PRCE Center Updates

2012-01-03T21:30:00.001-06:00

Dear Church Friend,

We are preparing for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. This is the time of year when we observe the unfortunate court case that led to the legalization of abortion in this country. This is an opportunity for area churches to make their congregations aware of our pregnancy center ministry, so we also have bulletin inserts available for you if you plan to recognize Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Our banquet speaker this year, Abby Johnson - former abortion center director – now pro-life advocate, reminded local pastors that it's imperative to make a clear stand, from the pulpit, that life is dear. She presented a brief portion of her testimony which included a pro-life stand patterned by her parents but with no real backing by her local church. So when she experienced a crisis pregnancy all she knew to do was to terminate her pregnancy. She asserted that if she had known about pregnancy resource centers like ours she might not have carried out the deed that led to the death of her unborn child.

Mrs. Johnson admonished pastors to make sure each church has an area designated for pregnancy resource center brochures. That way, the churched woman will have a life-affirming place to go to for answers and for hope. (By the way, statistics show that 2 out of 3 churched women have had an abortion.) We've prepared four of our pregnancy center brochures to place in your foyer, back display table or wherever you prefer. They include: a brochure directed to "potential clients", one directed to "potential volunteers /donors", one about our material assistance and earn while you learn program- "The Hope Program" and finally one of our abortion recovery ministries –"Surrendering the Secret".

Please let us know how you would like to

have the Sanctity of Human Life message presented in your church.

May God richly bless you and your congregation,

Gail Duhon

Executive Director

**************************************************************************

2012-01-03T21:27:00.001-06:00

OPEN HOUSE: January 6

Starting this Friday, January 6, 2012, Pregnancy Resource Center East will open it's doors to the public for an Open House Informational Tour. We want the community to see what the pregnancy center has to offer its clients. This is a great time to get more information for your church and to see how your support has helped us reach women and their families in their time of need.

Please join us this Friday from 1 - 3 pm for a come and go informational tour of our facility.

God bless you,
~Gail Duhon~

2011-10-09T11:49:00.001-05:00

ABBY JOHNSON, FORMER DIRECTOR OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD in College Station, TX, TO SPEAK AT BANQUET FOR PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER EAST

Pregnancy Resource Center East is anticipating a large turn-out at their annual banquet this year on November 1^st. Abby Johnson, former executive director of Planned Parenthood (College Station, TX), will be speaking on her experiences and updates on the pro-life movement.

Abby Johnson had been recruited at college as a volunteer for Planned Parenthood. The main reason she got involved was because she was told that she would be helping girls with unplanned pregnancies. Having been one herself, she wanted to be involved. As she volunteered there, eventually got hired and moved up the ladder into leadership position, she began to see what the organization was all about. She wanted to help reduce abortions and help girls by giving them contraceptives, but she was beginning to get pressure to push for more abortions.

When being asked to assist in an ultrasound-guided abortion, she had the shock of her life as she saw the live, moving baby being vacuumed out suddenly. She nearly dropped the probe with the thought, "what am I doing here? I am on the wrong side of the fence."

With the latest accusations toward Planned Parenthood and questions about what they are doing with the federal monies that they are receiving, Abby will be shedding light on what she had witnessed during her 8 years of service there.

The banquet for Pregnancy Resource Center East will be on November 1^st at the new Marriot Hotel on I 10. Call 281-427-2273 to purchase a table at $400 (10 seats), co-host a table at $225 (5 seats), or to purchase an individual seat ticket at $50.

There will be a silent auction before the banquet at 6pm to raise funds for the Pregnancy Resource Center East. PRCE is located at 3013 N Main St, Baytown. Girls and women with unplanned pregnancies are helped at the Center with free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, counseling, abortion recovery, and Earn While You Learn Program.

The banquet will start at 7pm. Tickets are also sold on-line at www.prcebaytown.org

new email address for Alice Carroll

2011-08-10T17:26:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,
Sorry to bother you, but I will be switching Internet Service Providers soon and will no longer have this HughesNet email address. Please note that my new one will be:

xeyedkat@gmail.com

They are very similar, but the new one will be a gmail account.

Thank you!
Alice Carroll

Giving to the pregnancy center in Joplin.

2011-06-22T08:14:00.001-05:00

After the disaster of the Joplin, Mo tornados, we wondered how the Centers survived there. Shortly after, we received an email from Life Choices about one of the Pregnancy Centers there.

Thankfully, the two Centers there were okay and being an instrument of help to the mothers there with supplies. We've been overly blessed with so many baby clothes. It's funny how you can wonder why God gives you more than you need sometimes, and it's more than our clients needed. Ok, that's why God sent them. It was sent to us so we could house it safely until needed. We were able to send several boxes of clothing to help the situation in Joplin.

At our resale shop, we have an over-abundance of adorable stuffed animals that we would love to send also, but it cost us quite a bit just to send the clothing. We thought that was the priority. But I'm sure those children would love to have a teddy to cuddle with also during all these problems. If anyone is going that way and would like to take them, or would like to pay for the shipping, please give us a call.

2011-06-22T08:11:00.001-05:00

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! By JoAnne Leppo

Everyone knows that morality is on the decline, corruption is climbing, good wholesome values are out the window, but it still surprises me when things happen.

The Cookie Jar Resale Shop has been open barely a year now. It was opened to help support The Pregnancy Resource Center East which is a ministry to help girls and women in unplanned pregnancy situations and to stick with them until their baby is one year old.

While getting started and off the ground, the resale shop opened their arms to 4 other ministries by giving them vouchers for their clients who are in need of clothing & shoes for work, household items, clothes for their children and other things. These ministries are Love, INC, New Horizons Family Center, Bay Area Assistance and Baytown Homeless Shelter. So we've really stretched ourselves to doing good for all that needs help.

And for people like me, who just love to get bargains, there's been lots of sales. One sale that we had last week was 50% off everything in the store. Now that's a bargain! So when I heard what happened on this very, very good day for customers, I just could not believe it. One lady was taking price tags off the clothes, then bringing it to the counter saying there was no price tag, so it must be cheaper. Then some toys walked out of the store with some kids. Clothes were put on in the dressing room and worn out of the store without paying. Then the biggest shock of all. There are lots of really nice earrings on racks. Someone took a set of earrings off the card, put them on, and put the card back on the rack empty! The earrings were only 99c, and that day they were half off, so that meant they were only 49c! It's not like they probably didn't have two quarters in their pockets!

There are all kinds of programs to help people in need. And there is an incentive for people like me who likes to volunteer. If I volunteer for 4 hours in the week, I can get my whole purchase for 50% off and feel good about doing something for society. It would be so good for these people to just turn around and do something good instead of taking something just because they think they can get away with it.

I hate to say that we have surveillance cameras. We do; 16 of them. We have recordings of all these petty thefts. It just makes me feel so sad to think that we'd have to embarrass them and tell them we know what they're doing.

As a new store, The Cookie Jar Resale Shop is still counting every penny in order to support all these ministries, but we are making a difference in people's lives. So these small crimes do affect us more than a large chain store and it can be discouraging. But thankfully we have so many wonderful customers come in, that we are kept happy and positive.

Shoplifting for fun in a place that will probably help them some day, will not only make a person feel guilty, but will probably make them ashamed when they are in turn helped by that organization that they took away from.

Despite these little difficulties, we've had a lot of help along the way. Thank you to everyone who have been such a blessing to us already by donating such nice items to sell and by shopping in our store. We appreciate it.

The Cookie Jar Resale Shop

2011-04-01T01:07:00.002-05:00

2011-04-01T01:07:00.001-05:00

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS IS LOTS OF HARD WORK, BUT LOTS OF GOOD REWARDS! Submitted by JoAnne leppo

Starting a new business is lots of hard work. It usually takes lots of dreaming in the beginning just to get the inspiration, but like Thomas Edison said, "Genius is 1% inspiration & 99% perspiration." And Pregnancy Resource Center East has found that any success is the same.

For several years, they dreamt of opening a resale shop, not only for income, but to benefit their clients as well. Then it looked like the time was right, so the search started for a good setting and research of all that goes into setting it up.

But no matter how much research you do, no matter how much people advise you, no matter how much experience you might already have, you don't really know all there is to do until you jump in and start doing it.

Trailer after trailer, brought items in to be sold, racks and shelves were put up. Volunteers came to clean, lay carpet, and sort and price. It was an all-out fight against time since the rent had started. You don't want to be paying rent and not be open to sell!

On June 10th, the store was open…. Not the entire store, but the front part, but it was up and running. So much still needed to be done with piles of donations needing to be cleaned, sorted and place on hangers. A wall was being built for our work room and two fitting rooms. The dream was on its way, all while customers came to purchase items. After 3 long months of hard work, the workrooms and shelving and store was set up.

Now, when it comes to pricing, everyone has their opinions, especially when it comes to used items. "We visited other resale shop, researched on-line, asked people, and looked at our neighbor stores. Some customers would say our prices were great! Others would say too high, and still others would say we're too low! "What a dilemma! We wanted to give good prices so people could save money, but at the same time, we'd have to make enough to pay the bills, and we didn't know how the funds were going to go." said Gail Duhon, the Executive Director. "We tried our best, but you know, sometimes you just can't please everyone."

So now, after lots of trial & error, they are willing to start pricing things lower so that the community around them can have even more savings and they have a plan to let the people of the community to help.

