Rachel Deffenbaugh
Let Your Joy Shine
by Terri Fox, Program & Events Specialist
The first week of Advent, Jennifer shared the hope she has for her children and their future. The second week, Andrea encouraged us to have peace in the journey.
As we enter this third week of Advent, let us pause to reflect on joy—a gift that transcends our circumstances and offers a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Are joy and happiness synonymous? Can you have joy amid sorrow and suffering? Can you share your joy with someone else?
No, yes, and yes.
In my experience, joy is deep, abiding, solid, settled, trustworthy, and unspeakable but present and at times rising up within me. Happiness is often transitory and dependent upon my circumstances; however, I have witnessed and can testify to having experienced joy alongside both trials and triumphs.
Where does joy come from?
Luke 2:8-11 tells us, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
This joy the angel speaks of is a gift for everyone. Jesus, the Messiah, is the great joy for all the people. From His birth to His death on the cross and then His death-defeating resurrection, He restores to us the joy of our salvation and grants us a willing spirit to sustain us. He gives each of us the option to choose and accept the joy of His salvation.
Sharing Joy
Jesus, the Messiah, is the great joy for all the people. From His birth to His death on the cross and then His death-defeating resurrection, He restores to us the joy of our salvation and grants us a willing spirit to sustain us. He gives each of us the option to choose and accept the joy of His salvation.
This joy is not only personal but also something we are called to share with others. Whether through small acts of kindness or meaningful conversations, joy can be a light in someone else’s darkness. Those working in pregnancy help live this out daily, connecting with women who often feel lost, broken, and void of joy.
Heartbeat’s Option Line consultants and APR hotline nurses are connecting 24/7/365 with women who are often void of joy. They are either in the valley of decision or have already made a devasting life-altering decision. But, Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line says,
“It is our joy to connect with women along every point on the journey! Sometimes, the greatest gift we can share is the beauty of forgiveness with someone who has been hurt by their abortion.”
As you sit knee to knee in the counseling room talking through the LOVE Approach, let each woman see your inner joy illuminating through your eyes.
When you scan a client’s abdomen in the ultrasound room and hear the steady thump, thump, thump of a tiny heartbeat, let the warmth of your joy shine through as you introduce her to the beauty of her baby’s life.
Or, as you console her as she grieves the loss of her little one, be present with her and let the joy of the Lord that strengthens you be an example of what is available to her as well.
The angel was right. The good news he delivered that night is still bringing joy to the world, and the King and Savior is still reigning with truth and grace.
When we abide in the Lord, “Gladness and joy will overtake [us], and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10b)
As we celebrate the joy of Advent, take time to reflect on how this deep, abiding gift of joy can shine through you. How can you embody the joy of the Lord in your interactions this week? Whether it’s through a kind word, a prayer, or simply being present for someone in need, let your joy overflow into the lives of others.
This Advent season, be intentional about sharing the good news that brings great joy. Just as the angels proclaimed it to the shepherds, you too can be a messenger of hope and joy to those around you.
Let your joy shine brightly, pointing others to the source of true joy—our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Are Maternity Homes Hurting Women or Is That Fake News?
by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
Oh, the media buzz! Recent headlines have been as dramatic as a soap opera, stirring up discussions and raising more eyebrows than a surprise baby shower. Accusations of infantilizing residents, religious coercion, and overly controlling measures have been thrown around, suggesting that these practices strip residents of their dignity.
But let's cut through the noise with some clarity. As the Executive Director of the country's largest network of maternity homes, I've seen firsthand that in residential ministry, finding the right balance is key. Too little structure, and we're in a free-for-all; too much, and we might just squash the Spirit, leading back to—you guessed it—chaos.
To critically assess our practices, we need to go back to the basics:
- What problem was this rule meant to solve?
- Has the context evolved since then?
- Have these rules effectively addressed the initial issues?
Let's discuss one controversial tool and share the right questions your organization can ask to determine your motives for using it.
Tracking Apps
Consider the controversial tool of mandatory tracking apps for residents. Originally, these might have been about ensuring safety for women escaping dangerous situations like stalking or trafficking. Here, a tracking app isn't just tech; it's a safety net with features like crash detection and emergency alerts.
But what if we're using these apps just to catch lies? Here's a comedic news flash for you: if you think you've stopped all the lying, congratulations, your resident has just outsmarted you. Deception might be part of the survival toolkit for some, so the real questions become:
- Is catching every lie our mission?
- Is it more mission-focused for our concerns to be focused on safeguarding children, preventing addiction relapse, or maintaining a peaceful home environment?
A few ways we can address these concerns:
- Check on the well-being of the children upon return by looking for obvious bruising, appropriate attire, and their general countenance.
- Implement regular drug tests to support recovery. These are recommended to be randomized regularly, as well as administered upon returning from an outing.
- Adjust curfews to foster tranquility. If a resident misses curfew, this could result in a discussion similar to that of mentorship or perhaps even a change in their permitted outing schedule going forward.
This leads us to ask these questions regarding tracking apps:
- Do they actually solve the problem at hand?
- Are they the least invasive option?
- Do they provide the most beneficial support?
You decide.
I’ll leave you with a few thoughts to consider regarding the accusations from those who have never served a single day in a maternity home. Are maternity homes harming women? No. While we may all differ within our community about how to protect our residents, we can all agree that maternity homes are operated by a radically caring and empathetic group of people.
Even in this accusation of a tracking app allegedly causing harm and stripping dignity, the resident is always welcomed in the home, cared for in every way throughout her pregnancy, and shown overall concern for her safety and well-being.
