FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY
Issue 02
“I know your works.
Behold I have set
before you an open
door, which no one is
able to shut.”
Revelations 3:8
June 30, 2014
W
WHEN PREGNANCY WASN’T THE PLAN…
WALK FOR LIFE AWARD WINNERS
What a Great Day for a Walk!
by
Brian Osner
Our annual First Choice for Women Walk for
Life has been a hallmark of our ministry for 28
years. It’s a wonderful time for us to gather
and show our support for the unborn. It's a
great time to fellowship over pancakes,
sausage, and coffee. It's a powerful way to
give others an opportunity to financially
support this ministry.
We were very excited to return to
Westminster Presbyterian Church and want to
thank them for allowing us to use their
beautiful facilities. This year I was fortunate
enough to be an official "bean counter," and
assisted with the collection and counting of
the donations we received. It is always
humbling to see how God provides through
our friends. This year of course was no
exception! Our combined efforts raised
almost $15,000 to support the ministry. We
had over 100 walkers participate in the 1.6
mile hike through the Ball State University
campus.
We also had several local companies support
our efforts (see Page 5); including our two
primary sponsors S.A. Boyce and IHOP
Hometown Pancakes. Their contributions
were very much appreciated and helped make
this year a great success! A new highlight
included "airtime" for the Executive Director
and Board President donated by Woof Boom
radio on local stations WLBC 104.1 and WERK
104.9; who provided announcements for
several weeks prior to the event. We also had
a live broad cast the day of event by NASH
102.5 FM. It’s great to think of all the listeners
who were able to hear about our mission!
Our hope is, as we walk, raise funds, and
increase awareness, we demonstrate our
silent, steadfast and compassionate support
for the Pro-life movement. We also hope that
walking on campus might cause individuals to
examine their views on sexuality, the unborn,
and even God. Perhaps, someone might
possibly stop a walker and ask, "Why are you
walking?" Then we have an opportunity to
share the hope we found in Christ!
As we all know, it's not very popular to be ProWomen, Pro-healthy teens, or Pro-Life. The
tides of the day make it all the more important
for us to walk, to gather, and to support life.
It is amazing that a simple act like walking can
advance God’s kingdom, demonstrate a living
faith, support those in need, and
communicate hope. Thanks to all that
participated in the Walk for Life so that others
may find life.
Team Littler: Most Funds Raised by a team
Pat Bodden: Most Funds Raised by an Individual
Megan Hollar: Captain with the Most Recruits
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
2
Hugs ‘n Mugs
Get Involved
by Kathy Hinds
How easy it is to take for
granted our freedom to
worship God here in
America! As we get ready
to celebrate our country’s
independence, it is a great
time to reflect on what a
privilege it is to be able to
gather together to worship
our glorious God and study His infallible, living
and breathing, life-giving Word! I have
recently experienced two stark reminders of
the significance of this privilege. The first
reminder came in the form of an article I read
about a young mother who was imprisoned
and sentenced to death by a Sudanese court
for converting to Christianity. (Our Hugs ‘n
Mugs group, like hundreds of thousands of
Christians world-wide, have been praying for
this young woman’s release.) The second vivid
reminder came in the form of a book entitled
The Heavenly Man, “the remarkable true story
of Chinese Christian Brother Yun,” who
suffered intensely brutal persecution (not only
willingly, but joyfully!) for teaching and
preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in his
country—what an amazing story!
Having just finished our most recent Bible
Study, “The Life of Jesus in You”, a study by
Pastor Rick Warren based on the “Son of God”
movie, we are taking the summer to enjoy
some sweet fellowship time. We went
.
to see a couple of movies, and had our own
mini “Mom’s Night Out”. In addition, we have
just begun a series of five summer cooking
classes. What fun we had making chicken,
ham, and tuna salads, pecan rolls, and
watermelon boats! We are looking forward to
making 4th of July candles and pretzel
“sparklers” in our next class… a “backyard
barbecue”!
Our next “formal” Bible study, “Children of the
Day,” a study of I and II Thessalonians by Beth
Moore, will begin in September. I can’t wait
to see what God has in store for us!
Want to Help this Summer?
We are seeking help with child care during our summer class sessions as well as our
weekly Bible Study: 10:00am to 12:00pm on Monday: July 21, August 11 and August 25
and 9:30am to 11:00am each Monday beginning in September.
This will allow all of our moms to participate—what a blessing that would be for them!
