WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.360
And so someone who is carrying that yoke of their sin and carrying that yoke of their past,

2
00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:12.240
introduce them to Jesus. Introduce them to his truth and his love and his forgiveness

3
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:16.720
and watch them just blossom and grow in their relationship with God.

4
00:00:22.800 --> 00:00:26.560
Let me ask you this question. Have you ever been at a loss for words?

5
00:00:26.560 --> 00:00:31.120
Maybe somebody asked you a question, you had no idea on how to answer that question.

6
00:00:31.120 --> 00:00:38.880
Maybe you were unable to articulate clearly what you wanted to say and it just came out all wrong.

7
00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:43.280
And then you leave and you get in the car and you start thinking, oh man, I wish I wouldn't

8
00:00:43.280 --> 00:00:48.480
have said that. I wish I would have said this. Oh, you know, I'm not clear in what I'm saying,

9
00:00:48.480 --> 00:00:53.760
just like I'm not clear in what I'm saying right now. Well, we've all been there. We've all been

10
00:00:53.760 --> 00:01:00.080
at that place of, man, what do I say? Now imagine this story. You're a pastor and maybe some of you

11
00:01:00.080 --> 00:01:03.760
are, maybe some of you aren't. And you invite a group of young adults over to your house for

12
00:01:03.760 --> 00:01:07.680
dinner. And some of them you know, some of them you don't know, and you're excited for them to

13
00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:12.880
come over, have a time of fellowship, meet some new people, get them connected to the church.

14
00:01:12.880 --> 00:01:18.240
And as you're having conversation and dinner, one of the guests pulls you aside, the new guests,

15
00:01:18.240 --> 00:01:22.960
and just strikes up a casual conversation with you and basically says, I'm thinking about getting

16
00:01:22.960 --> 00:01:29.440
an abortion tomorrow. What would you say? Now, maybe you would just throw out some verses,

17
00:01:29.440 --> 00:01:34.800
right? Just love bomb them with scripture and just show them all the scriptures that they need to

18
00:01:34.800 --> 00:01:41.680
hear and hope that that has an impact. Maybe you would, you know, maybe you would just yell, no,

19
00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:46.800
don't, don't do it. Whatever you do, don't do it. Maybe you would just begin to pray right there

20
00:01:46.880 --> 00:01:54.160
over that person. Regardless, it is a tough situation. And here's the thing, this happens

21
00:01:54.160 --> 00:02:00.080
all too often. We're left wondering what to say and how to say it. Wouldn't you say that? I mean,

22
00:02:00.080 --> 00:02:07.040
there's this, this life on the line, a literal life on the line. And we more often than not,

23
00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:15.440
are inadequately prepared to offer hope, to offer words, because we get caught off guard. Well,

24
00:02:15.440 --> 00:02:22.240
that is why we created the start course, because this actually happened to a pastor who worked

25
00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:26.160
with Save the Storks. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to do when this,

26
00:02:26.880 --> 00:02:34.080
this young lady asked him this question. And so he spent so much time creating this course

27
00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:40.720
so that we could have language when we're into that situation, right? Because the church needs

28
00:02:40.720 --> 00:02:48.240
a tool to help us understand the situation and clearly communicate God's love and compassion

29
00:02:48.240 --> 00:02:54.560
and truth. So the start course, it equips you with those necessary skills, right? To be that

30
00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:58.800
first responder, when you think of it, if there's an accident, you want to be the first responder

31
00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:03.760
there. You're there, it's first aid. It's that initial conversation. That's what the start

32
00:03:03.760 --> 00:03:07.680
course is there for. Just like having that conversation if someone came to you and said

33
00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:11.920
this. And so it's being that first responder to someone who's in an unplanned pregnancy,

34
00:03:11.920 --> 00:03:17.520
how to have that conversation. It's designed with this essential knowledge that you need

35
00:03:18.160 --> 00:03:24.000
and how to articulate the words to say. And it's not overwhelming. There's not a lot of

36
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:29.360
unnecessary information. It's just very basic and down to the point and real.

37
00:03:29.360 --> 00:03:32.800
Now, I wanted to show you the start course. So check out these clips.

