by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International

We love watching God work! 

Sometimes, we feel the burden of this work and, I admit, at times it can feel that our effort is not enough. The truth is, we know it isn’t. Without God in this mission, we would accomplish nothing. That is why it is so important that we pause and reflect on the ways that He has orchestrated our work for such a time as this.

I want to share with you one of those miracle moments.

God's Provision

In 2016, the FDA relaxed the guidelines for the abortion pill. The effect was an increase in the number of chemical abortions. If you were in the movement at the time, you know those guidelines resulted in more women experiencing immediate regret and seeking out a way to reverse their abortion, including through the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network. At the time, the Network was founded and led by Dr. George Delgado, and a team of healthcare professionals at the ready to do all they could to serve women when they called. However, they were volunteer-run and heavily focused on the West Coast where they were housed.

Women all over the United States sought out their services, and Dr. Delgado knew he needed to find a few key groups to partner with to keep up with the demand. The job was too important!

Of course, from the pregnancy help perspective, we had been following the abortion trends and championing Abortion Pill Reversal, sharing stories of the lives we knew it had been saving. In fact, Dr. Delgado had been a guest at our Annual Conferences to educate pregnancy help organizations on this innovative way to reverse an abortion and provide a woman with a second chance to choose life. So when I received a call from Dr. Delgado in the summer of 2017, I was overtaken by the plans God had in store.

As mentioned before, Dr. Delgado was looking for a few partners to help enhance and expand Abortion Pill Reversal. While we talked, he started listing his needs. 

• He needed a 24/7 call center that had bilingual consultants. We opened Option Line in 2003.
• He needed a mature network of pregnancy centers to provide ongoing care and support to women. We have the largest network of life-affirming pregnancy help in the world, started in 1971.
• He needed digital web services that could maintain an online presence. We started Extend Web Services to provide websites for pregnancy centers in 2008.
• He needed a way to provide continuing education to volunteers and providers. We launched our online learning management system, Heartbeat Academy, in 2010.
• He needed a Client Management System to store client information safely and securely. We had just launched our Next Level Center Management Solution in the spring of 2017.

One by one we checked things off his list. One by one, God had prepared us for this moment. We both felt it: God’s provision was over us.

We started working with our Board of Directors to make sure everything stayed in line with our mission. And, at our Conference in 2018, we announced that Heartbeat International would take over the management of Abortion Pill Reversal™. 

Since then, we have had the opportunity to share these miraculous stories with legislators, reporters, and other pregnancy help organizations! Most importantly, we work to ensure that women know it exists and is an option available to them. 

Battles and Blessings

That certainly has not gone without its battles. With Big Tech companies like Google and TikTok banning Abortion Pill Reversal advertising completely, it is on us to push back where we can and get creative, so that no woman ever feels she must complete an abortion she no longer wants. 

By being equipped by God and ready to trust Him, we were able to receive what is now the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network and expand it. Today, we’ve been able to grow the Network of providers to more than 1,400 doctors, hospitals, and pregnancy help organizations worldwide. We have been able to help women reverse their chemical abortion choices in more than 80 countries around the globe. And statistics show us that more than 5,000 lives have been saved thanks to this life-saving protocol.

We are proud that so many pregnancy help organizations around the world, like yours, are part of this powerful mission.

In 2017, we did not know we were going to play a part in this story. Today, we are honored to share the stories of Sara, Krystle, Ashley, Rebekah, Emily, Katelynn, and so many more women.

Each one of their precious little babies (and in some cases, 10-year-old children!) is a testament to the strength and courage these women had. 

While we wish that abortion did not exist, it is prevalent in our culture today. Fear can overwhelm a woman, and they are being sold the lie that everything will be fixed with a pill. Thankfully, these women accepted the truth and value of the life inside them before it was too late. Each one experienced immediate regret and reached out to us, seeking a way to make things right! And we were there to answer the call and provide them with the life-saving progesterone needed to save their babies’ lives.

While we were busy working, God had a great plan in action. This is just one example of how we have witnessed His miracles over the last 50+ years.

Pause and Reflect

Take time to pause and reflect on all that God has accomplished through your organization: the lives impacted by your work, the babies saved, and the women who received hope. As we take this time to pause and reflect on all that God is doing and the many miracles He has accomplished, we are reminded how thankful we are for your partnership. We are thankful to share this mission with you and all who serve alongside you. And we look forward to seeing what else He has in store!

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To learn more ways your organization can share Abortion Pill Reversal with your community, click here!

Tracie Shellhouse

Vice President of Ministry Services at Heartbeat International

Biography

Tracie Shellhouse began pregnancy help as a volunteer client advocate in 2003. She has served as an abstinence educator, client services director, executive director, CEO, and consultant. As Heartbeat International's Vice President of Ministry Services, she oversees a team of dedicated individuals committed to the growth and development of the pregnancy help movement. Tracie has an M.A. in Biblical Counseling, is a board-certified Master Christian Life Coach, and is a Life-Affirming Specialist. Her passion is enabling people to live abundant lives by helping them discover their God-given purposes and empowering them to live according to their original designs. Tracie and her husband, Gene, have four children, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

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by Lori Kuykendall, MPH, President of Beacon Health Education Services

Optimal Health was originally defined in 2009 as "a dynamic balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health." Like-minded leaders in the previous presidential administration succeeded in having The Optimal Health Model published on the government’s website, and it is used widely in the Sexual Risk Avoidance field. Optimal Health concepts help serve clients with community education and prevention programs.