If you are interested please contact Leslie Hatcher or Lisa Miller at 765-286-6085 or by
email at [email protected]
All about Abstinence
by Melissa Hinds
What an outstanding year for the abstinence program at First Choice for Women! Over
2400 students from 13 schools have participated in the Creating Positive Relationships
Program. Of those students, 89% have chosen to be abstinent until marriage. The
Creating Positive Relationship program defines abstinence as “saving all sexual contact
until marriage.” What a wonderful decision these students have made for their future!
In addition, an exciting partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Muncie was
developed during the month of May. As the Abstinence Director for First Choice for
Women, I was able to present a condensed version of the Creating Positive
Relationships Program on Wednesday evenings to the youth at the Boys and Girls Club
for a six week period! The interactive program focused on several important topics that
included: peer relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, abstinence, media influence
and good decision making. Over 40 different youth participated in the program! This is
the first time that the Creating Positive Relationships program has been presented
outside of the public schools. God is opening doors for this important message to the
young people in our community and we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for your
continued support of this ministry!
Get Involved
If you or anyone you know are interested in
learning more about how to become involved in
the Creating Positive Relationships Program,
please contact Melissa Hinds, Abstinence
Director at [email protected]
We currently seeking teachers for the 2014-2015
school year and hope to hear from you!
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Cathy Hardwick
“I have really
enjoyed
volunteering
at First
Choice… I
didn't always
have positive
influences in
my teen years
so I have been
committed to
helping youth
in our community learn how to make positive
choices….. I thoroughly enjoy organizing all the
baby items, setting up displays, and creating a
store the girls can be proud to shop. Who would
have known that my years of retail in college,
and then professionally, would be used to serve
these young ladies in our program.
Cathy has been a volunteer with First Choice
for 7 years; 5 as an abstinence instructor in our
local school systems, and 2 as our Parent Care
Store Manager. Her retail experience has
created a beautiful “boutique feel” in our
store. Her hard work and talents have created
an environment where clients feel valued.
They enjoy shopping in the Parent Care store
with the “Baby Bucks” earned through the
Parent Care program.
Cathy and her husband of 19 years, Mark,
have two children Halie and Bryce.
They attend Union Chapel Ministries. We
simply could not meet the material needs of
our clients without her efforts. Thank you
Cathy. You are a blessing!!
FAST FACTS
61%
About sixty-one percent of abortions are obtained by
women who have one or more children. *
42%
Forty-two percent of women obtaining abortions
have incomes below the federal poverty level *
*http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html
3
The Client Connection
by
Leslie Hatcher
Saving and Changing Lives
Earlier this year I met with a young Ball State
student who was about 5 weeks pregnant.
She was confused and wanted information on
all of her options. By the time we finished
talking, she seemed open to adoption, but
when I followed up with her a couple of weeks
later, I discovered that she was now leaning
more toward an abortion. We exchanged
many texts which led to meeting with her and
her mother. Even after that counseling
session I was uncertain of what her decision
would be. She stayed on my mind and in my
prayers for weeks, and then months. In May
she returned home for the summer and had
decided to parent the child herself!
From the first contact until the last text, the
counseling process took about three months…
what a roller-coaster ride…but praise God for
her decision to give life to her unborn baby!
AND how blessed we are to be here for young
women such as this!
At First Choice for Women we demonstrate
the love of Jesus every day. Whether it is by
praying with our clients, giving them a simple
hug, or providing a much needed word of
encouragement. Not long ago one of our
volunteers, Cindy Johnson, noticed a client
looking through a Bible as she waited to begin
her Parent Care class. Cindy asked her if she
had a Bible and the client said no, so Cindy
encouraged her to take the Bible home and
asked if she would be interested in learning
more about what it has to say. NOW this
young woman meets with Cindy weekly at
First Choice to study the Bible! God is opening
doors for us in so many ways!
our Parent Care Store. Cathy Hardwick,
Volunteer Store Manager, and her team work
hard to keep up with all the donations, but
there is always plenty to do and a need for
help. We are so thankful for all who volunteer
at the Center and welcome individuals or
groups who would like to assist us with
Donation Maintenance.
Recently a small group from Commonway
Church met at First Choice where they sorted
clean baby clothes for our Parent Care Store.
We are so grateful for their assistance!
In April, we had our Parent Care Store
Seasonal Turnover Day. It is a big job to switch
over the store’s entire inventory from
Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer, but it is also a
fun day of fellowship with Cathy providing
lunch for all. Thanks to the sisters of Alpha
Kappa Alpha sorority who joined us that day,
what a huge help they were!
