Another Pro-Life Thing To Do

We are all fully aware of "the pro-life movement." It's impossible not to be. You may or may not consider yourself a member of this movement, depending on your position on the controversial issue of abortion. Everyone has strong feelings about this issue. One side sees it as a matter of choice, a right to privacy and to control one's body. The other side sees it as a matter of protecting unborn life in the womb and that violating it through exercising this choice, is murder. You probably know that every year, those in this movement rally in a "March on Washington." In many parts of the country, members of this movement engage in protests, holding up signs outside of abortion providing clinics. Members, calling themselves "sidewalk counselors," try to dissuade entering patients from making the choice. Once every January, in the Church, many local congregations participate in an event called "Sanctity of Life Sunday." One controversial group engages in "civil disobedience" where they enter abortion-providing clinics and "neutralize" equipment." The news has most often told us about bombings of these abortion providers. Is this all that there is to being "pro-life"?

Pro-Life, What Exactly Does This Mean?

"Pro" means "for," right? In today's debates, the word seems to mean "pro-birth." Yes, I believe that life ought to be upheld, protected and defended, from conception to the grave. But those who sympathize with the "pro-choice" side are right when they tell us that we ought to be "pro-life" about those who are already born. And since we are to be for the lives of those who are already born, does this not include those children on the other side of the world? The media usually do not cover their stories. The current kidnappings of hundreds of schoolgirls out of Nigeria have captured worldwide attention. And it should! Actually, a number of us were already aware of their very sad plights before the media brought it to world attention. This is, sadly, only one of many such atrocities that happen in Africa and in the Middle East. It is children in these parts of the world, and in other developing countries, who are forced to grow up in severe poverty. Without caring relief workers, they may die of water-borne illnesses because they have no access to clean drinking water. They may die of hunger or disease because of lack of food or medical care. Most do not get an education, unless caring relief workers build schools in their areas. You may know that relief workers already work in many of these areas and still their need seems as great as ever. What can I do, anyway?

Saving the Life of One Child, A Family & A Community

I know that while most people laud child sponsorship, many of us may wonder, How much does it actually help? It helps the child, but while it focuses on the child, does it help anyone else? Yes, we're told that not only is the sponsored child help, but his or her family and community is helped. My hope is that these images will speak for themselves and let you know that this indeed is so. I know that many of you already sponsor a child(ren). THat is wonderful! You can pass this on, and help more of these children get sponsored. Will you?

These photos are courtesy of Compassion International.