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		<title>So, what is Heartbeat's Sexual Integrity Program?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Heartbeat International - Holding Each Life Precious]]></description>
		<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org</link>
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			<title>The Right to...Death: The Rewriting of Our Declaration of Independence</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/the-right-to-death-the-rewriting-of-our-declaration-of-independence</link>
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			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><span style="font-size: 24pt;">The Right to <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Life</span> Death—the Rewriting of our Declaration of Independence </span></p> <p><em>by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler,&nbsp;Representing Missouri’s 4<sup>th</sup> Congressional District 2011-2023<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/declaration.jpg" alt="Declaration of Independence" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></em></p> <p>Two hundred and forty-eight years ago, as of July 4, 2024, 56 brave, principled patriots mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor by signing the Declaration of Independence. They risked everything in doing so and many lost everything as a result. Why were they willing to sacrifice so much? Because their God-given rights were being taken away—the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.</p> <p>Those three rights were worth dying for. They form the basis of our country’s greatness. They undergird our foundation of freedom, support our good and just laws, and inspire people all over the world.</p> <p>Securing and preserving these rights has been the primary purpose of government—until now.</p> <h3><strong>Their Fight Against Life</strong></h3> <p>With some recent court challenges and changes in laws, disturbingly, we are seeing a government promoting and defending a “right to death” instead of a “right to life”. There are many examples:</p> <p><strong>Illinois</strong> passed a law barring crisis pregnancy centers from what they label “misinformation, deceptive practices, and misrepresentation” to inhibit their ability to protect life. (This was&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.thomasmoresociety.org/news/pro-life-ministries-victorious-against-state-of-illinois-attack-on-pregnancy-centers" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.thomasmoresociety.org/news/pro-life-ministries-victorious-against-state-of-illinois-attack-on-pregnancy-centers&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1719687706121000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Xchx9mzZVISFaUKIASUPq">overruled</a></span>&nbsp;in the courts.)</p> <p><strong>Colorado</strong> passed a law prohibiting the administering of medication to reverse abortions. This subjects employees to discipline before professional conduct boards, thereby jeopardizing their licenses.</p> <p><strong>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</strong> arbitrarily approved the timeframe for ‘safe’ administering of the abortion pill without full medical review, yet refuses to officially approve the usage of progesterone to stop abortions even though it has been used to prevent miscarriages for years.</p> <p><strong>New York</strong> <a href="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/heartbeat-international-compasscare-et-al-v-letitia-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Attorney General Letitia James has&nbsp;sued Heartbeat International and 11 New York pregnancy centers</span></a>&nbsp;for promoting Abortion Pill Reversal treatment.</p> <p><strong>California</strong> Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an injunction to stop pregnancy care centers from providing Abortion Pill Reversal services, thereby forcing women to abort their babies who do not want to end the life of their child.</p> <p><strong>Massachusetts</strong> has launched a $1 million taxpayer-funded propaganda campaign smearing pregnancy care centers in an attempt to keep women from accessing life-affirming care.</p> <p>Pro-life activists are being targeted—and jailed—for speaking up for the right to life. Seventy-five-year-old Paulette Harlow recently received a sentence of two years in prison for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act by trying to save the lives of precious unborn children by blocking the entrance to a Washington, D.C., abortion facility.</p> <p>And even private enterprise is discouraging the right to life. The Yelp website has come under fire for attaching consumer notices to profiles of pregnancy care centers, informing consumers that the centers “typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite” yet Yelp does not attach such notices to abortion facilities although they provide limited services other than abortion.</p> <p>Our Founding Fathers would be heartbroken at this turn of priorities for our country. The definition of ‘freedom’ for many of today’s leaders is limited to a “freedom of death” while the “right to life” is trampled.</p> <h3><strong>New Warriors Rising Up</strong></h3> <p>America needs patriots today to once again hold out the truths embraced by our Creator—the ones championed by those courageous men and women in 1776. Our country needs warriors for life, people who will not be deterred by those forces who promote death, but who will carry the banner of truth—champions for the unborn.&nbsp;<strong> America needs <em>you.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Thank you for battling in the trenches every day for expectant mothers and their babies. Thank you for not giving up and never backing down. Thank you for preserving the greatness of America.</strong></p> <p>We are at a crossroads. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” <strong>May this generation of Americans follow your lead and stand up for the foundational right to life embraced by our country’s Founders.</strong> May we ensure our <strong>God-given freedoms</strong> are not redefined, squelched, or snuffed out. May we <strong>preserve and protect</strong> the rights so hard fought for and secured by those who have gone before us. The lives of countless unborn children—and the future of our nation—depend on it.