 This month’s GCRTL volunteer spotlight is Bonnita! She was recommended for her special efforts by her fellow sidewalk counselors, who strongly admire her prayerful and peaceful presence and her loving heart out on the sidewalk and throughout the community. We caught up with Bonnita and asked her to share why she got involved and what she loves most about being part of our team. Here is what she had to say:
Our Church was looking for a way to defend the unborn and serve the hurting as God commands. Our good sister Ashley paved the way and put us in touch with Greater Columbus Right To Life. Prior to becoming a side-walk counselor, abortion didn't cross my mind often, even though my Pastor had preached against it. I thought of this evil as rare and far off. Since then, I have been shocked to learn 110 babies are murdered every week in Franklin County. May God have mercy upon us and our nation. I was just as shocked at how few Christians showed up each week and how few the faithful are to this essential ministry. On the sidewalk I witness woman after woman walking into the clinic. It has been surreal. My mind can't process what it's seeing each time I see it. How can this be happening, I wonder? Looking into the eyes of the frightened and the hurting, it seems these women don’t know where to turn while facing the abyss of hopelessness. Knowing that people from our church and GCRTL will be there for many of these women makes me thankful. The relief they seek can’t be found in that dreadful building. Seeing them come talk to us or leave the clinic, fills my heart to almost bursting with God’s love and hope. Not really knowing the perfect things to say, by faith we open our mouths and God speaks through us of His truth and mercy. When the women are gone we pray and hope they will come back to talk with us. Being able to be part of a mother’s tearful decision to turn away from her appointment to end her baby’s life is so amazing! Thanks be to God for allowing us to witness His great work. He is so good to allow us to be there for them in their time of suffering. I thank God they are not alone. May God help us to use the Word in defense of unborn children so we might “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter” (Prov. 24:11). I would invite you to please join us. Look into the eyes of death and speak the words of life, like Jesus did for us. You might be surprised how much difference you can make if you simply show up and see what God can do. “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:13-14). My pastor is so good to remind all of us that if it wasn't for the Grace of God we might be walking into this “House of Death” as well. We were all dead in our trespasses and sins before God transformed our hearts. Praise be to God. “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4). Bonnita is a member of Foundation Church, which is located in Mt. Sterling. She often joins members of her church, who have committed to prayer at the clinic once a month, and regularly comes on other days as well. In her free time, Bonnita especially loves spending time with her nieces and nephews, gardening, and caring for others in her church, family, and community. Please keep Bonnita, and all of our volunteers, in your prayers. THANK YOU Bonnita!! It’s common to see or read news articles on the cost of raising children. A recent government study tells us that it will cost nearly $235,000 (in 2011 dollars) to raise a child from birth to age 18. This blog post by Len Penso on msn.com’s money page bemoans additional costs not included in the government study, making
the toll even higher. These articles can instill fear and deter couples from having more – or any – children. I don't know about you, but I don't have a quarter of a million dollars just laying around and I doubt that I ever wil. Even worse, by placing a price tag on child-rearing, these articles paint children as only a line-item on the family’s and society’s balance sheets – and a liability line item at that! Assets: House, Car, Income Liabilities: Mortgage, Car Loan, Bobby, Jr., Mary Jane Equity: Checking Account, Savings Account, 401k Really??? Is that how we see children – a financial burden that sucks every dime out of our financial future? Is a child just a cost center in the family budget? I’d like to see some articles about the benefits of child-rearing. Children are an incredible gift to a family and to society. So let’s hear from you. How have children been a blessing and benefit to your family and society? |
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