Fall 2015 - Human Life Services

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Where Every Life Matters
PA I D
Permit No. 417
York, PA
742 South George Street, York, PA 17401
717.854.7615 Fax 717.852.8152
www.humanlifeservices.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
HEARTBEAT
Human Life Services Quarterly Newsletter
From the desk of
Lora J. Abel
Executive Director
30
Celebrating
Years
HEARTBEAT
Fall 2015 – Volume 30 – No. 4
Babies have their own
distinct blood type 21
days after conception!
Ponder with me for a moment — why did God
choose to send the Savior of the world using an
unplanned pregnancy by an unmarried teenage
girl from an insignificant town in Judea? Why
didn’t God choose to send Jesus Christ to a
prominent, influential Jewish family, born with the
help of the best midwife in town, safe from all
threats of harm? As it happened, Jesus couldn’t
have arrived under more unsanitary, dangerous,
and vulnerable circumstances. Couldn’t He have
had a much larger audience if God would have
done it differently?
Well, to be clear, Jesus already was the Son of the
most prominent lineage possible, with both earthly
and divine royalty as part of His DNA. He didn’t need to prove it by traversing
the earth in a bullet-proof vehicle wearing only the finest clothing, surrounded
by the best and the brightest people of His day. Furthermore, Jesus volunteered
for the job! Scripture tells us that Jesus, “being in very nature God…made
Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
1985 - 2015
Human Life Services Quarterly Newsletter
Did You Know?
In This Issue
• 2015 Fundraising Banquet
• Volunteer Spotlight
• Client Corner
• Amazon Smile and Got Books?
An unplanned
pregnancy changed
the world!
Jesus, Son of God, went to great lengths to demonstrate that YOU are
LOVED — wholly and unconditionally LOVED by God! Nothing you
could ever do or not do could make Him love you more than He does today!
He knew you, loved you, planned for you, and uniquely created you before
time began!
During this beautiful season of the year, I hope you’ll allow that truth to sink
deep into your soul! When you do, life takes on new meaning. And just like the
many nameless people who offered Mary and Joseph the help they so
desperately needed to birth the Son of God, your life will never be the same!
For thirty years, many of you have been serving, giving, praying, and
encouraging, making it possible for Human Life Services to continue
imparting a culture of life to those we serve, spreading the word that “Every
Life Matters!”
Linburg Lights
While you’re out enjoying Christmas
lights this year, stop by “Linburg
Lights” at 1195 Hambiltonian Way in
York. The very talented Caleb
Linburg, with the help of his family,
has created a beautiful light display
set to music — it’s a sight to behold!
The Linburg family will be giving any
donations they receive for their light
display to Human Life Services — so
spread the word and some holiday
cheer at the same time!
Does your company
participate in a matching
charity funds program?
Check with your HR department to find
out if your contribution to Human Life
Services can go even further.
May you and your family be blessed beyond measure this Advent season
with peace, joy, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ!
HEARTBEAT is published by Human
Life Services, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization. Human Life
Services is an affiliate of Care Net
and NIFLA. Please call 717.854.7615,
or email [email protected]
to be removed from this mailing list.
Comments, letters, and donations are
always welcome.
www.humanlifeservices.org
MISSION STATEMENT
Human Life Services is a life-affirming,
Christ-centered pregnancy care
organization, serving York through
medical services, peer counseling,
education, and community referrals.
Please visit our website for more
information or to make a donation.
Volunteer
Spotlight
Lisa Hildebrand
Client Services Director
One word that we’re using
often at HLS this year has
been Community! This is
a “God-thing!” As we
have prayed for His
direction – He keeps
leading us OUT into the
community — out where
the rubber hits the road!
We have had opportunities
to serve clients, connect
with community leaders,
connect with residents,
present our services and
share the gospel. Some of the places God has taken us?
• York College health fair and Penn State student center,
sharing our services and educating.
• York Technical Institute, showing nursing students
what we do & then they spread the word!
• Local high schools – teaching sexual integrity & fetal
development, participating in back to school nights
and even conducting a 4-week parenting class with
several students.
• York County Youth Development Center – getting
to connect with residents to share our services and
the gospel.
• Access York – connecting with women to share our
services and communicate that they are precious!
• Church & Community Festivals & Family Events –
sharing our services and connecting for life!
We so appreciate the dedication of all our volunteers who
have helped us to staff all of these events. They represent
Christ and Human Life Services in fantastic ways as they
sacrifice their time to connect where God is leading.
If you are interested in joining us to help with these
events — call Lisa today at 717-854-7615.
Client Corner
Baby Isaiah at
3 months old
This year we celebrated 30 years of ministry to the York
Community! Our evening included testimonies from clients whose
lives have been changed through HLS and special guest speakers
Ruth Graham and her daughter Windsor Dienert-Bauders (daughter
and granddaughter of renowned evangelist Billy Graham). We
thank everyone who came out to support us! Our deepest
appreciation goes to the following underwriters and sponsors
whose generous support made our 2015 banquet possible:
Businesses
Brogue Hydroponics
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Dan E. Snook Lawn Care
The Document House
Fink & Company, P.C.
Heritage Lawn & Landscape, Inc.
Majestic Midways
K. D. Rosengrant, Building &
Remodeling
Stanton S. Lebouitz, M.D., P.C.
Trinity Law, P. C.
S & S Precision Tool, Inc.
