A Room with a VieW: an “Ultraview” THE...

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A Room with a VieW: an “Ultraview” When a young woman enters our Ultrasound Room, she has already had a confirmed positive pregnancy test at Alternaterm. She has met with a client advocate before that test, and after. She may be alone or have someone with her; perhaps a family member, friend, or the father. That someone may be pressuring her to abort or is happy that she is pregnant. As she prepares for the scan by lying on the table, she may or may not be life- minded (in fact, two-thirds of the women we see are at risk for aborting). She may not wish to look at the screen, but as one of our sonographers begins to show what is being seen, the woman can easily view her ultrasound on the recently installed TV monitor. Our sonographers specialize in accentuating the life within. “Here is the heart. Here, see these feet. Oh, this is an active one!” Mothers respond differently, as you can imagine. It is here in this almost sacred space that spiritual battles prevail. We’ve heard cries of joy when a woman sees her child for the first time. We’ve heard sobs of heartache when a woman learns her child is not thriving. Often, though, there is quiet. Sometimes the quiet is due to indifference... when a heart is hardened in the path to abortion. Sometimes, however, the pensive, quiet moments lead to a woman viewing a living, growing child within and deciding not to abort... In fact, 35% of the time, at-risk clients who see the view in our ultrasound room CHOOSE LIFE! Currently, we have 2 sonographers who give generously of their time to perform ultrasounds. We need more volunteer sonographers (RDMS) to fill our schedule. Due to scheduling both online and via Human Coalition, we double-book the times that have sonographers. The center is “hopping” at these times, with both counseling rooms full and clients in the waiting room. Our ability to provide ultrasounds affects the fullness of our schedule, and we want to be able to provide full services each day we are open. Right now, our non-scan days have a smaller single-booked client load that allows for pregnancy testing, follow-ups, classes and other activities. Would you pray with us for additions to our ultrasound team? We need believing, qualified individuals (RDMS’s) with a heart for life who are willing to give just a few hours a week. Maybe you know someone who would enjoy this front-line ministry. If so, encourage them to contact us. Let’s see what God does! THE Sonogram WINTER 2017 Our Mission of “UNTHINKABLE” Continues “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19 What if Roe vs. Wade was overturned after 40+ years? Would organizations and ministries such as ours be needed? Yes, absolutely! Our mission is about changing lives, building families, and creating a culture of life so strong that abortion becomes unthinkable, regardless of its legality. When a hurting woman or couple enter our doors, and is faced with an unplanned pregnancy, we must be there for her, for them. As Christ followers, we must set a standard where life is celebrated. The culture of celebration must begin on the front line, where life decisions are made. When political winds blow against us, we continue the mission. When those winds are at our back, we continue the mission. As we continue, a culture is changed. Do you wish to see our mission succeed, see lives changed by the power of the Good News, see women make the courageous decision to choose life for their unborn babies, see men take on their God-given role of fatherhood and embrace their children, and see our culture once again believe in the Sanctity of Human Life? If you have answered “Yes”, here are some ways you can help: YOU can make a difference by giving financially (a one-time gift or consider becoming a monthly giver). We must expand our outreach and build our services so that we are truly the first choice in our area for those facing unplanned pregnancies or other consequences of unhealthy relationships. It doesn’t take millions, it just takes each of us saying “I can give this”. Whether it is a few dollars, a few hundred dollars, or several thousand dollars, every single investment in this mission makes us stronger. So, I ask you to join us and give! You can go online to friendsofaps.com and donate by hitting the “GIVE” button. You may wish to join our team. We are always looking for client advocates (to reach our women and men), administrative help and more. If you wish to serve, send me an email at [email protected] and we can connect. Who knows how God might use you? Humbly, Pamela Gibson, Executive Director CALLING ALL HEROES The young and the young-at-heart are invited to participate in Alternaterm’s 2nd Everyday Hero Fun Walk/Run to be held at the Mayfield Village Greenway Trail on Saturday, May 20th. Registration through our website will open Thursday, April 6th. Dress like/create a superhero and come prepared to save a life! Raise money and win prizes too. There will be special prizes, including a Bubble Soccer Party for the youth group raising the most amount of money. FALL IN LOVE WITH LIFE Save the date! We will host Mr. Scott Klusendorf of Life Training Institute for our 2017 Fall in Love with Life Celebration at Parkside Church on Friday, September 22nd. You can listen to Scott on the March 13th broadcast of Focus on the Family radio program. FREE MOVIE NIGHT! You supply the popcorn, we’ll supply the movie! Alternaterm has licensed the award-winning movie VOICELESS and is encouraging churches and groups to show it publicly. Call for more details. http://voicelessthemovie.com/ “VOICELESS is raw, powerful, and transformational. Viewers will be enlightened, empowered, and inspired to action.” Emeal Zwayne, President of Living Waters, Executive Producer of 180 THE Sonogram WINTER 2017 14077 Cedar Road, Ste. 100, South Euclid, OH 44118 216.371.4848 | friendsofaps.com Become our fan on Facebook. Read our latest news, client’s stories, and upcoming events. Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 3586 Cleveland, OH

Transcript of A Room with a VieW: an “Ultraview” THE...

