The passage of Issue 1 in Ohio resulted in many heavy hearts as the PDHC team gathered together to process the outcome. We invited a pastor from one of our church partners to encourage us and he shared the story of Elijah from the Old Testament. Elijah was a strong person of God and as he faced much adversity and discouragement, he remained faithful.
Elijah hid in a cave to run from his “adversaries”, and in taking a quiet moment to process and rest, the Lord spoke to him – not in a large booming voice (earthquake, wind, or fire) but in a very small whisper. And God told Elijah in a whisper that he was not done, that there was still work to do. He encouraged Elijah in his mission and purpose and sent him back on his way.
Even though he didn’t understand God’s plan, he continued to seek God. He is an example of comfort and encouragement for us in our own walk of faith during times of discouragement; to be a prayer warrior, to know the Lord is God, to trust in Him, and to follow Him. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
PDHC’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Heartbeat International, Peggy Hartshorn, spent time with us and shared the history of the pregnancy help movement over the last 50 years and the “Watershed Moments” along the way. This is another one of those moments and to be encouraged for we know good will come from this as we continue the mission that God has placed in front of each of us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
“For Such a Time as This”… this has been a challenging year and these moments of heavy hearts make the miracle of Jesus’ birth feel all the more relevant and important. For what else could make us feel such awe and wonder, even in the midst of trouble?
As we head into the Christmas season, and with this heart-shattering news, it is a beautiful reminder of the miracle of birth – Jesus. That after the world lay in sin and darkness, it was struck with a “thrill of hope.” The birth of any baby is an exciting moment, “Oh Holy Night” goes on to remind us of the birth of Christ and how that birth brought about a glorious and new season and days to come…for such a time as this.
PDHC continues on the frontline through the outreach of our 24/7 hotline and four pregnancy centers, providing life-affirming options, personalized care, and a community of support and resources to every individual who reaches out to us for help.
We continue to walk alongside and empower women and families throughout their pregnancies and beyond through a robust Family Empowerment Program, including parenting education classes, family and community health advocate services, and practical resources through much-needed baby items.
We continue to provide our youth with positive messages to help them build healthy relationships, make healthy choices in life, and avoid risky behaviors that may interfere with achieving their life goals.
We continue to be a source of hope, healing, and community, to individuals struggling from a recent or past abortion experience.
At PDHC, each comprehensive program and service began because there was an essential need in the community. Our programs and services have continued to grow and evolve over the last 42 years, positively impacting thousands of lives and we will continue to provide the same love and compassionate care to everyone we serve. Our work continues and becomes more important than ever as unexpected pregnancies will continue to occur, despite what is going on in the world around us. We are committed to being that source of hope and support in the community.
We invite each of you to walk alongside us through your prayers, time volunteering, and financial support for the ministry of PDHC. Together, let us not grow weary of doing good as we continue to rescue lives and impact families for generations, one heartbeat at a time.
Kathy Scanlon, President