New Pregnancy Care Center

On December 3, 2004, 30 potential volunteers gathered in the conference room at His Branches to discuss the possibilities of joining in the effort to establish the new PCC. We were overwhelmed by the response and are thrilled with the level of interest and passion for this issue. In January we will hold our very first training for the new PCC in which anyone interested in volunteering as a counselor will be able to receive formalized training through the help and leadership of Dee Skelton and the Palmyra Care Net office. Dates for the training are as follows:

January 8, 15, 22, 29 (Saturdays) and all times are 12-4 pm. The location will be at His Branches unless otherwise noted.

Other training dates are already being discussed so stay in touch if you miss the first one. Please call 235-9000 with any questions and we look forward to hearing from all of you!

The disturbing reality that is driving our passion is that 1 in 2.5 reported pregnancies (388 reported) in the zip code 14619 (our zip code!) ends in abortion. That's nearly 50%! The number is staggering and the surrounding zip codes are not much better. As an organization that stands for pro-life, represents Christ in our community, and has the experience and ability to address this issue with medically sound services and advice, we want to make a difference. The larger dream is to grow into a comprehensive service that addresses the needs of families, adults and children in a program that is an alternative to the leading abortion providers in the region. This will include the counseling and support services that have been in plan for several months now and will also rely on a growing network of strong and supportive ministries in the neighborhood. With the trainings in January, we expect to be available for service in February with a plan to ramp up for a July hiring of our first paid staff.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Despite the turmoil in the region of the Middle East and the difficulties they face, the Lebanese, as people displaced from their homeland, continue through their long process of transition. Some are coping better than others and I try to give a picture of the community through the personal stories I share. Some of the older people may never really adapt, but they do hope for a better life for their children. The Lebanese value education and with extra tutoring most of the children are doing well in school, even though they must study in a new language. Many who have completed high school are now students in university or college. Working amongst this group of people over the past 20 years, first through years of war in south Lebanon and now as refugees in Israel, has also been a great learning experience for me. They have a unique history and it has been both interesting and challenging to have a part in it. As I reflect over the years I know the Lord has enabled me in many ways to be a witness of His love and compassion. Even though they have often felt neglected, the Lord loves the Lebanese and has not forgotten them. As I visit with many individuals and families, they are encouraged to know that the assistance I can offer through the dental clinic and projects of mercy represents the prayer and gifts of many caring Christians.

Click here to read her entire Christmas letter.