There is no bad publicity as we work to save lives. An article on the internet which was intended to harm us brought us a flood of phone calls (see Betty’s story). An article entitled “American evangelicals open a new antiabortion front – in Israel” in The Washington Post, which was written to attack us, brought us an interview on live primetime Israeli television.

Our speaker, Naomi, was thrown into the “lion’s den” as a panel of four attacked her position, but she stood firmly and unashamedly in the defense of allowing women the option to choose life through our pregnancy centers, which offer help in crisis. On our social media pages, there is constant dialogue which includes mocking and defense of life. All of this media exposure allows women in crisis to find our help and gives them the possibility to choose life. What the media intends for evil has allowed literally thousands of lives to be saved.

In response to the article in The Washington Post, I want to THANK all of our donors, not only from America but from around the globe. Be’ad Chaim was established in 1988 by people in Israel who cared about the unborn and their mothers and about protecting the nation of Israel from the shedding of innocent blood. You, our partners, are people who believe the Word of God, who love Israel and who generously donate funds and prayers to help us save babies here in Israel. Saving lives is not a manmade idea; it is God’s plan for mankind.

Thank you for standing with us in the gap for these moms and babies!

Sandy

Baby Girl Yasmin

THANK YOU, Be’ad Chaim Association. You saved us. Thank you, family, for your support, help and the confidence you gave us. Thank you for allowing us to show little Yasmin what a beautiful world there is. We don’t have the words to thank you. Thank you, Miriam [her counselor], for faithfully standing with me, for listening and supporting me. I send love and wish for you that all of the kindness you’ve shown me will be returned to you in abundance, for you deserve it. Again and again, thank you!

Imma, Abba and little Yasmin.

Linda and Baby Girl Shachar

Linda is 31 years old and immigrated to Israel from Spain alone. She learned the language, started working and rented a small apartment just outside Jerusalem. After a while, she started dating a young man. She was working hard to build herself a new life here in Israel; she was surprised and shocked when she found out she was pregnant. Her boyfriend seemed supportive initially but then started questioning whether he was the father and if he was ready to become a parent. He slowly backed away from their relationship. This is when Linda started to think it might be better to have an abortion. She was alone and had no support. However, when she went to have an ultrasound at about 11 weeks, she saw and heard her child’s heartbeat and could see little arms and legs. At that moment, she knew she could not abort her baby and began looking for help. Linda was relieved to find Be’ad Chaim and to be offered both emotional and practical support.

When she was 30 weeks pregnant, she decided to return to Spain to have the support and love of her family during the birth, and their help with the new baby.

Three-and-a-half weeks before her due date, her water broke and she had to give birth early. Her mother was present during the labor and delivery, which greatly helped her. In August, gorgeous baby girl Shachar, meaning “dawn,” was born. Shachar’s father visited them recently. Linda knows they won’t be together as a couple, but is thankful that he is trying to build a relationship with his daughter. Linda is hopeful for a good future for herself and precious Shachar and trusts she will manage with the support of both her parents and Be’ad Chaim.

Betty and Baby Boy Israel

Betty is 38 years old, married and has seven children. She phoned us after reading the article on the internet about us. This was the article which was meant to harm us, yet God used it to bless Betty! The week the article was published, our hotline received hundreds of phone calls every day from women asking for help, including Betty. Praise God! What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good! Betty shared her difficult story with our counselor relating that, for years, her husband had been gambling without her knowledge. Recently, he gambled on their house and lost their entire savings. They were left with nothing. Since then, their relationship has had many ups and downs. She said she got drunk one night and a few days later discovered she was pregnant again – with their eighth child! She felt desperate and could not imagine how they would manage with their already challenging situation.

The kindness and gentleness of our hotline counselor, who connected Betty with her local counselor, gave her hope and strength to carry on with her pregnancy. The practical help she received, of baby furniture and gift cards through the Operation Moses Project, made a big difference in her tough situation. In October, baby boy ISRAEL was born with Betty’s husband at her side. He is very sorry about the hardships he caused his family and has started to work hard to earn money and pay off their debt. Betty said their financial situation is still not easy, but they are managing to live on his monthly salary. Many of Betty’s friends have abandoned her, and Betty said: “When you don’t have the money, you find out who your true friends are really.” She said her Be’ad Chaim counselor feels like family. She is deeply grateful to have little Israel in her arms, who brings her comfort and hope.

Hava and Baby Girl Gal

Hava lives in a city outside of Jerusalem and, as a divorced woman, is raising five children on her own. Her ex-husband pays child support and stays in touch for the sake of the children. The Welfare Department referred her to us in her seventh week of pregnancy. She wanted to abort the baby after feeling betrayed and ashamed. She told us her story.

“I have five kids from this man. He comes and goes as he pleases in my house and always says he is there for the kids’ sake, but lately, he has been extra nice to me and wanted my attention. He invited me to a family party one night, and I went, thinking that things could get better with us and liking his attention. I got too drunk, and we had fun that night. Then I found out that I was pregnant again with his sixth child.

Of course, I wanted to abort. Who heard of such a thing? Having another child after our divorce? No way! I was so embarrassed and ashamed of my deeds, so I spoke with Be’ad Chaim, and it was there I found acceptance and love. The counselor talked to me without any judgment, and understood me, willing to help. I’m forever grateful!”

In early October, Hava gave birth to a baby girl and named her Gal (meaning “wave”). Her oldest daughter loves having another girl in the family and helps her mother wherever she can. Hava shared that having a new baby made her feel young again!

Gifts of Love for our Babies and Moms

In several of our nationwide centers, we have lovely baby boutiques where the moms can choose baby clothing, blankets, soft toys and other beautiful items for their new babies. From around the world, new or like-new clothing is mailed or brought to our Jerusalem office. This month, we were abundantly blessed with very timely and needed shipments that are helping us supply the growing number of moms and babies whom we serve. Some partners hand-knit exquisite baby sweaters, blankets, socks and little hats; others sew baby carriers and nursing aprons; and some create beautiful soft toys. Feel free to use your creativity, hands and love to bless our new moms and babies.

Click here to download the Newsletter as pdf