Between April 1st and June 1st, if you volunteer for 4 hours in a week, you will be able to make a purchase for 50% off. You will be able to do that each week during those two months. By doing this, the resale shop will be able to get a lot of work done, but at the same time reward the volunteers for their hard work. Can you imagine piling $100 worth of items into your cart and paying only $50?? And the $50 will go to such a good cause! (No, not to you but to Pregnancy Resource Center East.)

Volunteer work would include: sorting, pricing, cleaning, restocking, bagging, and other things.

If you would like to participate and help, call the Pregnancy Resource Center East at 281-427-2273 or The Cookie Jar Resale Shop at 281-838-8116. The resale shop is located at the Bay Plaza Shopping Center next to Family Dollar. 2236 N Alexander, Baytown.

END OF THE YEAR NEWSLETTER

2010-12-07T06:58:00.000-06:00

"Pregnancy Resource Center East, may I help you?" It was a typical day, answering the phone.

"I think I need some help and I don't know what to do."

"We'd love to help as much as possible. What is your name and what can we do for you?"

"I'm Megan. Well, I got pregnant. I was scared and freaked out so I got the abortion pill and took one. Then the next day I realized I'd made a very bad mistake and changed my mind, so I didn't take the 2^nd & 3^rd pill. So now, I don't know if I'm still pregnant or what."

"Megan, since you already took that first pill and didn't follow through, you really should go see the doctor for medical advice."

"I don't have Medicaid and I don't have any money to go to the doctor. Can't you help me? I'm really scared."

"Are you having any pain or are you bleeding?"

"No."

"Ok, this is what we can do. Come in first thing in the morning and we can do a pregnancy test, and then we can set you up for an ultrasound right away. You won't have to pay for anything. We can see if you're still pregnant, see if the baby is placed properly in the womb or in the

fallopian tubes and if the heart is beating.

"We can also give you a pregnancy verification so you can get your medicaid

papers in motion but you will still need to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. ---But remember, if you have ANY pain or start bleeding before morning, make sure you go to the emergency room, ok? The hospital won't refuse a pregnant woman coming in."

Megan came in first thing in the morning. She was scared, embarrassed that she got pregnant, ashamed that she had gotten in that situation, and guilt-ridden for even thinking of abortion and all of the emotions that go along with it. Linda spent quite a bit of time with her that morning and Megan prayed with Linda to dedicate her life and start anew.

Megan told Linda, "I don't know what I would've done if you weren't here. I just didn't know who to turn to, who to talk to. I'm so glad that you took time and helped me."

Megan's story is a true story, but it's just one situation that happens on a daily basis at the Pregnancy Center. Every girl has a story. Every girl has a situation that needs solving or at least needs a listening ear while they sort out the complexities of their trauma. Sometimes it isn't all that complicated, but the emotions of getting pregnant and everything can be blown up so big that it's just too much to comprehend or sort out on their own. That's why we're here. Just to help put things into perspective so good choices can be made and hope can still be seen, that glimmer of hope that each person needs to see to make it through the day.

Because of our donors, volunteers and prayer warriors, we are able to be there every day to talk with that girl who calls in. Even when the Center is closed at nights or week-ends, the option-line is answering their calls so that not one will be missed. They can even make an appointment in the middle of the night, which is sometimes when a girl is so worried and can't sleep.

We plan on being there for them for the coming year of 2011 and we know that many of you have already committed to being there to support us to do this. Thank you so much.

This year in 2010, we've ministered to 785 girls who've come in for help. Many of them have come back to participate in our Hope Program and are attending the prenatal & parenting classes. ---and lives have been changed and encouraged. Did you know that we follow up on our clients from the time they come in being pregnant until their baby is one year old? We want to be there for them while they get over that initial shock of being pregnant, help them get items for their baby and then learn how to be a good parent.

We have big plans for the coming year. We are

expanding our classes to have even better resources for our clients.

We want to be able to welcome 1000 girls into our Center, to give them courage to choose life, introduce them to the Lord, and see their lives change.

It takes lots of planning and organization to be able to take care of each girl and make room for more, but we definitely want to do it. Please place this on your prayer list as there are still girls out there, afraid and alone who need our help.

Planned Parenthood (Houston's largest abortion center) does have enough power, money and influence to destroy thousands of lives every day here in Houston. "The only "stumbling blocks" in their way are Pregnancy Care ministries, and life affirming organizations". -CareNet.

We are determined to be their stumbling block. We talk one-on-one with each girl. It's a slow process, but it's a solid process. Education for their decisions are so important. Introducing them to the One that can make a difference in their lives is immeasurable. No matter what the laws are, no matter what judges decide, it's what happens in that little counseling room that will determine the girl and her unborn baby's future.

You can be part of that process for this coming year. You can make a one time donation to help spearhead our budget for 2011, or you can commit to a monthly donation to assure our monthly expenses.

If you would like to make a one-time withdrawal/charge, or sign up for an automated monthly donation from your checking account or credit card, you may call at 281-427-2273, or click the donation button below. In committing to a monthly donation, we will be able to better plan our upcoming budget to make greater strides in reaching more girls and better resources.

At the end of all of this, we want to thank you so much for all that you have done for us this year. Many have put many volunteer hours in to help set up The Cookie Jar Resale Shop. Many donated items to be sold, and many have shopped there.

In the 5 months that we have been open, we've been able to climb out of the "red", and into the "black". It's definitely a big relief and burden off our shoulders.

What this means to you is that when you give an extra gift now, it will be just that -- an extra gift that we can do something with to build upon and to go forward, rather than giving to a struggle just to pay the bills to keep things going.

We are very optimistic and our future is bright which means the future for the women in our community is bright also.

Again, please consider an end of the year gift and even a monthly pledge.

May God bless you for your part in this important ministry.

JoAnne Leppo

Executive Director

FUN FINDS at THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP: Nov 22nd

2010-11-25T23:01:00.001-06:00

OPEN ON BLACK FRIDAY??

Yes, we are!

We are gearing up for Christmas and are ready for you to come visit us!

This is a great place to find things that you won't find anywhere else!

Not sure what to get? We have gift certificates for those who like to do their own shopping.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

--

THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP
Bay Plaza (next door to Family Dollar)
2236 N Alexander
Baytown

281-838-8116
email: TheCookieJarResaleShop@gmail.com to receive regular e-sale notices.

Store Hours:
Tues - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Now open!
THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP
Bay Plaza (next door to Family Dollar)
2236 N Alexander
Baytown

281-838-8116
email: TheCookieJarResaleShop@gmail.com to receive regular e-sale notices.

Store Hours:
Tues - Sat: 10am - 6pm

FUN FINDS at THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP

2010-11-18T08:03:00.001-06:00

Attached is our latest finds at the shop. Winter clothes are plenty this year. Get them while they are hot (for the cold!)

BAMA's Faith In Action "Serve Baytown Day" is this Saturday and the store is one of the collection sites for food for LOVE, INC.

You can drop off the cans & packaged goods now and not wait until Saturday if you wish.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Now open!
THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP
Bay Plaza (next door to Family Dollar)
2236 N Alexander
Baytown

281-838-8116
email: TheCookieJarResaleShop@gmail.com to receive regular e-sale notices.

Store Hours:
Tues - Sat: 10am - 6pm

2010-11-10T08:45:00.001-06:00

NOV. NEWSLETTER from PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER EAST

2010-11-10T07:50:00.001-06:00

2010-11-09T15:30:00.001-06:00

SILENT AUCTION SNEAK PREVIEW

2010-10-10T17:51:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

The banquet is quickly approaching and people are calling in their confirmations for seats. There are still more available. Let us know if you can come.

Before the banquet, we will be having a Silent Auction starting at 6:00. (that's one hour before the banquet starts). Pictures of some of the items have been placed on FACEBOOK so that you can have a sneak preview of what's going to be there. If you're not able to attend because of a conflicting schedule, but are interested in one of the silent auction items, you may call in your bid ahead of time. (ask for JoAnne and she will place it for you.)

To view the pictures, click on http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=40896&id=100000027368216&l=3afb4b7511 . You will see the page of all the pictures. If you click on any of the pictures, it will enlarge it and tell a little detail of each item.

We're looking forward to seeing many of you at the banquet.

JoAnne

ANNUAL BANQUET: Thurs, OCT. 21st

2010-10-10T17:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends & Supporters,

   Many are already planning to attend our banquet as it is our biggest event of the year. Things are getting into place and we have a wonderful speaker, Lisa Lerner, a police chaplain who went from a biker and bad life & abortion to meeting the Lord and marrying a police officer. Of course, there will be great music, all your friends there and yummy food, too.

   This year we will be having a Silent Auction before the dinner starts, so come early so you can bid on your choice items. I hear there are some great things that will be there: Thomas Kindaid pictures, Batman collection, digital camera, restaurant coupons and much, much more. There will probably be something that you would like to get for Christmas gifts there, so come have fun!!

   Attached file is the flyer/poster that you can send on to friends or post. Also there is a coupon you can mail or email in. We'll look forward to receiving your confirmation.

In God's Grace Continually,

JoAnne Leppo

*****************************************************************************

FUNDRAISING BANQUET

Thursday, October 21

7:00 pm

(Doors open: 6:30)

Goose Creek Country Club

5000 Country Club View

Baytown

Seats: $40

Tables: $350

ps. If you have anything you would like to donate for the Silent Auction, we would appreciate it. Please contact Della at 281-838-8116 or JoAnne at 281-427-2273. Thank you.