</p> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: center;">“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.&nbsp; Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” <br /><em>-&nbsp;Deuteronomy 30:19</em></p> </blockquote> <p>In the face of adversity and challenges, take heart. You are part of a movement that stands on the shoulders of giants, carrying forward the principles that our nation was built upon. Your tireless efforts, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life are making a profound difference. Good things are happening because of you. Lives are being saved, hope is being restored, and the truth is being proclaimed. Together, we are upholding the right to life and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the freedoms our Founders fought so valiantly to secure. Keep pressing forward with courage and conviction. Your work is invaluable, and your impact is immeasurable.</p> <p>_______________________________________________________</p> <h3><strong>About the Author</strong></h3> <p>Recently retired Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler represented Missouri's Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2023. She has been a long-time champion of pregnancy help organizations and now serves as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. She was recently featured on our Pregnancy Help Podcast to discuss "<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://pregnancyhelp.blubrry.net/2024/04/29/maximizing-your-impact-with-elected-officials-congresswoman-vicky-hartzler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maximizing Your Impact with Elected Officials</a></span>".</p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:15:28 -0400</pubDate>
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			<title>Embracing Renewal</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/embracing-renewal</link>
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			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Heartbeat International</span></i></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=820429773460440&amp;set=pb.100064802737874.-2207520000&amp;type=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/zbcnuaOokbr-AQYV6Uge_nwfLPYfuGvt9GKmIou6l8cCMHRYvbpndR5IBdZ7sIuISrDNocW3_d-UhTtDRzoknbyc8G9fdSZYg-7NcouWccC_mLohcVqjGUE38SzDxPtPcI1o-XRSzNS6qq41Mwy8YNg" width="264" height="221" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /><span></span></a></p> <p><span>As we gather for the Heartbeat Conference this month, it's a time for reflection and renewal. In the journey of providing pregnancy help, we often encounter moments of doubt and setbacks, and it's imperative to remember that <strong>each day brings a new opportunity for growth and impact.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the spirit of renewal, let's draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom found in scripture. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we're reminded, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse speaks directly to the concept of renewal, emphasizing that through our faith, we are continually made new. It's a powerful reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we have the capacity for transformation and renewal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just as setting goals for ourselves often brings a sense of hope and possibility, <strong>each day presents us with the chance to approach our work with fresh eyes and a renewed spirit.</strong></span></p> <p><span>Now, it's important to acknowledge that mistakes are inevitable. We're all human, and we'll predictably stumble along the way. However, it's how we respond to these setbacks that truly matters. Instead of dwelling on past failures, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. As </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=820429773460440&amp;set=a.360792039424218">Romans 12:2</a></span><span> reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."</span></p> <p><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/rdhznLcuq2vnpVua7s9Xgrh52cpQOexM6Tlk19bVubuS8foJfRjt0YBcjjD6yH7ki1Nw_TOzGEI-bK-tUpsljkjVMrnHWIdCKYiRsx63oJviLWFglyQI796CO8mXfM6jPOhBHSMpb99RVCfKdO2uii0" width="286" height="286" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approach each day as a fresh start, filled with endless possibilities. Just as each sunrise brings with it the promise of a new beginning, embrace the opportunity to chart a course toward positive change and transformation. Remember, as it says in&nbsp;</span><span>Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So let go of the "should haves" and "could haves" that weigh you down, and instead focus on the present moment. <strong>By embracing a mindset of renewal and growth, you'll find the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we gather for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Heartbeat Conference</a></span>, let's recommit ourselves to the important work we do. And, take heart! We are here to draw strength from each other and the promises of renewal found in scripture. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:56:46 -0400</pubDate>
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			<title>Your Biblical Calling for Lent</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/your-biblical-calling-for-lent</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/your-biblical-calling-for-lent</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><em>by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Heartbeat International<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/ahna-ziegler-m7U6Zk-wU4M-unsplash.jpg" alt="ahna ziegler m7U6Zk wU4M unsplash" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we embark upon the sacred season of Lent, we find ourselves drawn into a period of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this journey, symbolized by the placing of ashes on our foreheads, a reminder of our mortality, and the call to turn our hearts back to God.