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