2007: Prayer request

Lorena visited us about two months ago and at that time realized she was pregnant and took pills attempting to abort her baby.  She came back this week for counseling because of her emotional hardship telling us she had aborted her pregnancy.  After counseling we decided to take her to the clinic so  physician could check on her.  It was a beautiful surprise to see that everything with her pregnancy was OK.  and the baby was healthy.  She is shock and doesn't know for sure what to do.  Would you take a minute to pray that she would make the right decision this time?

2007: Third Anniversary

We just celebrated our third anniversary, a special occasion to formally announce and sign the legal papers designating Center for Life as an independent organization apart from World Concern. 

Most who celebrated with us were clients, volunteers, friend from different churches and Christian Organizations.  It was a great time to share how The Lord has blessed us. 

In Three years:

-  We attended more than 1100 visits by women. 

-  More than 80 women who were abortion minded decided to continue with their pregnancy.

-  More than 300 women started a relationship with Christ.

Aren't those great blessings?

What a blessing to hear form Dalia tell her own story.  She said, "I am not a teen, but still although I'm 28 my pregnancy was a crisis."  She shared with all of us how God became her strength and her hope and even though her boyfriend didn't want the baby, she could press on because of her trust in The Lord.  She was abortion minded, not anymore. 

Lives like hers are our inspiration to fight daily a culture of death.  Let me share with you why am I part of a pregnancy care center.

• Because at this moment there are many women that are lonely and believe they only have one option.
• Because there are already many hearts that have been broken due to abortion.
• Because abortion has knocked on our doors many times already.
• Because sometime, someone gave us the opportunity to live.
• Because we can make a difference.
• Because we are responsible to a generation.
• Because we can not be quiet anymore.
• Because if we are quiet, God will bring others.
• Because it is time the world knows that God has lifted people to defend human life.

2007: Some small - great visitors

Looking at the pictures of these babies and how the lives of families have changed because of them, amazes me at God's grace for letting us serve in this ministry.  We don't understand why, but He did and we are grateful. 

We started the year with sweet visits from these little ones, some of them we had not seen since they were in their mother's belly!

I must say that for all the sweet moments we have, we also have some sad moments.  One of the sad moments was with a 19 years old girl who already has a 2 years old baby.  We met Carla when we were starting the ministry almost three years ago.  In that opportunity, she was pregnant and decided to continue with her pregnancy. 

As a street vendor who only makes $2,50 a day and does not have family, it has been hard for her, but we have see her growing in the faith as God provides for everything.  We were even able to connect her with a Christian family to provide her with a home and love.  Unfortunately, a few months ago, we lost contact with her.  Finally she showed up at the Center.  When she stops in, she cheerfully uses the excuse that her baby misses us, but this time there was something different.  After a while she finally said, "there is something I am not sure if I should say", my response was "How far along are you?"... "four months"... it was the beginning of a deeper conversation. 

Tania shared that she actually had an appointment for an abortion, but before going to have it, she started reading her Bible and everything that was shared at the center with her about sanctity of human life came back to her mind.  After that, she made her decision not to go through with the abortion. 

There were different emotions going through my mind.  I was sad because of the way she was deceived again, I wished I could have been there for her when she was dealing with her crisis and at the same time I was happy and proud of her decision. 

Tania has come to the right path... Who has not fallen out of step once in their life?  She is repentance and is trusting her future in God's hands.  She decided to place her baby up for adoption... would you pray with me for Tania's spiritual journey form now on and for committed christian parents for her baby?

Update January, 2008:  When the baby was born Tania decided to keep her baby.  He is a healthy boy.  She keeps coming to Centro de Vida often. 

2006: Some experiences at schools

I was so thrilled to hear from one of the volunteers of the Abstinence Program about their experiences in a public school where they are giving the abstinence presentations to teens.  Please let me share what one of the volunteers wrote...

"His name is Merlin.  Since he is just starting to give the abstinence presentations and he doesn't have much experience leading with teens, however he has encouraged us all as we see his commitment in the ministry.

I was so amazed to see a huge smile at his face as we were taking a break at the school.  We were getting ready to start our next class, but I couldn't help but ask, "what's up Merlin?"  Soon, I realized I was not the only curious one.  All the abstinence team was waiting for his comment. 

