From left, Miranda Powell and Bentley, Congressman Mike Turner, Jennifer Ellis

When presented with the opportunity to accompany Elizabeth’s New Life Center client Miranda Powell to the recent March for Life and Babies Go to Congress events in Washington D.C., I knew I was taking on an exciting and life-changing assignment.

Miranda and I, along with her four-month-old baby, Bentley, traveled to Capitol Hill to join numerous staff members from Heartbeat International and other pregnancy care center personnel accompanied by their clients and children for a series of meetings. Our mission was to communicate the message that Pregnancy Help Centers are Good for America. Miranda courageously shared her personal story, which you can see for yourself on a Heartbeat video. She also is featured in video highlights of the March for Life.  Miranda and Bentley served as real-life examples of why the centers are needed and why our volunteers and staff are so indispensable.

Two of our Ohio representatives, Steve Austria and Jim Jordan, went out of their way to meet with our group and offer their support.  In addition, we had a meeting scheduled with Congressman Mike Turner. It was especially moving to see Congressman Turner’s emotional response to Miranda’s story, including the personal connection Miranda had with his daughter from middle school. All of our meetings were a great affirmation that our representatives work hard for us on Capitol Hill and have the backs of pregnancy centers.

This experience also helped me return to my work at our women’s center even more ready to serve women like Miranda.  Just yesterday a young woman came in who thought she had arrived at the abortion clinic across the street. She decided to stay to discuss her options and have an ultrasound.  She called me about an hour later to tell me she had talked with her boyfriend and that they had decided to have their baby!

What an amazing week! I thank God for the opportunities He gave me: to accompany my incredibly brave client and her precious son to D.C., to take part in a gathering of people who would weather the cold, the rain, and the city to stand for life; to meet face-to-face with our state congressman right where we take the pulse on pro-life legislation, and to see my own pro-life convictions re-affirmed in ministry as soon as I got back to work.  Empowered by all these blessings, I’m ready for His next assignment.

Jennifer Ellis

Lead Consultant

Women’s Center-Kettering

Around the third Sunday of every January, as a memorial to the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, we observe Sanctity of Human Life Day. Roe v. Wade and its far-reaching consequences—more than 50 million children aborted in its aftermath—is a poignant reminder of why, at least once a year, we need to do some deep soul searching to affirm anew the sanctity of human life.

At Elizabeth’s New Life Center we find daily reasons in the beating hearts of babies, clearly visible to us through ultrasound. But even if we didn’t have those living examples, we’d have good reasons to embrace the idea that life is sacred:

Human beings are created in God’s image. According to Genesis 1:27, “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (NIV).” Sure, there’s some mystery about exactly what this means. But we know it is a marvelous thing to be created in God’s image.

God has a purpose and plan for every human life. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, assured them that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:9-11). Not only does God give life, but He intends that each of us do good things with it. It doesn’t matter whether His purposes for a particular person turn out to be common or uncommon, they can be fulfilling and meaningful.

We cannot predict the potential of a single life. Some people beat terrible odds, given opportunity. For example, Apple founder Steve Jobs was adopted and grew up to change the world. Doctors recommended that Heisman Trophy winner and Broncos football player Tim Tebow be aborted because of health risks with the pregnancy; his athleticism and faith have since amazed the country. Others, like Marilyn Monroe or Babe Ruth, who grew up in orphanages or foster care, managed to rise above their circumstances to leave a lasting legacy.

Every person has value. Even though some people, such as the ones mentioned above, are striking examples because of their accomplishments, in truth a person’s value is not attached to fame, power, or even our good works. The worth of anything is measured by how much someone will pay for it—and Jesus Christ paid it all. God sent His Son as much for the fatherless and disadvantaged as the rich and famous.

Every life can bring joy. The opportunity to live and move and to have our being, as the Apostle Paul once referred to it, is the greatest wonder in this world and a source of pure joy. To observe life or nurture it in someone else is perhaps the second.

There aren’t many reasons I’d walk 13 miles: I wouldn’t walk a mile for my favorite dessert. I’d drive 13 miles—or more—for a good Black Friday sale, but I wouldn’t do it on foot. And even when I’m walking the dog, I always stop far short of 13 miles. Not until I signed up to participate in the Marathon for Moms did I find a reason worthy of 13 miles … actually, 13.1 if you’re counting (and I am).