GRAND OPENING for THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP: Sat, Aug 7th

2010-08-02T06:43:00.001-05:00

We're having our official....

GRAND OPENING

for

THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP

Saturday, Aug 7th

Open at 10am

* take a tour of the new shop

* have some snacks

* win some prizes

* bring a friend

"Everyone knows you can find special things in a cookie jar….

Some people even like to save money in a cookie jar….."

The Cookie Jar means a lot of things to many people. We have a collection of nearly 50 cookie jars on display. (no, they're not for sale. They're just for looks.)

If you would like to loan your cookie jar for display, place your name, address & phone number inside before dropping it off.

THE COOKIE JAR RESALE SHOP
Bay Plaza (next door to Family Dollar)
2236 N Alexander
Baytown

281-838-8116

email: TheCookieJarResaleShop@gmail.com to receive regular e-sale notices.

Store Hours:
Tues - Fri: 10am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 2pm

Our whole main purpose is to prevent the tragedy of abortion by offering women and girls information and the emotional & spiritual support they need to help them decide to choose life and to continue their pregnancies.
Material assistance, education and friendship is also offered. These services are offered without cost or judgment.
It is also our purpose to encourage the community at large to offer a more supportive & understanding attitude toward women in crisis pregnancies, by education on both the value of life and the detrimental effects of abortion.

Pregnancy Resource Center East
3013 North Main Street
Baytown, Texas 77521
281-427-2273
www.prcebaytown.org

Donate on-line at:
http://www.prcebaytown.org/donateonline.html

2010-05-24T07:36:00.001-05:00

CLIENT TESTIMONY by JoAnne Leppo:

T. came into the Center one day to pick up diapers for her baby. She was so bubbly and excited about her life…. "What have you been doing lately that you look so happy?" Then she began sharing about the latest events in her life.

She was taking classes. At first, I automatically thought she was taking classes that would help her to get a job. I was wrong. Isn't it funny how we get so conditioned that when girls have a family, that they should be striving to educate themselves so that they can go to work?

T. first came to us as a young teenager for a pregnancy test. She is married with her fourth baby now. She has gone through our program for each of the babies. We've watched her mature and grow up. A lot of times, she wasn't able to attend classes, so she would read some scripture and write a report on what it meant to her. This is the way that she could earn her "mommy money" to buy diapers and wipes for her babies.

So what was this class that she was so excited about? T. explained, "They teach you how to tell Bible Stories to children. Not just to tell the stories, but to tell them with the idea of helping the children to grow spiritually and to teach salvation. Did you know that children can accept the Lord at such a really young age???"

Hmmm, this sounded very familiar to me. I had gone through the Child Evangelism Fellowship School myself many years ago, so asked her what the name of the classes were. She told me the name in Spanish because the classes were all in Spanish..

She continued, "And they have neighborhood clubs where they teach the Bible Stories to the neighborhood kids." Now I knew for sure, it was the Good News Clubs that she was talking about… a very favorite ministry of mine.

Then she told how she talked with her oldest daughter (now 6 years old and in school) about this ministry and how that she was so willing to move in with her other little sisters to give up her room for the club!! T. was so excited that her children were so receptive to this new ministry that she was going to do.

Then even more…. She said her husband was going to church with them. He's been telling his friends about Christ and about how he wasn't sneaking off to drink anymore. She was just so happy how God was using her little family.

What is SUCCESS??

A girl walks into our Center instead of walking into an abortion Center.

—SUCCESS

A girl opens up and talks about her life when she doesn't trust anyone else

—SUCCESS

A girl chooses life for her baby rather than abortion.

—SUCCESS

A girl receives Christ as her Savior or rededicates her life to the Lord.

—SUCCESS

A girl gets married rather than just "living together"

—SUCCESS

A girl turns her life around and begins attend church

—SUCCESS

A girl begins witnessing to others about the miracles in her life

—-SUCCESS

A girl comes back later to volunteer, to "give back"

—SUCCESS

A girl leads others to the Lord

—SUCCESS

A girl comes in and we never see her again, but we faithfully pray for her

—SUCCESS

A volunteer shows up by faith each week no matter what the outcome of that appointment.

—SUCCESS

At the Center, we see many different stages of a girl's life. Sometimes we only see them one time and we never see them again, never knowing what the real outcome of that appointment was. Sometimes, we see them continually for several years. Nevertheless, our volunteers come in faithfully every week determined that it will have an effect on that girl's life.

Did you know that it takes an average of hearing the Gospel seven times before a person finally makes that decision to follow Christ? You could be the 1st, the 3rd or the 7th. But being there is all that the Lord has required of us. In the end, it's not really all the little successes that we may or may not see, but the faithfulness .

"Well done, thou faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of the Lord."

2010-04-29T10:17:00.001-05:00

March Newsletter

2010-04-13T07:42:00.001-05:00

FEBRUARY 2010

Clients we've Served:

Feb YTD

Total Visits: 112/ 265

Pregnancy Test: 52 / 99

Classes: 35 / 127

Store Visits: 30 / 60

Sonograms: 3 / 9

Salvations: 4 / 8

Rededicated Life: 1 / 2

Gospel presented: 47 / 91

Bibles given: 10 / 16

Gospel Tracts: 24 / 42

Church list: 19 / 77

Diapers (1 dozen) 77 / 142

The following is a commentary by Kirk Walden who is a writer and frequent speaker at pregnancy care ministry events across the country. We thought you would be interested in reading it. —-JoAnne Leppo

Guest Commentary by Kirk Walden

What happens when all of us are "all in?" Let's find out

Let's ask ourselves a simple question: Would we like to see abortion become obsolete? If your answer is yes, read on.This dream—of ending abortion—is not as far-fetched as we might think. While our first instinct is to look at legislation and the courts, the most effective answer is the pregnancy care ministry, where hope—and practical solutions—are empowering women and families every day.

If pregnancy help ministries become the true first choice of those facing unplanned pregnancies, they won't consider the second choice of abortion. And when more choose life, less will choose to end their pregnancies.

The natural result of this monumental shift? Abortion clinics—with fewer and fewer customers—will close their doors in record numbers. The rise of pregnancy care ministries—in number and in services available—will render abortion more and more irrelevant. Ultimately, this can lead to abortion's downfall.

Frankly, I'd love to see this happen. My guess is, you do too.

Building an abortion-free country means offering our resources to make it happen. Perhaps, just perhaps, God is waiting on each of us to say, "I want this so much I'm willing to commit my treasure to the project."

I did some research—and math—and found that if each pro-life home in America (accounting for divided households and such) gave just $10 a month to a pregnancy care ministry, the average pregnancy help center budget would be $1.8 million. That's nearly $5,000 a day.

This leads to a question: Do we believe that with funds like this, we could change more hearts, touch more people with the love of Christ and in the end, save more lives? I certainly do.

I'm committing to a monthly gift to my local pregnancy help ministry in 2010. Please join me. Whether it is $10, $50, $25 or $100 or more—together we're going to save a lot of lives this year. A lot of them. And in the process, we're going to start a wave of momentum that one day, renders abortion obsolete.

Abortion needs to end, as soon as possible. Regardless of the political winds of the day, we can make it happen. And with God's help, there is no better time than . . . Now.

2010-04-08T08:15:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,
Our Craft Show will be tomorrow & Saturday. Please come out and visit. Below is a list of items that will be included with the silent auction. The bidding ends on Saturday at 2pm. (you don't have to be present to win. There will be door prizes every 20 minutes during both days.... so come, you might win something!!
Hope you can make it!!

---JoAnne Leppo

Silent Auction items:
Signed baseball of Roy Oswalt from the Astros
Round of Golf for 4: Sanctuary Golf Resort
Round of Golf for 4: Newport Golf
Pirate's Bay Waterpark; 8 passes: City of Baytown
Dinner of 2: Cracker Barrel
Gift Certificate of $45: Out Back
Dinner for 2 ($25 plus dessert): Carino's
Steak Dinners for 2: King's BB Que
Gift Certificate of $20: Chili's
Dinner for 2: Casa Ole'
Dinner for 2: Tortunga
Gift Certificate: Wal-Mart
Paint Ball Certificate
Printing: Minuteman Press Baytown
Fender Banjo from Danny D's Hacienda Guitar in League City
Acrylic Painting by J Leppo
Car Washes
Oil Changes
Avon Basket
Elvis Presley Memorabilia
Hand Crocheted Afghan: Care Bear
Baby Girl & Baby Boy Gift Baskets

--
SAVE THE DATE:
SPRING CRAFT SHOW
Friday & Saturday, April 9th & 10th
held at Trintiy Episcopal Church
5010 N Main St, Baytown

2010-04-02T12:52:00.001-05:00

SILENT AUCTION ITEM: Fender FB 300 Banjo List Price: $429.99

Beginning bid: $199

A complete package with everything you need to start playing banjo today!

This 5-string banjo features a chromed steel rim with 18 piece bracket top, laminated mahogany back and sides, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard, and maple/rosewood bridge. Chrome (geared) machine heads. Other features include dot inlays, chrome arm rest and tailpiece, and white tipped tuning machines. Includes gig bag, strings, tuner, picks, and instructional materials.

