Dear Friends,

Hagar, an Egyptian maid, a woman with no power or status, had the privilege of a visitation by God and the realization that God saw her suffering (Genesis 16). She called Him “El-Roi” - the God who sees me. In the midst of her pain and struggles, Hagar received God's blessing and promises. Rejected by her husband, alone and afraid, God saw her. God met her in the desert of her life. God told her to return, to continue, to remain in a difficult situation but promised a future for her child. The circumstances did not change, but Hagar had been given hope. So it is for our moms – God sees each one. God is waiting to meet each one and has a purpose and a calling for every child. Our God is THE GOD WHO SEES.

“We must be triumphant exactly where we are. It is not a change of climate we need, but a change of heart. The flesh wants to run away, but God wants to demonstrate His power exactly where we have known our greatest chagrin” (Donald Barnhouse).

Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope to women in crisis.

Meital and Baby Boy Elroi

Meital is 15 years old and has a 21-year-old boyfriend who is in the army. She moved in with him after they had been dating for a year. Her parents divorced when she was small, and Meital had no contact with her mother for several years. Only Meital’s brother had kept in touch and occasionally helped her out financially. Meital worked in a kindergarten a few days a week and also attended high school. When she discovered she was pregnant, she was afraid and had no one to tell. She felt completely alone. Eventually, she told her school counselor who immediately scheduled an appointment for an abortion. When Meital’s mother later learned that her daughter was pregnant and intending to have an abortion, she very surprisingly contacted her and told her not to do that, and that she would help her raise the child. Her boyfriend was shocked. He knew that Meital was still underage and frightened, but he responded in a responsible way because he loves Meital. Through an internet search, Meital contacted Be’ad Chaim for guidance. She was relieved to find a place where she could find compassionate counseling and practical help. In January, Meital gave birth to a baby boy and named him Elroi – “the God who sees me.” She said she chose the name because the Lord saw her and helped her. Meital had her mother and boyfriend by her side. Meital is now happily breastfeeding her precious baby. Her mother is helping her and is closer to her now than ever before. Baby Elroi, by the mercy of the God who sees, has brought healing and reconciliation to Meital’s life.

Hagit and Baby Boy Jacob

Hagit is an ultra-Orthodox woman and lives in that community. She is divorced and now a single mother to three children. Hagit started seeing a man who has no legal status in Israel, and there was no chance they could ever marry. When she found out she was pregnant she panicked. In the orthodox community, there are very strict rules about sex outside of marriage, so she knew her pregnancy would bring great shame on her. She did not want to have an abortion but did not see any other options. Thankfully, Hagit rang our hotline. After being in touch with one of our wonderful counselors, Hagit was able to have someone who could sit her down and talk through her situation with love and compassion. She chose life for her baby and moved to a different neighborhood where no one knew her or her situation. Her son, Jacob is now a year old. Hagit has had a tough year. Her income is tight but she has learned to manage. She continues to live among the ultra-Orthodox which makes her life very challenging. Even in the new neighborhood she has been questioned about her family situation, having a young baby but no husband. The school where her daughters attended also asked for an explanation and tried to remove them! She fought hard to keep them there, but at the end of the school year she was told they were no longer welcome.

Hagit is still in a relationship with Jacob’s father, but is unable to marry him. He visits most weekends, but she said the relationship is not stable. She commented that judging, criticizing, and gossiping, rather than helping women in crisis pregnancy, is unfair. The community would have preferred her to abort because of her “sin.” Hagit wisely says that “life is worth so much more than the opinion of others,” and she is glad she didn’t give in to the pressure of the community. Receiving loving and nonjudgmental help from Be’ad Chaim has meant so much to her.