He said, "I preached the gospel to my class today and almost all received Christ in their hearts" woooh! Now his smile makes sense.  By then we all were joyful as he encouraged us to use any opportunity to share the gospel.  As we all were going to our next class, someone said "I am going to preach in my class also".

What a great surprise to meet together again and share our experiences.  This time in a class the ones that decided to start a new life in Christ were not just all the students, but also the teacher!

On that day, as we were going back home, we had to thank God for almost 70 new believers"

The abstinence program is an eight week session where it cover topics such as pregnancy, STD's, dating issues, emotional consequences between others.  Center for Life is preparing leaders from churches in Santa Cruz to take this program to their churches and communities and also a group of volunteers is giving presentations at schools. 

Picture:  Kids at the break in the school where this ministry story takes place. 

2006: About Licet

One special case that caught my attention was Licet.  I got interested to know more about her, specially  because two volunteers used to get really excited speaking about her.  They are mentoring her and I have already seen Licet a couple times at the center while she came for her discipleship. 

While looking at her you can notice a sweet, shy, 19 year old college student.  Seems she feels really comfortable here, but just by looking at her, I can't imagine what she was going through. 

Licet's father is an alcoholic who frequently used to hit her and her brothers.  The despair of seeing her family relationships broken lead her to problems such as bulimia and depression. 

In her first visit to Centro de Vida, she decided to start a relationship with Jesus, which she found in her counselors supporters that were and are there to help and encourage her in her walk with Jesus.  They are also helping her to overcome the bulimic issues and the depression she is facing.  The miracle she was expecting happened!  She told us that her family relations have improved a lot.  Her dad has changed a lot; he is even looking at God for consolation.  At the moment she has made the decision to be a Christian example in her family so they can turn back to Christ. 

Recently some friends from college asked her how is it that she looked so different, so peaceful... she replied "Do you really want to know? Come with me!" So, that day we had three new visitors.  Licet's words are really encouraging for her mentors, and for the rest of the team and hopefully to you "This is a refuge where I can come to vent my feelings, I want to help others to find what I have found love, security and above all Jesus"

Note:  January 2008:  Licet continue with her studies at college and just moved to a church closer of her home.  It has been a privilege to see her growing in the Lord and supporting us in the ministry.  At the moment we are doing a Bible study from Beth Moore together "Daniel, lives of integrity".  Dear friends, thank you for allowing us to serve women as Licet and many others.  It is an honor. 

2006: Post - Abortion Recovery Training

12 women were around a circle, at the Post-abortion help program training.  It was the end of the training, someone broke the silence and shared how the past full three days impacted her life.  One by one, started sharing their feelings and thoughts.  When Carla spoke we all knew that what she was going to share was coming out from the bottom of her heart.  This is her experience:  "I was expecting this training for a long time, but before and during this training many unexpected  things occurred.  The first day early in the morning I was ready to come to the training, and my neighbor's pit bull dog was willing to attack me, but my dog is attacked instead as defending me.  I was shocked, I didn't know what to do; call the police? take my dog to the vet? Whatever, it would mean don't go to the training that day.  So, despite everything decided to attend.  After the first day of training I was fascinated because of it, and in the night I was really excited to be able to go deeper on my own healing process as I was doing my homework.  When I was ready to go bed, found out that my daughter had a very high fever.  Immediately had to make sure she gets better, so couldn't really rest during all night, even the next day my daughter wasn't feeling good at all, therefore I went to the training with her.  The third day of training I said to my self "well, this is the last day, let's make it".  But soon realized I didn't have money; no money for bus, no money for food to feed my kids.  With confidence I got ready to go to the training.  As I was in the shower, got a call, someone saying, "Please lets meet in 30 minutes, I need to give you the money I own to your husband".  Sisters, since the beginning it was very clear that Satan didn't want me here, definitely this was a spiritual battle, but God who is in control of everything, made great things in my life during this time.  For first time in my life I was able to share with a group my abortions experiences, and I am sure He is going to use me to help out other women that are facing what I have gone through"

Carla is one of the sweet examples of faith, courage and determination to follow God's will.  I wish I could share with you each one of the stories of this group of women that God brought us to be instruments of blessings.  Our training time with them was much more blessed than expected.  God did great things among us.  Their lives, their passion for Jesus are truly a challenge.  I can't wait to see how many lives are touched and restored as God uses these women. 