Fender FB 300 Banjo Pack Features:

5-string banjo
Chromed steel rim with 18 piece bracket top
Laminated mahogany back and sides
Nato neck
Rosewood fingerboard
22 frets
Maple/rosewood bridge
Chrome (geared) machine heads
27.4" scale length
Body depth: resonator: 1.75"; rim: 2"
1.18" width at nut
Dot position inlays
Chrome arm rest and tailpiece
White tipped tuning machines
Strings: fender nickelplated steel banjo strings, gauges .0095-.020
Includes gig bag, strings, tuner, picks, and instructional materials

The banjo is instrumental (pardon the pun) in American music. Originally descended from traditional African instruments, it plays a major role in bluegrass and country and even pops up occasionally in rock, jazz and fusion. Nothing else sounds like it, and it's a fun instrument to play. Now it's easy to get started playing banjo—the FB-300 Banjo Pack includes a Fender banjo, gig bag, strings, tuner, picks and an instructional book. Everything you need to start a pickin' and a grinnin' right now, all in one

--
"Serving the Lord through demonstrations of love."

Our whole main purpose is to prevent the tragedy of abortion by offering women and girls information and the emotional & spiritual support they need to help them decide to choose life and to continue their pregnancies.
Material assistance, education and friendship is also offered. These services are offered without cost or judgment.
It is also our purpose to encourage the community at large to offer a more supportive & understanding attitude toward women in crisis pregnancies, by education on both the value of life and the detrimental effects of abortion.

Pregnancy Resource Center East
3013 North Main Street
Baytown, Texas 77521
281-427-2273
www.prcebaytown.org

Donate on-line at:
http://www.prcebaytown.org/donateonline.html

One More Day.... at the Center

2010-01-27T08:46:00.001-06:00

When Dana* came into the ultrasound room, she talked with the technician about her situation. She said that she found out she was pregnant, but her boyfriend wants her to have an abortion, so she thought she should get an ultrasound to see how far along she is so she'll know how much it was going to cost.
   Maria, our Ultrasound technician, didn't comment too much about what the boyfriend wanted. She said, "to make a good decision about an abortion, it's good to know what's going on in your body right now. "
   Dana thought a minute about that while Maria was setting up things. I've been kind of emotional about it. I don't really believe in abortions, but my boyfriend said it's not really a big thing. It's just tissue like having a period. He told me I don't cry when I have a period, do I? and that it's the same thing!"
   So many times our clients are coming in for answers. They feel certain things, but then their friends or family tell them other things, so they're looking for the truth.
   Maria looked at her tenderly and said, "well, we'll see what your 'tissue' looks like today." She turned the screen so Dana could see it. Right there before her eyes was a fully formed baby kicking and doing summersaults! She was only about 8 weeks pregnant, but there were those little hands and feet and eyes and nose..
   Dana could hardly believe it! She said she didn't know that it would be totally formed like that already. Maria made extra copies of the scan so Dana could show them to her boyfriend. "Thank you so much, Maria. This really helps me know why I'm emotional about this little piece of tissue." And she was off to show her boyfriend. One more day in the ultrasound room for God… it was a good day.

** "Dana" is a made up name to protect the identity of a client.

SOHL & Sarah's Choice

2009-12-22T01:01:00.001-06:00

Dear Christian Leaders,

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2010 is nearly upon us. This year prolife groups from across the country will mourn the loss of more than 50 million unborn children since Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton were decided 37 years ago.

But even though there is this negative thought about those lost to abortion and the hurt that it's caused women, we can also realize that so much has been accomplished through awareness. And for the first time for decades, the majority of Americans call themselves pro-life.

Because of churches & groups like yours who've stood up and told the truth, and Pregnancy Centers talking one on one to women about their pregnancies, we've been able to help make this happen. Thank you so much for being so supportive in our ministry to help change women's lives.

This year, we have something new to offer you. There is a new film out which you might've already heard about on Fox News & other broadcasts. Sarah's Choice. This is a wonderfully put together film and very realistic about a young woman in an unplanned pregnancy situation.

Christian recording artist, Rebecca St. James is the starring actress and she does the part so well. This is an excellent film showing all the things that a woman encounters when she finds out she's pregnant; the job stress, pressures of boyfriend, best friend, family and church. Then, she basically has 3 dreams seeing what her future would hold for each decision she may make. This is such a good education in helping everyone understand the emotions and consequences of the situation.

We have secured the rights & license to be able to show this film in Baytown and surrounding towns for the months of February, March & April.

If you would like this film to be shown in your church or group, please let us know. We believe you'll think it's well worth the time as your people grow in their understanding of what a woman is going thru during this time of her life.

We've had the option of selling tickets or taking up a love offering for the Pregnancy Center. We've opted for a love offering. (But of course, if you'd like to sell tickets, that's fine too.) So besides educating and encouraging your flock, you will also be helping our Center.

We are also offering speakers for the month of January. Give us a call at 281-427-2273.

JoAnne Leppo

2009-11-17T09:08:00.001-06:00

Fetal Models Brings Memory by JoAnne Leppo

There are many facets to the Pregnancy Resource Center East. So many that a lot of people don't even realize all the things that they offer to the community. One of the many things that PRCE does is to go into the community when there is a health fair, shows, educational booths, etc. They will man a booth with loads of information about condoms, STDs, adoptions, and to how to tell your parents that you are pregnant. There are pamphlets, pins, videos and display models of the development of an unborn child.

At one of the more recent booths that was being manned, a lady came up and looked at everything, but as soon as she saw the fetal models, she immediately picked up the 20 week old baby. If you haven't seen these models, they are definitely a "must see". They are a flesh color and very soft and have the approximate weight appropriate for that age of fetus. There is a set of 8, ranging from 8 weeks to 30 weeks. So many children and teens pick up the 30 week baby and automatically hold them in their arms like a real baby, they are so life-like.

Anyway, when this particular lady picked up this little baby model, she had a tear coming down her cheek, saying over and over, "I didn't know… I just didn't know it was like this. I had an abortion when I was 3-1/2 months and I didn't know it was like this." She held the baby cupped in both hands with such precious and tender care. I came up to her and asked her, "Do you think of your baby often?"… "Oh, yes. Every single day. I think of him every single day since then. And in two weeks, he would've been 17 years old. I have this strong feeling that he was a boy. I can't prove it, but I always thought that it was a boy. Every year around this time, it's hard for me… knowing that it would've been his birthday." I shared with her that it's very common for mothers who've lost their child to abortion to experience that.That it's a very hard time each year at the time of the birthday. She was surprised. She thought she was the only one who felt like that.

I asked her that since she feels that it was a boy, had she given him a name? Others who've experienced this have given their baby a name, therefore honoring his personhood. That was something she didn't know she could do… she said that was something she was going to think about doing.

There are so many things that women go thru all by themselves, and they think they are the only ones experiencing them because they've really never talked with anyone about it, but there are group sessions that are offered at the Pregnancy Resource Center East for those who've experienced abortions. Some women are still thinking about their lost child after many years like this woman that I met. It brings such healing when you're able to talk with someone else who understands and learn that you're not alone in this.

If you are interested in our abortion recovery services, please call 281-427-2273. Or if you have an event that you would like us to bring a booth to or to speak, we'd be happy to assist. We are located at 3013 N Main St., Baytown.

Breaking News if you haven't already heard about it!!

2009-11-04T08:58:00.001-06:00

Watch the video!!!

http://www.kbtx.com/local/headlines/68441827.html

Planned Parenthood Director in Texas Resigns, Watched Ultrasound of Abortion

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 2, 2009

Email RSS Print

Bryan, TX (LifeNews.com) -- The director of a Texas-based Planned Parenthood has resigned her position saying that she has had a change of heart on abortion. The development highlights the powerful results ultrasounds have in convincing people of the humanity of the unborn child and the need to oppose abortions.

Abby Johnson had been the director of the Planned Parenthood center in this college town, that is home to Texas A&M University, until she turned in her resignation on October 6.

She tells KBTX that seeing an ultrasound instantaneously prompted her to quit.

"I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," she said.

In the interview, Johnson admitted that Planned Parenthood doesn't make its money on promoting contraception or family planning, but through abortion.

"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," she admitted.

She also told KBTX she was told to bring in more women for abortions -- something that contradicted her Episcopalian upbringing.

"I feel so pure in heart (since leaving). I don't have this guilt, I don't have this burden on me anymore that's how I know this conversion was a spiritual conversion," she said.

Johnson said she will now work with the Coalition For Life, the pro-life group that operates locally and has a building down the street from the abortion business. She has been meeting with the coalition's executive director, Shawn Carney, and been seen outside the Planned Parenthood helping women find alternatives.

KBTX indicates Planned Parenthood officials have hit both Johnson and the pro-life group with restraining orders requiring them not to disclose information about the abortions done at its facility.

Rochelle Tafolla, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson, said, "We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary."

That Johnson would admit that Planned Parenthood is more accurately described as an abortion business doesn't surprise pro-life advocates.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America released its annual report for fiscal year 2007-2008 and it showed the nation's largest abortion business is getting bigger.

According to Planned Parenthood's latest report, abortions increased to 305,310 abortions up from 289,750 in 2006.

That 5.3 percent increase came at a time when the Guttmacher Institute, it's former research arm, showed abortions were at near-historic lows.

Looking at Planned Parenthood data from 1997 to the present, the increase in government funding corresponds with an increase in the number of abortions. (See image)

In 1997, Planned Parenthood did about 160,000 abortions and received approximately $160 million in total taxpayer funding from various levels of government. Both the number of abortions and the amount of money received from government, supposedly for family planning to reduce abortions, has double since then.

Planned Parenthood also says it helped just under 11,000 women in 2007 with prenatal care and pregnancy help services.

