Abolitionist Calling - A Call to "Awake My Soul" - PRC Banquet - November 14

What would you do during a period of great injustice? In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that black people, both the slave and the free, were not protected by the Constitution and were not U.S. citizens, denying them personhood. In 1973, forty years ago this year, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, like Dred-Scott, essentially declared that a child in the womb is not a person and, therefore, not “endowed with the inalienable right to life” promised by our founding documents; they are not protected by the Constitution.

Defenders of slavery justified it by asserting that blacks were not fully persons, particularly in comparison to whites. Defenders of abortion justify it by asserting that the unborn baby is not fully a person, particularly in comparison to those living outside of the womb.

A mission field has been created by abortion. It is a mission field noticeably devoid of God’s people. The excuses are numerous and most center around the idea that abortion is a political, legislative or judicial issue. God is the creator, sustainer and redeemer of life. This places abortion squarely in the category of sin and Biblical injustice and, therefore, is preeminently a Gospel matter.

We are living in the most critical hour of injustice in history. We are not allowed to stand by and do nothing. Proverbs 24:11-12 says, “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.”

Abolitionist Calling is a stirring call to action that is bound to “awaken your soul” and cause Christians to rise up and act against the greatest injustice in the history of the world. Do we wish to be viewed by God and historians as a generation of Christians whose silence was deadly to the unborn image-bearers of our God? 

Will you stand with us as modern-day abolitionists against the greatest injustice of our time – abortion?

Join us on Thursday, November 14^th at Heinz Field’s East Club for our Celebration Banquet. Bring your friends, family members or co-workers to hear this stirring message by Michael Homula, former Director of ICU Mobile.  Bring those who would be willing to stand with us to “Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die.” 

Today is the day to rise up.

His for Life, 

Lori 

“Awake My Soul”

You are cordially invited to

The Pregnancy Resource Center’s

Annual Celebration Banquet

Thursday, the fourteenth of November

Two-Thousand and Thirteen

Doors will open at six-fifteen in the evening

East Club at Heinz Field

Call 412-833-7445 to R.S.V.P.

PRC Banquet - November 14 - Awake My Soul

  

      

AWAKE MY SOUL

Thursday, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

We are excited to share that we will be returning to the East Club at Heinz Field, once again this year!

Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Sit-down dinner served at 7:00 p.m.

with the program immediately following.

Guest Speaker Michael Homula, former Executive Director of ICU Mobile

To read more about the message Michael shares click here

 
RESERVE YOU TABLE NOW!

Table sponsorship opportunities are available:

$10,000 - $5,000 - $2,500 - $1,000 - $450

As a Table Sponsor, you will receive priority seating for ten guests. Invite new or previous attendees to be a part of your table. In addition, Table Sponsors will be listed in the event program and their tables will be recognized as a ministry partner. Table sponsorship is considered to be an investment in the ministry. This means that 100% of the sponsorship will go directly into the ministry of the PRC. Call for more information about becoming a table sponsor.

Our banquet is the most important fundraiser of the year for the Pregnancy Resource Center, and a financial appeal will be made. A reservation is required for each guest planning to attend. R.S.V.P.'s will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis. General seating is limited.

Call 412-833-7445 to reserve your table! 

A client story - life changed and baby saved.

“How can I ever tell my mother?” Our 17 year old client said, tears spilling down her cheeks. She was quiet and shy, and you could hardly hear her voice. She seems to have made herself as small as possible. Her mother did not even know about her three-year relationship with her much-older boyfriend and, if she did, would never approve, according to our client. She was raised in the church and knows that premarital sex is not what God wants for her. All of these concerns seem to have pressed her down into a tiny, fragile, hurting girl.

For three months, she continued to visit the Homestead Center for various medical needs, ultrasound and counseling. Each time she met with us we continued to guide her toward telling her mother, getting insurance, finding a doctor and involving the baby’s father in the process. She listened. We stayed alongside her as she walked toward responsibility, building right relationships with her family and boyfriend.

When I first met this client, I was touched by her quiet gentleness and her childlike trust. Today, we would do her second ultrasound. She had seen the tiny shape and heartbeat of her baby on a previous ultrasound, but she was only seven weeks along then. Today, she would be fourteen weeks.

