Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
Newsletter
Volume 20, Number 2
February 2010
Home |
Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National | |
Newsletter
|
Home | |
“O Lord, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence."
In Ezra Chapter 9, Ezra receives the report from the leaders regarding the sin of the exiles. After hearing the report, Ezra tears his clothes and at the time of the evening sacrifice falls on his knees before the Lord God and prays for the sin of the people. At the close of his prayer, he refers to those left as a remnant.
In the midst of the political atmosphere of our nation, the Lord is raising up a remnant of individuals who are taking a stand for truth about many issues, particularly the sanctity of human life. Throughout the past few months, we have heard from, and may have experienced the Tea Parties and other organized groups who are banding together to let the truth be known.
On January 22nd, I attended the annual March for Life in Wahsington DC. I have been attending the march for the past 18 years and have had the blessing of hosting a chartered bus for the past 17 years. For at least the past four years, the chartered bus has been nearly full with a lot of teens participating. This year I had a full bus with a waiting list. More and more individuals are becoming visibly involved.
 |
As we marched up Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol, there were individuals standing on rooftops and watching us from office windows. Many of them were waving, applauding, and giving the "thumbs up" signal; the support along the sidelines was more than usual. As we marched up the hill, the crowd was so thick that we were often at a slower-than-normal pace, or even standing still. Though the march itself started shortly after 2 PM, the end of the march had not yet reach the Supreme Court buliding when I arrived there at 4:30 PM. Though I have not yet heard confirmed figures, it was my observation that the march was the largest that I have ever experienced in my 18 years of attending.
As I was reading the various news reports about the 2010 March for Life, I came across this interesting perspective from Washington Post columnist Robert McCartney who was one of the few mainstream media reporters to show any appreciation for the March for Life. Here is an excerpt from his story:
"I went to the March for Life rally Friday [January 22] on the Mall expecting to write about its irrelevance. Isn't it quaint, I thought, that these abortion protesters show up each year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, even though the decision still stands after 37 years. What's more, with a Democrat in the Whie House likely to appoint justices who support abortion rights, surely the Supereme Court isn't going to overturn Roe in the foreseeable future. How wrong I was. The antiabortion movement feels it's gaining strength, even if it's not yet ready to predict ultimate triumph, and Roe supporters (including me) are justifiably nervous. In this case, I was especially struck by the large number of young people among the tens of thousands at the march. It suggests that the battle over abortion will endure for a long time to come." (Source: LifeNews.com, January 24, 2010)
The number of individuals who believe in the sanctity of life is strong and growing. May we as educators continue to be strong as a "voice for life in education!"
God continues to work in my life in somewhat strange ways. Knowing that adoption has a special place in my heart and, I believe, a very special place in the heart of God, He has drawn me back into the adoption traid, this time as an adoptive mother instead of as a birth mother. My husband and I patiently waited for our referral of a child from China.
After almost 4 years, on April 3, 2009, we received a referral of a 19-month baby boy named Wang Wen Hua. Our first glimpse of him came to us via email, and our reaction to his picture was a little tentative, but we quickly fell in love with him. After again having to wait for travel approval due to the Swine Flu Pandemic, we were finally given permission from China to come pick up our beautiful son, Gene Wen Hua Martin. We flew out on June 9th, and our son was placed in our arms on June 15th. Our love for him was overwhelming. Although he would not make eye contact with us and could not yet walk at 22 months of age, we were optimistic that all would work out well. We just needed time and love to work through these obstacles. However, after spending 24 hours with him, we began to realize that there were several other serious and, very likely, lifelong care issues. After long, heart rending telephone conversations with our social worker, friends, and family, we tearfully came to the decision that we could not keep Gene. We treasure our 3 days spent with him.