A Room with a VieW: an “Ultraview”

When a young woman enters our Ultrasound Room, she has already had a confirmed positive pregnancy test at Alternaterm. She has met with a client advocate before that test, and after. She may be alone or have someone with her; perhaps a family member, friend, or the father. That someone may be pressuring her to abort or is happy that she is pregnant.

As she prepares for the scan by lying on the table, she may or may not be life-minded (in fact, two-thirds of the women we see are at risk for aborting). She may not wish to look at the screen, but as one of our sonographers begins to show what is being seen, the woman can easily view her ultrasound on the recently installed TV monitor.

Our sonographers specialize in accentuating the life within. “Here is the heart. Here, see these feet. Oh, this is an active one!” Mothers respond differently, as you can imagine. It is here in this almost sacred space that spiritual battles prevail. We’ve heard cries of joy when a woman sees her child for the first time. We’ve heard sobs of heartache when a woman learns her child is not thriving. Often, though, there is quiet. Sometimes the quiet is due to indifference... when a heart is hardened in the path to abortion. Sometimes, however, the pensive, quiet moments lead to a woman viewing a living, growing child within and deciding not to abort...

In fact, 35% of the time, at-risk clients who see the view in our ultrasound room

CHOOSE LIFE!

Currently, we have 2 sonographers who give generously of their time to perform ultrasounds. We need more volunteer sonographers (RDMS) to fill our schedule. Due to scheduling both online and via Human Coalition, we double-book the times that have sonographers. The center is “hopping” at these times, with both counseling rooms full and clients in the waiting room. Our ability to provide ultrasounds affects the fullness of our schedule, and we want to be able to provide full services each day we are open. Right now, our non-scan days have a smaller single-booked client load that allows for pregnancy testing, follow-ups, classes and other activities.

Would you pray with us for additions to our ultrasound team? We need believing, qualified individuals (RDMS’s) with a heart for life who are willing to give just a few hours a week. Maybe you know someone who would enjoy this front-line ministry. If so, encourage them to contact us.

Let’s see what God does!

THE SonogramWINTER 2017

Our Mission of “UNTHINKABLE” Continues “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19

What if Roe vs. Wade was overturned after 40+ years? Would organizations and ministries such as ours be needed? Yes, absolutely! Our mission is about changing lives, building

families, and creating a culture of life so strong that abortion becomes unthinkable, regardless of its legality.

When a hurting woman or couple enter our doors, and is faced with an unplanned pregnancy, we must be there for her, for them. As Christ followers, we must set a standard where life is celebrated. The culture of celebration must begin on the front line, where life decisions are made. When political winds blow against us, we continue the mission. When those winds are at our back, we continue the mission. As we continue, a culture is changed.

Do you wish to see our mission succeed, see lives changed by the power of the Good News, see women make the courageous decision to choose life for their unborn babies, see men take on their God-given role of fatherhood and embrace their children, and see our culture once again believe in the Sanctity of Human Life?

If you have answered “Yes”, here are some ways you can help: YOU can make a difference by giving financially (a one-time gift or consider becoming a monthly giver). We must expand our outreach and build our services so that we are truly the first choice in our area for those facing unplanned pregnancies or other consequences of unhealthy relationships. It doesn’t take millions, it just takes each of us saying “I can give this”. Whether it is a few dollars, a few hundred dollars, or several thousand dollars, every single investment in this mission makes us stronger. So, I ask you to join us and give! You can go online to friendsofaps.com and donate by hitting the “GIVE” button.

You may wish to join our team. We are always looking for client advocates (to reach our women and men), administrative help and more. If you wish to serve, send me an email at [email protected] and we can connect. Who knows how God might use you?

Humbly, Pamela Gibson, Executive Director

CALLING ALL HEROESThe young and the young-at-heart are invited to participate in Alternaterm’s 2nd Everyday Hero Fun Walk/Run to be held at the Mayfield Village Greenway Trail on Saturday, May 20th. Registration through our website will open Thursday, April 6th. Dress like/create a superhero and come prepared to save a life! Raise money and win prizes too. There will be special prizes, including a Bubble Soccer Party for the youth group raising the most amount of money.

FALL IN LOVE WITH LIFESave the date! We will host Mr. Scott Klusendorf of Life Training Institute for our 2017 Fall in Love with Life Celebration at Parkside Church on Friday, September 22nd. You can listen to Scott on the March 13th broadcast of Focus on the Family radio program.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT!You supply the popcorn, we’ll supply the movie! Alternaterm has licensed the award-winning movie VOICELESS and is encouraging churches and groups to show it publicly. Call for more details. http://voicelessthemovie.com/

“VOICELESS is raw, powerful, and transformational. Viewers will be enlightened, empowered, and inspired to action.”Emeal Zwayne, President of Living Waters, Executive Producer of 180

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Abortion 45%

Parent 32%

Undecided 23%

Pregnancy Intentions of Clients at Initial Visit

VisionAlternaterm envisions a culture where women and men faced with pregnancy decisions and issues relating to sexual responsibility are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and empowered to choose life for their unborn children and abundant life for their families.

