Happy Mothers Day

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake

not your mother’s teaching, (9) for they are a graceful garland

for your head and pendants for your neck.

This is Mothers Day month and Lois’ Lodge is all about moms and babies. Mothers Day is primarily a time of celebration. But it can also be a time of challenge for women who have had abortions in their past. It is important that we also remember to keep those moms in our thoughts and prayers.

Planned Parenthood, America’s biggest abortion provider ran a special promotion for Mothers Day this year. If you didn't know what to get your mom on May 9, they had an idea. Planned Parenthood President Cecile wrote, "It's almost Mother's Day ... and if you have a mother in your life who's anything like me or my mom (the late Texas Governor Ann Richards), then you know nothing would make her happier than a gift that represents bold and compassionate values. Like a gift in her honor to Planned Parenthood Federation of America," she writes. The contradiction in this appeal is that Richards is asking people to celebrate motherhood by giving to a business that destroys that opportunity.

At Lois’ Lodge we believe that a much better way to celebrate mothers and Mothers Day is through a gift to an organization that helps women to cherish their motherhood. Lois’ Lodge provides an opportunity for women to choose life for their children through caring for these moms, teaching them life skills and sharing the love of Christ with them. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and donations. Your giving helps to make all of this happen. You are helping to make Mothers Day a special day for these moms and babies through your generous support.

A prayer for a lost mother is answered

Please check out this wonderful article on Beth Fagan. Jim and Beth are passionate Lois' Lodge supporters. Here are the comments Jim posted on our Facebook fan page. Thank you Jim and Beth!

"There is an article in today's South Charlotte News section of the Observer, about my wife, Beth, who is involved with Lois Lodge, where she shares her story of discovering her birth family 2 years ago. That section only comes in the South Charlotte area of town. So you can find it by going to this link:"

A prayer for a lost mother is answered

Note to you from one of our Lois' Lodge moms

Dear Faithful Supporter,

Thank you for helping in providing a place for me to go during this difficult period in my life. Your support provides me with people who want to help me though this trial. Lois' Lodge is a special place that I have come to appreciate for all it has to offer, emotionally, spiritually and physically. God will bless your obedience to Him. Know that your support does matter and does not go unappreciated. You are helping show these girls a path, a path in Jesus Christ. Thank you again and please keep Lois' Lodge and the individual girls and staff in your prayers. May God bless you.

Janie

A Touch from God for Karen

Cool stuff happens everyday in the life of our Lois' Lodge moms. Thought you would like to hear about it.

Karen was blessed today by a student at her school she did not know and had not spoken with before. Karen had been feeling down, unappreciated, and tired of going out of her way to do things and then get put down, and had decided to stop. This girl at school approached Karen to let her know that she knew that Karen was going through a lot and she noticed. She gave her a card with encouraging words on it and the verse… Jeremiah-29:11. She also gave her gift cards worth $100.00.. Karen, said she knew it was from God. She had prayed and told him how discouraged she was. Debbie

Focus on the Family Ad Pulled

CitizenLink

2-24-10

NCAA Pulls the Plug on Focus Ad After Protest

by Nima Reza, managing editor

Organization caters to homosexual activists over benign ad.

The NCAA took a Focus on the Family ad off of its Web site after homosexual activists complained.

The print ad shows a father holding his young son. It's titled:

Celebrate Family. Celebrate Life.

And the picture is captioned:

All I want for my son is for him to grow up knowing how to do the right thing.

The activists claimed Focus was too controversial for being pro-life, and in favor of one-man, one-woman marriage. They said that runs counter to the NCAA's policies.

Gary Schneeberger, vice president of ministry communications at Focus on the Family, said he was "befuddled" by the NCAA's decision.

"Have we really become a society where it's considered distasteful and controversial for a dad to hope the best for his son?" he said. "If so, we have a lot of soul-searching to do as a nation."

Steve Maegdlin, CEO of the CSK Strategic Marketing Group which produced the print ad, said there's no reason for it to be pulled.