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During Lent, many Christians engage in acts of self-denial and sacrifice, echoing the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross. In giving up something dear to us – be it sweets or social media – we strive to create space in our lives for prayer, introspection, and a deepened connection with God. This intentional sacrifice is a tangible expression of our commitment to remember and honor the tremendous sacrifice of Christ, who laid down His life for our redemption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this season of sacrifice, I am reminded of 1 Peter 2:21: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." As we willingly let go of certain comforts or indulgences, we are reminded of the selflessness that characterized Christ's journey to the cross.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those working on the noble mission of supporting women and protecting the unborn, your sacrifice takes on a profound meaning. In dedicating your time, efforts, and resources to serve mothers in need, </span><strong>you embody the biblical call to care for widows and orphans </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">as James 1:27 teaches us.</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each moment spent in advocating, consulting, and providing practical assistance becomes a living testament to your commitment to God's work on earth. By choosing to be the hands and feet of Christ in this critical arena, you participate in the divine narrative of love, compassion, and protection for the most vulnerable among us.</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As you navigate the challenges inherent in this mission, remember the words of David in Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Your sacrifices and efforts are not in vain; they are sown in the fertile soil of God's purpose.</span><strong> Take heart, for in your commitment to protecting life, you are aligning yourself with the very heart of God.</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">May this Lenten season be a time of profound spiritual growth and a deepening of your connection with God. Your sacrifices, both big and small, are seen and appreciated by the One who sacrificed everything for us. Be encouraged by the knowledge that you are making a difference in the lives of the unborn and their mothers, fulfilling the call to love and serve with a sacrificial heart.</span></p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:17:31 -0500</pubDate>
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			<title>Fostering Year-Round Engagement</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/fostering-year-round-engagement</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/fostering-year-round-engagement</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><em><span style="background-color: initial;">by Tracie Shellhouse, Vice President of Ministry Services<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-pixabay-161534.jpg" alt="Fostering Year-Round Engagement " style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></span></em><strong></strong></p> <p>Sanctity of Human Life (SOHL) Month, marks a pivotal time for your pregnancy help organization (PHO) to engage your local churches and community. While this month serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of all human life, <strong>it also presents a unique opportunity</strong> to increase community awareness, develop new relationships, and strengthen established partnerships through ongoing support and advocacy.</p> <h2><strong>Strategies to facilitate year-round engagement:</strong></h2> <h3><strong>Relationship Building:</strong></h3> <p>Use this month as a platform to initiate and fortify relationships. Offer to speak about the sanctity of human life and the power of pregnancy help in January <strong>and throughout the year.</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/second-realm-of-leadership-community-involvement-and-building-bridges" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Engage</a></span> local church leaders, congregations, and community groups through church services, events, and forums discussing the sanctity of human life. Be ready to meet new people—potential volunteers, donors, and even clients—and build rapport, exchange ideas, and showcase the life-transforming work of your organization. Consider creating a short, up-to-date <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/why-video" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">video</a></span> about the mission and impact of your PHO and offer it to churches that can’t accommodate a speaker but are willing to include it in their services.</p> <h3><strong>Education and Resources:</strong></h3> <p>During <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/sohl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sanctity of Human Life (SOHL) Month</a></span>, in January<span style="text-decoration: underline;">,</span>&nbsp;presentations make it clear that honoring and protecting life is a year-round ministry. Share your plans and hopes for the year ahead. Mention your upcoming events and share the types of educational opportunities your PHO can provide for interested groups: pro-life apologetics seminars, topical workshops (adoption, trauma-informed care, sex trafficking intervention), abortion-recovery support, and sexual integrity presentations. Encourage <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/academy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">continuous education</a></span> through your training and workshop events, point them to your online presence for more resources, and offer them practical tools they can use throughout the year.</p> <h3><strong>Collaborative Initiatives:</strong></h3> <p>Partner with local churches to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/ready-for-roe-to-go-energizing-the-church" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">empower them</a></span> to support pregnancy help through your center by...</p> <ul> <li>facilitating support groups like Embrace Grace</li> <li>encouraging Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs to do community-wide diaper drives</li> <li>supporting mentorship programs for dads and moms at Boys and Girls Clubs and through Head Start programs</li> <li>providing services at health fairs alongside your local health department</li> <li>exhibit at church mission conferences</li> </ul> <p><strong>This collaborative approach fosters shared responsibility, increases awareness in your community, and invites others to join you in supporting expectant mothers and families.