Spring Banquet

With our annual Fundraising Banquet coming up on April 19th, things are very busy at Sav-A-Life. We are bathing the entire event—and all preparations for it—in prayer. Our prayer coordinator, GiniBeth, is organizing 40 Days of Prayer in the days leading up to the Banquet. This will begin March 11^th and we will be posting each day’s request on Facebook for those who wish to partner with us in prayer over the work God will be doing.

Rebecca St. James will be the featured speaker of the evening. She is a talented singer/songwriter who has graced the contemporary Christian music scene. We are very much looking forward to hearing about her passion for purity and the sanctity of human life through musical expression.

“At the age of 12—a time when most young girls are just beginning idyllic dreams of ‘what I want to be’—a young Australian girl prayed a simple prayer. ‘God, I give you my gifts. Use my life to make a difference and change the world.’

Rebecca St. James has since taken an unparalleled course in Christian music.  As the industry’s innovative ‘new voice’ as a teen in the mid-90’s, she blazed a trail in the contemporary Christian genre for many other talented female artists to come.” 

“Australian born Rebecca St. James is both a Grammy Award winner and multiple Dove Award recipient, who can count her lead acting role in the film Sarah’s Choice, among her most recent career highlights. With international success that has driven her record sales into the multi-millions globally, she has been tireless on the concert/ live performance front since breaking as a major artist in the Christian music industry while still in her teens. Rebecca was in 2008 for the 7th consecutive year named "Favorite Female Artist" in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the 7^th year in a row.”

“A gifted songwriter, St. James’ signature blend of modern pop/rock sensibilities and lyrics of unwavering devotion have blazed the way to seventeen Top 10 singles--nine of which have reached the #1 spot on the charts to date” (Jackie Monaghan). In addition to being a best selling author, advocate for Compassion International, and acting in several national film productions as well as Sarah’s choice, Rebecca has become a national media voice for ‘life,’ displaying her multi-faceted career. She held a lead role in the very recently released film “The Frontier Boys,” and her newest album, I Will Praise You is now available in stores and online and may be previewed on her website: http://rsjames.com/

With versatile talent Rebecca St. James has been able to reach different kinds of audiences across the world. As a professing believer and supporter of pro-life ministries she is able to share the gospel with those around her by the way she lives her life and her unabashed confession of faith in a world that rejects the value God places on life.

Rebecca is passionate about youth-related ministries, especially those focused on young women’s purity. She shares some about the issue in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkH7ZwEb7yE

After advocating for abstinence and purity before marriage, and as a now recently married woman, Rebecca is able to describe the ways in which the Lord blesses your marriage when you are faithful to wait. Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NlE7oHzBEo

Rebecca St. James’ message coupled with the love and care that go into each step of planning for the event will make for an inventive, beautiful evening in which we will have the opportunity to see God’s grace in action.

Please join us for our Fundraising Banquet!

Sav-A-Life, Vestavia invites you to a Fundraising Banquet

"Life...a Beautiful Choice"

Thursday, April 19 2012

With speaker and performer Rebecca St. James

Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Dinner & Program 7:00-9:00 PM

Dinner is complimentary (an opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended)

Seating is limited. Please let us know if you would like to attend. 205-979-0302

Seating is limited, therefore reservations made in advance are necessary.
Please RSVP by March 30<sup>th


Cassie, Sav-A-Life Intern</sup>

Banquet for Life

Did you know that in 2011 we know of at least 97 babies that were saved from abortion? 

Or that we had more than 5,500 visits through Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Test Center – including clients who came for pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, parenting classes, fatherhood programs, childbirth classes, and more? And, did you know that the gospel was presented more than 1,100 times to those clients? 

These things are accomplished through the generous support of our faithful donors.  The majority of our donors support us as a result of our annual Banquet for Life!

