NLFS September eNewsletter

We are a New Life Family.  We last saw Tammy, NLFS Executive Director, at the Women's Night Out Event in August when she came up to Micah's table and said, "Did you bring any gluten-free items this year?" to which Micah had to respond sadly with a "no".  Of course, Tammy then asked Micah to "please, please, please bring gluten-free baked goods next year."  This newsletter just broke my heart because this is an organization that has done so much good for our family . . .

Dear Friends,  I want to be transparent with you today and tell you that my heart is heavy. It has been  a challenging summer for pregnancy centers like New Life. On June 24th, when the  U.S. Supreme Court decision was announced, the celebration felt short-lived as we knew there was much work to be done as our services would be needed now more than ever…and pregnancy centers became a target for attacks.   While there is so much to be grateful for, I want to give you a picture of the current  climate in which we serve and live. You may have heard some rumblings about #JanesRevenge – a pro-abortion group threatening and attacking pro-life organizations because of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They have firebombed and vandalized centers. And while so far, we have not been the target of the most extreme circumstances, we have not avoided it all.  These posters were posted all over the            Phillips community near our new building  We have had consistent sidewalk chalk outside our University office saying similar things We have had inflammatory and disparaging articles       —-written about us  Most recently, our own Minnesota Attorney General      —- issued a consumer warning against pregnancy centers I often think (naively), “If they could only see what we really do, surely they would  change their minds about us.” And then I remember Jesus. He (unlike us) led a perfect, sinless life and yet was betrayed, beaten, and crucified. However, that is not the end of  the story, and these attacks are not the end of our story either.   As discouraging as these attacks are, the truth is – the people hurt most by them are  our clients. Single mothers, hurting families, and those who are sitting in the midst of  crisis in need of support. Women and men deserve a welcoming and safe place to work through an unplanned pregnancy; where they can process their situation without pressure or judgment. A place that will walk with them today, tomorrow, and for years to come.  We exist to value, listen to, and care for people in crisis. I would like to be bold in asking you to stand in the gap for our clients today. Here are five very tangible ways you can help:  PRAY – Sign up to receive our in-the-moment prayer messages by texting PRAY to 612-482-4400 or join us for in-office prayer. Visit your closest center for one hour per week to pray over our staff, our clients, and the work that we do. Prayer is the most powerful thing we can do!--------------------------------------------------------------------------- BE FAMILIAR  – Know what we do and let people know about us. These current accusations about pregnancy centers are categorically untrue about New Life, and quite frankly, untrue about the many other organizations I know personally which have been attacked. If you ever have questions about what we do or how we do it, -I am always happy to talk with you directly! nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn VOLUNTEER – We need Spanish-speaking volunteers in our centers. NNNNNNNNN SHARE OUR JOB OPENINGS – We are very short-handed and need additional staff to continue serving clients well and to be able to open our new location in nN the Phillips community of Minneapolis. Do you know someone who might be the perfect fit? NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN. NNNNNNNNN. NNNNNNN GIVE – You can support the work of New Life Family Services financially. - -Whether it is a one-time gift or you choose to give monthly, your generosity will make a difference.   While the political divide continues to grow, New Life has never been about politics. For nearly 50 years, we have focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy. We help those hurt by abortion find the healing and redemption Christ offers. We build families through adoption, and so much more. New Life has never been more committed to our mission, and we are so incredibly grateful for you! “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret  when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked  schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret –  it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed,  but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”                  — Psalm 37: 7–8 Sincerely,  Tammy Kocher Executive Director