Newsletter Fall 2025
What is the Value of One Life?
At my first training session for Give for Good back in 2019, I had the unique “opportunity” to sit next to an individual representing an organization that actively raises money to fund abortions. As our table introduced ourselves and our organization, we were to share an “I believe” statement about our organization. This individual said, “I believe abortion saves lives.” I think my tongue was bleeding from biting it. I was trying to understand God’s purpose in seating me next to this person, and how He wanted me to respond in sharing what I believe about Lifehouse Maternity? In God’s wisdom, He dictated my statement, which was, “I believe in the sanctity of human life and the transformation that occurs, through Jesus Christ, in the lives of women at Lifehouse who chose life for their babies.”
From there we moved to other tables, and I didn’t see that individual again. I trust that God decided the “I believe” statement He gave me to share was all the individual with this other organization needed to hear that day. I continued to pray throughout the day that those words made their way in to soften this person’s heart. During this year’s Give for Good, there were five organizations actively raising money to fund abortions. These organizations will use their funds to pay for transporting women to states outside of Kentucky that allow abortions, and pay clinics for the abortion procedure. Those organizations raised around $175,000 combined – over 325% more than Lifehouse. Two of those organizations raised more than Lifehouse, one of those more than doubled the $43,000 Lifehouse raised. Last year, the organization I mentioned above, spent approximately $140,000 funding transportation and abortions for over 3,400 women.
As we actively work to support moms who made the choice to give their children life, I always ask what is the value of one life? Would we spend our entire Lifehouse Maternity Home income to save just one life? How important is it to see a mom finish college, get a secure job with benefits and move into her own home, supporting herself and her child without reliance on food stamps, government healthcare and housing? What is that worth to the community? What is it worth to you?
As we prepare to launch our BrightLife Family Support Program for our moms and children, I have learned what inadequate support for families is costing Kentucky. The state ranks 44th in workforce participation, largely due to childcare gaps that keep parents, and in particular moms, out of jobs or school. Better access to childcare could add 28,000 people to the workforce. Over half of Kentucky counties lack enough childcare spots, and the waiting lists are months-long. The average cost of infant care rivals that of in-state college tuition. Childcare workforce shortages exacerbate the issue, leading to understaffed facilities, staff burnout, and inadequate care. As a parent, and especially as a mom, the stress of leaving your young child in the care of others is so difficult.
Lifehouse Maternity Home has been blessed by grants and other financial support for some of the initial BrightLife expenses. I am grateful for resources that helped us replace the fence, allowed for security upgrades, and the ability to purchase some initial equipment. But we still have expenses associated with modifications to the space for BrightLife, as well as ongoing expenses of materials and staffing. We estimate the latter to be an additional $150,000 to our budget the first year, and we are trusting in God’s provision, through His people (that’s you) to help us fund not only our normal expenses of utilities, food, maintenance, etc., but also this exciting new program that will help our moms grow in independence and security.
I am thankful for your love of Lifehouse. We continue to grow our program through your faithfulness, trust and belief in our mission. Your prayers and gifts are vital to the success of Lifehouse moms in breaking generational cycles. As we come to the end of 2025, prayerfully consider if you can increase your support of Lifehouse this Christmas and into 2026. Monthly gifts are a great way to help us budget for expenses, and your one time gifts help us meet the ongoing needs of Lifehouse. Thank you and may God bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace through the Christmas season and into 2026.