On April 19, 2012, Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Test Center will be holding its annual fundraising dinner. Our annual banquet provides an opportunity to expose new people to the Pregnancy Test Center and ultimately the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through hosting a complimentary dinner with a speaker and a message, Sav-A-Life intends to raise a greater awareness for the organization and the mission as well as raise support for the coming year through prayer, financial means, and volunteer services.

Last year’s guest speaker was abortion survivor Gianna Jessen, who challenged the audience to stand up boldly for the sanctity of human life. Through God’s provision and the support of those in attendance, Sav-A-Life raised over half the year’s budget expenses and was able to share the goals and vision for the ministry with almost 500 individuals.

Just a few memories….

Last Year's Theme

Featured Speaker Gianna Jessen

The Beautiful Dinner

Emcee-Stephen Hauck Morning TV anchor

Track 7: The Evening's Musical Entertainment

This year our featured speaker will be singer/performer Rebecca St. James. The theme is “Life—A beautiful choice.” We look forward to watching the Lord work in the hearts and minds of all involved in the night’s events and all those who will be directly or indirectly influenced by the ministry as a result. 

If you are interested in attending this year’s banquet or perhaps hosting a table for the event and inviting guests, please call (205) 979-0302.

More info on the guest speaker and the night’s events soon!

 Cassie, Sav-A-Life Intern

Celebrating Life

The Gift of Birth Baby Shower provides a way for people to minister to our clients. The showers can be a wonderful ministry opportunity for small groups or church groups and most are held in a church setting. Each expecting mother brings one support person and receives gift packages including many items for when they bring their baby home. Usually between 20 and 30 people attend including the mothers and their support persons, the hosts, the childbirth educator, and the fatherhood coordinator. The most recent baby shower turned out very well and was a lot of fun for those in attendance. Since I was unable to attend, it was exciting to watch the shower unfold through videos and photos as the expecting parents got involved in games and enjoyed fellowship together.

This Baby Shower was held at the Caroline House at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, large enough to accommodate all mothers involved. There were treats and gifts, fun games and a time of prayer and blessing.

The decor was lovely and the food delicious. 

 The expecting mothers played memory games and received prizes.

The Hostesses truly displayed the love of Christ through their ministry and the way they loved on the mothers. Watch a hostess share her reason for serving in this particular area. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxoWU3fI5is.

Russell shared about the Fatherhood ministry, and about how we want to emphasize the importance of a father in a child’s life. He was also able to share the gospel with those who attended the shower. We are so blessed to have him as our fatherhood coordinator! (Watch the YouTube video here to hear Russell's fatherhood presentation). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwcvjbGa_aA

What a joy these women were!
One woman expresses her thanks for the shower:

 

 A time of prayer and a blessing over the children followed. Russell and Vicki both prayed with the mothers and their support: To hear Russel's prayer, watch here.

If the Gift of Birth Baby Shower seems like a serving opportunity you don’t want to pass up, let us know! If you’re interested please contact Vicki Angel at (205) 979-1703 or email her at vickiangell@savalife.org

~Cassie, Sav-A-Life Intern 

A Service

This afternoon at 1pm Sav-A-Life held a memorial service for the recorded 53 million abortions since the Roe vs. Wade court decision to legalize abortion in the United States. It was a time to remember the lives lost due to abortions and the lives that were forever impacted and changed as a result. Prayer, scripture reading, and a dedication and blessing of those precious babies to the Lord were included.

We sat together in humble silence, song, and confession, as we worshiped the Lord, mourned the loss of these children, and praised the Father for his sovereign mercy.

Prayer of Confession:

"Let us confess our sins unto Almighty God. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep, 

we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, 

we have offended against Thy holy laws, 

we have left undone the things which we ought to have done, 

and we have done those things which we ought not to have done...

Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; 

and grant, O merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter 

live a Godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy Name.

Amen."