</strong> When scheduled throughout the year, these events will keep your PHO engaged with your community, provide ample opportunities for local media coverage, and your collaborating organizations will even help promote your brand and services.</p> <h3><strong>Consistent Communication:</strong></h3> <p>Regularly update churches and community partners about events, success stories, and upcoming opportunities through annual reports, newsletters, social media, and personal interactions. Attend partnered organizations' events to show that you support them, too. You can drop by a business’s open house, attend the Exchange Club’s auction, or volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce’s back-to-school bash. Connect in ways that let people know you “see” them. Acknowledging faithful donors can be as easy as penning, “God is touching and saving lives through your support!" at the bottom of their donation receipt. A phone call, a praise report via text message, or a short email can be touching and inspiring. And, lastly, don’t overlook the impact of sending an occasional handwritten thank you note or timely card (holidays, birthdays, life events). Keep it simple. Share a milestone achieved or miraculous “save” made possible through their support. Today, people rarely receive “happy mail,” and when we do it feels special.</p> <p>You may already be doing some or all of the strategies presented above. If you are just getting started or trying to decide <em>where </em>to begin, I encourage you to lean into the process—it will be worth it.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">1.&nbsp;<strong>First, choose one or two new strategies to implement.</strong> Take time to evaluate and adjust them to fit your ministry’s needs. These efforts will produce a harvest that will likely surprise you! As you gain momentum, you can choose other strategies to implement.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. <strong>Second, don’t be a lone ranger.</strong> Build a team of board members, volunteers, and paid personnel to help with donor and community engagement. Share donor and partner touchpoint opportunities (phone calls, texts, emails, and thank you notes) with your team members who enjoy making connections and building relationships. <em>Just three of you making one connection each day of the workweek could produce 60 meaningful donor connections a month.</em> <strong>Imagine the possibilities! </strong>Train seasoned staff and board members to represent your PHO at speaking engagements, events, and exhibits. With a bench of trained representatives to call on, your ministry can be simultaneously present at multiple events and you can accept more speaking engagements than ever before. And as your PHO's opportunities and impact increase, you may be surprised to find that your workload may not. John Heywood wrote, “Many hands make light work,” almost 500 years ago. This proverb still rings true today.</p> <p>By leveraging the momentum and awareness generated during Sanctity of Human Life Month, you can increase your network of dedicated supporters and advocates who—<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/united-for-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">united for life</a></span>—will create lasting change and affirm the sanctity of life every single day of the year.</p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jan 2024 07:23:21 -0500</pubDate>
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			<title>Always Living Advent</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/always-living-advent</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/always-living-advent</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><em style="background-color: initial;">by Jennifer Wright, Developmental Editor<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-doralin-tunas-10068745.jpg" alt="Living Advent" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></em><strong></strong></p> <p>“Ummm, Tony? My water just broke.”</p> <p>That was me at midnight the night before Easter. My husband reacted as many husbands do—he started getting everything together, made sure we had childcare for our toddler and drove me to the hospital—all with just a little bit of panic in his voice.</p> <p>Our son was born less than 11 hours later—during the Easter morning Mass we had planned to attend. We had been waiting with expectant hope for months and we brought home our healthy son with joy and celebrated Easter more joyfully than ever.</p> <p>Only eight months later, I’m reflecting on this experience during Advent. Since I’ve become a mother, imagining the events leading up to the first Christmas has taken on new meaning. Reflecting on Mary’s journey with Joseph, so close to the end of her pregnancy, brings me more empathy than ever. I can understand now what it is to be close to delivery and have many things to worry about, in addition to how labor will go, whether my baby will be healthy, and if I will be able to care for and provide for my child.</p> <p>Add in the uncertainty about where a child will be born, the physical toll of travel, and the anxiety of settling into a new place (perhaps far from family), expectant hope can easily turn to fear and dread.</p> <p>But Mary and Joseph had support. They found someone who made space for them in their poverty so that Jesus had a manger to lie in. They had joyful shepherds who celebrated, spread the good news, and glorified God. They had wise men who brought gifts (although wise <em>women</em> might have given more practical gifts…) and protected their new child.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Thanks to you, new mothers have the support they need to bring <em>their</em> children into the world too.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>I love the liturgical calendar because it gives me set times during the year to reflect on individual parts of salvation history. Advent is a time when I remember the expectant hope of our faith—expectant hope like that of waiting for a child to be born. <strong>But it also reminds me that, for many in our movement, it’s always Advent.</strong></p> <h3><strong>It’s always time to help a woman make room for, provide for, and protect her child.</strong></h3> <p>I’m eternally grateful for this movement of wise men and women, joyful shepherds, and generous innkeepers who walk the steps of Advent with women every day.</p> <p>When you next find yourself overwhelmed or sorrowful because of a client’s decision or story, remember that while you may find yourself in an eternal Advent, Christmas—the most wonderful mystery of salvation history, when God becomes man—is coming. You can wait with expectant hope, knowing that we will have a time of celebration.</p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:17:52 -0500</pubDate>