Yet, prenatal care and adoption referrals resulted for only 5 percent of the total services provided to women in 2007 while abortions accounted for 95 percent of the services that year, according to Planned Parenthood's own figures. (See image)

Future Plans for PRCE

2009-10-09T17:37:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Center reveals big plans for coming year at banquet on October 15th

by JoAnne Leppo

As the economic situation deepens, we are seeing more stress on girls & women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy. Some are alone, or their husbands or boyfriends have lost their jobs, and they just don't know how they can afford a baby. Some consider abortions when they never would've before. Many are looking to us for help. So even when our funds are being stretched, the need is even greater in this time of economic upheaval.

With the resources that our Center provides, we can empower these women to choose life and to help them through this difficult time when it should be a joyous time for a woman.

At Pregnancy Resource Center East, we've seen over 800 new clients this year with many of them coming back for classes & follow-up. We expect that number to double in the year of 2010.

We are inviting businesses & individuals to help underwrite our fund-raising banquet, our largest event of the year, where we will share what we've been doing and our plans for the future. With underwriting beforehand, 100% of the donations that are given at the banquet can go directly to the Center.

Evangelist Patti Edwards, founder of In His Hands World Outreach Ministries will be the guest speaker, with the local band, Crossing Jordan providing southern

gospel music. We will also be announcing our new vision to broaden our resources like never before.

Tickets are available online at www.prcebaytown.org, or call 281-427-2273

2009-09-01T07:09:00.001-05:00

POSTER BABY WINNER 2010

After tallying up all the votes, Cherish Hudson was named the winner of the Poster Baby Contest for 2010. Cherish was born on February 20, 2009 to Tiawona Hudson, a client who has faithfully attended the parenting classes all throughout her pregnancy.

This past year, hundreds of babies were born to clients of Pregnancy Resource Center East. Many of them come back after the babies are born to thank the counselors & teachers for all their help and to show off their babies. "That's what we're here for; to make an unplanned pregnancy into a positive one with a happy ending." Says JoAnne Leppo, executive director.

Every year, Pregnancy Resource Center East hosts a poster baby contest for their clients. Pictures taken by Janey of Janey Wood Photography were skillfully posed and taken at no charge for the mothers. Each of the babies in the contest receives a free 5x7 photograph and a free calendar with their baby's picture in it. The winner will be featured on the front of the calendar and receives tickets to their annual banquet in the fall.

All the babies arrived with every hair in place and the cutest outfits ever. Moms and helpers were cheering all of them to smile bigger than they ever did before, and they didn't let us down. This year, there were 12 runner-ups for the poster baby contest who will shine in their own month of the calendar.

Judging the pictures was the hardest part of the whole contest "because," as JoAnne Leppo says, "they really are all winners. They are all so beautiful and unique in their own way. That's why we opened it up to the public to decide." The pictures were posted in the lobby and everyone was invited to come in to the Center and vote.

There will be calendars for the coming year to purchase which will be a fund-raiser for the Center. You can order yours now.

The Pregnancy Resource Center East is a non-profit organization assisting women who have an unplanned pregnancies. With their free services, women are empowered to choose life. Some of their services include: free pregnancy tests, peer counseling, prenatal and nutritional classes, parenting classes and material assistance of diapers, baby clothes, car seats and more.

The Pregnancy Resource Center East is located across the police station at 3013 North Main St., Baytown. Call 281-427-2273 for more information or go to www.prcebaytown.org

Captions for picture:

Cherish Hudson, winner of contest
Tiawona Hudson, mother with baby daughter, Cherish
JoAnne Leppo, executive director with Tiawona and Cherish Hudson

2009-07-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

IDEAS IN THE WIND:

Pregnancy Resource Center East is considering opening a resale shop. Of course, there is the obvious reason of more support for the Center so we can continue our many programs, but there is more to it than that. In today's economy, a resale shop is a plus and will help many people to afford items at a reasonable price. Also, in researching and talking to other pregnancy centers who have already pioneered this effort, they've found that it's turned into a wonderful ministry in itself. They've been able to minister to people coming into the store and refer them to the Center when needed. There have been girls who had come to do community service at their shop and have become saved through the continual exposure to God's Love for them.

Most of you know that we have a small store in our Center already for our clients who are pregnant or just had their babies. They would be able to use their credits that they earned while going through classes at the new resale shop as well. This way they would be able to get other needed items as well as baby items. We would continue to have our small store reserved just for our girls though. There are groups who have baby showers and bring many

adorable and special things just for our girls, and ladies who crochet or quilt baby blankets especially for the girls. These precious items are just for our clients and not for the public.

If you are interested in helping out with opening this resale shop, we'd love to hear from you. The most important thing would be to have a wonderful store manager who has a heart for the ministry and loves the Lord, and of course, loves to make a cute shop that everyone would enjoy to shop in.

We need a good location for the store. And of course, we'll need funds for the down-payment, the build-out and racks, etc. Handymen will be in order once we find just the right spot.

We welcome and invite help in all these areas. Thank you for your interest, prayers and support.

2009-06-21T10:31:00.001-05:00

We plan on winning. How about you?

In today's political climate most would call it a stretch for those who believe in the sanctity of life to talk about "winning." In the political realm at least, pro-life advocates don't have the votes, don't have the Court and don't even have the ear of the White House.

Winning however, is exactly what we're talking about at Pregnancy Resource Center East. So what does that look like?

To us, winning means that a client coming in our door finds hope. And because of that hope, she chooses life for her child. But that's not all.

Winning also means she considers all of her options—including adoption and perhaps even marriage to the father of her child, if circumstances are right. Children need two parents; we want everyone to win.

Another way to win is through faith. We want our clients to consider a direction that includes following the person of Jesus Christ. We want her to think seriously about "dropping her net"—as Peter and Andrew did in Mark 1:18—to follow Jesus.

Finally, winning includes so many women and families choosing life that one day, abortion clinics in our area—and perhaps across the country—close their doors for "lack of patient volume" as a clinic in Ohio did recently.

Turning our culture toward life—and toward other significant victories—starts with us at Pregnancy Resource Center East, right here and right now.

We're looking for those who will come along side us, as many of you already are through financial partnership, volunteering and prayer support.

The path to victory is not an easy one, but it is attainable. And we want those who truly believe in winning to join us. How about you? If you are interested in being a part of our team, give us a call at 281-427-2273 or drop us an email at prcebaytown@gmail.com. Let's see where you fit on a winning team.

2009-06-08T07:02:00.001-05:00

Commentary

Join us by taking part in The Liberty Project

First, the bad news. For those who believe in the sanctity of life, the political winds are not blowing our way. I don't have to go into detail here; it is enough to say that if we've placed our hope in Washington, we need change—in our thinking.

Yet amidst the bad news there is a powerful silver lining. We don't need Washington in order to create a culture of life in America; it is clearly up to us. We can—without a dollar from Washington or a new law on the books—create a culture where abortion becomes unthinkable and soon after, basically obsolete.

As you know, one of the key avenues to accomplish this incredible task is through ministries like Pregnancy Resource Center East, where we share true hope—and invite powerful change through Jesus Christ—with all who come in our door. As a result, lives are saved and the culture of life grows.

This summer, we are preparing to take a new step toward building that culture with The Liberty Project. It's a simple—yet powerful—way all of us can support this ministry and send a strong message: that life truly is a beautiful choice.

The Liberty Project works like this: Small groups—whether Bible studies, Sunday school classes or cell groups—ask members to bring in donations of all amounts (based on whatever an individual decides to give) and pool those donations to make a gift to Pregnancy Resource Center East just before—or the week after—July 4.

Across the country, pregnancy help ministries such as ours are taking part in this endeavor, which we believe will do two things:

First, the impact of these gifts will take us one step closer to becoming the first choice for women and men facing unplanned pregnancies. If they come here first, they are more likely to choose life.

Second, this effort says clearly that we look forward to a day when abortion becomes obsolete in this country—regardless of political fashion. It's a strong message and the time is now.

Join me in this effort, will you? Your small group can obtain materials from us with an email (prcebaytown@gmail.com) or a phone call at 281-427-2273. Together, let's make The Liberty Project a source of true hope, true change—and saved lives.

Join us in the Liberty Project!

2009-06-08T06:31:00.001-05:00

2009-03-11T23:53:00.001-05:00

Crafts4Life

Dear Friends,

For our Spring fund-raiser this year, we will be hosting a Craft Show on March 27th & 28th. This is going to be a first for us, but already the word is spreading and many are jumping on board with it.

Attached is our flyer that you can post or forward to your friends. We certainly appreciate it. There are a number of ways to be involved with our Craft Show to help make it a success.

1. Rent a booth: If you are a crafter, this will be an excellent opportunity to reach lots of people. The rent goes to PRCE and you keep the funds from your sales.

2. Donate crafts: If you are handy, you can donate an item or two for the Pregnancy Center to sell. The sales from these items will benefit our programs.

3. Bake goodies: If you like to bake, we will be having a bake sale both days, so we will be needing plenty to sell.

4. Kid's Corner: One of our booths will highlight children's crafts made by children. These are nice items that the children have made especially donated to sell at the craft show. If you have a SS class, or girl scout group, etc., have a nice time making note cards, pencil holders, etc. to donate to the sale!! hint: this will be close to Easter, so you might want to decorate eggs to sell!!

5. Of course, you can come to the Craft Show to just have a great time.... bring the whole family and stay the day. Every 30 minutes, there will be door prizes, and food will be sold for lunch and snacks.