38
00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:06.400
Until Jesus completely changed the conversation. Jesus sees through their plot and refuses to allow

39
00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:12.320
them to use this woman as a political pawn. He stoops down, writes in the sand and tells them,

40
00:04:12.320 --> 00:04:18.160
whoever is sinless, you throw the first stone. Recognizing their own condemnation under the law,

41
00:04:18.160 --> 00:04:22.560
all of the accusers leave. Jesus is the only sinless one present. Turning to the woman,

42
00:04:22.560 --> 00:04:28.320
he says, neither do I condemn you. Go. And from now on, sin no more. The way Jesus interacts

43
00:04:28.320 --> 00:04:32.880
with this woman gives us a standard for our expression towards those facing an unplanned

44
00:04:32.880 --> 00:04:39.040
pregnancy. Rather than adding to the preexisting shame, pain, and public humiliation, we can join

45
00:04:39.040 --> 00:04:44.240
in Christ's work by offering hope, grace, and restoration. Too often, the pro-life community

46
00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:48.800
has been associated with a similar attitude as the Pharisees in this story, as if the woman

47
00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:53.680
doesn't matter and we're only trying to use her for our political agenda. We're seen as judgmental

48
00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:58.400
and condemning towards those who are facing unplanned pregnancies, those who feel alone,

49
00:04:58.400 --> 00:04:59.920
hopeless, and afraid. But that's okay.

50
00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:05.480
That is not pro-life, because to be pro-life we must be for life and desire to help foster

51
00:05:05.480 --> 00:05:07.800
a thriving environment for all life.

52
00:05:07.800 --> 00:05:11.540
A pro-life church is the extension of Christ's heart for the lost.

53
00:05:11.540 --> 00:05:16.080
As Christ's body, we are invited to participate in his redemption of all things.

54
00:05:16.080 --> 00:05:20.160
He brings healing and transformation to the whole person, and that is what we get to be

55
00:05:20.160 --> 00:05:24.840
involved in, offering holistic hope and support to every human being.

56
00:05:24.840 --> 00:05:27.520
No condemnation, only restoration.

57
00:05:27.520 --> 00:05:32.760
The prophet Hosea recounts God's ache as he sees his people perishing for lack of knowledge.

58
00:05:32.760 --> 00:05:37.200
They don't know God or the abundant life he offers, and death is the natural result.

59
00:05:37.200 --> 00:05:40.720
Likewise, we live in a world where people perish for lack of knowledge.

60
00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:45.920
79% of women who had abortions were never informed about resources available if they

61
00:05:45.920 --> 00:05:46.920
chose life.

62
00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:52.120
73% of women chose abortion because they felt they didn't have the financial resources

63
00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:53.400
to support their child.

64
00:05:53.400 --> 00:05:57.720
Imagine how their stories would be different if they had knowledge of the resources and

65
00:05:57.720 --> 00:06:00.600
support systems that were in their own communities.

66
00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:03.080
What if we all became ambassadors for life?

67
00:06:03.080 --> 00:06:07.560
What if we could graciously educate those around us with the truth of abundant life,

68
00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:11.680
pregnancy help, and the healing God offers to those who have experienced the pain of

69
00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:12.680
abortion?

70
00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:15.760
First, we must learn, then we can share.

71
00:06:15.760 --> 00:06:20.280
People perish for lack of knowledge, but people can thrive when they're empowered with the

72
00:06:20.280 --> 00:06:21.280
truth.

73
00:06:21.280 --> 00:06:25.780
New York's Responder Training Course, or START Course, exists to equip the church to

74
00:06:25.780 --> 00:06:31.480
reach women in an unplanned pregnancy with compassion, education, and holistic care.

75
00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:36.280
We know that when it comes to the topic of abortion and unplanned pregnancy, it feels

76
00:06:36.280 --> 00:06:38.880
difficult to know how to make a difference.

77
00:06:38.880 --> 00:06:40.120
The issue is big.

78
00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:42.400
The pain and pressure are real.

79
00:06:42.400 --> 00:06:44.240
But inaction is not the answer.

80
00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:45.920
Think of this as a CPR course.

81
00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:50.600
You're not required to be the doctor or nurse who knows every detail needed to perform complex

82
00:06:50.760 --> 00:06:51.760
life-saving work.

83
00:06:51.760 --> 00:06:57.040
Rather, you'll learn how to meet the immediate need, be the answer in the moment, and then

84
00:06:57.040 --> 00:07:01.160
get that person to a place where they can receive even more holistic care.

85
00:07:01.160 --> 00:07:05.100
In the next few hours, you'll be introduced to some of the key theological reasons why

86
00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:08.160
we as Christians must advocate for life.

87
00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:13.520
You'll also learn about the problem of abortion and how you can respond to women in unplanned

88
00:07:13.520 --> 00:07:14.520
pregnancies.

89
00:07:14.520 --> 00:07:19.680
Then, we'll equip you with useful communication and listening skills to help you feel comfortable

90
00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:22.920
talking with those who may feel like they're in a crisis.

91
00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:27.560
You'll also learn about the incredible work of pregnancy centers so you know where to

92
00:07:27.560 --> 00:07:30.080
point people who may need their services.