As we prayed this prayer, I was particularly convicted of leaving "undone the things which we ought to have done, and doing those things which we ought not to have done." What a gracious Father we have to forgive us of our unfaithfulness. We praise Him for the lives he brings into this world and those he takes home to be with him. Everything according to His perfect will.

One moment that struck my heart and will continue to remain with me was the ringing of the bells. We sat in silence as the bells were rung 53 times for the 53 million lives lost. We mourn, but we also rejoice that these unknown lives are with Jesus today.

 Following the ringing of the bells, the floor was opened to light a candle in memory of each specific life lost. It was a time of silent reflection and prayer.

As we closed with a prayer and a blessing, we remembered the healing that Christ brings to all our hearts, and the way in which His glory may be seen through every circumstance.

"I bring all my energies to bear on this one thing: 

forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." 

Philippians 3:13

We will continue to pray for those who are hoping for healing in the times ahead. It is only through our Father we may find full forgiveness and healing.

Cassie, 

Sav-A-Life Vestavia Intern

Motivation

I was fifteen when my life was first truly interrupted by the knowledge that unborn children were dying every day with no voice to defend them. I saw images from failed abortions that will forever be engraved in my mind. I was impacted, but unsure of how I could really influence or change the status quo. I was passionate about preserving the sanctity of human life, and standing for what I believed in, but how was I to go about making a stance as a teen? I researched the issue and the arguments made for pro-choice and pro-life stances. I wrote a paper discussing the issue. This was not enough, but as it often does, life became crazy and I got caught up in other things. School, travel, mission trips, and sports consumed my everyday life. My desire to do something about our nation’s current situation and make a difference in the lives of women faced with this decision was pushed to the back of my mind. I never meant to disregard what God had instilled in my heart as an important mission, but for years I did just that. My immediate worries and concerns over the direction my life was going seemed to be priority at the time. I knew what I believed, but not knowing how to act on this particular belief, I stalled.

Even so, as I reflect on how I came to this place in my life, I recognize God’s goodness, His mercy, and His guidance. I may make plans and not follow through, but everything happens in His timing, and He motivated me to action in a way I would not have expected.

Here I was, my senior year of college, praying for direction in finding an internship in order to finish my degree in Communication Studies at the University of Montevallo. I had heard about Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Test Center before and knew vaguely about their ministry to women who had had abortions or who were seeking counseling for making decisions regarding their pregnancy. However, it wasn’t until I sought out organizations, magazines, or any other venue that would serve as a place of learning for my degree, that I realized here was an opportunity to make a small difference.

In His grace and sufficiency, the Lord provided me an opportunity to serve Him and others while filling requirements for my education at the same time. Although I did not immediately act on what God laid on my heart, I do believe the Lord was presenting an opportunity for me to serve now, so I took it.

As an intern at Sav-A-Life, I may work on communication skills in public relations, marketing, counseling, and writing. Creative projects coupled with an eclectic mix of communication related outlets sum up my job description. Here I am able to practice my creative interests in communication, art, and writing—all of it for a specific purpose: to glorify the Lord. Motivated by an issue God laid on my heart years ago, I can now serve in a way I never expected. But isn’t that how God always works?

Cassie, Sav-A-Life Intern

Searching

Searching. I was searching. But I didn’t know for what. God was calling me to do something; I just didn’t know what it was.

I had always believed in the pro-life movement. I could state plainly “I am pro-life.” But years and years went by without any action on my part. I didn’t give any money to a pro-life organization. I didn’t volunteer. I was not involved. I was not engaged.


Soon after overcoming the wear and tear of the “young children” phase of parenting, I began to become more involved at church. I began to spend more of my time on church projects, more time volunteering, more time teaching. I grew in my faith, but something was still lacking. Eventually, one of my good friends convinced me to go on a mission trip to Honduras. Reluctantly I went along. As is often the case, I was changed forever. “Church” for me was no longer a building; “church” was people. God’s work no longer took place on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights; His work was going on continuously. I had finally realized that fact and decided to join Him.