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			<title>God’s Army: Our Battle Plan for Spiritual War</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/god-s-army-our-battle-plan-for-spiritual-war</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/god-s-army-our-battle-plan-for-spiritual-war</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><em>by Rachel Deffenbaugh<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-sharefaith-1202727.jpg" alt="God's Army" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></em></p> <p>Each year in the U.S., we commemorate the men and women who have served in our armed forces on “Veterans Day,” November 11. Their unwavering commitment to serve and sacrifice extends beyond the signature line on their enlistment form and even beyond ‘Hell Week’ of boot camp. It is in every drill, exercise, salute, flawlessly made bed, pre-deployment training, deployment/tour, and goodbye to loved ones. Despite the uncertainties, their call to duty to serve a purpose greater than themselves abounds. As Christians, we know the importance of such a calling, and we are grateful for the sacrifices (big and small, spoken and unspoken) our veterans have made.</p> <p><i>Is this the blueprint for God's army?</i></p> <p>Jesus preached about <a title="Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13">laying down one’s life for his friends</a> and God's word teaches us to <a title="Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves... -Phillipians 2:3">put others before ourselves</a>. Similar to the sacrifices our military makes to protect our '<strong>life</strong>, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,’ Jesus came so that we may <a title="The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. -John 10:10">have <strong>life </strong>and have it more abundantly</a>; <a title="For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. -John 3:17">not to condemn the world but to save it</a>. In contrast to the military, His mission was <a title="For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. - Romans 5:10">not to kill His enemies but to die for them</a>. He is our example not only as a Christian but as a soldier of a larger body of believers—the Church, also known as God's army.</p> <h3><strong>Weapons of Warfare</strong></h3> <p>As with everything else, the Lord has identified our spiritual weapons in scripture. Our weapons are vastly different from what our soldiers use to protect our country. Jesus’ weapons involved a different arsenal of spiritual warfare. After all, "<a title="Ephesians 6:12">we do not wage against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.</a>"</p> <p>Therefore, as the Church, we fight a spiritual war—not with physical weapons, but with spiritual ones. Our spiritual weapons are&nbsp;<i>offensive </i>and <i>defensive </i>as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-13<i>. </i>Interestingly, the only <em>offensive</em> weapon listed here is the sword. <strong>The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God. </strong>The other “gear” listed are <em>defensive</em> weapons: the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, feet of peace, belt of truth, and helmet of salvation.</p> <p>Additionally, we have been equipped with “weapons of righteousness.” In 2 Corinthians 6, these weapons are described as our <strong>gifts from God</strong>. Another "weapon of righteousness” is <a title="With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints... - Ephesians 6:18">prayer</a>, especially when “forged” in the word of God.</p> <p>We would be remiss if we did not mention another “weapon of righteousness,” God’s love. Indeed, love deployed as a weapon is explained in Romans 12:19-21 and emphasized as <strong>our most valuable gift</strong> in 1 Corinthians 13:2.</p> <p>You may be tempted to march in God’s army with <i>only </i>your offensive weapon, the sword. However, Paul urges us to <strong>put on</strong> <strong>every piece of armor (our spiritual weapons)</strong>. Missing a single “weapon” can expose us to vulnerabilities; similar to how our military wear their kevlar and flak jackets. They would never undergo a mission with just their rifle in tow. The same principle applies to those of us in God's army.</p> <h3><strong>Our Enemy</strong></h3> <p>As our beloved veterans understand, we must identify our enemy. Our enemy is “<a title="John 8:44">the father of lies</a>” who has been a “<a title="John 8:44">murderer from the beginning.</a>” It is fitting for him to continue doing exactly what he has been doing since the beginning of time.</p> <p>In pregnancy help, we see the same lies targeting women, men, families, marriages, and children alike. These lies perpetuate the agenda of our enemy, who seeks to not only murder our unborn children but to sever families, marriages, and livelihoods. His lies mirror the same propaganda we see today; using the same tactics he has used for centuries, just packaged with different labels through the years.</p> <p>Identifying our enemy means we can prepare for attacks and are not surprised when they come. This preparation begins with you and the call for peace among all Christians worldwide.</p> <h3><strong>Call to Peace</strong></h3> <p><i>How is peace attainable in such a divisive world?</i> Let’s learn what the Prince of Peace can teach us.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Peace means “unity.”</strong> The Greek word for “peace,” eirēnē, means “ <a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/united-for-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">unity</span> </a>and accord.”<sup>1</sup>We can have peace by being in <a title="And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. -Ecclesiastes 4:12">unity with the body of Christ</a>, God's army. <i>How can a military unit fulfill any mission with dissension, divisive strategies, and discord among them?</i></li> <li><strong>Peace means “restoration.”