93
00:07:30.080 --> 00:07:35.760
We want to acknowledge that there may be people in this room viewing this video who've experienced

94
00:07:35.760 --> 00:07:40.520
an abortion, and we want you to know that your story matters.

95
00:07:40.520 --> 00:07:44.740
Healing is possible, and God can do great things through your journey.

96
00:07:44.740 --> 00:07:48.880
We don't want to project shame or judgment onto you because you are valuable.

97
00:07:49.080 --> 00:07:53.240
We'll discuss abortion healing resources in a later video, but just know no matter

98
00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:58.160
your story, no matter your age, you can make a difference in someone's life.

99
00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:03.320
We are so thankful for the heart that you have to be educated so you can better serve

100
00:08:03.320 --> 00:08:08.880
and support vulnerable women and men in your community and offer real care to those who

101
00:08:08.880 --> 00:08:10.280
need it most.

102
00:08:10.280 --> 00:08:15.360
Thank you for taking the time to join us and learn to become advocates for life.

103
00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:19.200
Together, we can make a difference in our world, in the name of Christ.

104
00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:31.440
The church needs to be talking about matters of life, of sex, unplanned pregnancy, and

105
00:08:31.440 --> 00:08:34.799
healing from abortion in a deeply compassionate way.

106
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:40.679
There's a tremendous amount of shame and isolation for those who face an unplanned pregnancy,

107
00:08:40.679 --> 00:08:42.640
especially in the church.

108
00:08:42.640 --> 00:08:47.200
If you look at our first video, we talk about all those statistics.

109
00:08:47.200 --> 00:08:49.000
Imagine how they must feel.

110
00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:53.160
Imagine putting yourself in the shoes of someone who's going through that.

111
00:08:53.160 --> 00:08:59.120
See, the church is the place to create environments that include honest conversation where those

112
00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:06.120
who need community of Christ and know they will be loved and healed and supported and

113
00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:07.360
restored.

114
00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:13.800
But the reality is, the reality is many individuals in your congregation, they've experienced

115
00:09:13.800 --> 00:09:18.880
an abortion or know someone who has, and they're afraid to talk about it.

116
00:09:18.880 --> 00:09:23.160
And very few are aware of what's going on.

117
00:09:23.160 --> 00:09:29.480
But you, as a leader in the church, as someone who has influence, you can be aware of your

118
00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:36.240
words, your statements about the unborn life, and remember to talk about the intrinsic value

119
00:09:36.280 --> 00:09:41.040
of not just the baby, but the moms and the dads and all that are involved in this.

120
00:09:41.040 --> 00:09:44.440
See, many don't believe that God forgives abortion.

121
00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:50.640
So tenderly mention over and over again that grace is available for those who have experienced

122
00:09:50.640 --> 00:09:51.640
abortion.

123
00:09:51.640 --> 00:09:56.400
One of my favorite verses, Matthew 11, verse 28, says this.

124
00:09:56.400 --> 00:09:57.740
It says, come to me.

125
00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.740
This is Jesus talking.

126
00:09:58.740 --> 00:09:59.240
You know this?

127
00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:06.320
to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest take my

128
00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:11.120
yoke upon you and learn for me for I am gentle and humble and hard and you will

129
00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:15.760
find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy right and my burden is light and so

130
00:10:15.760 --> 00:10:19.840
someone who is carrying that yoke of their sin and carrying that yoke of

131
00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:26.080
their past introduce him to Jesus introduce him to his truth and his love

132
00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:31.680
and his forgiveness and watch them just blossom and grow in their relationship

133
00:10:31.680 --> 00:10:35.320
with God see the start course can be a tool that helps you do that it helps

134
00:10:35.320 --> 00:10:40.000
your church do that helped you do that to equip your congregation to be readied

135
00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:44.720
and prepared for when that conversation is about to happen the good news is the

136
00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:49.200
start course is free and the link is in the description you can go and register

137
00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:53.880
and start right now maybe do it with a small group of friends maybe do it by

138
00:10:53.880 --> 00:10:59.120
yourself get a couple of churches in to go in with you and you can actually

139
00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:03.960
plan a Sunday you can contact me I can help walk you through that you can also

140
00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:07.560
look at my email which is bill at save the storks comm and that will be in the

141
00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:12.600
description as well but I just want to challenge you to step up be ready be

142
00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:17.080
prepared for that conversation that may happen next we're gonna talk about

143
00:11:17.080 --> 00:11:21.040
another part of our ministry which is absolutely amazing which is our mobile

144
00:11:21.040 --> 00:11:26.640
medical clinics and I guarantee you once you hear about these mobile medical

145
00:11:26.640 --> 00:11:30.640
clinics you're gonna want to jump on and be a part of this incredible ministry