I can’t help but to think of how that relates to my relationship with Jesus.  The fact that he chose to love me so much that he gave his life for me.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.    What an awesome gift we have through Jesus.  It is the single most important thing in my life.  It is what I am most grateful for and everything else in my life revolves around that gift.  And the sacrifice that was given was tremendous!  “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed”  Isaiah 53:5. 

When a lady makes a decision to choose life for her baby when she is not capable of taking care of this child, she is going against what is popular in our society, and that in itself is a sacrifice.  Then she makes a conscious decision to step outside of herself and go against what she wants, but what she feels is best for her baby, and choose to place her baby in a two parent Christian home where she knows her baby will be cared in the materials of this world, but most importantly loved and accepted……a GREAT GIFT!  That’s what adoption is……a gift from a mom who wants what is best for her child and a gift from a family to carry through the promises of making sure all her dreams for her child are in reach. 

Have you experienced either of these sacrifices in your life?  The most important gift mentioned is the gift of salvation through Jesus.  IF you need to know more about how to obtain this gift, please call our office (501) 776-2566, and talk with one of our staff members, this is one gift we don’t want you to miss out on!  What about receiving the gift of a child?  We are looking for couples who want to receive this sacrificial gift and who desire to minister to the life of a young lady who is making the single most difficult decision of her life.     

 THE MIRACLE OF ADOPTION

Yesterday, July 6, 2011 marked the 7th year anniversary since ABBA Adoption, LLC officially became an organization.  As you can imagine, it is not only exciting to celebrate this day as an establishment; I am at complete awe at all that God has used ABBA for thus far.  Over the last months and specifically last few weeks and days, I have been reflecting on these last seven years having been brought to mind the many journeys that God has taken us on.  They have not always been easy, but they have brought much joy and fulfillment in knowing that we continuously just trust in the Lord, even when we don’t understand.

I first remember when I sat across from the AT&T rep that was helping me with our ad campaign for the yellow pages.  Of course, I wanted my scripture (Romans 8:15) listed in the ads.  I was instructed that having my scripture in our ad might deter some people who otherwise would call and maybe it was a little too narrow for the people we were trying to reach.  I sat in amazement that this was the council I was getting, especially when I have been very clear about our vision and the call that God was giving.  My response was simple; “We will keep the scripture in the ad, those that God wants us to work with and minister to will come by being drawn to us through our scripture.”  I still believe this today; God is the one who allows me to do what I do; therefore, it is up to God to bring to ABBA those he wants us to serve. 

From the very first call into our agency, a young lady who was at an abortion clinic (and made the decision to choose life for her baby) to all the young ladies and families that God has brought through this program, I am eternally thankful for the opportunity that has been afforded us by those that have been touched and forever changed by adoption.  The stories are numerous.  So many sweet testimonies of God’s grace and love using the MIRACLE OF ADOPTION to impact lives in ways we will never understand this side of heaven.

ABBA completed its first adoption in February of 2005, and to date we have placed 124 precious little ones into forever homes.  What an incredible blessing!!  When one really stops to think of how this impacts so many lives; it is mere humbling at best.  This past July as we completed our 100^th adoption, I went back to review all the ladies that we had worked with, of those, 80% of them were looking to have an abortion when we first came in contact with them and then they chose life and chose a plan of adoption for their child.  Amen!  I cannot even begin to put into words all that God has allowed me to experience through each of these placements and all the lessons he has taught me about trusting in him.  Each adoption that unfolds shows how God’s hand, as the potter, has taken the clay of this world and crafted a beautiful masterpiece all for his glory, because a mother made a choice to give life and a couple chose to adopt.

Thank you to all who have allowed ABBA to serve you over the last seven years; it has been a blessing and an honor to get to know you.  I look forward to all that God has laid before us in the future.   Please pray for us as we prepare to take the next steps of faith.  Pray that God would continue to send Christian families that are answering the call to adopt.  And pray that the young ladies that need to make an adoption plan for their children would have the courage to contact us and through both of these situations that all involved will see God at work through our ministry here at ABBA. 

Make sure to check out our blog for regular updates and postings.         

Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.  He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and passionate.  Vs. 3-4  When talking about adoption and telling of what we experience on a daily basis, I often find myself telling people “you can’t just make this stuff up”.  Why do I say that?  Because when you are talking about the wonders of God and how you see his hand at work; it goes much deeper than our minds can fathom.  Sometimes I just find myself speechless, then laughing followed by tears.  When you witness the power of God in control you just go through ever emotion imaginable.  Just today as I was getting everything ready (although I have known this family for three years and this is their second adoption with ABBA), God still revealed something to me that just proves that statement to be true.  And of-course, I laughed and said “thank you God for giving me that blessing today”, because what he revealed to me was so humorous; it was truly one of those “God moments”! 