Surrendering the Secret
We are set to begin a Surrendering the Secret
post-abortion recovery group in July. Please
pray for the ladies in this group as they seek
healing from the painful memories associated
with abortion. If you are interested in more
information on Surrendering the Secret or
would like to be part of our next group, please
contact me [email protected]
for more information.
Donation Maintenance Assistance
Currently, one area of significant need is in
Donation Maintenance. We receive donations
daily, all of which require inventory tracking,
sorting, washing and cleaning for placement in
WANT A BLESSING? BE A VOLUNTEER!
If you, your small group or anyone you know are
interested in learning more about our programs
or how to become a volunteer please contact
Leslie Hatcher at 765.286.6085 or email:
[email protected]
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
4
Special Thanks
Brittany Price has been with First Choice for Women as a receptionist and donation
maintenance volunteer since 2012. After graduating from Ball State University, Brittany has
decided to move back home to Chicago to further her education and pursue job opportunities.
We have been so blessed to have her as a part of our ministry. She will be missed!
Brittany Price
Sadorah Anderson, a Ball State University Junior, has just completed an internship here at First
Choice for Women. As a Child Development and Family Studies major, Sadorah has been a great
asset to our clients and the ministry as a whole. One of her many accomplishments was the
completion of our new child care room. This beautiful new space will allow us to offer our Hugs ‘n
Mugs Bible Study (as well as future bible study groups) a safe, fun environment for their
children. Thank you for all your hard work!
Sadorah Anderson
Ultrasound Update
by Dr.
What exciting times for us! Since I last
outlined the steps and challenges facing
implementation of the ultrasound, God has
provided great steps forward! We have had a
very generous donation specifically for the
ultrasound and medical conversion process,
which will allow us to really start moving. We
have been in discussion with the National
Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA)
regarding The Life Choice Project, a program
designed to help pregnancy centers convert to
medical facilities. We will contact at least one
other program which could also help us in this
process as well in order to find a program that
best fits our needs and budget.
Jeff Ulrich
What happens then?
First and most
importantly, we have already begun to make
changes in attitude and process that will bring
us closer to compliance as a medical clinic.
The next immediate steps include a legal audit
of our processes, creation of medically based
policy and procedure manual, and recruitment
of new staff and the training of new and
existing staff for the medical aspects of this
change.
How can you help? Specifically we need local
legal input to help with the consultant
(regarding the necessary legal audit, policies
and procedures, bylaw changes, etc.). We
need a Nurse Manager, and ideally 2 nurses
who can be trained on the ultrasound in
addition to our already committed ultrasound
technician Rick Morris (shout out of thanks to
his dedication and patience). We also need a
physician as the medical director. Please
contact us if you can help in these areas.
Most importantly we need prayers and
support as we progress. This is an onerous
process that can seem overwhelming at
times. Be confident and supportive that we
will make it!
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
5
2014 Annual Banquet
Save the Date!
On Thursday October 9th 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
First Choice for Women will hold our 28th
Annual Banquet at the Horizon Convention
Center. The evening will be a time of glorifying
God and highlighting what He is doing through
the ministry. It is typically an adult’s only
event with a complementary dinner. There is
no financial obligation to you or your guests,
however, there will be an opportunity for a
one-time gift offering, as well as an
option to become a regular supporter of First
Choice for Women. We believe that through
His people God will provide for the needs of
this ministry and those served by it.
Featuring Keynote Speaker: Angela Minter
Mrs. Minter is the
President and CoFounder of Sisters’
For Life. This
Christian
organization
advocates for preborn
babies and their
mothers and fathers that
find themselves faced with a crisis or
unplanned pregnancy.
Angela is also an Associate Pastor at More
Grace Ministries. She runs a coed mentoring
program and holds a weekly Revolution
abstinence group. In addition, Angela has a
weekly radio broadcast called Sisters’ For Life
Live. She does sidewalk counseling at the
EMW surgical center Tuesday through
Saturday and has spoken at a number of prolife events.
Angela has a powerful story and an even more
powerful message! We are honored to have
her speak at the First Choice for Women 2014
banquet!
WE NEED YOU!
Want to be a table host, table sponsor or
event sponsor?
Contact Lisa Miller today!