"There's no hidden message or hidden agenda in here," he said.

Calls to the NCAA were not returned.

The ad was part of a CBS Super Bowl package. The network ran the much-talked about TV commercial by Focus on the Family featuring Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother.

"We said during the weeks of controversy before our Super Bowl commercial with the Tebows aired that – despite the charges of critics who hadn't even seen it – the spot was not political or divisive or hateful," Schneeberger added. "And, it wasn't. The print ad now being protested is even more non-threatening – if that's possible. It simply says, 'Focus on the Family is here to help you raise your kids, thrive in your marriages and tackle the challenge life throws your way.'"

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the NCAA to express your disappointment over the ad's removal.

NCAA Comment Line 317-917-6762.

Christ Covenant

Display table at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC for their "Missions...The Heart of God" Missions Conference, Feb 21 - 28, 2010. Thank you Kim Sowder for developing this great display representing Lois' Lodge. Yuck! Who is on that TV????

Tea Party at Lois' Lodge

Thank you so much To Cakes by Victoria for the lovely treats for the "Lois Lodge volunteer tea " today...we love you Victoria. And for organizing the event we send thanks to Kim Sowder American Ballroom Receptions and Events

Letter from Paul and Marilyn Smith

Dear Friends and Associates:

Up front, let me be honest with you: I’m struggling with what and how to communicate to you about a financial need for a wonderful organization. Not because of any reservations about the agency. But, because I so desire to be the voice for those who cannot speak and give you good, even compelling, reasons to participate in something so wonderful and so important to the most vulnerable among us: unborn and new born babies and their young mothers. So, I’m just going to pray that God will give me the right words to say and will touch your heart if you are one of those needed to make this a success. Here goes…

Many of you will know that Marilyn and I once served as houseparents at Lois Lodge, a Christian agency that helps women facing a crisis pregnancy. To help with their fund-raising, once a year they have a "WalkaThon". Marilyn and I are seeking people who will sponsor us as we participate in the walk on Saturday, March 27th.

Funds you give to sponsor us will not only help with their operating expenses but also help them toward the purchase of a permanent location for their services, as in less than five months they will lose their current premises unless able to purchase it. I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity for them to solidify their program by actually owning their current premises. You can read more about this opportunity by going to http://www.loislodge.org/savethelodge.html. This is one reason we have decided to set a goal of raising $10,000 in sponsorships this year.

Our fundraising target is larger than normal, but with the challenge of retaining their current facilities, every dollar is needed. This is about caring for those most vulnerable in our society- the unborn and newborn, as well as mothers in a crisis situation, not just this year but in the years to come. With your help, we CAN reach this.

Why should you seriously consider being a financial partner with Lois Lodge? Let me mention three reasons. First, because it’s a well-run agency, led by a capable and gifted director. I can personally affirm that she is competent, caring and a person of integrity. You can be confident your dollars will be conscientiously and wisely used. They’re not a high profile agency with the money to pay for “high-powered” fundraisers, but they are one of those smaller agencies that our community and region so vitally needs.

Secondly, we’re talking about the care and nurturing of unborn children and their (often) very young mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Picture if this young woman were your daughter or sister or grandchild- wouldn’t you want her to be in a non-institutionalized, family-oriented environment among loving people who want to help them with their needs, be it physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually? Wouldn't you want them to be provided with balanced wisdom and insight regarding parenting their child or placing the child for adoption for someone unable to have children? I would! That alone is a good reason to invest in this ministry. As well, we know that God cares deeply about children. When Jesus’ disciples tried to hinder children from seeing him, Jesus “… was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14 (ESV). A gift to Lois Lodge is an investment in the life of a child.