2005: Juana's example

Everyday we are touched by different stories, situations and people that come to the center looking for a pregnancy test, advice, or just someone to listen to them.  No matter what they are looking for, we want them to receive something more.  Centro de Vida is not only a ministry that looks to reach people through physical needs but their spiritual needs also.  We understand this is our mission to do as ministry. 

Please let me share with you the life of someone who touched our lives and hearts... 

You could tell by looking at the way Juana acted that this was not her first time visiting the center.  She said hi to people at the center with full confidence, smiled and acted as though we were lifelong friends.  At the counseling she said that she visited us last year for a pregnancy test and that's why she came back today.  This is her story...

Juana is a 22 year old girl and the youngest of a family of three brothers and sisters.  Her parents live in a town not too far from the city, but because of her studies she lives by herself in the city. 

The first time she came to the center, her pregnancy test was positive.  As a single girl, she knew things wouldn't be easy but still she wanted the baby and she would continue with the pregnancy.  Her boyfriend gave her support, but unfortunately, she had a miscarriage.  Her sister who is a doctor gave her medical assistance. 

So, during this second counseling time, she was sure that her boyfriend and her family  would be supportive in case she got pregnant again.  Her pregnancy test was positive and she trusted everything was going to be OK.  Also she decided to open her heart to Jesus and made a decision for Him.  Unfortunately things turned out different, her boyfriend not only left her leading with "her problem" alone, also cheated on her after three years of dating.  He was very clear that the only way he would help her is paying for an abortion.  She thought that her sister who the first time helped her would be one who would be at her side, but when Juana went to her for comfort, her sister got very mad at her because of her new pregnancy and told her that she would have to deal with another abortion like the first time.  Juana was devastated; the closest person to her left her alone and she couldn't believe her sister thought she had an abortion and now was pushing her to have another one. 

As she kept coming to the center to let us know how things were going in her life, it was a good time to encourage her, to pray with her and when she was gone pray for her.   One of the hardest things she had to lead with was when her ex-boyfriend and her sister went to her with some pills (cytotec - this is the most common type of abortion among Bolivian girls).  They tried to convince her in many ways that it would be the best for many reasons, but she stood firmly in her beliefs, she was going to defend her baby against everybody's position. 

I know many of you have been praying for her.  Well, the fact is that your prayers have had a tremendous effect in her life.  Two weeks ago was the last time she visited us, she let us know that her ex-boyfriend asked her for forgiveness and is committed to support her during the pregnancy and when the baby born.  Also her ex-boyfriend's family has shown full support to her and is very excited with the baby coming.  This is something that she would never have expected (honestly, neither us), but that's the way God works, in ways that we don't even imagine. 

Juana thinks that she wouldn't be able to face this by herself, but she knows that Jesus is her strength and when things turn out that make it seem that she is alone, she is not.  God is with her and He is in control of everything. 

Juana your perseverance and desire to please God amidst everything is an inspiration to us. 

Note:  The baby will be this year (2008) two years old.  Juana is living in another city at the moment and I haven't seen her and the baby for a while.  I wish you could know him, he is a beautiful boy.  I know I will see them again, they are already part of my family, I know they are your family too... one day we all are going to meet and celebrate His glory!

2005: Sumaj Willaykuna

Sumaj Willaykuna (in Quechua language) meaning "Good News", yes, there is great news to share... 

Serving at Center for Life for almost two years, I can say with confidence that one of the greatest joy we can be witness to besides seeing people in reconciling with God is seeing the babies of our clients born.

If you have ever been part of a ministry like this, you must know that not all the clients return.  This makes the following one of the hardest tasks (cell phones stolen, in most cases).  In fact we never know if we will ever see them again.  Therefore, with great joy I share with you that since the new year we have been so blessed to see many of our clients which pregnancy test were positive and besides the circumstances decided to continue with their pregnancy. 

Please allow me to share at least about one of our clients.  