765.286.6085 or by email at
[email protected]
In The Headlines: Pro-Life News
From LifeNews.com
Researcher: 1.72 Billion Abortions
Worldwide Over the Last 40 Years
by Fr. Shenn Boquet - Washington, DC LifeNews.com – 4/1/13
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/04/01/resea
rcher-1-72-billion-abortions-worldwide-overlast-40-years/
Judge Forces 13-Year-Old Girl to Get
Abortion Against Her Wishes
by Jonathon Van Maren - London, England LifeNews.com – 06/10/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/06/10/ju
dge-forces-13-year-old-girl-to-getabortion-against-her-wishes/
Parents Beware: Planned Parenthood
Uses Classrooms “Abstinence” Programs
as a Trap
by Rita Diller – Washington, DC –
LiveNews.com – 06/18/2014
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/06/18/pa
rents-beware-planned-parenthood-usesclassrooms-abstinence-programs-as-atrap/
Babies are Being Dismembered in the
Womb at Five Months Thanks to Harry
Reid
by Steve Ertelt - Washington, DC –
LiveNews.com – 06/02/2014
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/06/02/ba
bies-are-being-dismembered-in-the-wombat-five-months-thanks-to-harry-reid/
“I Didn’t Expect Him to Be So Big:”
Ultrasound Saves Unborn Baby From
Abortion
by: Online for Life – Washington, DC –
LifeNews.Com - 06/20/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/06/20/ididnt-expect-him-to-be-so-big-ultrasoundsaves-unborn-baby-from-abortion/
Colorado Christian University Wins Big
Victory Against Obama HHS Mandate
by Steven Ertelt - Washington, DC –
LifeNews.com – 06/20/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/06/20/color
ado-christian-university-wins-big-victoryagainst-obama-hhs-mandate/
9th Grader: “I’m Pro-Life Because of the
Radical Idea Unborn Babies are People”
by Steven Ertelt – Washington, DC –
LifeNews.com – 07/07/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/07/07/9thgrader-im-pro-life-because-of-the-radicalidea-unborn-babies-are-people/
Grandma Who Got Supreme Court to
Uphold Pro-Life Free Speech Back at the
Abortion Clinic
by Rebecca Downs – Washington, DC –
LifeNews.com 07/09/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/07/09/grand
ma-who-got-supreme-court-to-uphold-prolife-free-speech-back-at-the-abortion-clinic/
Democrats File Bill to “Overturn”
Supreme Court Decision Protecting
Hobby Lobby
by Steven Ertelt – Washington, DC –
LifeNews.com – 07/09/14
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/07/09/demo
crats-file-bill-to-overturn-supreme-courtdecision-protecting-hobby-lobby/
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
6
Community Partnerships:
Paving the Way to Success
by
Lisa Miller
How time flies! I cannot believe the year is half
over. It has definitely been a year of abundant
blessing! I know God has amazing plans for
First Choice for Women, I see it unfolding
every day!
As we continue to move forward, reaching
abortion vulnerable women, teaching teens
about abstinence and sharing the Gospel of
Jesus Christ; we look to God for guidance and
watch as He opens doors and makes a way for
us to spread the Word and save lives in our
community.
Over the past few month First Choice for
Women has developed many new
partnerships, reconnected with longtime
supporters,
and
deepened
existing
relationships. It’s been awesome year, full of
wonderful opportunities! We have had the
privilege to meet with a number of groups and
individuals in the community who support our
cause. These kind-hearted people have
helped us with everything from cleaning the
building, to moving heavy boxes, to donating
their time and resources to keep our store
stocked with diapers, formula, baby wipes,
baby clothes and so much more!
As part of Union Chapel Ministry’s annual
SERVE week, the organization collected 241
bottles of baby lotion, 67 bottles of shampoo
and baby bath soap, 71 packages of baby
wipes and 2120 diapers for First Choice. What
a blessing this was to us in a time of real need!
In addition, First Choice had the opportunity
to host Board Members from a couple of our
supporting Churches. The Elder Board of
Commonway Church and the Stewardship
Board of Eden Church recently met at the
Center. Our Client Services Director, Leslie
Hatcher, provided tours of our facility,
explaining the various programs offered by
First Choice, while I answered questions and
shared the vision and direction of our ministry.
We truly appreciate both of these churches
and thank them for their monthly support of
First Choice for Women. (If you, your small
group or your church board are interested in
touring or meeting at First Choice, we would
be happy to facilitate that for you.)