</strong> The definition is also described as “the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God.”<sup>1</sup> Inner peace comes when we are fully reconciled with God. Forgiveness (repentance and forgiving others) is the first place to start for inner peace.</li> <li><strong>Peace means trust.</strong> “<a title="Proverbs 3:5-6">Lean[ing] not on your own understanding</a>” involves knowing your limits. We are limited by our knowledge of our circumstances (the seen and especially unseen). We are limited by our knowledge of the future. We are limited by our capacity to understand the collective truths of reality and God's purposes through them.</li> </ul> <p>While we have cognitive limitations, <strong>our trust in God as Commander and Chief of His army is crucial.</strong> Soldiers follow their superiors' orders, without question or hesitation. <i>How much more should we, in communion with God, trust He knows best, trust His perfect timing, and trust in His promises?</i></p> <p>We are grateful to our nation's veterans. Through their unwavering commitment, they've secured the freedoms we cherish today. As Christians, our battlefield and our weapons are completely different but they share similarities to preserve '<strong>life</strong>, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' We know that in this spiritual war, armed with our spiritual weapons, we are fully equipped for the calling to peace and to protect <strong>life</strong>.</p> <p>___________________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p><em>Source</em></p> <ol> <li><a href="https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&amp;aid=34587">https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&amp;aid=34587</a></li> </ol></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:06:39 -0400</pubDate>
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			<title>Some Things Take Time</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/some-things-take-time</link>
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			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/media/k2/items/cache/d08911f3b25b4e41c0e278c4eeec3e11_S.jpg" alt="Some Things Take Time" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><div> <p><em><span style="background-color: initial;">by Jor-El Godsey,&nbsp;President of Heartbeat International<img src="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4207905.jpg" alt="Things Take Time" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /> </span></em></p> </div> <div> <blockquote> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: initial;">“Time ripens all things; no man is born wise.” – Miguel de Cervantes, author (Don Quixote)</span><strong></strong></p> </blockquote> </div> <div> <p>To understand how “time ripens” we need to look no further than our own lives. In fact, one of the most profound perspectives comes from interacting with small children as they grow and mature. One moment they don’t understand something, the next they do. They simply need time to develop, aided by the proper conditions, input, protection, and cultivation.</p> </div> <div> <p>Cabernets and cathedrals are similar. Most wines ripen with age as the molecular structure actually changes into something richer, fuller, and, as the sommelier will tell you, better. Most red wines take between five and twenty years to age properly, allowing tannins to mellow and aromatics to blend together. Unfortunately, I’ve been known to stand impatiently, complete with arms folded and toes tapping, in front of a microwave cooking (or heating) my dinner in just a matter of moments. I've also marveled when visiting other countries that have invested a significant amount of years curating phenomenal vintage wine. As someone from the modern world, <strong>my inherent expectation of instant gratification would mean missing out</strong> on the wonder of an aged wine.&nbsp;(If you don’t drink wine, think about cheeses aged for decades. But not American cheese, which is probably not even real cheese.)</p> </div> <div> <p>Cathedrals also take time, but the time is more active with artisans in stone, wood, and glass working for decades if not centuries. The Gothic Cologne Cathedral in Germany took more than 600 years to complete. The vision to complete this wondrous celebration of God’s power spanned generations of architects and artisans, bishops and barons, as well as patrons and parishioners. The cathedral was completed before the U.S.A.’s Brooklyn Bridge (NY) and Washington Monument (DC). Today, you can visit this testament to tenacity in Cologne, Germany. (I’ve not been there, but I bet the city smells nice, too.)</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>In our modern world, we often <em>only</em> pursue the quick fix.</strong> This is certainly necessary for us when we’re helping a woman navigate the obstacles preventing her—at the moment—from choosing life. Yet, when we are looking at the systemic impact of abortion on our land, laws, and lives, the quick fix has been exceptionally elusive. Too many are spending too much on finding that quick fix—the “silver bullet”—that will establish life as being cherished and chosen everywhere as soon as possible. <strong>Of course, we all want that to happen, but the quest for a quick fix can get in the way of playing the long game.</strong></p> </div> <div> <p>That’s the nature and heart of pregnancy help. Her “quick fix” is abortion. We need her to look beyond the moment and circumstances to see the path ahead, which is led by God.</p> </div> <div> <p>Similarly, we build one another up in this work, knowing that <strong>the pregnancy help part of the pro-life movement has never been about the quick fix or silver bullet.</strong> We know that what makes for exceptional pregnancy help is building for the long haul: to be a known and trusted community partner who will work diligently to provide alternatives to abortion regardless of which laws are currently on the books.</p> </div> <div> <p>For more than five decades, Heartbeat International has had the privilege of journeying with pregnancy help organizations. We were there with the startups in the early 70s. We have helped inspire and nurture networks in other nations. We’ve walked with leaders throughout their lengthy tenure and then had a hand in training their successors to carry the mission forward.