And, while I could mention many other reasons, I’ll close with this one: There is a genuine and very real need to be addressed. The property they currently use is going to be sold. They have until July to find about $1.1 million dollars to purchase, try to find an alternative location (no easy task given the nature of this work) or close their services. I don’t want this to happenr. So, that’s why I can enthusiastically appeal to you to consider sponsoring us and helping us to raise the $10,000 that would help toward averting the crisis they are facing. Or, perhaps I should better say, the opportunity God has given them to be established with their own premises to provide a foundation for ministry and service for many years to come.

You can invest either by mail or by an online donation (using your debit or credit card). We have our own personalized web page so that you can easily contribute to this wonderful organization online. Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/paulandmarilynsmith and it has all the options you’ll need to make an online contribution to Lois Lodge. As well, you’ll get to see a great photo of Marilyn and our granddaughter, Maya on the page too! Oh yes, I’m in the photo too, but any photo of me can rarely be described as “great”! :-) Or, if you prefer to give by mail, please refer to the attached file- it has all the information you need for donating in that manner.

Many thanks for your consideration and support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone you think might want to donate too! It's probably going to take a small "village" of people to reach our goal (Although I don't rule out God being able to simply impress on one heart to give the full amount needed. He's not limited by my plans... thankfully!)

Thanks for your consideration and, if you do give, please do so by no later than Friday, March 26th.

God bless,

Paul (& Marilyn) P.S. I’ll close with this reminder as you consider an investment in the work of Lois Lodge: “ I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (The Message Bible). So, just do what God wants you to do. And, if He does prompt you to give, do so with the confidence that He will bless you “in astonishing ways”.

Optional Reading: Here’s one way I envisioned how God can raise the $10,000:

If two people invest $1,000, that's $2,000 toward the goal. I believe there are at least two people receiving this email that have the means and whose heart God can touch about this need.

If six people give $500, that's $3,000. I believe that, for at least six of you, you can do this.

If ten people give $250, that $2,500.

If God touches the hearts of eighteen people to give as mentioned above, we'd be at $7,500. That is do-able!

If 15 people can donate $100, that's another $1,500. Only $1,000 from our goal at this point.

If ten people give $50 and another twenty give $25, that's another $1,000 and the $10,000 goal has been reached.

So, we're asking God for at least 63 people who will respond. As of this writing, we've already had a $25 sponsorship, so now it's 62 people. Of course, God probably has a different way to reach the $10,000 different to what I've outlined. But, please join Marilyn and me in praying that He will bless our efforts to raise these funds, not for our own “glory”, but because of the great need for a continued service for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy and for the children they will either raise or place for adoption. You can be confident that your gift to Lois Lodge is a GOOD investment.

If you can't help at this time, we certainly understand. But, do lift up a prayer for Lois Lodge’s funding needs to be met!

Feb/Mar 2010 Donation List

If possible, please pick up some items for us the next time you go shopping. Our current needs list is attached. Thank you!!!!

Welcome Rebecca Lynn!!!

It's a girl!!!! We have a healthy baby girl! "Baby Rebecca Lynn," 7 lbs., 6 oz., 20 1/2 " long, on February 11, at 4:34 a.m. Red hair. The mommy and baby are fine. Please celebrate the life of our new arrival!

'The email you have been waiting for: Student Pro-Life Jobs and Internships!'

'The email you have been waiting for: Student Pro-Life Jobs and Internships!'

Abstinence Works!

Study: Teaching Abstinence Works Better Than Sex Ed

Mara Gay

AOL News

(Feb. 2) -- What if abstinence-only programs actually work?

That's the question facing educators this week after a groundbreaking study found that students who take classes emphasizing abstinence are less likely to have sex than those who take classes teaching safe sex.

Although the effectiveness and virtues of sex-ed versus abstinence-only curricula have long been the subject of fierce debate in American schools, the federal study, published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, is the first of its kind to suggest that programs encouraging students to abstain from having sex altogether are successful.

Just under half of the students in the study who received sex-education classes that included information about contraceptives went on to have sex in the next two years. But only one out of three students in the study who received abstinence-only education did.