I would be amiss if I failed to mention another
gift we received this year. Kailee McKnight,
whom had been a volunteer
at the Center for over 2
years, joined our staff as
Administrative Assistant in
late March. Having Kailee
has been an amazing
blessing…I’m not sure how I ever functioned
without her! Thank you Kailee!
God Bless you all!
We also want to give a great big thank you to
Scot Boyce and S.A. Boyce Corporation. Not
only were they a primary Walk for Life
sponsor, S.A. Boyce also helped make the First
Choice for Women parking lot safe for our
clients and their children by completely
Ball State Immersive Learning
First Choice partnered with a 5 member team who
created and posted informational flyers around
campus in order to promote awareness of the Center.
blocking off the back section from vehicles
circumventing previous barriers….it was quite
an undertaking. We are deeply touched by
their generosity and so very blessed to have a
partner such as Scot Boyce and his company in
this Ministry.
There are so many to thank, and so little room
on this page! To all of you who give of your
time, talents, and financial support we are
truly grateful! Because of your involvement
First Choice for Women is empowered to save
and change lives!
Special thanks to Greg and Leslie Grabhorn for
helping us unload these wonderful items!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FIRST CHOICE
BECOME A PARTNER
We need your help and encourage you to
consider partnering with First Choice for
Women and join us the mission to save and
change lives in Delaware County and its
surrounding areas.
Contact us at 765.286.6085 or by email at
[email protected]
Girl Scouts Help Out
Troop #30450 lead by Kat Knox and Jen Hannah,
planned, promoted and executed a garage sale at
First Choice for Women to benefit the Center.
Baby Shower with Girl Power
“Modern Mystics” Home Economics’ Club is one of
several groups who have held or are scheduled to
hold a baby shower to benefit First Choice for
Women!
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
7
Presidential Perspective
by
Brad Oliver
The Outbound Ripple of Your, “Yes!”
The words to one of my favorite songs by
Christian artist, Matthew West, begin with
the lyric, “What if I told you that you have the
power to give someone Hope beyond their
wildest dreams?” The Apostle Paul in writing
to the church at Corinth recognized the
capacity of Godly men and women to make a
difference in the lives of others – to offer
them Hope.
In II Corinthians 1:20 we read, “For all of
God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ
with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ,
our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to
God for his glory.”
I love how the Apostle Paul first
acknowledges that God has said “Yes!” to us
through the gift of Jesus Christ. And because
God has said “Yes!” to us, we can discover
the hope and promise of eternal life. But it’s
the second part of Paul’s statement that
excites me most. Paul observes that when we
say “Yes!” to God, our “Yes!” ascends to God
for His glory.
In other words, when our faith in Christ
moves us to serve others, we bring glory and
honor to God and we give credibility to the
faith in Christ that we profess.
Have you ever considered the power you
possess to make a difference in the life of
another person? Romans 12:1 explains that
each time our faith compels us to serve those
around us, we are offering ourselves to God
as an act of worship. I love that “worship”
translates in the New Testament as “an
expression of our love or affection.” In other
words, when we say “Yes!” to help others, we
are not just saying “Yes!” to God, we are
expressing our affection toward God. What
an amazing thought!
So what is the outbound ripple of your saying
“Yes!” to God? Each day, women come
through the doors of First Choice for Women
where they meet volunteers and staff who
have said “Yes!” to God. And as a result,
these women are finding hope and the
pregnancy resources they need to say “Yes!”
and give their unborn child and opportunity
to experience life.
I want to challenge you to join us in saying
“Yes!” (to God) by becoming an active
participant in the ministry of First Choice for
Women. Whether your “Yes!” is realized
through praying regularly for the ministry of
First Choice, or serving as a volunteer, or
offering to be a life ambassador to your local
church, or better yet – becoming a covenant
partner with the ministry of First Choice
through a recurring monthly donation, we
look forward to seeing God do amazing things
through the outbound ripple of your “Yes!”
God is waiting to make a difference through
the outbound ripple of your “Yes!”
In Service to Him,
Dr. Brad E. Oliver, President
Board of Directors
Yes! I want to give the gift of LIFE today!
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3020 N Oakwood Ave
Muncie, IN 47304
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Go to www.firstchoiceforwomen.org,
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plate today!
Visit: http://www.in.gov/bmv/2794.htm
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 02
8
Local Organizations Make a Difference at First Choice
A HUGE Thank You to our Walk for Life Event Sponsors and Host!
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MUNCIE, INDIANA
3020 N Oakwood Ave
Muncie IN 47304
[Addressee]
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]