Thanks to Greater Columbus Right to Life, I have a Grandchild

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is getting to hear the stories of how Greater Columbus Right to Life has impacted individuals' lives.  I got to hear one of those stories this week.  I hope it encourages you as much as it did me. 

We are fortunate to have a group of volunteers, our Life Ambassadors, who stand as our ambassadors to their church family.  They help us by sharing information about our events and outreach programs by having them included in bulletin announcements or by placing flyers in the church.  Some of them lead their church's Respect Life committee or Pro-Life club and maintain their church's Pro-Life education bulletin board.  They may organize a pro-life event at their church.  They are an integral part of our team and I'm more grateful to them than I can express. 

Earlier this week I was talking with one of our Life Ambassadors and asked how she got involved with Greater Columbus Right to Life.  She told me that she got involved 18 years ago "when Greater Columbus Right to Life saved my grand-daughter's life".  She went on to recount the story of her daughter's unplanned pregnancy and her decision to get an abortion.  The women encouraged her daughter to change her mind, but on the day of her appointment, her daughter went to a local abortion facility to end her baby's life. 

An "odd' thing happened at the abortion facility.  Our Life Ambassador's daughter went in for the abortion but was told by the staff that there was something wrong with her blood and they would need to reschedule her appointment.  So, home she went, baby safely tucked away in her womb - her death sentence was postponed - for now.

Thankfully, when the young woman got home, her mom called Greater Columbus Right to Life for some help.  And help she got!  One of our volunteers went to the family's home to speak with young pregnant woman, and she took with her some materials, including Dr. Bernard Nathanson's famous "Eclips of Reason" video.  They talked about her situation and the life that she carried and they watched the video together.  

And she chose to let her baby live.

It wasn't very long after that that this Life Ambassador got involved with Greater Columbus Right to Life's ministry and work - and she's been our Life Ambassador to her church ever since.

This is the story of why GCRTL exists.  Everything we do boils down to one thing - saving lives.  We may call if "advocating", "raising awareness", "providing educational resources and opportunities", or something similar, but those activities are a means to an end.  We're about the business of teaching people not just THAT life is valuable and should be protected, but also how to explain these truths to the people around them.  Because our volunteer knew how to express the value and dignity of every human life from moment of conception, this 17-year old girl is alive today.

Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that "He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (emphasis mine). 

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Ruth Yorston, GCRTL Executive Director

How wonderful that He has given GCRTL to be teachers, that we might equip the saints, such as our unnamed volunteer.  Thanks to her, a child was given a chance at life, a mother was saved the horrific experience and aftermath of an abortion, a grandma got to hold and kiss her newborn grand-daughter, and they both got to watch her grow up to a young woman and make a profession of faith in Christ.   

So we're going to keep on advocating, raising awareness and providing educational opportunities and resources - and thanking God that he uses us to save lives. 

If you have a story of how Greater Columbus Right to life has made a difference in your life, let us know.  We'd love to rejoice with you! 

If you would like more information about our advocacy and educational programs or how to a part of the life-saving work by volunteering or supporting Greater Columbus Right to life, send me an e-mail or give me a call.  I'd love to hear from you!

Ruth Yorston
614.445.8508
GCRTLife@gmail.com  

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