Purpose, Process (Progress) and Payoff
These are words that describe Bethany House's message of hope turned into a mission of love for women and children who hunger for help. Simply saying "I love you," isn't enough though, is it? According to Christ there is a deeper purpose in loving. For in the process, which includes tangible demonstrations of love, progress is made, and, ultimately, there is a payoff for both the Giver of Love and the Receiver.

Love is a relationship. Love is action. Love leads us to do for others. God reminds us to help widows, children, the imprisoned, the improverished, the wounded. Bethany House, with your help, gives love in practical ways that change lives for eternity. And, yes, at times, loving like Christ does requires great sacrifices. But we believe, despite the sacrifice, you will continue, by our side, this summer, to love boldly, giving of your time, talents, and treasures. There is nothing like a story to showcase what your love in action makes possible.

Michelle's miraculous story perfectly showcases the payoff for both the receiver of love and the giver …

Growing up in an abusive family, Michelle left home following high school with a pack on her back and money she'd managed to save. She traveled throughout the US and beyond working numerous jobs on her journey. While living in the Caribbean she discovered she was pregnant and returned to the states where she hoped to find safety and support with a friend. Ultimately, she turned to Bethany House and spent her pregnancy living and learning with her Bethany House Sponsor Family. With her own mother never providing the nurturing and love she needed, Michelle found it challenging to accept the love and support she found with her new sponsor family. Over time she blossomed and realized she'd also found a safe place to prepare for the birth of her daughter.

Michelle says the following about her future: "One of the most important things to me is to provide a good life for my daughter by becoming a good mother. I hope to provide her with a comfortable place to grow up and build wonderful memories with her. Raise her to be at her best. Give her anything and everything she needs. I also hope to continue with my studies in Medical Technology with a focus on Chemistry and Biotechnology. I hope to work as a Medical Technologist/Chemist after I'm done with school and to help others in need because I believe life is only worthwhile if I can provide quality help to others who need me, and to help others find God. The most important things in my life are my beautiful daughter, learning new things, and Jesus Christ. "

Did you know Bethany House has already assisted 15 women and their children this year with sponsor family housing, counseling, diapers, baby supplies, and help with numerous other needs that make love tangible in their lives? We hope you will help us continue making miracles happen this summer and beyond.

Now for the miracle of Luke …

We share a great deal about the women who are loved into wholeness through our program, but what about the children, many who were very young during their special season with us. What happens to these little people as they grow up?

For one, we've heard from several former little ones who are now teens or young adults who openly share their gratitude to those of you who make our program possible. Because, sadly, for many of them, without a program like Bethany House, they wouldn't be here today; their mothers were considering abortion. Life, the ultimate gift of love, has been extended to more children then we'll ever know. These precious people are now making major differences in the world we share.

Luke, the first child born at Bethany House so many years ago is now serving his country, our country, in the armed forces as a Marine. He has completed his tour of duty in Afghanistan where he operated heavy equipment, acted as a combat engineer and a bulk fueler.  While in Afghanistan, Luke contacted his birth dad by mail because he really wanted to know who his father was.  His dad, to his relief, responded with love, and Luke now knows his whole family including additional siblings. He said this about his experience finding his father: "Although it might not turn out the way you want, I encourage you seek out your family.  I am working now saving my money to go to Mt Hood College for two years and then I plan to use my GI bill and move on to OHSU where I'll finish my education as a male nurse. Even now, as an adult, Bethany House is still in my life encouraging me all the way."

The "payoff" of your love couldn't be clearer. This young man is a contributing member of our society, raised by a mom who received enough love at Bethany House to pass on to her children. God's love is moving from generation to generation because you understand that a life of love is a life of action. We pray you are able to catch a glimpse of how your giving saves and changes lives in so many unexpected ways. We also hope you have received an abundance of love in return. But ultimately, we trust the treasures you are storing in Heaven will far exceed any rewards you receive here.

 

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them; 'Truly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren you did it to me.'

Matthew 25:35-40