By Anja Weippert and Be'ad Chaim
How often in life things turn out differently than expected! For women, it is frequently an unwanted pregnancy that gives life an unexpected turn. The hardships and problems that accompany this are probably as old as humanity itself. The Bible, too, tells of women in challenging situations.
There is, for example, Sarah, Abraham's wife, who became pregnant for the first time at the age of 90 (Genesis 11). Or Elizabeth, who also became pregnant at an advanced age. At the beginning of her pregnancy, she went into seclusion to draw closer to God. And perhaps also a little to escape judgmental looks and discouraging comments. Even her husband Zechariah had spoken words of disbelief and was silenced by God until his son was born (Luke 1). And then there is Rebekah: She felt her twins fighting with each other even in the womb, so that in despair she cried out, "Why is this happening to me?" (Genesis 25).
Many expectant mothers probably ask themselves this question when they experience even the fathers or their own families turning against them. Pregnancy can be accompanied by fear, confusion, gossip, and worries about the future. And yet, this "disruption" in the life plan simultaneously signifies new life full of grace and mercy!
Dina – a child is life
Dina had a similar experience. The Israeli woman was married, but when she became pregnant, her husband panicked and accused Dina of ruining his life. She immediately considered abortion, but then came into contact with the "Operation Moses" project of the Israeli aid organization Be'ad Chaim. Be'ad Chaim (meaning "for life") is dedicated to providing mental and material support to women with unwanted pregnancies, regardless of their origin or religion. Dina chose to keep her daughter's life and later wrote to her Be'ad Chaim caseworker, Ettie: "Thank you! You told me my little daughter Hailey is life. I am living too, raising her." And the father? His daughter Hailey is the greatest joy in his heart.
Shir – a feeling like drowning
Shir is 19 years old, has just finished school, and still feels almost like a child when she becomes pregnant. Her partner wants her to have an abortion, otherwise he will leave her.
Shir makes an appointment for an abortion. But then things change: "When I heard my son's heartbeat during the first ultrasound, I realized how something inside me was bonding tightly to him. I couldn't kill him." Nevertheless, the uncertainty remains: "During that time, I felt like I was drowning in this difficult situation. I was afraid of giving birth to a child and didn't know how I would care for one."
Then Shir hears about Be'ad Chaim and learns that she can get the necessary baby supplies and all sorts of other help there. Peace comes to her heart, and she finally decides against the abortion and for the life of her son Tohar. "Even though I was alone, I now knew that someone was giving me support and a foundation to begin with, and that therefore everything would be okay."
Rebekah – misfortune rarely comes alone
Rebekah was deeply shocked when she learned she was expecting triplets. She was already 41 years old and had seven children! She was devoutly religious and couldn't imagine having an abortion. But her husband, who was studying at a yeshiva (a religious Talmudic academy), couldn't afford triplets either. Be'ad Chaim provided the family with three cribs, a triple stroller, and vouchers for all the baby's needs for the first year. Rebekah was now very busy – and also very grateful!
As Christians standing with Israel, we support the work of Be'ad Chaim. Will you help us encourage women to embrace life? By sponsoring a baby, you will contribute to ensuring its basic needs are met during its first year.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 134. You can order the newspaper free of charge here. We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