Researchers say the long-term study, which followed 662 African-American public middle school students between 2001 and 2004, is significant. John Jemmott, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania who headed the study, told The Washington Post, "I think we've written off abstinence-only education without looking closely at the nature of the evidence. Our study shows this could be one approach that could be used."

Valerie Huber, the director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the study should be "a policy-changing article."

Huber said she hopes President Obama and Congress will make a "course correction" on funding for abstinence-only programs. "The study shows abstinence really is much more than a 'say no' message," she said. "There needs to be a very targeted and specific abstinence approach that is funded separately from so-called comprehensive or safe sex funding."

The study, interestingly enough, comes at a time when teen pregnancy rates are up for the first time in a decade, and many liberal and abortion rights groups say the eight years of increased funding for abstinence-only programs during the Bush administration are to blame. President Barack Obama has pledged $114 million to address teen pregnancy but cut $170 million in funding for abstinence-only education last year after scores of studies showed such programs to be ineffective. Melody Barnes, the White House's domestic policy adviser, told USA Today that the decision to make the cuts simply "reflects the research."

But not everyone thinks it's fair to blame President George W. Bush and abstinence-only education for the increase in teen pregnancy. At Newsweek, Sarah Kliff points out that abstinence-only funding rose during the Clinton years as well, when the teen pregnancy rate actually dropped by 3 percent. "Particularly between 1997 and 1998, when the funding of abstinence-only education increased tenfold, there should have been some indication of an uptick," Kliff writes. "But there wasn't."

It's not yet clear whether these latest findings will change the way sex education is taught in the country's schools.

In Catholic schools at least, little will change. Joe Kohn of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit said the latest study simply reaffirms the abstinence-only curriculum found in Catholic schools. "One thing I can say is, when it's practiced, the policy of abstinence is effective 100 percent of the time," he said. He added that the Detroit archdiocese does teach about "various contraceptives and contraceptive methods" but "does not encourage them."

But the abstinence-only program in the study was not religious, as many similar programs are, and did not vilify condom use. James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, which promotes comprehensive sex-ed programs, said that was an important distinction that separates the program in the study from those advocated during the Bush years.

"The bottom line is, we're just coming out of a $1.5 billion investment in really, really bad abstinence-only programs," Wagoner said Tuesday in a phone interview. He said the abstinence program in the study did not include "misinformation" about sex or contraceptives, for example.

What is clear is that experts and groups that had once thought abstinence-only education to be a fool's errand are taking a second look. Abstinence-only programs may be more useful than researchers originally thought. Sarah Brown, head of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, told The Washington Post that the study was "game-changing."

Even Wagoner, who charges that studies by conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation advocating abstinence-only programs are akin to having "Santa Claus write something from the North Pole," found the federal study compelling. "This is a legitimate study from a legitimate researcher," he said. "So those of us who believe in legitimate research have to pay attention."

Wagoner still wants comprehensive sexual education in the country's schools, however. He notes that 23 percent of students in the study were already sexually active before the abstinence-only program even began. "Don't you want to make sure they have the education to protect themselves?" he asked.

Powerful Words From The Shawpkins Community Group from Elevation Church

It was a pleasure meeting you tonight and hearing about the formidable goal Lois' Lodge has before it. Our Pastor says that bad odds force faith. In much the same way, a great God provokes great faith. It would be difficult to reflect on a God who rained manna from Heaven, made the sun stand still, raised Lazarus from the dead, fed 5000+ from 5 loaves and 2 fish, and most importantly, conquered sin and the grave through His own son, without having the faith that He could bring 1000X1000. If you are familiar at all with Elevation Church, they make some audacious goals so we are becoming increasingly comfortable at putting it in God's hands. They have taught us that God is not intimidated by our big, lofty requests, He is insulted by our puny ones. And you all have surely honored the Father with your audacious faith. Sure, it's a lot easier and safer to stay in the boat but we experience Jesus at a whole new level when we step out. Not only that, we experience the miraculous feat of walking on water; doing the impossible! We are proud to be able to stand with you in fighting the good fight!