When I first put the probe on her abdomen she was a little startled to see how big the baby was now. She kept smiling and shaking her head. The baby’s head, face, arms and legs were clearly visible, and the baby was very active, kicking and turning. As I carefully measured, the baby turned and put its tiny hand against the probe. We both gasped. The baby did it a second time; neither time I had been able to capture the image. Then, a third time: the little hand pressed clearly against the wall of the uterus, and I took the image. Each tiny, perfectly-formed finger was clearly visible. It was a holy moment.

From showing the image of her baby’s hand to the counseling, medical care, encouragement, material assistance, childbirth and parenting classes-we walk alongside of our precious clients and their children.

Our client finally told her mother. Her mother responded by moving them to a bigger home for everyone to welcome the new life into their family. 

Day of Giving - October 3

The Pregnancy Resource Center is pleased to announce our participation in the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Day of Giving on October 3, 2013.  The Day of Giving is a ONE DAY giving event and a unique opportunity to MAXIMIZE your donation!  For every gift received, the Pittsburgh Foundation will supplement your gift with a portion of the match pool!

All you need is the internet, your credit card, and a heart to give to the PRC!

Your ‘How-To’ Guide for Day of Giving 2013:

1.      The Day of Giving 2013 will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2013 from 12:00 a.m. ET until 11:59 p.m. ET.  Early or late donations are not eligible for the supplemental gift!

2.      Go to Pittsburghgives.org on OCTOBER 3, 2013.  Use the drop down menu to select the Pregnancy Resource Center DONATE on OCTOBER 3 ONLY using your VISA or MASTERCARD.

3.      The minimum gift is $25. There is no limit to the amount of money you may give to each organization. All donations are for operating support; you cannot designate a specific program.

How your gift is supplemented:

The Pittsburgh Foundation will divide a total of $750,000 among the participating Allegheny County nonprofits.  As an example only, if $8,000,000 total is raised on a day of giving, and the match pool is $750,000, then the match percentage is 9% or .09 cents on the dollar.  The Foundation will match up to the first $1,000 of the gift, and your organization will receive the donations net of the credit card fee plus the full match percentage.

 

How your gift is credited:

Each gift is 100% tax deductible. The credit card charge will display as a donation to “The Pittsburgh Foundation” on the donor’s credit card statement.  After approximately 30 days, the Pregnancy Resource Center will receive one check with all donations designated to our organization, plus the match portion along with donor information within 30 days of the event’s end.

It’s that easy!

A Life Rescued...

It began with a simple Google search which led to a phone call. What transpired after that is all because of God's work and your partnership to support HIS ministry!

Just a few months away from turning twenty, life was going so well for our client.  She had met her boyfriend a year earlier and she was set to graduate.

Our client and her boyfriend were very serious in their relationship, had talked of marriage someday, and were essentially living together.  Everything seemed to be coming together just as our client had always planned, until she missed a period, then had a positive home pregnancy test.

Now she was searching the internet for information on abortion and RU-486.

When our client called the phone number she found on the internet, a sister center in the Pittsburgh area answered.   They talked with her and ultimately made her an appointment with the PRC in Homestead.

During their appointment our client and her boyfriend met with one of our counselors.  She helped them think through their choices and what their lives would be like.  She then recommended they have an ultrasound to which our client agreed.  I could tell from that first meeting that they were young and scared.   At this point, our client was still very abortion determined, but there were two problems:  her boyfriend was not convinced they should abort and our client was simply too far along in her pregnancy to take the abortion pill.

So while our client began her ultrasound, a male counselor spoke with her boyfriend.  The boyfriend told him that he thought they should keep the baby and that he wanted to marry his girlfriend.  Our counselor encouraged him in his desire to be a husband and a father, sharing some of his own experiences.  Our counselor also encouraged him to seek out God and to honor the way God tells us to live.

During the ultrasound, our client was shocked to see how big and active the baby was.  At 10 weeks their little one was kicking its arms and legs, sucking its thumb and turning somersaults!  We brought her boyfriend into the room to see his child shortly thereafter and the couple was in complete awe.  Holding pictures of their baby, they then watched a video of fetal development on the center’s iPad.   Both our client and her boyfriend said they had no idea that babies were really babies at this stage of the pregnancy.  It was at that point that their decision was made.

They would keep their baby.

I am thankful for each step of this beautiful story of a rescue that was engineered by our Lord.    From the internet, to our sister center, to the Homestead center, He ordained it all.  Thanks to Him, a life has been rescued.

Cyndi, Nurse Manager

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.                                                   2 Thessalonians 1:11

It's not too late!! Walk for Life at Kennywood

There is still time!!!