Around that time, I was playing around on the Internet (as I am prone to do). Something (or someone?) led me to search for “pro-life Birmingham.” There were many results, but the one that caught my eye was Sav-A-Life, Vestavia. I didn’t even know this ministry was a few short miles from my house. I found that they offered free pregnancy tests as well as basic medical services. As a physician radiologist, my specialty deals with images, not people. I tend to shy away from medical clinics feeling that I have nothing to offer. But then I read that Sav-A-Life offered free prenatal ultrasounds. What?!? Ultrasound was something I did. I was good at it. But could they use me?


When I first called to inquire about volunteering at Sav-A-Life, the person who answered the phone was cautiously optimistic. She couldn’t believe that a radiologist was calling to offer his services. They had only one nurse who performed the prenatal ultrasounds. They were looking to expand their services but didn’t know how they were going to train more nurses. It was a perfect match.


And perfect timing. Shortly after I began volunteering, the nurse who performed most of the ultrasounds had to resign. Had I not offered my services, Sav-A-Life would have been very limited in its ability to offer prenatal ultrasound, a very important service in the crisis pregnancy ministry. Do not mistake me: my timing was late. Years late, even. But God’s timing was perfect.


I had found my place of service -- outside the walls of my church, in my own town. Most Tuesday afternoons you can find me at the Sav-A-Life clinic helping with prenatal ultrasounds. I have been training the nurses at the clinic to perform ultrasounds so that exams can be performed almost any time the center is open. I cannot overemphasize the power of moving images of an unborn baby. My favorite times are when I get to share in the joy of excited parents. My most rewarding times are when we help a struggling mother grapple with the difficult decisions that lay before her. The good times are good; the bad times are hard. That’s life. And that’s my mission.


Dean Thornton, MD

Dear Friend for Life,

I'm always looking at numbers.  Numbers are good indicators of what's going on here at the Center and with society.  For example, the number of clients we've seen come through our mentoring/education department (for parenting classes, childbirth classes, fatherhood classes, etc.) has doubled when compared to this same time last year - we've already seen over 800 clients this year!  All I can really say about that is Praise the Lord!  Isn't it exciting to know that moms and dads want to improve life for the child they have chosen to bring into this world?

I recently discovered another number that causes me great concern though.  During 2010, we saw 32 clients age 16 and younger.  It seems we've had a rash of younger clients lately so I thought I would see what our current numbers looked like.  What I discovered broke my heart!  In the first six (6) months of this year, we have already seen 40 girls in that same age range - age 16 and younger.  That means we could more than double the number of clients in that age group by the end of this year!  Doesn't that make you sick?

So, what do we do?  Well, as we do about everything around here, we pray!  We pray for God to change the hearts of these precious young folks.  We pray for God to give us the wisdom to know how to address this issue.  For example, do we offer additional programming to address purity and self-worth?  Can we partner with our faithful churches to offer Bible Studies that address these issues?  We pray for God to continue to send these young women (and men) to us so we have an opportunity to minister to them.  Will you please pray with us as we seek His direction on this issue? 

In the meantime, we will continue to minister to thse and to all the women and men who walk through our doors - particularly those who are considering abortion as an option for their unplanned pregnancy.  Please continue to pray with us - we cannot survive without it! 

By the way, we often have immediate prayer needs that we like to share.  One of the most efficient ways for us to do that is by posting on Facebook or Twitter.  Will you please join us?  Just click here to find us on Facebook and here  for Twitter.  You can also email Missy if you would like to receive our newsletter .  Please find us, follow us, and become prayer warriors with us.

On a positive note, let me close by introducing you to some more of our newest babies!

Cynthia

born February 28, 2011 

Bryan

born May 28, 2011 

 Joshua

born June 1, 2011 

Kinsley

born March 13, 2011 

 

Darion

born February 14, 2011 

By His Grace,

Lisa Hogan
Executive Director