Join me in Praise today.  Exalt the one who gives us the ability to do the work of adoption.  Make no mistake, we take no credit; it all belongs to God!!  Meditate on his wonders and know that He is the God!

And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.  I will demand an accounting from every animal.  And from each man, too.  I will demand the accounting for the life of his fellow man.  Whoever sheds the blood of man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.  Genesis 9:5-6

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life effort that consists of:

• 40 days of prayer and fasting
• 40 days of peaceful vigil
• 40 days of community outreach

With God’s help, this groundbreaking effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion throughout America.

As a woman who has been affected by the devastation of abortion, I am thrilled to know there is a pioneering movement in the Christian community to come together and turn our hearts to God to end abortion.  What a work we could see God do in our country when we get on our knees before a holy God and repent for being complacent while the travesty of abortion has come like a thief to destroy and devour the very souls that cry out in crisis and ends the life of an innocent child. 

I always say that each adoption is a miracle….a miracle because life was chosen over convenience or pride.  Recently, I was asked what has been so far my favorite adoption.  They each have their own story, they are each a miracle and they each have the Lord’s hand prints all over them; they are all my favorite!  My goal is to be a vessel for the Lord to use in helping women make a plan of life and walk beside couples that choose to build their family through adoption.  I fervently believe God can do a much better job than me, but I am thrilled he chooses to use me in his work.

I pray that you will feel God’s calling to get involved in the 40 Days for Life here in Arkansas and across the United States.  Learn more about this pro-life effort by going to www.40daysforlife.com   

ARKANSAS CAMPAIGN

Little Rock

February 25, 2009 – April 5, 2009

Family Planning Services     
4 Office Park Drive

Planned Parenthood     
12th St. & University

Contact:

Marti Haslauer Home 501-221-9925 or Mobile 501-749-1576 Marti.Haslauer@sbcglobal.net

FEYETTEVILLE

September 24 - November 2

Fayetteville Women’s Clinic
North College Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas
We will be praying across the street from 1011 N. College which is the Women’s clinic operated by William Harrison.

Contact:
Barbara Durkee & Debbie Magee 
479-847-5535        479-225-1061 
40daysforlifefayetteville@gmail.com

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.  Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” ………Psalm 116:3-4

Recently, I had the wonderful privilege of working with a woman the same age as myself who found herself in a crisis pregnancy.  I remember the call that came in as if it were just yesterday.  The voice on the other end was one stricken with sorrow, fear, anguish and confusion about what the future held.  As we talked, I was glad to hear that she was calling me from a local pregnancy resource center and had already started the process of choosing life for her baby. 

I remember being in a constant state of prayer throughout our time of speaking with one another; her phone kept going dead as she was on her cell phone, but God was so good to keep us connected throughout the day and soon allowed us to meet. As I began working with her on a plan for this child, I soon came to the understanding that this was a divine appointment and God had something big planned for her life.

Cathy shared with me many issues of her life; depression, bi-polar, alcoholism and suicidal tendencies along with other life issues that kept her in bondage.  Just the night before I spoke with her, she had contemplated suicide and God intervened in her life. 

Our first days of getting to know one another was one of her building trust and God giving me the ability to share his love and grace with her.  We shed a lot of tears and I wanted so much to help her comprehend that no matter what she had done or faced in her life there was one that she could depend on to break the chains of defeat. 

So our work was somewhat of a long list and we had much to do, but agreed to face the future of uncertainties walking side by side as I committed to her that I would stride closely beside her as long as she would allow me to. Cathy wanted to pick a family for her baby but she in no way wanted to get to know them.  Much to her own amazement, she chose a family, met them, and fell in love with them and their humility toward her. 

She knew as soon as she saw them; they were the family for her baby.  What was once a desire to just pick a family for this precious little one quickly turned into one of the most beautiful adoptions I have ever experienced.  This adoption completely encompassed the full measure of the gift God gives us through adoption.  They honored Cathy in their words and actions, from sharing with her their plan for this child to the little things like letting her meet their dogs.  Just this small act of kindness showed her a consideration far above measure.  

Cathy and I spent many months together and inch by inch I got to experience our Lord slowly break down the wall of defeat in her life.  As we walked this journey together it was clear to me that because of this time in her life and this choice she was faced with; God had to pull her from the depths of shame and show her that her value comes from him and him alone.  Cathy chose life and that life, God used to save her very own.  

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.  Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” ………Psalm 116:3-4