High School Students

We had the privilege of being interviewed and filmed by high school students in the southern Tel Aviv area. To prepare for our meeting, the students were asked their perspective on abortion. The answer was typical: “we all think that every woman has the right to choose what she wants to do with her body.” This is the prevailing – pretty much – ONLY “correct” answer in Israeli society; any other answer seems very close minded and “unkind.” The students had already interviewed two teachers who had abortions and did not regret it. Rather, the teachers said that abortion should be more easily attainable. This is misinformation – abortion is government-funded after approval by a “termination of pregnancy” committee, which permits abortion for 99.6% of applicants. Using baby models, we discussed baby development. We talked about the consequences and regret after abortion, the need for education and knowledge, and the support and choices for life that Be’ad Chaim’s national centers offer. We pray that God will use this interview to touch hearts and influence young women to choose life.

Naomi and Baby Boy Imri

Naomi, 22 years old, is married and has two little boys, ages two and three. She had a very troubled youth. Her father passed away when she was only nine years old, and she lived in boarding schools after that. She married the father of her children at the age of 19 after discovering that she was pregnant for the first time. Since marrying, Naomi has been home with her children rather than working. Her husband lost his job during the COVID restrictions and hasn’t been able to find a steady job yet. Understandably, Naomi was troubled when she discovered her third pregnancy. The provision of Be’ad Chaim’s support through our Operation Moses Project has been a relief to her and her husband. The monthly gift cards, worth over $100 each, have particularly helped them to purchase diapers and other baby necessities. Their third son, adorable Imri, was born in late November. Although three boys is a handful, and finances are still tight, Naomi and her husband enjoy the fun and laughter. They live the Biblical truth: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)

Bi-Annual Counselor Seminar

On February 21st, our staff and counselors gathered together from across the country for a special time of encouragement, fellowship, and prayer. These bi-annual meetings are vital because many of our counselors work alone in their region and need the refreshment that comes from our unity and mutual support. Our guest speaker was the director of another nonprofit called “Elem,” an organization which offers emotional support for teens and young women who are pregnant and without the support of their families. Because we often receive referrals from other organizations and the welfare department, it was a blessing to be able to learn more about how we can all support women through mutual cooperation.

Volunteers Make a Difference!

Our counselor Miriam, responsible for the clothing distribution program, is always looking for extra ways to help the moms. This time, she contacted a group of volunteers in Israel participating in the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) program and asked them if they would be willing to do some house cleaning. With servants’ hearts, they happily went to the homes of two different mothers and spent hours organizing and cleaning. Here are the “before and after” photos. We give thanks for teamwork and loving volunteers. The mothers, having been shown so much unconditional love, were deeply blessed. Such acts of service and kindness are the sign of God’s love to our new moms.

Avital, mother of Hallel

Please receive this lovely thank you note written shortly after mother Avital gave birth to her first child, a daughter whom she named Hallel, which means ‘praise’. She and her husband are ultra-Orthodox. Typically, in their religious culture, the woman works while the husband studies in a yeshiva, a place of rabbinical study. This year, Be’ad Chaim has provided baby items for about 700 new babies, yet very few send thank you letters, so this note is special. I believe that this note is intended for you, our partners, as well as us, because without your generosity we could not have provided for these precious new babies. “To the precious and important organization! At this opportunity, thank you from the depths of our warm and loving hearts for your support and help, for all of the items that arrived exactly on time for our baby Hallel. Everything is so useful for us. You were very thoughtful with your donations. May you always be on the side of the giver—and always be able to give with joy. With much appreciation, Avital and family.”

“RESCUE THE CHILDREN”

SPECIAL TIME OF PRAYER, FASTING AND SUPPLICATION BEFORE OUR LORD.

Join us for:

The Esther Fast – “for such a time as this.”

Sunday 5th of March

6-9pm

Live on zoom from Congregation HaMaayan, Kfar Saba, Pastor Tony Sperandeo, Chairman of the Board of Be’ad Chaim. Personal attendance is welcome.

Standing in the gap for the protection of the younger generation and for the future of our nation

Covering the issues of abortion, infanticide, LGBT teachings in schools, and others. Strengthening and empowering parents and congregations for the war on children.

Click here to download the Newsletter as pdf