REGISTER TODAY and join us for the PRC's "Walk for LIFE" at Kennywood!

May 18, 2013

Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. 

Walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Please help us make this year's Walk for LIFE the best year ever!

The pledges YOU collect from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in the community help support the many FREE services offered to young women and men at critical time in their lives and the lives of their unborn children.

YOU make a difference as you pray for, celebrate with, and, most importantly, raise funds and awareness for the life of the unborn.
 

**Don't forget to participate in the scavenger hunt on walk day!!

 

Grand Prize for the scavenger hunt:

Nemacolin Get-Away: $100 gift certificate, dinner for two

at The Tavern & two spa services at the Woodlands Spa!

REGISTER ONLINE: Each walker MUST register separately 

Individual Registration online - click here

Pledge form - click here to download form

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION:

Drop off your completed registration form along with registration fee at the PRC.

Individual Registration forms - click here 
Pledge form -click here 

Any registered walker who raises $1000 or more will receive an additional Kennywood ticket - FREE!

The more funds you raise the more chances you have to win other prizes! 

PLEASE NOTE: WE WALK RAIN OR SHINE!
If Kennywood should decide to close the park due to weather, they will distribute raincheck tickets that have the same terms of use as the tickets you will get from the walk.

Terms:
Ticket valid on group picnic date- Ticket not valid after September 15, 2013.
Ticket valid with $10.00 surcharge on July/August Weekends.
Park Closed May 1-3, May 5-10, May 13-15, May 21 & August 26-30, 2013.
If ticket is not used on Group Picnic date, ticket will be valid without surcharge on: May 4, 11, 12, 16-31, June 1-30, July Weekdays, Saturday July 6 & Sunday July 7, August Weekdays Only through August 23rd, August 31, and September 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, & 15 2013. 

JUST IMAGINE the IMPACT - if every Walk-For-Life participant raises
$1000, we will raise an additional $250,000 to empower, encourage, and educate young adults with the truth through our various medical and support services.

Q: WHEN DO I GET MY TICKETS? You will pick-up your tickets, walk t-shirt and PRC bag on the day of the walk at the check-in station at Kennywood's main entrance. 
Look for the PRC banner!

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A SEASON PASS TO KENNYWOOD?
You may use your pass, but a $10 registration fee is required. Make a note in the comment box online indicating that you have a season pass. You will still need to check-in the day of the walk to receive your walk t-shirt and PRC bag.
 
Q: DO I HAVE TO PAY TO PARK?
No, parking is reserved for PRC walk participants.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD TO THE PAVILION?
Yes, please do. You can keep your coolers in your car until after the walk or check-in early and take them to pavilions 14 and 15 before the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. This is a fun day for your family. Raise money in support of LIFE, walk with the PRC to stand for LIFE, have lunch and ride all day with your family.

*A printable FAQs form is available - click here

Our Awesome Volunteers! Saturday's Facebook Profiles!

Meet some of our amazing volunteers!  Not all of our volunteers were profiled, so this list is not all inclusive.  But we wanted to take a chance to give a shout out to some of our volunteers.  Here are some basic facts about our volunteers and some fun facts about them as well.  If you want to join their ranks, please contact us about where your skills and our needs at the center match up!  We'd love to count you as an appreciated volunteer this time next year!!

Nichole T. 
· Receptionist
· Volunteered with the PRC for 2 years
· Fun Fact: Is a hair stylist

Kim W. 
· Receptionist
· Volunteered with the PRC for 2 years
· Fun Fact: Can lick her elbows (you all just tried, didn’t you?)

Courtney W. 
· Girl Friday
· Volunteered with the PRC for 5 months
· Fun Fact: Her first baby (a little girl) is due June 10






Nancy W.
· Receptionist
· Volunteered with the PRC for 7 years
· Fun Fact: Loves how the PRC has “knit all the volunteers together like a family”

Our Awesome Volunteers! Friday's Facebook Profiles!

Meet some of our amazing volunteers!  Not all of our volunteers were profiled, so this list is not all inclusive.  But we wanted to take a chance to give a shout out to some of our volunteers.  Here are some basic facts about our volunteers and some fun facts about them as well.  If you want to join their ranks, please contact us about where your skills and our needs at the center match up!  We'd love to count you as an appreciated volunteer this time next year!!

Marlene N. 
· Material Assistance Coordinator
· Volunteered with the PRC for 18 years
· Fun Fact: “Baby Bundle Builder”

Peter S. 
· Male Counselor
· Volunteered with the PRC for many years
· Fun Fact: Was born and raised in Poland.

