As I sit and reflect about what to share in way of an update since our last newsletter that went out in the spring, I want to start out saying how very thankful I am in where we are in terms of the pandemic. For the last few years I have been sharing about the challenges /opportunities that Covid 19 has brought upon us, but this letter, will not be focusing on that, as we are in a better place than we have been, certainly not through it, but we are definitely on the right side of it, in terms of how to manage it, and the effects of it.
At the LPFSC we are thrilled to be offering all of our programs in person again, which we feel is a much more personable approach. We were very thankful to be able to connect with our families through different social media platforms, but nothing compares to being 'in person'. However, should a client not be able to meet in person, we have the tools and resources to offer other alternatives that can still be effective.
One of the most recent highlights for us was to be able to hold our Annual Banquet/Auction Fundraising Event in person. We had over 300 in attendance and shared an incredible evening together celebrating and sharing the heart of the ministry. For more details about the evening check out the article on the inside of this newsletter.
As many of you are most likely aware, the charitable status of Pregnancy Centres in Canada is being threatened by our Federal Liberal government, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. As part of their 2021 Liberal election platform, Forward for Everyone (page 4), the Liberal party included a 'promise' to: "No longer provide charity status to anti-abortion organizations (for example, Crisis Pregnancy Centres) that provide dishonest counselling to woman about their rights and about the options available to them at all stages of the pregnancy." It is unclear how the Liberal government plans to carry out its election promise. In order to remove charitable status, the government would have to provide evidence, in its opinion, that the centres are in fact, providing “dishonest counselling” which it has not defined, but the conversation is underway.
It is a sad reality that Prime Minister Trudeau and his party are trying to restrict and destroy access to the desperately needed information about alternatives to abortion provided by pregnancy support centres. (see how you can help make a difference, in the following pages of this newsletter). Let us be refined by the turbulence but not defined by it. Isaiah 54:17 says, “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” God is at work, we have no doubt. It’s the journey that can feel unsettling and uncertain, however we need not be anxious, but allow the uncertainties to deepen our trust in what we cannot see and allow our armour to be refitted as needed. God is in complete control of this ministry, it is very close to His heart, and He will remain faithful, as He has always been.
The LPFSC would not be able to operate without your partnership. You are the heartbeat of this ministry. We cannot thank you enough for ALL the ways you give to bless this ministry; the donations to the care closet, finances, praying for our families and our team, and for the the issues of LIFE. Your support is making a difference. Because you care and value the truth that is being shared to our moms, and dads, lives are CHANGED and lives are SAVED. Thank you for your faithful giving.
As we enter the Christmas season, our prayer for you is that the Presence of our Lord Jesus would overwhelm you, as you take some time to reflect on His goodness, and His love, in sending His son as a baby to save the world. On behalf of all of the LPFSC family we want to wish you a very Blessed Christmas, and may the peace of God rest upon you and his presence surround you.
Want to leave you with a beautiful song that we know here at the LPFSC to be very true, and we as believers know to be THE TRUTH! The song is: A Baby Changes Everything, by Faith Hill. Please look it up and then take a few minutes to listen and then raise your hands in thanksgiving to our God who is so incredibly awesome! You can also see the lyrics on the back of our Christmas card that’s enclosed in this newsletter for you. God bless!