You may not have heard but the girls stopped by for a brief moment tonight. We were able to join hands and pray together! We know that not all of them are Christians (yet) but the Word never goes out void. What a blessing it was for each of us to know that we could intercede on their behalf.

Looking forward to the road ahead. . .

Brian
(and the Shawpkins Community Group)

Special Edition Crib Notes Newsletter

Please click on the link and check out the February 2010 special edition Crib Notes. To track our progress, please visit loislodge1000.blogspot.com

40 Days For Life Campaign

This spring, from February 17 – March 28, Charlotte will be uniting with 150 other cities across North America and around the world for a massive coordinated pro-life mobilization – the 40 Days for Life campaign. People of faith are praying that, with God’s help, this effort will help bring an end to the tragedy of abortion.

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results in hundreds of cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28% drop in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local lifesaving ministry efforts. The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of three key components:

• Prayer and Fasting: inviting people of faith throughout our city to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion

• Peaceful Vigil: standing for life through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside the local abortion facility, “A Preferred Women’s Health Center,” 3220 Latrobe Drive, 28211.

• Community Outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of our city through media efforts, church presentations, petition drives, and public visibility

Learn how you can “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” here in Charlotte by contacting us at 40daysforlifecharlotte@gmail.com, by phone @ 704-877-2551, or by visiting: www.40daysforlife.com/charlotte

2010 Walk-A-Thon

Make a Difference ~ Walk for Life!
Walk-A-Thon for Lois' Lodge
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 8-11 am

Freedom Park, Charlotte NC

Family Friendly Event! Music Children's Activities

Get Involved:

1. Walk & Raise Sponsorships
2. Donate to Walk
3. Recruit a Team to Walk

All walkers registered by March 1 will receive a t-shirt. If you or your group is walking, please Register to participate by clicking on the link.

Save The Lodge

Letter from the Lois' Lodge Board of Directors. For additional information and ways you can help, please visit www.loislodge1000.blogspot.com

January 13, 2010

“The Lord is your protection; you have made God Most High your place of safety. Nothing bad will happen to you; no disaster will come to your home.”
Psalm 91:9-10

Dear Friends of Lois’ Lodge,

As a valued part of the inner circle of our ministry, we want to keep you informed about Lois’ Lodge. This past year was a lean year for us, just as it was for most other non-profits. In spite of some financial belt-tightening, the maternity home continues to operate soundly on a day-to-day basis, and stays at or near capacity. The needs of the mothers in our care are being consistently met, both spiritually and financially. This is due to the faithful support of donors and volunteers and the solid management of our resources by the Lois’ Lodge staff.

Late last year, Lois’ Lodge found itself in a critical situation. For the past few years, we have been blessed with rent-free facilities in the Dillworth area, but this arrangement must now change. As a result, Lois’ Lodge has the opportunity – and immense challenge – of purchasing these properties within six months. The Lodge must cease operations here if we cannot purchase the property by July. Although the homes are reasonably priced, the total cost will be $1.1 million. This is an unprecedented amount of capital to be raised in an extremely short time frame. We know that God is greater than our challenges, and we look to Him for an amazing victory.

The Board of Lois’ Lodge is reaching out to you at this time for one reason: Support.

Unwavering support may take many forms, with the most important being prayer. Please pray for the young women who come through our doors, for the staff and volunteers who reflect God’s grace to them on a daily basis, and for our fundraising efforts. Although the goal seems overwhelming, we have faith in God’s ability to save the Lodge.

Please watch for our upcoming special Lois’ Lodge newsletter, which will give more details and lots of ideas on how you can join in saving the Lodge. God’s hand will be readily seen through your faithful support.

May God strengthen us for His use,

Members of Lois’ Lodge Board of Directors:

John Marx, President
Falinda Farley
Kathi Ingrish
Gwen Johnson
Zeritha McFadden
Deana Kocylowsky
Verne Phifer