</p> </div> <div> <blockquote> <p>Together, the pregnancy help movement has continued to uphold and advance the sanctity of life, one woman at a time.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div> <p>The heart of this mission is building relationships with those God has called into the mission field created by abortion. Just as we know our number one tool in interacting with at-risk moms is the relationship, the same is true in building relationships among our own, fellow leaders and missionaries in this work. We come from different places, walk in different environments, and work with varying methods, yet we are all called into the pregnancy help community.</p> </div> <div> <p>Time <em>does</em> help "ripen" our relationships with trust, experience, and wisdom. “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding…” (Proverbs 3:13). So <a title="I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33">take heart</a>, as we grow and mature (tannins or otherwise) and blend together in championing life!</p> </div></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:44:04 -0400</pubDate>
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			<title>The Significance of Life: A Reflection on Respect Life Month</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/the-significance-of-life-a-reflection-on-respect-life-month</link>
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			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><i style="background-color: initial;"><span>by Rachel Deffenbaugh<img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3820120.jpg" alt="Respect Life Month" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></span></i><strong></strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In honor of Respect Life Month, our attention turns toward the significance of the lives of unborn children and the pregnancy help mission to support women and their families.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The term "pro-life" is often used with varying interpretations, and frequently debated on social media. At the core of these discussions lies a fundamental question: what makes life significant? Historically, even what constitutes as alive has been central to pro-abortion arguments, with phrases like "blob of tissue" and "no proof of life" used to describe unborn children. However, advances in </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://acpeds.org/position-statements/when-human-life-begins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">science have debunked these claims</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, confirming that “human life begins at conception—fertilization.” Today, the primary contention is not whether an unborn baby is alive but rather whether their life holds equal </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">significance</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as that of the mother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we observe these discussions on social media, it becomes evident that the concept of significance is subjective and varies from one person to another. Pro-abortion activists do not attribute the same significance to </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">all </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">lives. Their stance is measured subjectively, encasing the entire movement in fluid ambiguity. It’s not enough to uphold a viewpoint dependent on emotion (like anger or fear) or personal experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In contrast, those of us in pregnancy help assign meaning and purpose to unborn babies based on the belief that <a title="So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - Genesis 1:27">all people are made in God's image</a> and that <a title="Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. - Psalm 127:3">children are a blessing</a>. Furthermore, those of us in pregnancy help assign the lives of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">women</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with meaning and purpose, refraining from judging their past or present circumstances, guided by the same values. The pro-life stance is measured by scientific consistency and biblical truth.</span></p> <h3><strong>Shifting the Narrative</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While pro-abortion activists increasingly target pregnancy centers to undermine the valuable work done for women, pregnancy help continues to emphasize the significance of life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to the biblical truth that assigns human life with meaning and purpose, another component that demonstrates the significance of life is reflected in the lives touched and transformed at every pregnancy help organization around the globe. Their mounting impact shows that life—when provided with support and care—has the potential to create a positive impact on our global community. This is why (together) we promote the significance of life because we have witnessed firsthand the power that love and unity can yield.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of the pro-abortion narrative that says </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/careers-motherhood-and-the-lie-of-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">women are incapable</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the pregnancy help movement communicates the significance of life by coming alongside each woman </span><strong>to emphasize both the profound </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.heartbeatservices.org/small-but-significant" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>significance of her unborn child's life</strong></a></span><strong> and her own.</strong></p> <h3><strong>Constructing a Foundation of Truth—Together</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those of us in the pregnancy help movement play a pivotal role in building a bridge to the redemptive and healing power of Jesus Christ. Each action we take—whether a phone call, a pregnancy test and consultation, a gospel-centered conversation, or a warm smile—contributes to this bridge. Pregnancy help is the bedrock of her support, offering compassion, care, and assistance symbolized by each piece of the bridge.