My intent for signing up for Marathon for Moms was not to join the ranks of half marathoners but to raise money for Elizabeth’s New Life Center, where I work as grant funds coordinator/bookkeeper. In truth, I meant only to support my co-worker Sarah in her marathon. But as I navigated the website I stumbled onto the registration page, and suddenly it seemed like a good idea.
It was my first experience in a half marathon. Up until then I didn’t have a clue what 13.1 and 26.2 stickers meant when I saw them on the back of cars. Now I get it. Half marathon and full marathon—if you survive either, it’s an accomplishment.
I would tell you that I trained for this event—but that would be an overstatement. Initially I tried, but soon my daily walks fizzled right back down to normal. Therefore, it was with a bit of uncertainty that I took my place, wearing my new athletic shoes, with 17,000 other walkers/runners at 7:30 a.m. on a late October Sunday in Columbus. It was 54 degrees, and I had left my jacket in the car. Big mistake—I was freezing. I found a little nook in a building and hovered there with other first-timers until it was time for the race to start (in hind sight, it probably would have been smart to stretch out, but … oh well).
I quickly joined forces with another Marathoner for Moms and stuck with her throughout the race. By the time we got to mile marker 1, it was 8 a.m. I did the math in my head and realized that at this rate it would take me more than six hours to finish; I picked up the pace. Mile 2 and 3 came quickly, and I started to get in a rhythm. All along the way there were crowds cheering, bands playing, and Gatorade and water stations. Most of the time we kept an even pace, but sometimes we would jog, just so we could use a different set of muscles. At mile 7 we took a short break. I felt my body start to go stiff—big incentive to keep moving; we hit the road again.
We crossed the finish line in just under four hours. Wrapped in a blanket. I drank chocolate milk and ate a banana, my body starting to feel right again. Otherwise, I felt great! I’d just raised more than $800 for Elizabeth’s New Life Center. I’m so grateful for friends and family who so generously sponsored my walk.
Until I started working for ENLC in 2003, I had never faced the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancy or abortion. No one I knew had been in that situation—at least no one who admitted it to me. So Elizabeth’s New Life Center was my introduction to the plight of women dealing with unplanned pregnancies—and a real eye-opener. I discovered that I’d found more than a job; I found a cause. I wanted to help these women. Along the way, I’ve found some other ways to do that, but when I participated in Marathon for Moms, it was for one sole reason: to walk 13 miles in their shoes.

Because Elizabeth’s New Life Center specializes in positive solutions to unexpected pregnancies, we try to focus on the uplifting, inspiring outcomes of our ministry. For example, we show dynamic images of babies still in the womb and the tender, beautiful faces of newborn infants. We don’t, as a rule, display crude photographs of aborted babies—although they exist and are real. We avoid politics. And we don’t stalk women who are about to get an abortion, even though we try to situate ourselves nearby to give them a true choice.

But there are harsh realities to abortion that cannot be ignored even though we deal with the positive flip side. Recently we read some information about a doctor who backs up the abortion clinic in Sharonville, which is across the street from our newest women’s center. We’re concerned enough to share it with you, let you do your own homework, draw your own conclusions, and take whatever action you believe could be of assistance.

We also came across a powerful video, 180, that is heart-wrenchingly graphic with images of the Holocaust—but so strongly and convincingly pro-life and pro-gospel that we feel compelled to share it with you. It’s a great reminder that when we really stop and think about abortion and what it truly means, especially the dark side, hearts and minds can be changed.

We share these links with you, knowing that you can’t take joy in becoming aware of this dark side, but because it cannot be ignored. Our hope is that facing it will eventually move us all in the right direction.

Opening a new women’s center is a lot like giving birth. First, there’s labor. Afterwards, you can relax and breathe a sigh of relief. Then you watch with joy as it grows.

That’s been the experience with Women’s Center-Sharonville, which opened this past July. In case you’re wondering, this was not exactly a planned pregnancy; opening a women’s center in Hamilton County had not been part of our strategic plans. But when we discovered that a late-term abortion facility was operating there, Elizabeth’s New Life Center got involved with the faith-based groups rallying to defend their community. We did a feasibility study and were positively impressed with the results.

Deciding to open a women’s center in Sharonville had much less to do with expanding the Elizabeth’s New Life Center network of pregnancy resource centers than filling the need for a sustained and substantial pro-life presence directly across the street from the abortion clinic. Although there are other, laudable ways to minister to women contemplating abortion, Elizabeth’s New Life Center specializes in a model that features free pregnancy tests, 4D ultrasound scans on the spot, and consulting in a safe, loving environment. We know from experience this model works and, especially when a center is placed in proximity to the abortion center, provides direct competition for women’s hearts and minds.

However, it costs money to open and operate a center—a lot of it. It requires great effort, too. We would have to find a suitable building and then renovate it so that we could offer clients medical services while guaranteeing their privacy. We would need signage and permits, equipment, supplies, trained personnel, etc. The list, like a pregnant belly, kept growing.

We prayed about whether we should go ahead with this “pregnancy.” In a stressed economy, could we afford it? Understanding the urgency of the situation, however, generous donors in Dayton were so moved by the plight of those vulnerable women and children that they branched out in their giving. A building became available. Focus on the Family graciously stepped in with a generous grant for an ultrasound machine. We found trained people willing to work there. It would have been faithless to ignore the evidence: God wanted to give birth to a new women’s center.

Now, just a couple months later, Women’s Center-Sharonville is already finding its legs. In the first month of operation, the center served 65 women, and 68 percent of the abortion-vulnerable clients changed their minds to carry after receiving our services. It’s a proud, proud day—not because of anything Elizabeth’s New Life Center accomplished, but because of what we’ve witnessed: the God-given miracle of birth, in this case, the birth of a life-saving pregnancy medical center in Sharonville.

