“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

He will be called Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”

(Isaiah 9)

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words 700 years before the birth of the Messiah. He wrote that a child, a son, would be born with a destiny to bring hope to mankind. Every child has a destiny. This year, over 400 babies were born to our Be’ad Chaim family. Every baby’s life matters. Circumstances do not determine the value of a child - each one is a unique and precious gift created by the Hand of God.

Deeply grateful for your care and participation as we save lives,

Sandy

Orna and baby Orpaz

Orna’s life has not been easy. She has childhood-onset diabetes and grew up in boarding schools. Her self-esteem is quite low. As a Jewish woman, she got involved with a Muslim man and became pregnant. Both of their families and the baby’s father demanded an abortion. Miraculously, Orna’s own father offered to support her and her child. She cut off all contact with the baby’s father. She found Be’ad Chaim on the internet and met with our counselor who shared her own personal story of redemption from life as an abused, rejected woman to salvation and hope as a new mother. Orna’s baby girl Orpaz, meaning ‘golden light’, celebrated her first birthday this week. She was born with a blood clot which required surgery and now receives therapy for cerebral palsy. Thank you for praying for this precious ‘golden light’.

Ziva and baby Nahman

Nahman was one last week. The relationship between his mother Ziva and his father had been very strained, so they separated during the pregnancy. Ziva and baby Nahman moved in with her parents. She is now pregnant again and because of her situation, considered abortion but the support, encouragement and love of her counselor have given her the hope and courage to choose life for her second child. We thank God that love saves lives.

Hanna and baby Maya

Hanna and husband Ben suffered tragedy in their lives because two of their children passed away from disease as toddlers. Ben works in the same building as our office and asked for emotional and financial assistance when he learned that Hanna was pregnant with their sixth child. Our counselor, Annie, met with the couple individually to help them deal with their grief and pain. Ben felt unable to cope with his emotions and met only once, but Hanna was able to share her pain and found much relief through the counseling. Annie learned that the bedroom, which had been used by the two deceased toddlers, was a sort of ‘memorial’ room and not being used, although they needed the space for the other children and the coming baby. Tenderly, we offered to pay for renovations and beanbag chairs to turn the room into a happy place for the family. Hanna and Ben were delighted with the change and the new freedom in their home. Baby girl Maya was born in September 2020. She has brought new life, new laughter and new joy to this precious family. We thank God for the privilege of sharing His love and restoration with the broken hearted.

Shelly and baby Hodaya

Shelly has three children and had been in a relationship, but her partner left her when he discovered that she was pregnant. She begged him to come back, telling him how much her other children loved him and missed him, but to no avail. Devastated and confused, Shelly considered abortion. Be’ad Chaim’s loving counselor ‘caught’ Shelly when she felt she had no strength of her own. Here is a photo of newborn Hodaya – which means ‘praise’. Hodaya is a precious bundle of joy for her mom and her three siblings. Shelly is grateful for your prayers.

Iris and baby Leni

Leni, an acronym for “God has given him to me,” is a year old. Iris is the single mom of two teenage children. Her pregnancy with Leni was a real surprise. Iris had gone to a party and in a moment of admitted weakness, she had relations with a total stranger. She has no idea who he is or where he is now. Iris had been abused, suffered from post traumatic syndrome and her financial situation was very difficult, so her caring social worker referred her to Be’ad Chaim for help. Iris said that she would not have continued her pregnancy had it not been for the assurance of both emotional support and practical help. She has visited our Jerusalem office many times to receive clothing from our beautiful boutique and is always glowing with pride as she ‘shows off’ her adorable son.

Yardena and baby Penina

Yardena was married, and she and her husband had two daughters. He had opened a tourist agency but it didn’t succeed. After they divorced, Yardena was left with debts of over one million shekels. Looking for love and security, she got involved with another man, but he left her when she became pregnant. Frightened and alone, she turned to Be’ad Chaim for help. Yardena’s counselor stood with her as a friend, particularly when Yardena needed emotional support due to serious health issues. Her daughter, Penina, which means ‘pearl’, just celebrated her first birthday.

She’s a happy baby who loves water. She’s receiving physiotherapy for some weakness in her leg muscles. Yardena cleans houses yet struggles financially, but she is deeply grateful for her precious ‘pearl’.

Amalia and baby Elior

Two years ago, when Amalia was only 16, she and her boyfriend, both from Orthodox Jewish families, discovered that she was pregnant. Amalia’s mother forced her to have an abortion, which was extremely traumatic for her. So when Amalia became pregnant again, she adamantly refused to abort. Her mom asked her to leave home so she went to live in a hostel for pregnant girls where she managed to earn her high school diploma. Amalia’s boyfriend was supportive at first but later became afraid and left. Amalia was strong, and found help and support through Be’ad Chaim. Her son, Elior, meaning “My God is light,” was born last month. Over the course of time, her mom’s heart softened and Amalia and baby Elior moved back in with her. The new grandmother said that Amalia and the baby are actually a gift from God so that she would not be alone. Amalia took advantage of the time she was pregnant and started studying for a certificate as a manicurist. Unfortunately, the corona virus forced the school to close temporarily. Elior’s father, now doing his military service, has become involved in their lives again and the couple are slowly working on their relationship. Amalia’s mother phoned our office to thank and bless us for our part in giving Elior life.

Odelia and baby Adielle

Odelia, a new immigrant from the Ukraine, met her husband here and they are now happily married. They work for the Electric Company and planned to be more stable financially before starting their family. When Odelia became pregnant, she feared that her husband would press her to abort. She suffered terribly from the memories and pain of a previous abortion. Finding help from Be’ad Chaim was a lifesaver. Our promise of practical assistance through the Operation Moses program gave her husband peace of mind regarding their financial situation. In October, Odelia gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom they named Adielle, meaning ‘Jewel of God’. Odelia’s mother came from the Ukraine to help her with the new baby. Her husband rejoices and loves both his precious wife and new daughter.

Outreach to Soldiers

In December, we donated 10,000 packages of sanitary pads to female soldiers on which hard-working volunteers had placed stickers offering our help and contact information. Army pickup trucks came throughout the day for the gifts. Female soldiers gratefully said, “Great, a gift that we really need.” Encouragingly, the day after distribution, one pregnant soldier phoned for help! Our goal is to let any woman in a crisis pregnancy know that we are available to assist her. No woman should abort because she is uninformed, alone and pressured. We are truly ‘prochoice’ – ‘pro’ the right of every woman to CHOOSE LIFE for her child. Be’ad Chaim supports pregnant mothers emotionally through our counselors nationally, and practically through our Operation Moses program which supplies all basic baby needs for a full year including a bed, stroller, bathtub, baby bed sheets, and monthly vouchers to purchase baby necessities such as diapers and formula. You are welcome to participate in this special sponsorship program.

Healing after Reproductive Loss

Our program for healing after reproductive loss has grown in the last months and has allowed many grieving parents to find comfort after the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion. We offer freedom after years of grief and guilt. Our Gardens of Life is a place where trees are planted in memory of babies who are now in heaven.

Recently, our office received a call from a woman who’d had a miscarriage in her 15th week. She said that she was searching for help for herself and other women in her situation who don’t have any closure after the loss of a child. She was deeply grateful when I offered her counseling and the possibility of planting a tree to honor her baby. “Comfort ye, comfort ye, My People.” May the Gardens continue to be a place of healing and restoration for those who grieve the loss of child. All are welcome to either visit the Gardens or ask our prayer hostess to plant a tree in memory of your child. She will send you photos, a touching letter and a special certificate.

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