The definition of "optimal health" includes key concepts for helping people achieve the best outcomes in all five dimensions: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. Read each of the three statements below carefully and see how applicable they are to serving clients.

1. "Health promotion is the art and science of helping people discover the synergies between their core passions and optimal health, enhancing their motivation to strive for optimal health, and supporting them in changing their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health."

What pregnancy help organizations (PHOs) do every day is both an “art and science” of prayerfully guiding clients toward optimal health, enhancing each person’s motivation, and providing positive support. We can help clients better understand their core needs and passions shaping their behavior (both helpful and harmful) and begin to take small steps toward choices that promote and protect their physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health.

2. "Lifestyle change can be facilitated through a combination of learning experiences that enhance awareness, increase motivation, build skills, and most importantly, through the creation of opportunities that open access to environments that make positive health practices the easiest choice."

We have an incredible opportunity to provide personalized learning experiences that are both practical and inspirational, with the hopes of fostering a better environment for making better choices.

3. One other Optimal Health concept that gives direction and helps to set reasonable expectations for serving those coming to us in high-risk environments: Optimal Health "measures success by the degree of movement away from risk."

The target image with "high risk", "low risk" and "no risk" helps give perspective for where our clients are, and where we can hope to support them. It guides us in working together with them to set reasonable goals moving toward lower levels of risk, and ideally on to no risk. Some examples of this are questions like "Is not having sex an option for you?" or "What steps could you take to move away from this unhealthy relationship?" Depending on the client’s unique situation and your center’s services, you may be able to discuss STD testing or other services you offer. These "risk reduction" measures require wisdom and discernment but can help facilitate an ongoing relationship with the client with the continued goal of moving them to a no-risk environment.

Concerning community education and prevention programs, the Optimal Health Model allows an emphasis on “primary prevention” in sexual health education. We want to help those at no risk (as are most young people who haven’t been involved with sexual activity yet) to have the awareness and motivation that this is the best choice for their whole-person well-being. We give clear, positive messages that normalize avoiding sexual risk by avoiding sexual activity. Students who are engaged in at-risk behaviors are encouraged that a no-risk status is an achievable option that brings both short and long-term flourishment. The Optimal Health Model emphasizes all aspects of nonmarital sexual activity and its associated physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual risks while promoting the whole-person benefits to be realized in preserving all sexual activity for marriage.

The Optimal Health model is a strong tool for use both inside and outside the pregnancy center. It is future-facing and provides guidance and hope by encouraging all toward well-being and flourishment.

Christa Brown, BSN, RN, LAS

Senior Director of Medical Impact at Heartbeat International

Biography

Christa serves as the Senior Director of Medical Impact for Heartbeat International, offering support and training to medical clinic affiliates throughout the world. She also oversees the Abortion Pill Rescue® Network, a global initiative operating 24 hours a day, staffed with a dedicated nursing team and a network of more than 1,400 medical professionals, clinics, and hospitals. Through this network, thousands of lives have been saved in 86 different countries and all states of the U.S.

With over 25 years of dedication to the pregnancy help movement, serving as Executive Director in three pregnancy help clinics, Christa has empowered thousands to navigate challenging circumstances and choose life. Christa's advocacy for women and families worldwide has made a profound impact on women's health and the sanctity of life.

Andrea Trudden

Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Heartbeat International

Biography

Andrea oversees the public face of Heartbeat International and its network of more than 3,500 pregnancy help organizations worldwide as VP of Communications & Marketing. Beginning her professional career in radio while obtaining a degree in Journalism and Communications from The Ohio State University, she took the skills she received in speaking and writing and joined the noble cause of the pro-life movement. Andrea is one of the voices of Heartbeat featured in radio and television interviews, sharing the many ways that pregnancy help empowers women to make positive choices for themselves and their families. 

Andrea and her husband Dan have three precocious children who plan to change the world when they are grown.

Featured Articles

by Valerie Harkins, Director of Maternity Housing Coalition for Heartbeat International

As leaders in maternity housing, we often find ourselves giving so much of our time, energy, and love to our residents along with their own tiny residents (their children) in need. While this is a worthy and fulfilling calling, it can also take a toll on our well-being. Fatigue and feelings of isolation creep into our souls without our noticing while we are fast at work with our hands to the plow.