Sweitzer’s Fencing Company
WDAC 94.5 FM
Individuals
Charlotte & Gene Abel
Lora Abel
Cindy & Jeff Edmonds
Vickie & Rich Hash
Barbara & Glenn Hively
Susan & Ken Keeny
Scott & Laurie Short
Churches / Ministries
Church of the Open Door
Gateway Church International
Grace Baptist Church
Living Hope Church
Mason Dixon Baptist Church
New Covenant Community Church
New Life Assembly of God Church
Providence Presbyterian Church
Salem United Church of Christ
St. John Lutheran Church
Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene
Strinestown United Brethren Church
We also want to thank…
The volunteers who greeted our guests
at the registration table: Larraine
Greco, Karen Loose, Lois Silk, and
Carol Myers
Larry Ritchey for taking photographs
of the event.
Mike Einsig for operating the audio/
visual equipment for the evening
Judy Brillhart, owner of the Strawberry
Shop, for donating the beautiful floral
centerpieces
To view more pictures of the banquet
please visit our Facebook page – and
don’t forget to “Like” us!
Keynote Speaker, Ruth Graham
Keynote Speaker, Windsor Dienert-Bauders
Pray for a client who is in an abusive environment and
facing many other difficult situations in life.
Pray for protection and wisdom as we prepare to start
another post-abortion recovery group in 2016.
Several of our clients have given birth to premature babies
the last few months (28-30 wks) – pray for endurance for
the parents & strength, health, & growth for the babies.
In 2015, we’ve had the privilege of sharing some stories from a few of
our past clients and volunteers. Britni is one of our former clients from
12 years ago who recently told us how Human Life Services helped her
through a very difficult time of her life. Here is her story:
I was 14 years old when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest son,
Isaiah. There were so many emotions that came over my young mind.
One thing I was sure of, abortion was not it, though one of my closest
relatives suggested that abortion was my best option. I told my mom on
Valentine’s Day night in 2003. I will never forget that day. I saw my
mom’s heart break right in front of me. It wasn’t long before she was on
the phone to get me an appointment with the Doctor.
She spoke with people from our church at that time, which suggested
Human Life Services. We went to see how it worked. I went thru
counseling, with a person that made me feel so welcomed, not judged,
and very supported. I worked hard with my counselor to earn “Mommy
Dollars.” I remember all the shopping I did for Isaiah; being 14 years
old and unable to work, this made me feel great to earn “Money” and
shop for things necessary for my Son.
Today, my son is 12 years old and shining bright. He is a Wide Receiver
and Cornerback for his football team. I call him my “Angel Baby”.
When everyone was busy looking down on me for getting pregnant so
young, he was saving my life. I chose my son over friends, who were
choosing drugs. My son saved me from that life.
Isaiah amazes me every day. He is truly an amazing kid. He is
respectful, smart, helpful, caring, funny … I could go on for days. I
had him when I was young, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be
raised as a fine young man he has grown into. He is my biggest
accomplishment and I am so proud of him.
Have you become a different person since your abortion?
Are you experiencing any of the following?
• Irritability/Anger
• Unexplained Sadness/Depression
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Difficulty in Relationships
Pray for God to continue to open doors to meet
abortion-minded men & women where they are.
Susan Lias Manges, HLS Executive Director from
1994 to 1995, & current Executive Director, Lora Abel
Susan, our first client in 1985, and her daughter,
LaTiitia (speaking), who is now 30 years old!
Volunteer Needs
•
•
•
•
Receptionist/Boutique Worker
Counselors for all shifts – we will train you!
Babysitters to help with clients children at HLS
Event workers – man tables, set up, connect
with community
Client Needs
This is where I am thankful for my Mom, who never left my side, and
the staff at HLS who were a huge support to me. They helped shape
me into the Mother I am today, and for that, I will always be thankful!
Prayer Requests:
Praise God for the many opportunities He is leading us to
within the community.
Isaiah today at 12 years
old with his mom, Britni
• Increased Drug or Alcohol Use
• Engaging in Risky Sexual Behaviors
• Eating Disorder
• Suicidal Thoughts
If you answered yes to any of the above statements, you may be
suffering from Post-abortion syndrome (PAS). HLS is beginning a new
post-abortion recovery group in early February 2016. Contact Susan
Keeny to see if this might be a group that is helpful for you. All of our
services are confidential and at no cost to you.
• Diapers – Newborn & Size 5
• Similac Advance Formula
• Small items for layettes – thermometers, nail
clippers, medicine droppers, bottle brushes, etc.
• New Boy Clothing (Newborn – 24 months)
• Dreft Detergent (or equivalent)
• Large Diaper Bags
• Rain Covers for Strollers
• Wipes
Please call 854-7615,
and speak to Lisa or
see the updated needs
list on our website at
www.humanlifeservices.org.
Thank you, WDAC 94.5FM!
This Christmas season, WDAC 94.5 FM is featuring
Human Life Services and other pregnancy centers
in central PA. Visit their website at www.wdac.com
(click on “Resources”) to view needed items.
Human Life Services is partnering with
“Passion for Print,” a ministry that exists
to help other ministries by collecting and
distributing new and gently used books. The proceeds will
directly benefit Human Life Services — it’s that easy!
• Contact Jill at 854-7615, or at [email protected],
to arrange a time to drop your books off at HLS.
• If you have too many books and want someone to pick
the books up at your home, just let us know!
Some other things you should know…
• Any kind of books can be donated, except Encyclopedia sets
• No books damaged by water, fire, or smoke can be accepted
• Questions? Please give us a call at 854-7615.
It’s an easy way to clean out your books and help Human Life
Services at the same time…tell all your friends, and THANK
YOU for your support!
Please visit the “Events”
section of our website
(www.humanlifeservices.org)
for details on how you can support HLS with a percentage of
your purchase when you shop online!