-- JoAnne Leppo

2009-01-05T07:44:00.001-06:00

MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH

'Hope' advances – through pregnancy centers

Edited Exclusive: Melinda Delahoyde spotlights heart-changing effors reducing abortion in U.S. November 08, 2008

It is putting it gently to say that legislative efforts to protect the unborn and women from abortion may be limited in future years. While watching the election returns, the eyes of many a pro-lifer glazed over and many a knee was bent in prayer. Their eyes and prayers are now turning with optimism and expectation to the work of pregnancy centers, which offer compassionate support and practical help to women considering abortion. Regardless of who is sitting in the Oval Office this life-affirming work will continue full steam ahead and with the renewed enthusiasm of its vast network of 30,000 volunteers.

What's remarkable is that the transfer of power from a "pro-life" to an "abortion rights" administration comes at a time when the work of pregnancy centers is advancing stronger than ever before. With more than 1,100 locations across North America, our Care Net pregnancy centers serve 340,000 women every year, and nine out of 10 women who visit a pregnancy center are empowered to carry their pregnancies to term.

But don't think that this culture of compassion will emerge without some push back from certain interest groups, e.g. NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood, and their friends in the U.S. House, Senate and the next administration. Pregnancy centers have already seen attacks at the state level by such groups that are envious of the growing effectiveness of our movement. We've been able to stem the tide of these efforts thus far, but now face an emboldened crowd whose leaders will be appointed to influential positions.

Yet here's Care Net's perspective on all this: Abortion advocacy groups may want to think twice before placing efforts to shut down pregnancy centers at the top of their agenda. Every time the question comes up regarding whether these volunteer-led, compassionate-oriented, free service-offering centers are helping or hurting our communities, some of the most compelling stories come out of the woodwork. Former clients of pregnancy centers boldly stand up and passionately share how a pregnancy center empowered them to make a positive life decision—one they would never reverse. Others stand up and say how they wish they could've been helped by a pregnancy center and avoided the years of grief they've had to bear because of a past abortion. After hearing these stories, most listening become speechless, and that's not usually what folks opposing our efforts had in mind.

We expect that, in the next four years, there will be plenty of "opportunities" for these life-changing stories to be told. And we're eager for the nation to hear them.

Cal Thomas had it right when he said of the election results, "Pro-lifers must redouble their efforts through pregnancy centers to get the truth to pregnant women that there are far better alternatives than abortion." Care Net and our network of pregnancy centers will indeed be redoubling our efforts to ensure that no one facing an unplanned pregnancy feels alone and that abortion is the only choice. Despite possible future changes to abortion laws, it just may be that, with the help of pregnancy centers and what Time magazine calls our "quiet campaign for women's hearts and minds," abortion rates will continue to drop.

And whether "pro-life" or "pro-choice," that should be something we all can call "good news."

2008-12-31T09:33:00.003-06:00

2008-12-31T09:33:00.001-06:00

--
"Serving the Lord through demonstrations of love."

Pregnancy Resource Center East
3013 North Main Street
Baytown, Texas 77521
281-427-2273
www.prcebaytown.org

A Chrstian's Personal Testimony of Abortion

2008-12-31T09:10:00.001-06:00

Many of you were able to attend our annual banquet. It was a beautiful event that I feel changed many people's lives that very night. So many times, we think of ourselves as touching young women in a crisis pregnancy situation and seeing their lives change, but this time it was a little different. The majority of our audience were friends of the Center, pastors, teachers, adults of position and authority. So when Khristey shared with everyone her testimony it touched so many and opened their eyes to a very new way of looking at things.

Khristey started out like so many of our young people who we see on a regular basis, a young girl pregnant before she was ready and had an abortion that started her life in a downward spiral. After not being able to pull out of it, she got pregnant again and went to a crisis pregnancy center where there was no counselor on duty to help her and only received an appointment, she went on to the next clinic which was an abortion where she was helped readily. This was a very clear alarm to all of us, that she even went to a pregnancy center and could've received help and didn't get it. Someone wasn't volunteering, someone didn't take the time to come in, they were short-handed.

Then, the story went on how she tried to get involved with church, and hopefully redeem herself, but she heard the comments from ladies about how bad abortion was, and God would judge those women who had them. (of course, those ladies didn't know she was one of the ones that had had an abortion)… This kept her little secret even more hidden and tucked away where it couldn't be healed and Khristey continued to suffer the shame and remorse and couldn't be free of it. This point of the story helped so many of us to realize how much we affect those around us with our speech, and not only that, the realization that there are so many women in our own churches who are silently hurting from abortions… about one in four women in church have had abortions. One man came up to Khristey after the banquet and said that he'll never preach another sermon the same after that night.

The beautiful ending of the story was that she went back to that Pregnancy Center, went through their post abortive healing, married and now has four beautiful daughters. She is presently the executive director of that very same pregnancy center in Pasadena.

There are so many women who are suffering in silence – just like Khristey did, and they think they are the only ones, but they can receive healing and freedom from that bond of shame through our post-abortive healing. A facilitator will take them step by step to learn about God's love & mercy and His healing that He has for us. If you need help or have questions, please call us.

LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS

2008-12-02T14:00:00.001-06:00

Commentary October 26, 2008
By JoAnne Leppo

I think everyone has a story about their experience with Hurricane Ike. Some had to evacuate to the next state, some tried to ride it out in the storm. It was quite an experience that I think no one would like to repeat. …and then there were the after-affects. No electricity for days and weeks, trees down, roof leaks… all kinds of things. …and then there were the wonderful heart-warming volunteers who came from everywhere to help with food, water & ice and willing hands to clear out and clean-up… just all kind of stories. My husband and I have all those stories too.

But there was one little incident that I wanted to share with you about something that happened to me during the Hurricane Ike evacuation. My husband and I were on mandatory evacuation so we went to a hotel where we got a room on the 5th floor. It was no big deal being on the 5th floor because there was an elevator. Ike passed through, and we only sustained a couple of broken windows on our car. But then the electricity and water went out at the hotel, so we finally decided to leave and go home.

To leave, we had to take the stairs since the elevator didn't work. I thought, "Thank God, it's going down.." but when entering the stairwell, I saw that there were NO windows in the stairwell and it was pitch black.

Now, my husband is really into flashlights. He has just about every kind imaginable. He has big ones and little ones. He has the kind that clip on your hat, and the kind that clamp anywhere and little bitty ones. Well, he had given me this little flashlight for my purse. You know, the little kind that's about the size of your finger. I didn't think much of it, this little flashlight. At least it didn't seem like it made much light when he was first showing it to me. He was so excited about how good it was …. I tried to be nice, but thought, "oh, yeh, it's a neat little thing to add to the junk in my purse."

But when I was trying to manage with all my bags going down these stairs, I could hold that little flashlight in my hand while holding onto the rail. I couldn't believe it when I first turned on my flashlight. It made so much light!! I could see the whole stairwell!! You see, when you have lots of light, and you turn on another light, it doesn't seem to be much different… but when you have a lot of darkness, that one little light shines so brightly and shows you the way.

That's the way it is in our lives so many times. Now something is happening here in our area. I want to share with you about what Planned Parenthood is doing. Some people think they are a nice clinic like ours, but really when you get down to it, they are an abortion clinic and that's where they make all their money. They have purchased a very large 6 story building only 20 about miles from here and within walking distance of University of Houston. They are planning on opening their doors soon. The whole third floor is dedicated to late-term abortions. This is the stage of pregnancy that could possibly survive their birth. Planned Parenthood has been in Houston for years, but now they are going really big-time---and late term abortions is where the money is.

Up to now, Houston has been the largest abortion provider in Texas and the third in the United States. But when this abortion clinic opens, they are claiming that it will be the largest in the United States and possibly in the world! And it's only twenty miles from here.

Now, this is a very large clinic, and we are a very small center in comparison, but we are a bulwark ---a stronghold for Baytown. We are not only a stronghold to hold the fort and to fight the darkness, but we are a Beacon of Light that is lighting up all of Baytown… We plan to let our light shine so brightly, that very few will be able to see the darkness. They will only see the bright, shining faces as the girls emerge from our Center with hope… and a bundle of joy to brighten their future.

I think many have seen our little Center as that little flashlight that's kind of neat, but that's it… But we're shining brightly, and as the days grow dimmer, we will light up that stairwell just as that little flashlight of mine did a few weeks ago after Hurricane Ike, and our dear young girls will be able to see the way.
This little light of ours, we're going to let it shine!!!!!

Thank you so much for all your support and prayers to make this possible!

Fundraising Banquet

2008-08-17T07:31:00.001-05:00

INVESTING IN GOD'S KINGDOM

Today's financial crunch makes people stop and think very seriously about what they are doing with their money…. It's a time for everyone to realize that things may not continue as they always were. Oil prices are definitely affecting our whole way of living and thinking.

Some are cutting back on where they vacation, others are cutting back on their Starbucks coffee and more coupon clipping is taking place. Besides doing the trimming and reassessing, a good look at investments, stocks, and savings are in order to assure of a decent future for us all.

When contemplating where to put investments, his treasures, a good businessman will want to search and investigate to make sure that it's a good investment, worthwhile and reaping the most dividends and returns possible as well as something that's going to be beneficial. And in our Christian lives, we want it to be something that's going to build God's Kingdom— something that will change the world.