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the face of attacks from Big Abortion and its supporters, </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://pregnancyhelpnews.com/why-unity-is-more-important-than-ever-in-the-world-of-pro-life-ministry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">unity within pregnancy help</span></a></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: 400;">is more critical than ever. The centers that tirelessly support and educate women and families understand the profound significance of life, and their entire existence revolves around upholding its value. Together, we are the builders of this vital movement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we recognize Respect Life Month, let us carry the torch of compassion, understanding, and unwavering commitment to the significance of every life. In a world filled with debates and differing perspectives, one truth remains constant: the value of each unborn child and the vital importance of supporting women and their families. </span><strong>We are the defenders of this cause, advocates of hope, and builders of bridges that lead to Jesus Christ.</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Our mission extends far beyond this month; it's a lifelong dedication to ensuring that every life is treated as significant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">___________________________________________________________________________</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more articles relating to the significance of life or personhood, please visit our news website </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://pregnancyhelpnews.com/component/search/?searchword=personhood&amp;ordering=newest&amp;searchphrase=any&amp;limit=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a></span>.</p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:18:01 -0400</pubDate>
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			<title> For Such a Time as This</title>
			<link>https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/for-such-a-time-as-this</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/for-such-a-time-as-this</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><em>by Melissa Heiland, Founder, Beautiful Feet International</em><img src="https://www.migration.heartbeatinternational.org/images/HeartbeatServices2/take_heart/pexels-nappy-935944.jpg" alt="Take Heart - For Such a Time as This" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /></p> <p>The story of Esther is a story of faithfulness and betrayal, of honor and disgrace. It is a real-life Cinderella story, and it speaks loudly to us as pro-life servants. It is a story of a battle of good vs. evil, not unlike the battle we are fighting of life vs. death. There are many virtues in the story of Esther that we must pursue as we fight for life.</p> <p><strong>Esther experienced deep sorrow early in life.</strong> The Word says that she had&nbsp;“neither a father nor a mother.” (<span class="tooltip-text" id="top">Esther 2:7)&nbsp;</span>This serves as an encouragement to those of us who have experienced devasting loss and great sorrow. It reminds us that God’s hand is still upon us and He can and will still use us for great things in His Kingdom.</p> <p><strong>Esther is a woman who treats others with respect.</strong> Throughout the story, we see her treating her adopted father, Mordecai, with great respect. Even when she is queen, she still submits to his will. She shows respect to Hegai, the eunuch, by following his suggestions. She shows great respect for the king. As God’s children, we are to treat others with the respect they deserve as image-bearers. It is one of the ways we honor life.</p> <p><strong> Esther is humble.</strong> When Mordecai uncovers the plot to kill the king, she tells the king and gives credit to her adopted father, not herself. As she continues to obey Mordecai as an adult, she shows humility.</p> <blockquote>As pro-life leaders, our lives should be characterized by humility.</blockquote> <p><strong>Esther is a woman of prayer.</strong> When faced with a seemingly impossible situation, she fasted and prayed and asked others to do the same. This is an example we need to follow in our personal lives, as well as in ministry.</p> <p><strong>Esther is brave.</strong> She knows she might lose her life as she stands up for what is right, and she is willing to risk her life. Fighting for life is not a job for the faint of heart. The Lord has called us to speak without fear.</p> <p><strong>Esther is patient.</strong> When she goes before the king, she does not rush to make her requests known. She prays and waits for the right time to ask for her people’s lives to be spared. As pro-life leaders, we must be patient, knowing that God will work on our behalf and on behalf of the unborn at just the right time.</p> <p><strong>Esther is passionate.</strong> She begs the king to spare the Jews. She pleads for their lives. We, too, are passionate as we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. The story of Esther is a story of faithfulness: Esther’s faithfulness and God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder and encouragement to us that we must be faithful to God’s call on our lives, and He will be faithful to spare His people – the ones we are advocating for. Just as God spared the Jews because of Esther’s faithfulness, God is sparing the lives of countless unborn children because of the courage and faithfulness of pro-life servants around the world. Esther took great risks to protect the lives of others and we know that our work is not without risk. But, like Esther, we trust our lives to a faithful God, who lovingly guides us.</p> <p>Esther means “star.” God has called us to shine like stars holding forth the Word of life.</p> <blockquote>“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, '“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”'&nbsp;<em>Philippians 2:14-16</em></blockquote> <p>He has called each of us for such a time as this. What an exciting time to be serving in pro-life ministry!</p> <p><quillbot-extension-portal></quillbot-extension-portal></p></div>]]></description>
			<author>no-reply@heartbeatinternational.org (Rachel  Deffenbaugh)</author>
			<category>For the Heart</category>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:27:19 -0400</pubDate>
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