Running has not always been my passion. Although to ask me about my races or to listen to me ramble on about long training runs and the importance of proper race footwear, one would have a hard time believing that. I have completed 10 full marathons and countless half marathons over the past 10 years. Outside of family and work, it is how I spend my time. Running is my stress release, my calm in the storm, and, to some people’s shock, my energy boost. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not out there to win any records. I am more tortoise than hare, steadily putting one foot in front of another until I cross the finish line.

I have been able to foster my passion for long-distance running only though the steadfast support of my family. From my parents making sure I have clean clothes afterward to my husband trekking miles along the race to cheer me on at various spectator spots, I have relied on their support. I will never forget seeing the scribbles of our 9-month-old son on a poster cheering mommy on to the finish line.

As I look toward another race, the Columbus Half-Marathon, I will not be running just for myself. This October, I will run and raise funds for Marathons for Moms. I will join others in various towns, cities, and villages all across the United States to support women and their unborn children with resources that matter. I have vowed to raise $1,310 dollars for Elizabeth’s New Life Center. This means that for every mile run, I plan on raising and donating $100.

This will require much more than simple family support, but it is a challenge that I am willing to take on. For, as with running, support for unexpected pregnancies has not always been my passion. While I have always been on the side for life, the birth of my son and the amazing opportunity to be involved with pro-life work caused my passion to solidify. Every day I see young mothers enter the warm, safe, supportive environment of Elizabeth’s New Life Center to think through their options and find reasons to hope. Every day I get the privilege of interacting with ordinary people doing amazing things to support Elizabeth’s New Life Center. It is time for me to put both my passions into practice and go the “extra mile.”

I hope to be a long-time runner and a life-long supporter of women everywhere choosing life. As I cross the finish line in October, I will proudly wear my Marathons for Moms shirt, and the poster will not just be for this mom, but for all the moms and moms-to-be out there choosing the greatest, most amazing race of all…LIFE.

Sarah Hill
ENLC Development Supervisor

These days the headlines are full of news on laws impacting abortion. Ohio’s House of Representatives just passed the “Heartbeat” bill, which would prohibit abortion after a baby’s heartbeat is detected. If passed by the Senate, this law would become the toughest restriction of abortion in the country.

The Ohio House also approved a bill that would limit abortion after 20 weeks. Meanwhile, other states are already enacting measures that will restrict abortion. Alabama just became the fifth state to enact a law prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks, a measure based upon the baby’s ability to feel pain. Many other state legislatures are considering a slate of laws that would limit abortion or funding for abortion in one way or another.

Decades after our Supreme Court legalized abortion with its landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, this issue still won’t go away. Why? Because when informed people review the impact and consequences of abortion in both the small and big pictures, its attraction diminishes. They really do want limits.

The vision of Elizabeth’s New Life Center is a culture where “abortion is unthinkable,” but setting limits on abortion, one state at a time, are steps in the right direction.

June gives us a special opportunity to focus on dads, the often unsung heroes in our lives. My dad, Bill, is definitely my hero!

My dad has many wonderful qualities. Growing up, he was a good provider, a diligent protector, and a sensible disciplinarian; in my adult years, he has been a faithful friend and wise advisor. These are just a few of his noble attributes, but for me the greatest is that my dad loves unconditionally. Because of this I have seen and experienced the infinite love of my heavenly father through the eyes and actions of my dad.

For many – especially among those we serve, fathers have not been part of the landscape of their day to day lives. They have not experienced the unconditional love, care and protection that God intended through their earthly fathers. Unfortunately many have experienced the exact opposite. Nevertheless, I believe and have hope that it is God’s plan for a father to be an important and affirming part of their children’s lives.

Take time on June 19, to hug the “dad” in your life.

When I first read this article my heart sank at the thought of individuals rescuing Planned Parenthood—the largest provider of abortions! How could people do this? Don’t they know that their money will support abortion? I cannot fathom that anyone would “choose” to support abortion. I believe each life in the womb, no matter the circumstances, has intrinsic value.
I realize that many would counter that by saying they aren’t supporting the abortion side of Planned Parenthood but the other services they provide. Sounds good, but can the two really be distinct? Abby Johnson, a former director of Planned Parenthood in College Station Texas, volunteered and then worked for the organization, believing she was helping women with the “other” services. She left after being pressured to increase abortion services—because that was where the profit lies.
Then I realized: this is how it is supposed to work! Like any other non-profit, Planned Parenthood must plead its case to individuals who can than make the decision to take their own money to fund abortions—rather than taking my tax dollars to fund something that runs contrary to my morals, values, and faith. As for me I “choose” to support pro-life organizations!

A federal judge upheld a 2004 Ohio law, restricting the use of the chemical abortion pill, RU-486. While the decision stills leaves in place the use of the drug after seven weeks to protect a woman’s health, there is cause to celebrate. This law and subsequent decisions are what has essentially shut down the use of RU-486 in Ohio—closing the chemical abortion business located across from Wright State University.

We celebrate this decision, and we continue to pray that the hearts and minds of all people will be converted to life and that abortion will be unthinkable in our community, state, country, and world