Last week, when I checked the number of abortions THIS YEAR around the world, it was about 6.6 million. At this moment, the number is 9.7 million abortions since January 1, 2020. My heart aches, as I watch the number on the worldometer increase. So many lives lost that could have brought so much joy to this world.
The coronavirus has brought the world to nearly a standstill. In many nations, including Israel, schools are canceled, businesses closed, and people are living in fear. The number of lives lost to the virus worldwide is right now 17,234. Our hearts ache for those who mourn, for the sick and for millions who live in fear. This is a season of reevaluation of values, purpose and direction. It is a time to reach out to others in need.
The Be’ad Chaim team, as directed by the government, is working from our homes. Yet, we are working hard to meet the needs of our new moms and to reach out to those in crisis pregnancies. Our counselors are diligently phoning all of the moms whom they assist to “check in “on them, to encourage and support them. Many of the moms are fearful and lonely and desperately need this love and care. As part of the help that they receive through the Operation Moses project, we continue to send them their monthly gift cards in the mail, “drop the card off” to their homes without going in, or, if necessary, add money for shopping through an app on their phones. We want to ensure that each mother will be able to continue to purchase diapers, formula and other necessities for her baby ESPECIALLY through this difficult season. Furniture continues to be ordered on-line and delivered directly to the mother’s home.
“The Ministry of Health has given guidelines barring non-essential hospital activities . Abortion is not included in this list of essential activities. The guidelines leave the decision whether to carry out medical procedures to end pregnancy to individual hospitals. Some, including the Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, will reportedly NOT carry out abortions until further notice.” (Times of Israel)
We are grateful that the coronavirus will no doubt save lives from abortion. We also realize that women are in need of help and encouragement in their difficult predicaments. To meet the needs of women in crisis pregnancy, we are increasing our social media to let them know that we are offering practical and emotional help. Our hotline is available to offer immediate help and to refer women to their local counselors across the nation. ur counselors have been saving babies on the phone and even using video calls to give women more confidence. Forms are filled out and submitted through the phone and internet. It is touching to see the deep concern and passion on the part of our team to save lives and be available for women in crisis.
For all of our prayer partners, we’re continuing to send out our weekly prayer notes internationally every Monday and deeply appreciate your faithfulness. Our counselors and staff will be joining together in weekly prayer through Zoom calls. We’re excited to be able to “be together” in prayer although we live all over the world.
We are thankful that we have the privilege of serving God, “Rafael”- the God who heals, as we serve mothers, babies and families.Thank you so much for standing with us through your love, support and prayers.
“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
This article originally appeared in the Be’ad Chaim newsletter, March 26, 2020, and reposted with permission.