MissionAlternaterm exists to end abortion in Greater Cleveland by sharing the love of Christ with women and men faced with pregnancy decisions.

We estimate that it costs $1,200 to save a life.

Visit www.friendsofaps.com to become one of our life-giving supporters!

Partner with usChurches and individuals partner with us by giving financially. We thank these churches that have given in faith to Alternaterm. Great is the eternal fruit that our ministry shares with these church families.

Amongst hundreds of generous donors, we are also blessed with 62 monthly or quarterly individual donors. This regular giving allows us to plan based on these sustaining gifts we receive. You can make planned donations using eGiving. You can access eGiving through the donate button on our website: www.friendsofaps.com

Where does Your money goWhen you list “where needed most” on your donation, you help us pay for medical liability insurance, pregnancy tests, our ultrasound service contract, training materials for volunteers, internet market penetration, staff, and the rent, among many, many other things. We run on a lean budget and make the most of each dollar God provides.

Thank you! You are a blessing!

Believers Bible ChurchBethany Covenant ChurchBethel Church of Cleveland HeightsCedar Hill Baptist ChurchChester Christian Center A/GChrist Community Church of WilloughbyCornerstone Community ChurchCuyahoga Valley ChurchEastlake Baptist ChurchEmmaus Bible Fellowship ChurchGateway ChurchHillcrest Community ChurchLift Him Up Apostolic Faith ChurchMayfield United Methodist Church

New Community Bible FellowshipNew Life Assembly of GodNewSong Church, Assembly of GodOpen Door Missionary Baptist ChurchPainesville Assembly of GodParkside ChurchRiverview ChurchSecond Calvary Missionary Baptist ChurchStart Right Ministries, Inc.The Rock Community ChurchTikvat Yisrael Messianic SynagogueTrinity Baptist Church MentorWilloughby Hills Friends Church

Want to get more involved for lifE? Here’s HOw:

• Volunteer a few hours a week as a receptionist or a sonographer.

• Like to make phone calls? Help us with new outreach initiatives.

• Serve as a church liaison. Pastors are busy people and often can’t give time to keep up with our ministry or connect with us. Keep your church current with Alternaterm’s prayer requests, testimonies, and activities by applying to be a liaison.

• Join our newly forming social media research team.

• Do you own a business? We need event sponsors for our Spring and Fall Events.

• Be a part of our mailing team, responsible for periodic bulk mailings. (Coordinator needed too. Apply now.)

• Host a baby shower or a baby bottle campaign. (Ministry coordinator needed. Apply now.)

• Interview for and be trained as a client advocate.

• Come and pray in our lovely prayer room anytime we are open.

• Volunteer for a committee. We have several forming for our upcoming Fall in Love with Life Banquet in September AND for our Fun Walk/Run in May.

• Make an appointment to tour our center or host an adult or youth meeting here in evening hours to discuss our work and tour.

OUR SONOGRAPHERSMy name is Char Croyts. I have been a registered Sonographer for 30 years. I have been volunteering at Alternaterm for the last 5 years. I am very blessed to volunteer and show these ladies their babies using ultrasound. The ability for these ladies to see the baby before they feel any movement can be so valuable in their understanding the miracle within them.

I have been married for 31 years to my husband Jim. We attend Parkside Church and we have 3 children Elyse, Anna and Cailyn. Our family enjoys serving at our church with special needs children.

My name is Kim Wills. I’ve been volunteering off and on with Alternaterm since the late 1980s, when I was a church liaison for a few years. My friend, Char Croyts pulled me into the ultrasound part of the ministry a few years ago. I had talked to my husband about letting my license expire, since I didn’t plan to work in ultrasound any more after raising 3 children. God had other ideas. After finding myself unemployed, I decided to go with Char for the training at

Alternaterm. While I was working in the 1990s, I would often try to show patients that were considering abortion that their baby was actually a baby and not a blob of tissue – this was a not a difficult step to take while volunteering at Alternaterm.

My husband, Doug & I attend Christ Community Chapel in Hudson. We have 3 grown children, Josh, Jared & Hallie. My hobbies are genealogy (I have over 20,000 people in my tree so far!), reading & cooking.

2016 Client statistics Clients Served 301

Total Visits 412

Pregnancy Tests Performed 280

Ultrasounds Performed 174

Life Decisions 50

Babies Born in 2016 56

Gospel Shared With Clients 138

New Believers 9

There is hope after abortionLasting Hope offers hope and healing through an eight week confidential support group, designed to help women who have emotional symptoms resulting from experiencing abortion. Classes begin very soon. Call now for more information. Contact LeeAnne or Hazel at 216-371-4848.

Abortion 32%

Parent 54%

Undecided 14%

Pregnancy Intentions of Clients after Visit