The bill rapidly passed through both the House and the Senate.  Governor Beebe signed the bill into law and it is now Act 196.  Thank you to all those who contacted legislators!

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Defeating the Freedom Of Choice Act

 (Information for this article is taken from an interview Scott Klusendorf, President of Life Training Institute. 

Surrendering is not an option. We have work to do. With the federal executive and legislative branches of government being deeply committed to the belief that an entire class of human life can be killed for what ever reason, President Obama can easily deliver on his promise to sign the federal  Freedom of Choice Act  (FOCA). This Act will provide federal funding for destructive embryo research (to include cloning), place activist prochoice judges in the federal courts, and propose a national health care plan that will include abortion coverage. 
FOCA is the most dangerous piece of pro-abortion legislation so far. FOCA will guarantee a right to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.  It will destroy all laws protecting the unborn...parental consent, informed consent, restrictions on tax-funded abortions, physician conscience laws, along with both state and federal bans on partial birth abortion.
You might wonder how President Obama will successfully persuade the American public to support FOCA.  He will justify it by first stating that abortion is a tragic choice for a woman to have to make, but laws regulating abortion do not seem to be working. (Even though between 1992 and 2000, many states who passed legislation  controlling abortion reported a decrease in abortions by 21% or greater).  Klusendorf stated that Obama will explain what's needed are social programs aimed at reducing the underlying causes that lead women to abort in the first place.  Apply this logic to another serious situation such as spousal abuse.  Instead of passing legislation that would make it illegal for husbands to beat their wives, it is decided that the root of spousal abuse is psychological.  Instead, the solution would be to provide federally funded counseling for men.
What can prolife Christians do to help defeat FOCA?  We should commit ourselves to engage and stand firm in one of the toughest battles there is.   Christian leaders should purposefully preach and teach a biblical view of human value and do it often. Christian leaders must not only preach about human value; they must equip their people to engage the culture (Gregg Cunningham of the Center for Bioethical Reform said there are more people working full time to kill babies than there are working full time to save them because killing babies is very profitable and saving them is very costly).  Lastly, something that doesn't cost money but is just as effective, is that you can contact your federal legislators telling them you would like them to oppose  The Freedom of Choice Act.

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Way to GO!

God has been busy placing this ministry in the hearts of people who have said to Him,  Here I am, send me.   We would like to give an official welcome to some new volunteers!  (Some of these have been here for a few months, but we would still like to publicly acknowledge their gift of dedication and service).

Dysle Butts:  counselor & mentor
Dianna Pyle:  counselor & mentor
Debbie Glenn:  mentor
Laura Robertson:  mentor
Michelle Jones:  mentor
Ardary Taylor:  mentor
Robin Zakrzewski:  mentor
Mary King:  mentor/receptionist
Gwendolyn Price:  mentor
Dianne Hogue:  counselor & mentor
Tammy Stamp:  counselor & mentor

We would like to welcome and thank a new supporting church:
Covenant Presbyterian Church located in Little Rock

Welcome New Board Members!
Mike & Laurie Biggs
Laura Robertson

...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus ."             1Thesalonians 5:18

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The Bible tells us that one day Jesus' heart of compassion responded to the desperate cries of ten lepers.  They were outcasts without hope, without friends, separated from society and human contact.  Some people ignored them, some pitied them, some despised them, some wept for them, but none could change them.  Jesus was their only hope.  "Have mercy on us," was their collective cry.
Jesus responded to them with a word.  Not a word of sympathy or pity, but a word of power.  It hit them like a thunderbolt.  "Go show yourself to the priest."  What a statement!  According to the law, you went to see the priest to verify your healing.  And as they went, in obedience to His word, they were healed-all ten! 
To be instantly healed from leprosy was amazing.  It meant everything-a place in society, a job, hugs and human affection, belonging, acceptance, purpose, value.  But what is even more amazing is that only one out of the ten was grateful enough to return and pour out his thanks to Jesus.
In Timothy we read, "In the last days...people will be ...ungrateful."  We live in an ungrateful world.  To listen to most, you would think that either God didn't exist, or if He did, that He was indifferent, unkind, and uncaring.
God's generosity to us in Jesus Christ is overwhelming-God gives us a clean heart, a joyful heart, a loving heart, a peaceful heart--yet, there is one thing God cannot give us, and that is a thankful heart.  Thankfulness is our gift to Him.

By:  Roy Lessin, Co-founder of DaySpring Cards

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I'm a new mentor!
By Ardary Taylor

"I found out about the Crisis Pregnancy Center through my church.  Initially, I said "no" to Ms. Archer.  However, after receiving the packet of information from my church and reading the material and seeing the photo of our Lord with the little girl, I felt His compassion and  had a change of heart. I knew that I had to make time to help this worthwhile endeavor in any way possible.
In the two weeks that I've been a volunteer, I've seen how everything at the CPC is centered around God.  Expressions of love from the volunteers towards the young women are evident that they genuinely  care.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, to mentor someone in need, and to tell them about the love of Jesus.

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Kodak moments from the banquet....

Ruby Hicks celebrates her 85th Birthday AND her first baby shower....
Ruby Hicks celebrated her 85th birthday on October 12th.  She was one of seven siblings and is the mother of eleven children.  The unique thing about Ruby is that she never had a single baby shower given for her.  Ruby asked that her birthday party be turned into her very first baby shower.  She requested that all her presents be items that the pregnancy center could use for the HUGS program. 
Ruby became a Christian when she was 10 years old.  Since there were no churches close by at that time, her mom read the Bible to her and her seven siblings.  Ruby continually shared the love of Jesus with anyone who would listen.  For many years, she held Vacation Bible School in her front yard for the children that she babysat .  Neighborhood children often joined those children.  Frances Owens (a HUGS mentor) often saw Ruby praying for her own children when she dropped them off at Sunday School.  As a result of this, Frances became a Christian herself. 
Ruby has 17 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.  She says that she has shared Jesus with all of them except for the great great grandchild  whom she has never met.  What a legacy!!!  The volunteers who were present the day Ruby brought her gifts were truly blessed by this special lady!

Sanctity of Human Life Week
January 18th--25th
Be a voice for life! "We believe that human life is created by God in His image. It is of inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions, including the preborn, the aged, the mentally disabled, those deemed unattractive, the physically challenged, and every other condition in which humanness is expressed from the single cell stage of development to natural death. Christians are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. "(Focus on the Family's Fourth Guiding Principle) For more information on how your church can be an active part of SOHL week, go to www.heartlink.org/beavoice/resources.cfm 

January 18, 2009
March For Life 
2:00 p.m.
Capitol & Louisiana Street, Little Rock
Little Rock, AR

Merry Christmas!