On Thursday evening, we attended the local pregnancy center's annual banquet. Dr. Bruce Wilkenson (author of best selling books including "The Prayer of Jabez") was our guest speaker. We knew we were in for a blessed evening. As he began to share, it was apparent to everyone there that he has a heart like his Father's and that he speaks from a deep well of knowledge of God's word. He shared Jeremiah 32:35 with us, "And they built the high places of Baal which are in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’" This passage is talking about a fallen nation who sacrificed their children to the false gods. They would literally take their babies and offer them to a fire, to be consumed, in hopes of finding favor with Baal. Dr. Wilkenson described blaring of music in the temples, which was to serve as a distraction from the screaming of the babies being burned.
Years ago, I read the Chronicles of the Kings historical fiction series by Lynn Austin. She has an amazing way of combining scripture and historical events and weaving a story that brings the Bible to life. I was gripped as I read about the evil kings and the one king, Hezekiah, who lived rightly before God. I remember thinking, "God, this is so vile. How could anyone take their baby and feed it to a fire?" He spoke clearly to my heart, "Your nation does that. Every day. Abortion is the modern day Molech." Oh God, my heart wept! While we read these accounts of wickedness and murder we think those people must have been demon possessed. Yet, every day, in our own country, we allow innocent lives to be snuffed out. God, have mercy on our land! We must rise up and call this what it is. For far too long, the church has taken an back seat. We've washed our hands of the "issue" of abortion and declared, "It's too big of a problem. Our government will never reverse Roe Versus Wade. Why bother?" Oh God, have mercy on our churches! Wake us, shake us! Bring us to our knees!
Dr. Wilkenson shared his journey with being an advocate for pregnancy centers. He has been called to travel our nation and be a voice for the voiceless. He is being used by God to wake up the sleeping giant, the church of Jesus Christ. Thursday evening he explained that it takes approximately $1,200 to provide services to save one baby from being aborted. He felt God tugging on his heart to give back $1,200 for each child he has. When he presented this to his wife, she hesitated. He was surprised, as she is a very godly and generous woman. The reason? She felt that wasn't adequate. God has blessed them with three children and six grandchildren. Their gift back to Him was enough to help save nine more children.
As he shared this practical challenge, D and I were both weeping. We have been blessed with three precious sons. Why not give back to Him enough money to help save three more babies this year? Why not? There was not a bit of hesitation for either one of us. We have money in our savings that is just sitting there. What house project or vacation or other cause could be worth more than saving the lives of three precious babies? We wrote the check that very night.
I don't share this to boast about Dr. Wilkenson or to boast about our family. We live well, but we also live humbly. Our purpose is to live simply that others may simply live. At the start of this year, D was losing his job. I remember the fear we had as he searched and searched for a new job. During that time, our pastor preached a sermon about tithing and giving that was unlike any message I've ever heard. It came straight from God's word, and yet, it was something totally new. I remember weeping the entire sermon, wanting to give to those in need. My pastor asked me if I was OK and I said, "I just want to have more so I can give more." Wow, did God hear that cry? Did He open up the floodgates of heaven and pour out His blessings upon us? Yes, He did! We are not getting rich, but we have everything that we need and from the surplus, we want to give. I believe that we all have something we can give. When we put all of our offerings together, God will multiply those efforts and bring forth His provision for the world around us.
That night, over $320,000 was pledged for our local center, over $220,000 more than the year before! This will allow them to help save over 200 babies in 2012. That is AMAZING! The pregnancy center still needs another $250,000 to reach our high school and college campuses. I believe with all my heart that those resources are available in our community. Would you consider reaching deep into your heart and your pockets? Our people need to hear about abstinence and make life affirming choices! Is He calling you to help bring change? 53 million babies have been murdered since 1973 through abortion. Are you ready to take a stand and say "Enough is enough?"
If you want to help, please let me know and I will direct you to the ones who need your gift! If you do not have finances to give at this time, know that the center also needs volunteers. As they reach out to save twice as many babies, they will need twice as many volunteers. I know that God is tugging on hearts and He will provide, if we obey His voice!
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