When Marlene (one of our volunteers) was riding in the bus going to the city, a woman from the western part of Bolivia took her attention (they usually have a special dressing style).   The woman was making a line outside the street in order to be attended in a small hospital in her neighborhood.  As the bus stopped in front of the hospital, Marlene recognized the woman as a lady she saw a couple times in her street.  Wondering what was wrong with her, she got out of the bus, crossed the street and talked to her while she was in line.  "Hola, Is everything OK?" she asked.  Feli let Marlene know her symptoms and what she was suspicious about.  How was that Marlene understood her language when she never spoke Quechua before? and how was that the lady understood Marlene?  It is still a mystery to me. 

The fact is that Marlene and Feli showed up at the center.  As you may realize by now, the first counseling session was a whole new experience for the counselor, but something was clear:  her pregnancy test was positive and she didn't want the baby. 

Next time we met with her, we were very blessed to have a faithful young lady with us who is a Quechua speaker.  On this session, she not only made a decision for Christ, but also decided to continue with her pregnancy.  Praise Jesus!

Time has gone fast and what a sweet blessing was to meet this baby and to see this mom in love of her kid. 

Picture:   Marlene holding Pablito (Paul) and Feli. 

Note:  January, 2008  I have been watching this baby grow since he was born and I am so happy to see Feli attending a Christian church.  Feli, thank you for considering us your family, we will always be there for you. 

2005: About Sandra

Sandra, a 22 year old young lady, who is the only girl and youngest child in her family was experiencing all the feelings that accompany a possible unexpected pregnancy test.  Her parents didn't allow her to have a boyfriend, which means they didn't have any idea she was already dating.  Three weeks ago Sandra came to Center for LIFE looking for a pregnancy test.  The test was negative, which made her feel relieved.  During the counseling session she got to know about God's love for her, no matter her past, her present and even her future.  She recognized she was looking for love in the wrong places, that moment, she decided to pray asking Christ to become the Lord of her life. 

Since the first day she arrived, she has already come back to Center for LIFE a couple times more.  She is following all the abstinence courses and is sure that as single as she is, abstinence is her best choice.  Recently Noemi, the counselor who is accompanying as mentor asked her if she would like to attend an evangelical church.  Sandra's reply was very enthusiastic and encouraging for Noemi, "Yes!  In fact, I've always wanted to attend an evangelical church".  Noemi, is really excited to be able to help someone who was just born into a new life and who wants to develop her faith. 

Every time a young lady recognize their need for Jesus in their hearts to empower their lives, there is a great joy.  It makes me wonder what a joy there must be in the heaven. 

2005: Start up of classes

We're in the middle of January, in the halls of universities we can again see groups of students gathering together.  Most of them are just chatting; others are walking confused, looking for their classrooms and another's just trying to concentrate in the midle of the noise.  Classes at University have started.  We see this as an opportunity to:

-  Reach new youth with the gospel.

-  Extend the message of Sanctity of Human Life.

-  Challenge them with a biblical perspective of sexuality.

Center for LIFE is located just three blocks from one of the biggest universities of the country.  That's the reason why 90% of our clients are college students. 

Center for LIFE is serving in Santa Cruz (a city with over a million inhabitants) for eight months, during this time:

•  We have received 311 visits of clients.
  
•  33 people who were abortion minded decided to keep the baby.
  
•  95 people made decisions of faith accepting Jesus as the LORD of their lives. 
  

During this time time we have learned:

•   The most important tool in counseling is the servant's heart
  
•   Each woman who comes across our door is looking for something more than a pregnancy test.  They      look for consolation, care, love and hope.  In one word:  Jesus.
  
•   If anything we do is not fully submitted to God, our humanitarian work doesn't have any value.
  
•   Without prayer, there are no fruits. 
  

2004: Mirta's testimony

I could see Mirta's dace shining when I told her that Cati was coming in the morning to see her.  There was not just joy and excitement in her face, there was also love and care.  Mirta, about 60 years old, is one of the most committed volunteers at Center for LIFE.  She's teacher and with her schedule she couldn't fathom finding the time to volunteer.  But God touched her heart deeply at the first training session and she committed herself to this ministry.  As Mirta and I were talking about our spiritual walk she said something that took me fir surprise, "The Center of LIFE has brought me closer to God.  I want to fill my life with Him everyday, since I know this is the way He can use me to touch the lives of other people.  In my time here I have changed many attitudes and behaviors that are not healthy as a daughter of God.  I can say now that I am a better daughter of Him, I am a better wide, I am a better mother, I am a better servant."

