Just a Dollar-A-Day! Your $30 per month membership gives you an opportunity to help a young girl in a crisis pregnancy make a life choice! Help us erase the need for abortions: Caring to Love Ministries is a non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Call 888-823-1121 or go online www.ctlm.org to donate. 3813 North Flannery Road · Baton Rouge, LA 70814 · info@ctlm.org April 2009 Dear Friend, It’s a question that may, on the surface, sound dramatic. But it’s one many of the women we serve are asking. For their sakes, we need to hear it … “What am I supposed to do when my world falls apart … who will put the pieces back together?” Like many women who turn to the Care Pregnancy Clinic, a woman I’ll call Leslie was devastated to learn she was pregnant. Her grief was so profound – her assertion that abortion was the only option so adamant - our Care Pregnancy Clinic counselor knew there was more to her fear than an unplanned pregnancy. As Leslie’s grief poured out, so did her story. This mother was already caring for a middle school-aged child – a son battling cancer. The medical bill, chemo, and her need to care for her son and keep her job had already pushed Leslie to the edge. The thought of a pregnancy and new baby on top of it all made Leslie feel as if her life was breaking into a thousand pieces. Leslie didn’t know the power of Easter. She didn’t know that the Lord had already suffered and been broken – so that her life could be put back together, but the Care Pregnancy Clinic counselor knew it … and knew there was hope for Leslie, her son, and her unborn baby. Our counselor offered to schedule Leslie for an immediate ultrasound for a pregnancy confirmation and speak with our medical expert about the realities of an abortion, and she told Leslie the risk she could experience if she decided to have an abortion. The Care Pregnancy Clinic nurse said that she and her son would be prayed for by the Care Pregnancy Clinic’s staff if Leslie agreed. She agreed and our CPC staff began praying while Leslie was prepared for her ultrasound. As Leslie stared into the monitor, she saw the face of her baby, tiny, perfectly formed hands, and little feet and toes. Leslie remembered the joy of bringing her son home from the hospital. His first words – first steps – first day of school. Leslie knew she could not miss all the firsts in this baby’s life, but she simply did not know how she could manage a new baby and her son’s illness. Once again, the Care Pregnancy Clinic was there, waiting with news Leslie needed to hear… Through the clinic, Leslie was connected with additional Life-Affirming resources, referrals for low- and no-cost medical care, and a support system to come alongside Leslie, her son, and her unborn baby. Leslie also discovered Jesus through the Care Pregnancy Clinic. She learned that He had suffered on her behalf to give her new life. This knowledge gave her hope that her future, and that of her children, was held in the hands of a loving God. This Easter, Leslie, her son, and her new baby will be celebrating Easter together, and this Easter, life feels precious – for more reasons than you might image… During one of her prenatal checkups, Leslie discovered that blood from her umbilical cord could be used to treat her son, potentially saving or extending his life. Her decision to choose life for her unborn child unknowingly resulted in renewed hope for the life of her son. As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord, I cannot help but think of Leslie. A few months ago, this women thought her life was broken beyond repair. Instead, she discovered a Savior who was waiting to put the pieces back together again. Thanks to you and the Care Pregnancy Clinic, Leslie and her children will be celebrating that Savior this Easter. They will be celebrating the gift of life because we were there in a time of crisis and fear. Will you help us make this gift possible for another young woman…another unborn child? Will you help us make life possible this Easter? Your gift today means we can offer answers that overcome fear, help that makes hope and life possible. Your gift today means the Care Pregnancy Clinic will continue to be there in times of crisis for women like Leslie. Thank you for giving the gift of life this Easter. Thank you for sharing the Lord and His hope with our community. May the Lord Bless you, Dorothy Wallis President and CEO P.S. Easter is only a few days away. Your gift today makes life possible for another young woman and unborn baby. Thank for giving generously today! §¨©ª Dorothy Wallis President/CEO