Take this note in your heart and tuck it away for a later date: God is faithful to provide His strength and His comfort in our time of need, but not necessarily an end to the difficulties or even the opposition pressing upon us. He is the miraculous God who does far beyond what our imaginations can even think to ask. While our souls may cry out for deliverance from the lion’s den, He is the wise God who instead gives peace that surpasses understanding while inside the den. How glorious and perfect, a solution that gently silences the powers of darkness at work around us that boast of their own strength while also creating a demonstration of His own nature before unbelievers. This creates an “altar moment” for all surrounding the den and watching you in the midst of a trial. It is an opportunity for all to be awed by Jesus, the One whom even the lions obey.

The life raft for your soul, is the deep remembrance that you are not alone. Never. God is always by your side, ready to provide strength and comfort. In Psalm 46:1 it says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Lean on Him and seek His guidance in moments of weariness. He’s proven Himself over and over throughout the Bible, throughout global history, and throughout your very own life. 

A little practical support for you while you’re in the den:

• Avoiding burnout is essential for us to continue serving effectively. Make sure to carve out time for rest, relaxation, and movement.
• Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible.
• Set healthy boundaries: Remember that saying "no" to some things allows you to say "yes" to what truly matters.

It is crucial to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Connect with other leaders in similar roles for support and advice.

Heartbeat Affiliates: If you haven’t already joined be sure to submit a request to join our private facebook group Maternity Housing Coalition - Affiliates Group. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when needed, or even just when it’s wanted. Every housing affiliate has access to a cost-free maternity housing consultation per month. Hop on the schedule here.

May you find renewed strength and encouragement in your journey as a maternity housing leader. Remember, you are making a difference in the lives of many. Keep shining your light bright!

Cindi Boston

Vice President of Mission Advancement at Heartbeat International

Biography

 A long-time leader in the pregnancy help community at the local, state, and national levels, Cindi Boston was named Heartbeat International’s Vice President in January 2016.

Cindi previously worked at the Cincinnati Crisis Pregnancy Center where she coordinated their maternity home program and support groups. Between 2013 and 2015 she served on Heartbeat International’s Board of Directors and was recognized as a 2011 Heartbeat International Servant-Leader honoree. She chaired the board of Missouri’s Alliance for Life and played a role in passing a state resolution honoring the work of pregnancy help organizations, as well as directing funds for specific services covered under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

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by Sara Dominguez, Affiliate Services Specialist at Heartbeat International

I am always amazed by the way the year falls into its fast-paced rhythm as soon as we shout, “Happy New Year!” And for this high-speed pace to follow the quiet Christmas season makes it all the more jarring. That’s why I’m always taken aback by how swiftly our calendars turn to Valentine’s Day. And so, here we are—in the month of love!

My favorite thing about Valentine’s Day is that it offers us the opportunity to reflect on the many avenues for love that the Lord offers us every day. From our parents who raised us up in love, to our siblings who reflect authentic love, our friends who lovingly build up our village, our colleagues who link arms with us in missions of love, our spouses whose promise of love fills our lives with joy, and our children who serve as a reminder of the true depths of love.

There is always more room for more love.

Valentine’s Day also reminds us that “we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). What a miraculous reality that we can know true and lasting love. After all, the One who created us loved us first. And it is in this truth of love—deeply imprinted within our hearts—that we are moved to outstretch our arms to those who are thirsting for that same love. And, in this mission of love, we find ourselves united in our pursuit to offer pregnancy help to our communities.

One of Heartbeat International’s hallmark lessons in love can be found in The LOVE Approach which captures and communicates the essence of what it means to reach a woman in the "valley of decision" with the life-saving power of compassion and hope. The LOVE Approach teaches the principles of service in a life-affirming organization so that helpers feel more confident when they work with women in need. The LOVE Approach offers 4 Steps of LOVE that can equip and embolden pregnancy help organizations in their pursuit of serving their clients in love:

1. L – Listen and Learn
2. O – Open Options
3. V – Vision and Value
4. E – Extend and Empower

Through the LOVE Approach, we take time to engage clients in each of these four steps.

Listen and Learn

First, by listening and learning about our client—the mom in our maternity home or the father in our fatherhood program. We focus on their situation, offering our total attention, developing trust, and forming a relationship first.

Open Options

Only after forming the relationship should you begin to help the individual examine options in a factual, loving, and caring way.

Vision and Value

As life-affirming organizations, we offer an opportunity that sets us apart—highlighting the individual’s vision and value. Here you can introduce a new and fulfilling vision for the individual. You see paths the individual may have never considered or thought possible and you give the individual a new or reawakened vision of the fullness of life, emphasizing to them that they are worthy of this vision.

Extend and Empower

Only after you have taken the time to build a relationship with the individual by listening and learning, have opened options, and highlighted the individual’s vision and value will you be ready to extend a plan for the next steps and follow-up. This last step empowers the individual to embrace a life of authentic love.

It's not lost on me of this remarkable privilege we have as pregnancy help organizations to meet people in a moment of great need and to extend our hand as a source of support on their journey. And, in our outstretched hands, I am reminded of Christ’s hands, outstretched for every one of us. We are truly blessed to be known and chosen for the very Love that created us!

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Click here for a deeper dive into The LOVE Approach and discover more ways to put these four steps into practice—great for the whole team!