Jenny S. 
· Receptionist
· Volunteered with the PRC for 1 year
· Fun Fact: Lived in Central Europe for 3 years

Sarah S. 
· Childbirth Educator
· Volunteered with the PRC for 1 year
· Fun Fact: Loves to travel with husband and playing with her kitty “Molly”

Our Awesome Volunteers! Thursday's Facebook Profiles!

Meet some of our amazing volunteers!  Not all of our volunteers were profiled, so this list is not all inclusive.  But we wanted to take a chance to give a shout out to some of our volunteers.  Here are some basic facts about our volunteers and some fun facts about them as well.  If you want to join their ranks, please contact us about where your skills and our needs at the center match up!  We'd love to count you as an appreciated volunteer this time next year!!

Laurie E. 
· Receptionist
· Has volunteered with the PRC for 7 years
· Fun Fact: Is a hair stylist and has her own salon

Mark G. 
· Male Counselor
· Has volunteered with the PRC for many years
· Fun Fact: He plays bass and string guitar and writes music






Kathy H. 
· Receptionist
· Volunteered with the PRC for 6 years
· Fun Fact: Nickname is “graceful” because she can slip/fall on a smooth surface

Lauren M. 
· Co-Leads Mothers of Angels
· Volunteered with the PRC for 2 years
· Fun Fact: During College she worked at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World

Karen P. 
· Counselor
· Volunteered with the PRC for 18 years
· Fun Fact: “Will counsel for Chocolate”

Our Awesome Volunteers! Wednesday's Facebook Profiles!

Meet some of our amazing volunteers!  Not all of our volunteers were profiled, so this list is not all inclusive.  But we wanted to take a chance to give a shout out to some of our volunteers.  Here are some basic facts about our volunteers and some fun facts about them as well.  If you want to join their ranks, please contact us about where your skills and our needs at the center match up!  We'd love to count you as an appreciated volunteer this time next year!!

Dottie B. 
· Parenting Class Instructor and Baby Boutique Organizer
· Has volunteered with the PRC for 18 years
· Fun Fact: Dottie is the “QVC Queen”

Sue B.
· Peer Counselor
· Has volunteered with the PRC for 20 years
· Fun Fact: Sue loves to bike ride, cross country ski and garden






Libby B.
· Co-Leads MESH
· Has volunteered with the PRC for 5 years
· Fun Fact: Huge “Gone With the Wind” fan

Bridget B.
· Co-Leads MESH
· Has volunteered with the PRC for 3 years
· Fun Fact: Is married to David and has 5 children ages 17-3.

First Homestead Baby Saved!

Complete shock hit eighteen-year-old Melissa’s* face as she stared at the positive pregnancy test. She was silent as we discussed her options. After hearing that Melissa’s mom had given birth to her when she was seventeen, I encouraged Melissa to make the same brave decision. The ultrasound showed that she was too early to verify viability, so she watched a short video on her baby’s development and was rescheduled for another ultrasound the following week. Still in shock, she let me pray with her before she left the counseling room. I spoke with Melissa a few days after her appointment, and she admitted that she was still very emotional and undecided.

Melissa returned to the PRC for her second ultrasound. She shared that she was considering having an abortion because she wants to finish school and doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. Melissa listened intently as our nurse/sonographer shared the Gospel, gave her personal testimony, and further discussed Melissa’s options.

A few minutes into the ultrasound, Melissa abruptly said that she had to leave for an appointment. We hoped that she would come back to finish the ultrasound, but she never showed for her next appointment with us, and we later found out that she was still wrestling with her decision. We were thrilled when Melissa finally announced her decision to have her baby and return for another appointment! 

Melissa, along with three family members, came to the PRC and saw an eight-week-old baby with a beating heart. After the ultrasound, I asked Melissa what made her change her mind. She told me that it was the education she was given at the PRC and the nagging feeling that she didn’t want to make a decision she would later regret. Melissa expressed gratitude for our help and said that she would like to return to the PRC for parenting and childbirth classes.

We saw a different Melissa walk out our doors that day. Praise God for His redeeming power!

*The client’s name has been changed for confidentiality.

Kennywood Walk for Life Announcement and FAQ

Join us for the PRC's "Walk for LIFE" at Kennywood!

May 18, 2013
Check-in begins
at 8:45 a.m.