Cati is one of Mirta's first "spiritual daughters" at the center.  She came to the center for a pregnancy test.  She had gone to a party with some friends and the only thing she remembered after is that she met a guy who gave her some drinks and then woke up in an unknown place.  Then there were the fears about being pregnant and the feelings of guilt that accompany being raped.  Mirta spoke to her about Jesus' love and forgiveness and also prayed with her before taking the pregnancy test.  The test was negative.  After sharing with her the plan of salvation, Cati accepted Jesus as her Saviour.  The following Saturday she went to her first church service with Mirta.  We were happy to see how the church youth gave her such a warm welcome and to see Cati's sister also giving her life to Jesus.  She is excited to be in a Christian church and is being discipled at the center.  What a blessing!  Isn't it?

There are so many stories like this I would love to share with you.  Each person God brings is a precious gem;  their lives are so unique and special.  Unfortunately not all the stories have a happy ending.  We have faced, and continue to face, the pain of those who leave the center planning to have an abortion or assure us they won't change their sexual behavior.  What can we do?  There is only one thing to do:  present our burdens to The LORD. 

2004: First Volunteer training

"What's the next step?"  "When do we start attending clients?"  Carla asked those questions with so much enthusiasm and motivation to serve.  These are some of the questions I answered not just to Carla, but also to many volunteers that attended the first counseling volunteer training of Center for LIFE.  Like Carla all of them set aside three hours everyday per five days in the week and about seven hours the sixth day of the training.

Let me share with you how God blessed this time.  When I checked the list of the people that already sent their volunteer's application and confirmed their participation in the training, the number of people were not even forty.  Great was our surprise when the first day we received more than 80 participants!  On that day we saw the miracle of the sandwiches, which had to be divided and some how were multiplied to feed everybody. 

The group that participated at this training were very mixed; they were people of different ages, men and women from different churches of our city. 

At the end of the training all the participants got together in different groups to have a "prayer circle".  At this time, all the groups could pray for each member of the group individually, plus for the ministry.  It was on this time that I clearly could see how God's Spirit was touching each person. 

A lady who came everyday told us that at the beginning she didn't thought she would have enough time to become a volunteer, but the last night of the training she couldn't sleep thinking about it, just after praying about that she decided she will stop working some hours of the week, because she had the conviction God wanted her in the Center for LIFE.

Another woman that came everyday with her three small children shared with us her husband's testimony.  When he was six months in his mother's womb, her mom had an abortion and he survived it.  As a consequence of it, he has several burns in his skin.  This new volunteer let us know how thankful she was to God for her husband's life, that's the reason why she and her family would serve at tis ministry. 

Like these women, there are many volunteers that are willing to serve at Center for LIFE with the conviction that this is a God's call in their life.  As someone said, "Center for LIFE is covering an empty space in Santa Cruz, it comes to fill a great need in our community to impact women facing a crisis with God's word."  Amen.

 

2003: Research about services to women

This month I have had some experiences while doing a research about the services that centers in Bolivia are giving to youth facing an unplanned pregnancy.  One of the highlights for me was in the public maternity hospital here in Santa Cruz.  The hospital is located very close from our public University and other hospitals.  The only way you can enter in is with your ID card that a policeman asks for at the main door.  I have gone to this center before, so it is not new to me to see the lack of light in the halls, the paint peeling off the walls, the crush glasses in the windows that need to be replaced, etc.  Well, I was there looking for abortion information.  The lady in the information office thought I wanted and abortion, and suddenly in front of all people around started yelling me at me what a great sinner I was for thinking about doing it.  I tried to tell her in different ways that all I wanted was just information and she continued blaming me for such a horrible thing... there was no love, care or compassion in her words.  While leaving this medical center, I couldn't stop thinking about the pregnant girls who are walking in the streets looking for advice, help, information.  Who is giving our girls accurate information about the abortion and its risks?  Who is showing love and compassion without condemning?  Who is showing the ultimate truth they are looking for?