Beth's story is, unfortunately, not an uncommon one for the PRC. Married, with multiple children, Beth came to us seeking an abortion.   This pregnancy was putting a kink in plans Beth had made to pursue some career options, and frankly, not only was the timing terrible, this pregnancy would create financial strain-and even these obstacles were not the most difficult to overcome. Beth's husband was pushing very hard for an abortion, leaving Beth with little or no emotional support system.

During the first appointment, Beth was given information on all her options, listened to the Gospel presentation, agreed to STD testing, and accepted an ultrasound to check for viability (a heartbeat)-a very routine appointment.  It was in the ultrasound room where things got interesting.  As expected, the pregnancy was very early-just shy of six weeks by measurements. The sonographer carefully looked all around for a heartbeat: NOTHING. "Okay, I'm going to look again," thought the sonographer.  She began moving the probe slowly at many different angles, but still no heartbeat.  Accepting that it must be too early to detect a heartbeat, the sonographer asked Beth if she would like her husband to come view the ultrasound since he had accompanied her to this appointment. Beth agreed. As the sonographer began to identify the different images on the screen, SUDDENLY-the baby's heart began beating, or as we like to think, God "started" the heart! Coincidence? We think not. God's always in control.

Despite this "heart miracle," Beth left us stating she was still planning to abort but would come back the following week for her STD results and to check once more for viability. Beth returned the following week, once again stating her intent to abort. At the end of the second ultrasound, the nurse explained that Beth could come back the following week to make sure she still had a viable pregnancy since Beth was still in the early stages and one in three women will miscarry. Once again, Beth returned for a third look, but this time she left us stating she was unsure what she would do. Realizing she was gradually moving towards having the baby, the nurse said she could come back one more time for a fourth ultrasound. Beth did come back for the fourth ultrasound, but left again undecided about the outcome.  At this point, Beth was entered in our follow-up system. We had used the process to its fullest and had done the job God asked us to do, so we stepped back and let Him work on starting Beth's heart and her husband's heart in favor of their baby (which He was already at work doing).

At our most recent contact with Beth, she stated she had decided to pursue prenatal care and have the baby. Not only had God done a work on Beth's heart, but even more impressive is the work God did on a hard-hearted husband.  Beth's husband had been present at each appointment, but he did not always participate in the ultrasound. In God's own mysterious way, He started the heart of not only the baby, but of Beth and her husband in favor of life for their child.

It has been our prayer that God would "start the hearts" of His people for this cause. If you're feeling a tug to get more involved through volunteering or with financial support, know that we've been praying for you!