By participating in the PRC's "Walk for LIFE", one of the three fundraising events we host each year, YOU will play a vital part in a ministry that can change the way young men and women view LIFE!

YOU make a difference as you pray for, celebrate with, and, most importantly, raise funds and awareness for the life of the unborn.

So register TODAY and begin getting the support of family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in the community.

HOW TO REGISTER (each walker MUST register separately)
 
REGISTER ONLINE:
Individual Registration online - click here
Pledge form - click here to download form

MAIL-IN REGISTRATION:
Individual Registration forms - click here
Pledge form - click here

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION:
Drop off your completed registration form along with registration fee at the PRC.
Individual Registration forms - click here
Pledge form -click here

Any registered walker who raises $1000 or more will receive an additional Kennywood ticket - FREE!  The more funds you raise the more chances you have to win other prizes!

PLEASE NOTE: WE WALK RAIN OR SHINE!

If Kennywood should decide to close the park due to weather, they will distribute raincheck tickets that have the same terms of use as the tickets you will get from the walk.

Terms:
Ticket valid on group picnic date- Ticket not valid after September 15, 2013.
Ticket valid with $10.00 surcharge on July/August Weekends.
Park Closed May 1-3, May 5-10, May 13-15, May 21 & August 26-30, 2013.
If ticket is not used on Group Picnic date, ticket will be valid without surcharge on: May 4, 11, 12, 16-31, June 1-30, July Weekdays, Saturday July 6 & Sunday July 7, August Weekdays Only through August 23rd, August 31, and September 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, & 15, 2013.

FUNDRAISING FAQs 

Q. WHAT IS THE COST TO REGISTER FOR THE WALK-FOR-LIFE? 

Registration fees are $26; your registration fee includes an ALL-DAY ride pass to Kennywood, *walk t-shirt and *PRC drawstring bag.
*Walk t-shirts & bags are available to the first 250 registered walkers.

If walkers have additional family members or friends who wish to join them for the event, but will not be helping to raise support, walkers can purchase additional Kennywood tickets for $23.

Q: IS MY REGISTRATION FEE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

No, your registration fee is not  considered tax-deductible, nor is it a donation to the PRC. However, any amount that you choose to donate above the registration fee is tax-deductible and benefits the ministry.

Q. DOES THE PRC'S WALK-FOR-LIFE REQUIRE FUNDRAISING? 

You are not "required" to fundraise, but we do encourage all participants to get sponsors and help fundraise in addition to the registration fee.

JUST IMAGINE the IMPACT - if every Walk-For-Life participant raises $1000, we will raise an additional $250,000 dollars to empower, encourage, and educate young adults with the truth through our various medical and support services.

Q. WHERE DO I SEND MY COMPLETED PLEDGE FORMS?
 
You can either bring them the day of the Walk or mail them to the PRC at the address listed below:

Pregnancy Resource Center
101 Drake Road, Suite A
Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Q: WHEN DO I GET MY TICKETS? 

You will pick-up your tickets, walk t-shirt and PRC bag on the day of the walk at the check-in station at Kennywood's main entrance.  Look for the PRC banner!

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A SEASON PASS TO KENNYWOOD? 

You may use your pass, but a $10 registration fee is required. Make a note in the comment box online indicating that you have a season pass. You will still need to check-in the day of the walk to receive your walk t-shirt and PRC bag.

Q: DO I HAVE TO PAY TO PARK?

No, parking is reserved for PRC walk participants.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD TO THE PAVILION?

Yes, please do. You can keep your coolers in your car until after the walk or check-in early and take them to pavilions 14 and 15 before the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. This is a fun day for your family. Raise money in support of LIFE, walk with the PRC to stand for LIFE, have lunch and ride all day with your family.

*A printable FAQs form is available - click here

Kennywood!! - New Venue for Walk for Life

We are so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate LIFE this year at Kennywood Park!

Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement park in America. Founded in 1898, it has thrilled and delighted both young and young-at-heart visitors for more than 110 years.  Kennywood has always been the park that puts a smile on everyone's face.

By participating in the PRC's Walk for Life, YOU make it possible for a young woman to see her child through ultrasound and put a smile on her face, just like Melissa*!

Help us raise the necessary funds and more importantly the necessary awareness for the life of the unborn.

Click the link here for more information! 

To register online for the Walk for life click here.
To Print off a registration form and mail it in click here.
To print off a sponsor pledge form click here.

If you are on Facebook, join our Facebook event and invite all your friends!

Join us for a family-fun day at Kennywood Park!