U.S.A., November 20, 2020
www.oclife.org
Orthodox Christians throughout the U.S. actively support pregnant women, helping them avoid situations where they feel they have to have an abortion.
On November 6, the administrator of the Facebook page Orthodox Christians for Life – San Francisco Bay Area, Veronica Ruby posted an update about Ashlee, a young women who is going to give birth to a baby boy in December.
The message reads:
Dear Everyone, Ashlee, the mother we have been praying for and helping, is in the 35th week of pregnancy with a baby boy! Let's continue to assist this wonderful mom who chose life for her baby despite many severe trials. She is very grateful to the Orthodox Christian community nationally. We have embraced her, let's not let her go now! Please purchase gift cards or items from her baby registry on Amazon.com. This is a note from Ashlee about it: ‘I don't need all of the extra cutesy stuff like the wipe warmers and bottle warmers and diaper genie or any of that. Just the absolute basics. I put bottles on there as well but I'm praying I'll be able to breastfeed successfully.’ If you are in Delaware or interested in shipping and have second hand items, Ashlee would very much appreciate those too. At present, she literally has nothing for the baby. I hope we can buy-out the entire registry - Let's do it!
As of November 15, 32 out of 43 items have been purchased, so there is still a possibility for everyone to participate and to make our world better. Her baby register is available on Amazon.
On October 13, the non-profit organization Zoe for Life! (“zoe” meaning “life” in Greek) located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio posted an urgent request on their Facebook page. One week later they reported an update: “Our prayers joined together have been answered with generous responses! We were missing some key items for our clients, and thanks to your comments, post shares and other donations, their needs are being met.”
ZOE is a non-profit, Christ-centered support organization with three major goals: to help women in crisis pregnancies, to assist Orthodox Christian couples seeking to adopt, and to create an Orthodox Christian abstinence program to educate young people.
Their wish list is available on Amazon.
The Martha and Mary Maternity House in Niles, a northwest suburb of Chicago, provides pregnant women with housing in a safe, family-style home, meals, access to medical care, and, importantly, spiritual guidance.
“As Orthodox Christians, we know that prayer, together with fasting and almsgiving, is central to our lives and essential to this ministry. We ask you to keep the Martha and Mary Maternity Home, its daughters, their children, families and loved ones, our staff, directors, and supporters in your prayers. We ask for God’s guidance, the intercession of Sts. Martha and Mary, and the Protection of the Theotokos throughout our lives,” the Maternity House’s site reports.
They offer a variety of ways to donate, including giving a used vehicle. Learn more here.
The Treehouse in Wichita, Kansas, another organization established by Orthodox Christians, posted on October 27 that they need baby wipes, bath towels, bottles, winter outfits, laundry baskets, sleepers, and other items.
ZOE for Life! Southeastern Michigan is temporarily inactive due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, they refer those who need guidance to local Orthodox clergy.
Those who live close to the mentioned organizations can also help by reaching out to become a volunteer.
And everyone is invited to join the national March for Life in Washington, DC on January 29 next year. Follow the event on Facebook for all the latest information.
Also visit Orthodox Christians for Life for all the latest news and great resources.
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