This year's banquet is going to be addressing "investing in lives"—not only in a ministry. When we invest in changing people's lives, it is the beginning of changing the world for the better—at least their world and the world around them. And of course, investing takes resources. Not just money, but also time, effort and lots & lots of God's love.

Four years ago, Ann Garcia, a client of ours, came to the banquet and told her story of her struggle of whether she should have an abortion or not. She was still pregnant at the time. While still weeping through the emotion of telling her story, she received a standing ovation from everyone in the room in support of her decision. Since then, we've been asked about how she's been doing. Ann will be back this year to tell how things turned out in her life.

Our main speaker will be Khristey Walker, the director from the Community Pregnancy Center in Pasadena, will share her own experience with abortion, what type of people have abortions and why she invests not only her time, but her whole life to the pregnancy center ministries.

But banquet time is not only time to listen to annual reports and wonderful testimonies, but it's also time to take stock of our own personal lives to see how God wants us to fit into the picture. How God wants to use each person in this ministry. Everyone has a calling from God, a purpose to which he is accountable. Good stewardship is something that all Christians are familiar with, whether it be with funds, material goods, time or prayer. Everyone will decide if they wish to give a one-time gift to help the ministry, pledge to give monthly or give of their time.

You can help with this year's banquet preparations in three ways: Sponsor through the different levels of giving, be a table host and invite friends and associates to introduce them to our ministry (we'll give you information on how to be a table host), and come enjoy our fellowship evening.

Thank you all for being such good friends and supporters this year.

COMMUNITY TASK FORCE REACHES YOUTH WITH THE MESSAGE, “THERE IS HELP!”

2008-08-03T00:49:00.001-05:00

A Task Force of community organizations was formed to address how to reach young teens with information of what to do when faced with a possible unplanned pregnancy.

Many teens won't go to their parents to talk about these sensitive, embarrassing issues, but it's important that the communication is opened up and that they know that there are resources of help.

The Community Task Force was lead by the vice president of San Jacinto Hospital, Laurie Terry. Others in attendance were representatives from the hospital, midwives, school nurses, health & sex educators from Goose Creek CISD, CYS counselors, Pregnancy Resource Center East and the City of Baytown.

It was confirmed that the school educators were doing a very excellent job with the health & sex classes which goes from 4^th grade through 12^th grade, but it was obvious that more information needed to get to the teens of where they could get confidential help and advice.

It was decided to start with giving out a phone number and website to as many teens that we could reach. The phone number, 1-800-395-HELP is operated 24/7 by trained counselors who can talk with troubled teens who may have a pregnancy related issue. They can then connect them to a pregnancy center which is closest to their home. Also, the teen website chosen was teenbreaks.com which deals with issues of relationships, STDs, sexual abuse, cutting, teen pregnancy and more. These are issues that teens are facing today and they can get information of what to do.

A booth at the 4^th of July Celebration was manned by Pregnancy Resource Center East & other community volunteers to give out this information printed on cards in mass. Pamphlets were given out to over 2,000 teenagers with the new hot line number. Other literature on STD's, marriage, sexual abuse & pregnancy were also available.

Flyers were given out also with information about the Baby Moses Law in which a girl could leave her baby up to 60 days old in a designated, safe haven, (hospital or fire stations) and remain anonymous. She would not be charged with abandonment and the baby would be cared for.

The teens were very receptive and took extras to their friends. If you would like copies to distribute or want more information, call the Pregnancy Resource Center East at 281-427-2773 .

2008-07-14T18:45:00.001-05:00

2008-04-28T06:21:00.001-05:00

A STORY OF A TEEN AT OUR CENTER

Today, a teen came into our center….. 15 years old. Her name was Wendy (changed for confidentiality). Wendy had had sex a week before and was worried that she may be pregnant. After she had filled out all the regular forms, our counselor could see right away that even if she took the pregnancy test, she still wouldn't know if she was pregnant because it was too soon, but she went ahead and took her into the counseling room to talk with her about it. We have a saying in our center: that the appointments that are made are really Divine appointments. God engineers the times and people so many times for His own purposes.

   Wendy wanted to start right off telling her story, even before she had her test. Her mother had been 15 years old when she had gotten pregnant with Wendy. Her mother had a rough life and ended up in prison, where she is now. Wendy had to go to live with her grandparents. All of her relatives have been telling her that she's going to end up just like her mother…. Wendy sobbed. Now, she felt like it was going to be true and that there was no turning around, she felt doomed.

   Our counselor put an arm around her while saying, "you know, God loves you and He cares about you." She went on to say that with God, she didn't really have to go down that same road. She opened the Bible to the verse that says, "While you were yet in the womb, I knew you." Thru her tears, she said that she didn't know God knew her. Then the counselor went on to show her another verse and let Wendy read it herself. It said that God had a plan for her… He meant for good and not evil for her. You could see that Wendy was virtually touched.

   Verse after verse were opened to Wendy in such a loving and caring way. She learned about a rebirth, and so many things that she never had heard of. The Lord was moving… and Wendy opened her heart to receive the Lord… A seed had been planted… a new life had started…. and a chance for a new direction.

   Then Wendy took the pregnancy test, and of course it came out inconclusive…. She can come back for a retest in a couple of weeks. But she is welcome to come back before that just to talk…

   God is so good. New starts are so wonderful… Wendy still has a chance at life!!

THIS IS JUST ONE LITTLE STORY THAT HAPPENS SO MANY TIMES IN OUR CENTER. THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BE HERE.

2008-04-13T15:10:00.001-05:00

Baby Bottle Blessings

---also known as Baby Bottle Boomerang

What is a Baby Bottle Blessings?

The Baby Bottle Blessings Fundraiser is rapidly becoming a tradition across the nation and is a fun way to obtain financial gifts to help support the pregnancy centers (Pregnancy Resource Centers).

Many churches choose to do this starting on Mother's Day. The baby bottles are cute and small enough for each family to take one home with them. The idea is to encourage each family or person taking a bottle to fill it with their pocket change. We also encourage them to put any size of currency or checks into the bottle. We suggest that they return it to the sponsoring church or business in about a 4-6 week time frame. Father's Day has become a favorite time to return the bottles as it's easy to remember. Some churches decide to do BBB during January for Sanctity of Human Life. You determine when is the best and most convenient time for your church or club.

What's very nice about this is that it only asks the person or family who took a bottle to fill it with whatever amount they desire to give. Children also find it fun to help fill the cute little bottle.

The Center offers assistance in the way of free pregnancy tests, free pregnancy counseling, baby supplies, community resource referrals, parenting & nutritional classes and a hand of friendship. Since our services are free, this fundraiser helps to fund the Center.

When a woman who is considering abortion visits a crisis pregnancy center, it has been found that 40% of the time she will choose life for her unborn child.

The Baby Bottle Blessings is an opportunity for churches, groups, clubs and businesses to have hands-on involvement in a project that saves the lives of unborn children and makes an eternal difference in the mothers' lives.

If you would like to become a church liaison or business coordinator or would like more information about the Baby Bottle Blessings Fundraiser please give us a call. Your involvement only takes a small amount of time, yet what a wonderful way to help us to help women and babies.

2008-04-05T14:46:00.001-05:00

HOUSTON TRAGEDIES POINT TO NEED FOR PREGNANCY CENTERS

Pregnancy Resource Center East mourns for the two young teens who were faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

On April 2, a girl gave birth in a bathroom and her baby drowned as she tried to flush the toilet. On March 30, a stillborn baby was delivered in an airplane bathroom and placed in a trash bin.

Pregnancy Resource Center East mourns for the young people & families of Baytown and the greater Houston area. We feel great sorrow that our center was not able to help the young woman from Cedar Bayou Junior School. We hope that through this tragedy more local teens will come to learn of our services as well as begin to make healthier choices for their future.

How tragic that these two young girls felt that secretly disposing of life was their only option! We are saddened they weren't able to receive help from one of the nine Care Net pregnancy centers that exist in Houston to offer hope and assistance to people like them.---one of them right here in Baytown, not too far from the junior school that the incident happened.

Serving over 670 girls and women last year, Pregnancy Resource Center East offers free and confidential services to people facing unplanned pregnancies and related sexual issues. Services include pregnancy tests, options counseling, limited ultrasound, parenting classes, material assistance, STD/STI information, after abortion help and community referrals.

Young women in these situations often feel so scared and alone that they are in denial about their pregnancy. The Pregnancy Resource Center East exists for girls who may feel they don't have a family member or adult helper who will help and love them unconditionally. Perhaps the parents of these girls really would've wanted to help if they knew the situation. Parents are welcome to bring their daughters in for pregnancy testing and counseling.

Our services are free & confidential, so that no one needs to know, but the girls are encouraged to talk with their parents about their situation. The Center can even help the teen tell the parents. Parents are normally their greatest support group once they can get past this first step of communication.

There are over 2,300 pregnancy centers that have sprung up across North America to step in the gap. No person facing an unplanned pregnancy should ever feel completely alone, ashamed and without hope when such an outpouring of support and compassion exist in our nation's pregnancy centers.

--
Pregnancy Resource Center East
3013 North Main Street
Baytown, Texas 77521
281-427-2273
www.prcebaytown.org

Walk for Life 2008

2008-04-05T13:59:00.001-05:00

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: WALK FOR LIFE!

By JoAnne Leppo

Saturday morning, March 29^th, had close to 75 walkers participating in the WALK FOR LIFE held by Pregnancy Resource Center East. There were people from all over, from different churches, businesses, different ages (even someone from a different State!)…. It didn't matter… they all were there for the weakest of society --- the unborn and babies!!

