LifeDate Winter 2025 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
by Virginia Flo, Volunteer Relations
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
These words that Jesus spoke to the disciples as recorded in Matthew 28 are compelling. We have this Great Commission as our guide as we strive to do our servants’ work by sharing the Gospel message. We are all Lutherans For Life, and we know the life message is Gospel-motivated—it is our mission. As we proclaim the important life message that God gives in three special words—Created, Redeemed, Called—we know emphatically that from creation God gives life, He saves our sinful lives through redemption, and He calls us through Baptism to eternal life.
Right after the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, our Volunteer Relations Team interviewed a number of Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs) asking if and when they share Jesus with their patients. We learned that different PRCs had different views of how to approach this. Most importantly, however, they expressed a willingness to speak about Jesus, the difference being “when.”
In reality, there are some PRCs that do not openly address the Gospel message but instead focus on the medical and physical needs of their patients. That certainly is an honorable thing they do, yet as Christians, we know there is still more. People are generally more receptive to hearing about the Lord when they are facing trials in their lives. Perhaps they were raised Christian and have fallen away and know deep within that God should be an active part of their life. Perhaps they have heard about Christianity but have never been exposed to it and are curious. Or they are willing to listen to get through their interview. Whatever the reason, what a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel message when people come for help.
In our Life Team training, we encourage building relationships with agencies in your communities that work in the life arena. That is true for Life Chapters and Life Advocates as well. Interview the agencies you may want to support and, if you decide to get closely engaged, have your pastor interview them as well. It is very important that the agencies you connect with operate in a Christian manner. Being Christian will hopefully reflect in their practices and interactions.
I have spoken about this before, so maybe it’s not new, but it is worth repeating. There are two basic approaches to be used when the PRCs that do share the love of Jesus actually do engage in that discussion. One practice includes a question about religious affiliation on the patient form that is filled out on the first visit. That opens the door for the advocate, during the first interview, to ask permission to discuss religious affiliation, whether or not that box is checked. I was told by one advocate she even had a Muslim woman who gave permission. The message given shares that the support needed during pregnancy is like a three-legged stool, requiring all three legs to stand firmly. Those three support requirements are physical, emotional, and spiritual. At that point, the love of Jesus is introduced as the spiritual support. If the patient doesn’t grant permission, the topic is not discussed. Most often permission is given.
The second approach is to wait for a supplemental visit by the pregnant woman so a relationship of trust can be built first. That certainly does keep the door open to discuss Jesus in their life at a future visit. However, it also begs the question, “What if she doesn’t come back and that opportunity is lost?” I agree they do not want to scare anyone away. We must always share Jesus’ love and the gift of life God has provided in a loving and caring manner to avoid upsetting anyone. I thank God there are caring and faithful people working at PRCs. We are so blessed that God cares about every single person, including that tiny life in the womb.
If you are interested in your congregation helping to support women and men dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, Lutherans For Life recently launched a program called Congregational House of Refuge. Through your pastor’s leadership and your congregation’s support, your pastor reads a public statement at worship detailing your support twice a year. Hopefully that reaches the hearts of both members and neighbors in need. When they come forward, your door is open to engage.
You can learn more at lutheransforlife.org/congregational-house-of-refuge.
As you share Jesus’ love through your voice For Life and your Christian witness, may God bless your efforts. You may change or even save a life. Please be that person, as the life of the youngest and even the oldest may be the life you impact.