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Pictured Above: Randall and mother Lisa today, a Life Centers client 25 years ago
Lisa's Story
"I hid it from my mom, and my boyfriend didn't want me to have the baby. My home life was not good. My dad was schizophrenic, we were really poor, and my mom had a lot on her shoulders. Finally, I realized I had to tell her. She flipped out and kicked me out, so I packed up my bag and moved in with my best friend. I had seen the crisis pregnancy center sign, and my friend's mom took me to the West Center in Eagledale plaza.
"I remember sitting across from the counselor and crying. I didn't know how to look into the future. I couldn't see how I was going to take care of a baby. The counselor prayed with me and didn't talk down to me. She gave me information, continued to check up on me, and became my mentor. The compassionate help I received. . .it was an openness to talk without being condemned. I decided to have the baby.
"I had been leading a very rebellious and wild lifestyle, so in many ways, having Randall saved me from going down a really bad road. My counselor always asked me if I needed anything - prayer, baby items, bottles. When the baby was born, she came to the hospital and she took Randall's picture. That photo was on one of the first newsletters for Life Centers. To this day I have that newsletter with the baby items of Randall's that I've saved.
"Later I got pregnant again, but this time I had an abortion. I did not want to have the abortion, but I was threatened and scared. I thought the son I already had would be taken away and that I would have nowhere to go, because I worked at a grocery store and had applied for housing assistance. I felt so out of options. Having the abortion sent me into a deep depression, to the point of considering suicide. I've been through a lot of things in my life, and the abortion is the most heart-wrenching, crushing thing that I went through. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. It's so hard to forgive yourself and feel loved by God. So when I became pregnant a third time, I decided to have my baby girl. I married the young man, but was in a very abusive relationship and we later separated when he went to prison.
"In 1998, I became saved and was baptized at Greencastle Christian Church. I have since remarried, and now have a wonderful husband. I went back to being a medical assistant, and now I work with a lot of troubled young women at a correctional facility. God has brought me through a long journey. He has allowed the bad things. Now I have a strong desire to help others.
"Until now, I have never been courageous enough to put my life out there. I believe it is His will for me to help others through their troubles. I'm not the type of person to reach out and ask others for help, but I know that if I had gone to a Planned Parenthood instead of the Life Centers, I would've been pushed to have an abortion.
"The day I went into Life Centers, it gave me a lot of hope and courage to do what I needed to do. I have never regretted having Randall. My son is now 24 years old and married. I live in Vermillion County where there is a big need for a crisis pregnancy center, and I would like to start one here."
There are 30 abortions every day in Indiana. Help women like Lisa now. You can provide a network of care through your financial gift of $15, $25, or $50 or more today by clicking the button below.
Take a stand for LIFE by helping moms in unplanned pregnancies and their unborn babies!
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Indiana State Fairgrounds
OR
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009
Lebanon Memorial Park
8am - Registration
8:30am - 5K
9am - Walk
Sign up today! See what the buzz is about at
www.firstgiving.com/lifecenters!
Who: Your church, organization, Sunday School class, VBS, MOPS group, office, or school
What: Fill bottles with change...and change lives!
When: Kick off your campaign any time - summer is a great time to start
Why: You raised over $100,000 for women in unplanned pregnancies in 2008! We have already distributed over 5,000 bottles...don't miss your chance to be a part of this special campaign!
How: Call (317) 280-2635 to get instructions and materials today |