The oldest walker was Joan Rosebalm who is 80 years old. The youngest (in a stroller) was 3 months old of Davis & Jaime Turner.

There were many who came to volunteer helping to make the Walk a success. Bill Cates who was a finalist in Baytown Sun's Citizen of the Year award this year, came to tend the T-Shirt table, making sure everyone got just the right size. When everyone was fitted, she joined the walk and was the first one back!!

Janet Ranne with her team organized and ran the registration table. They were meticulous in collecting and recording all the pledge forms and funds turned in and had the totals ready before everyone returned from the walk so that prizes could be given out.

CM Kelly of Memorial Baptist Church in Channelview brought extra help to be guards along the walk path, and Lt. David Alford from First Baptist Church drove his police car alongside to keep the traffic and walkers safe.

The walk started at First Baptist Church of Baytown, walking down North Main Street to the Pregnancy Resource Center East. Everyone got a chance to sit down with water or tour the center and then headed back.

When everyone got back, trophies and medals were given out for those teams and individuals who signed up the most sponsors and collected the most funds. Everyone was excited and had so much fun. New Wine Christian Fellowship's Team won two trophies. There were 6 individuals who won medals.

Not until many returned home did they find out that rains were predicted on the news and it was in cities all around them. Those that were home and couldn't come to the Walk for Life, prayed for the weather, and the weather stayed beautiful with not a hint of rain, with just the right temperature!!

The funds collected will be given to Pregnancy Resource Center East to support their free services for women and girls who are pregnant. JoAnne Leppo, executive director, said, "Our services are not only for those who are in a crisis pregnancy (although that's what we specialize in), but any woman or girl with a pregnancy related issue is welcome at our Center and can participate in our programs." Some of their services include: free pregnancy tests, peer counseling, prenatal classes, parenting classes, car seat program, material assistance and more.

There were some people who were not able to attend the walk because of illness or conflicting events and business, but collected funds. They can still walk in their neighborhood and turn in their pledge forms to receive a T-Shirt. Call 281-427-2273 for details.

--
Pregnancy Resource Center East
3013 North Main Street
Baytown, Texas 77521
281-427-2273
www.prcebaytown.org

2008-02-24T06:29:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends of Pregnancy Resource Center East,

Recently we've received questions and calls asking about what the latest is with abortion as far as the law is. There have been programs airing lately raising awareness about abortion, and making people question what's going on???
I think that nearly everyone has heard the news about the ban on partial birth abortion. And it seemed that there was a real victory there. So it was. But please realize that this doesn't mean that we should let our guard down and stop praying. The other side is fighting that and trying to get it overturned because of some of the technicality of its wording.
As far as our Center goes and our stand on politics, we are not a political organization, we don't picket and go to Washington. Our work has always been behind the scenes, changing lives one by one, educating as many as we can and turning them to the Lord.
But this doesn't mean that we don't pay attention to what's going on in the "real world". All of the lobbying and voting is VERY important and affects us and we diligently pray for our leaders.
Planned Parenthood has been flooding everyone with commercials on radio and TV saying how "It's a plan that you can love by." Below are two recent articles which show that there is a cause for concern.

Most of our news and articles are stories of heart and life changes, and usually not about politics, but sometimes we have to speak up to let our donors and friends know what's going on right here in Houston. Our Pregnancy Center is vital to the girls in our area, and we are so thankful for your help and that you are making it possible for us to operate so many hours to reach as many girls as possible. May God Bless you.

Blessings,
JoAnne Leppo
******************************************************************************************************

Houston will be the site of the largest freestanding abortion facility in the Western Hemisphere
(taken from Houston Coalition for Life website)

As most of you are very well aware, our local Planned Parenthood is expanding and purchased a very large building at 4600 Gulf Freeway a little over a year ago. This expansion is being done to comply with Texas law stating that an abortion of a pregnancy of 16 weeks or more has to be done at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital licensed to perform the abortion.

What we didn't realize is that when this move takes place, which is projected for the fall of 2008, Houston will have the notoriety of having the largest freestanding abortion facility in the Western Hemisphere. Planned Parenthood of Houston & Southeast Texas plans to open a multimillion-dollar "flagship" abortion center just outside the gates of the University of Houston's main campus. This six-story building is 78,000 square feet, and the ambulatory surgical center will take up the entire third floor. This is where unborn babies up to 25 weeks will be aborted. This is more than half way through a woman's pregnancy! It is known that babies born after 24 weeks have a very good chance of survival.

Planned Parenthood writes, "Our new building at 4600 Gulf Freeway is significantly larger and more secure than our current location. The new expanded campus will allow us to provide a safe and welcoming health care home for our current clients, and to meet the future needs of clients throughout the Houston area."

Planned Parenthood Works to Increase its Share of Abortion Market

Family News in Focus
Abortion provider is shuttering small sites while building mega-centers. Planned Parenthood recently shuttered a small clinic in Logan County, Ill. It also recently closed four sites in Michigan and merged several in Ohio. It's apparently part of a strategy for growth.
"Planned Parenthood is trying to corner the market," said Bill Beckman, director of Illinois Right to Life. "Over the last 20 years, their share of abortions nationally has gone from 5 percent to 20 percent."
Doug Scott, president of Life Decisions International, said Planned Parenthood has no shortage of money.
"They're running around all the time saying 'Well, we've got government in California cutting funds here, and we've got the federal government cutting funds there,' " he said. "But what they don't tell people is that they have nearly $400 million sitting in a savings account."
Planned Parenthood is closing small clinics, while building mega-abortion centers. A 20,000-square-foot facility just opened in Aurora, Ill., and one three times that size is going up in Denver.

Volunteer Training for PRCE

2008-02-06T09:32:00.001-06:00

Pregnancy Resource Center East

Spring 2008

Volunteer/Counselor Training!

Come join us as we cover the many areas of counseling inside a Pregnancy Center.

Topics will include:

Adoption

Abstinence

Legal issues

Peer Counseling

Sharing the gospel

Crisis Pregnancy Counseling

Post abortion healing for women.

Dates:

Thursday, February 28^th 6:30pm-8:30pm &

Saturday, March 1^st 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location:

Northside Baptist Church, Baytown TX

Volunteering inside the PRC is a great blessing. There are many areas of service that one can volunteer.

Counseling, Teaching, Clothing ministry are just to name a few!

In as little as 3-hours a week, you can make a difference in the lives of women and unborn children.

Please call the Pregnancy Resource Center at 281-427-2273

To register as an individual or a group

Cost: Drinks, morning snack and Sat. lunch: $10

CareNet Manual: $20

Commentary

2008-01-14T15:29:00.000-06:00

As we look at 34 years since the Roe v. Wade decision, many are frustrated and angry -- wondering why this abhorrent practice continues. Still others look to the 2008 election, wondering if a political party that has -- at least on paper -- stood for life will drop its interest in reaching out to "the least of these." Children -- especially those waiting to be born -- don't vote and don't speak. Will political expediency win out?

Yet something else is happening. Years ago -- back when the defenders of life were just getting warmed up -- there were more than 2000 abortion clinics and just a few hundred pregnancy care ministries. Today there are more than 2500 pregnancy care ministries (it's a moving number, but moving up I think) and just 747 abortion clinics. Hmmm. Something is happening here.

For those waning a political solution, some headway is taking place but ominous clouds await in '08. Will the court move left? Or will life-affirming justices finally gain the majority?

The number of abortions nationwide is still too high. One is too many. But after reaching a high of more than 1.5 million a few years ago, the number is down under 1.3 million. Again, a turning tide.

Yet for those reaching hearts on the front lines of pregnancy care ministries our impact is lowering the abortion rate, the teen pregnancy rate and we are also seeing incredible healing in the lives of those who were once victims of abortion.

It appears many life advocates are finding a perfect home by choosing to build their support of Pregnancy Resource Center East ministries -- where hearts are being touched and lives saved. The results are showing through.

Sometimes a tide turns slowly before a torrent of momentum builds toward a major societal shift. The trend is beginning and should it continue as it has the last several year, we could see what seemed impossible just five years ago: Abortion could -- can we dream this? --- become obsolete in the years ahead. The new front lines are at the Pregnancy Resource Center East, and as lives are saved, the momentum builds --- one life at a time.

Happy New Year

2008-01-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Happy New Year!! We hope you've had a wonderful Christmas and a fresh look for the coming year!! Besides eating healthier, exercising more and losing weight, many people are looking for ways to make their life more meaningful. We have been hearing this a lot lately. God must have something big in mind for this year!

We want to thank you for all your support and help in the year of 2007. It was definitely a year worth remembering. Not only were we able to expand our premises, but we also had some incredible stats!! Now, I've always said that numbers aren't really the most important thing... That people are. But it is encouraging that all those numbers have people behind them. The two landmark numbers that we hit this year were:

5,000th client seen since we opened our doors in 1996
102 souls saved this year, bringing our total to 606 since our beginning.

We have some exciting things coming up in the near future, so could you mark these on your calendar?

Sanctity of Human Life: Month of january (we have speakers that are available to come to your church.)
World's Largest Baby Shower: January 25th & 26th (drop off your gift at the nearest Pregnancy Center.)
Walk For Life: March 29th (if you'd like to be a corporate sponsor, please contact our center.)

Soon we weill be sending out our annual report. Don't miss reading it!! It will be informative encouraging & exciting!!

May God richly bless your lives this new year.

JoAnne