We don't understand why God would allow such a horrible situation to occur, but we can only trust Him and know that He is in control of all things. Perhaps He allowed us to meet and fall in love with this little boy so that when we tell our story, you will know about a little boy in China who needs loving care and extra attention and will keep him in your prayers. Our social worker reminded us of the very large number of children who are orphaned with no one to specifically pray for them, and what a privilege it is to be able to lift up Gene to our heavenly Father. Won't you please join us in this endeavor to bring him before the throne of God? We ask the Lord to bless and protect Gene Wen Hua Martin. May He smile on him and be gracious to him. May the Lord show His favor and give Gene peace.
 |
 |
Clarice Jin Yu Martin can be difficult at times requiring a lot of hard work, but we have learned to love each other. I can't imagine not having her in our lives. She is beautiful, smart, and sweet. We love her oh so very much. Clarice is such a blessing to us, a gift from our heavenly father and also from a birth mother and birth father in China who for some reason were not able to parent her. It is a privilege and honor to be given the opportunity to be her parents here on earth. We realize, and take very seriously, the responsibilty of raising Clarice, and we pray the Lord will give us godly wisdom and insight.
In the midst of the economic downturn over the past 16 months, I have watched how God has provided beyond expectation. He continues to provide for Techers Saving Children® in ways beyond my understanding. Yet, I also realize the importance of being upfront with our membership about our financial situation during this fiscal year.
There are praise to share. Our membership is only slightly lower than last year, and there are still memberships that arrive from time to time. Last year, one of our board members graciously provided a temporary loan of money to assist us in getting over the hump as we closed out one membership year and began receiving renewals for the next membership year. On the counsel of our CPA, that loan has been repaid. Our CPA has also recommended that we not receive such loans in the future. Finally, all current bills are paid as the Lord continues to give fiscal wisdom in all decisions that are made.
First Financial Need: Although we have prepared a budget based on the income received through membership renewals, we will have an $800 bill within the next 2-3 months, which only occurs every five years. This bill will be for our trademark renewal, which is important to keep for the legal protection of our name. We have never solicited additional funds for our general expenses, but this year I feel the need to do so.
Note: If you feel led to assist with our increased need in general expenses, please make your check payable to "TSC Inc. - National" and designate it for general expenditures.
Second Financial Need: Once again we have the opportunity to reach thousands of educators with the pro-life message. The NEA Expo 2010 will be held July 1-3 in New Orleans, LA, prior to the NEA RA. The purpose of the exhibit will be to promote and provide educational classroom materials espcially for science and health teacheres.
The application, along with a $700 check, was mailed on December 28, 2009. The balance of $700 will be due this spring, and it is my plan to pay the balance by March 15, 2010, when exhibit spaces are assigned.
In addition to the exhibit application fees, there will also be miscellaneous fees. Each year we also purchase pro-life brochures, books, and videos to distribute free of charge to individuals who visit our exhibit. Each year we exhaust our supply of these materials and need to replenish them before the next Expo. Only as funds are available, are materials purchased for distribution. To allow for shipping, we need to process orders in late April or early May.
Each year we rely on the goodness of God and His people to raise the money for this effective pro-life education ministry. We have never been disappointed with His provision through you, our members and benefactors. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this special endeavor by sending in a contribution today.
Note: If you feel led to assit with "The Wonder of Life" exhibit, Please make checks payable to “TSC Inc. – National”. We ask that you carefully note how the amount given is to be designated (“NEA Exhibit”) so that the contribution will be appropriately allocated.
God will provide a way, I know He'll provide a way;
"Cause His word is true, and He will do it for you -
God will provide a way.
It may be at the very last moment,
When your faith is all that's pulling you through;
It may be in the most unexpected way,
But He'll provide an answer for you.
God will provide a way, I know He'll provide a way;
'Cause His word is true, and He will do it for you -
God will provide a way.
Washington DC (LifeNews.com) - As hundreds of thousands of pro-life Americans young and old participate in the March for Life in Washington today [January 22, 2010], a new poll finds most marchers will likely be from the millennial generation or Generation X. The most recent Marist survey finds them the most pro-life on abortion.
Conducted by Marist Institute for Public Opinion in late December and early January, the new poll finds Americans of all generations are pro-life on abortion. But it is Americans who are under the age of 44 who oppose abortion more than older Americans.
The survey, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, finds Baby Boomers (those aged 45-64) are the least pro-life, with 51 percent saying abortion is "morally wrong."
The good news for the pro-life movement is the next two generations of Americans are pro-life. Millennials, those young Americans between the ages of 18-29, have 59 percent of their generation saying abortion is morally wrong. Members of Generation X (30-44 years of age) say abortion is morally wrong at a 60% clip.
(Source: LifeNews.com, January 26, 2010)
|
Home |