I’m proud of who we are, I gladly accept our growing pains and learned lessons along the journey of this ministry. I encourage you to as well.
Hold your head high knowing that you have been chosen for the privileged position of serving women alongside Jesus. You are the best of our country - radical givers, selfless servants, merciful forgivers. Each of your homes has challenges to overcome and rules attempting to get you there. Sometimes, we adjust these rules and learn through the journey. We understand.
The greatest point is to keep going!
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Would you like to review your mission and rules with a Maternity Housing Specialist? That’s what the Maternity Housing Coalition is here for! Book your free consultation today: Housing Consultation
Second Week of Advent: Peace in the Journey
Second Week of Advent: Peace in the Journey
by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing
As we enter the second week of Advent and light the Bethlehem Candle, we remember the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem—a journey filled with uncertainty, trust, and faith. This candle represents peace, and we reflect on the gift of Christ, the Prince of Peace, who came to bring hope to all. Today, let us turn our hearts toward those who walk alongside women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, serving as beacons of peace and support when it is most needed.
In Isaiah 40:3-5, we read: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” In a very real way, those who work in pregnancy help centers and maternity homes live out this calling. With compassion, they create a path through uncertainty, helping women navigate rough ground and level the mountains of fear that often accompany an unexpected pregnancy. They prepare the way by offering encouragement, resources, and, most importantly, the peace of Christ through loving support.
Like Mary and Joseph, who faced countless unknowns on their journey, each woman who walks into a pregnancy center brings her own unique story, fears, and hopes. The client advocates stand beside them, ready to listen, understand, and walk alongside them, much like Joseph did for Mary. They provide a steady presence, not only helping women make practical choices but also extending peace that comes from knowing they are not alone.
These dedicated individuals do not have all the answers, nor can they erase every difficulty, but their unwavering support and empathy remind women of their inherent dignity and worth. In this way, they are bearers of peace, inviting each person they encounter to lay down her fears and trust in a brighter tomorrow.
Pregnancy help organizations become sanctuaries of peace, where women and families can find relief from worry and gain clarity amidst the unknown. The staff and volunteers bring God’s peace into each interaction, each consultation, and each prayer.
They serve as reminders that God’s love is near and that, no matter the circumstance, hope is possible.
As we light the Bethlehem Candle this Advent, let us remember these modern-day shepherds who walk with courage, offering peace to those who seek it. They are a reflection of God’s faithfulness, and their work is a testament to the power of love and compassion in times of need. They prepare the way for new life—not just in physical birth but in the hope and healing that only Christ’s peace can bring.
Let us pray that these dedicated individuals find strength in their work and that every woman and family who enters a pregnancy help center might feel the presence of Christ through them. This season, may we all be inspired by their example to prepare the way for peace in our own lives and for those around us.
Second Week of Advent: Embracing Peace in the Journey
by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing
In this second week of Advent, as we light the Bethlehem Candle, we remember Mary and Joseph's journey. This couple, uncertain yet obedient, traveled with hearts full of trust in God's promise, seeking peace amidst a time of chaos and vulnerability. For those of you working in pregnancy help, this journey mirrors the ones taken by women who come through your doors—mothers with hearts brimming with questions, and in many cases, anxieties about the future.
You are, in many ways, walking alongside them on their own path to Bethlehem.
The Bethlehem Candle reminds us of peace, a peace that comes not from understanding every step but from placing our trust in God’s unwavering love and promises. Just as Mary and Joseph knew only the next step but not the full picture, the women you serve may only see one step ahead. And here you are, offering steadying hands and gentle guidance as they continue forward.
In Isaiah 40:3-5, we read, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” In pregnancy centers, you embody this calling, becoming “a voice in the wilderness” for those feeling lost or overwhelmed by unexpected circumstances. Each moment spent with a woman, each whisper of encouragement, each gentle assurance is a way of leveling the rough ground, clearing the valleys of uncertainty, and lighting a pathway for the peace of Christ to enter her life. Your presence and your work make the path smoother, allowing her to see the hope and possibilities ahead.
Pregnancy help organizations are not just places of guidance—they are sanctuaries of peace, places where women can lay down their fears and anxieties. As we reflect on Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, let us remember that she carried within her the Prince of Peace. In your role, you too carry that peace into each conversation, each counseling session, and each prayer. This week, let the Bethlehem Candle remind you that in every interaction, you bring forth a reflection of God’s promise of peace, and like Mary, you become a vessel of hope and comfort.
Peace as a Promise of God’s Presence
Advent is a time of preparation, and peace is a promise that God’s presence is near. This week, may you find renewed strength and joy in knowing that you, like Mary and Joseph, are part of a sacred journey. By helping those who enter your centers, you become a reminder of God’s faithfulness and peace. So let us pray together that every woman and family who walks through your doors might feel the love of Christ, who entered our world as a tiny baby but who came to bring a peace that transcends all understanding.
Let the Bethlehem Candle remind you this week: You are the hands and feet of Jesus, offering peace to those who need it most, reflecting the light of Christ, and preparing the way for His love in the lives of others.
The Hope of Mary and Joseph
What is the most full of hope you have ever been?
I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s been parenthood. Nothing has given me a feeling of expectation and desire for good than becoming a mother. From the very first positive pregnancy test—and even before as I hoped and prayed for a child—I found more hope for my life, my child’s life, my child’s future, and the future of our world, than ever before.
That may not be everyone’s experience (for many who enter a pregnancy center, fear overcomes any hope, at least at first), but it does give me a new outlook on the Advent story.
The story of Mary and Joseph preparing for the coming of Jesus and all that came with it was certainly full of fears, but also hope.
While Mary certainly asked how this could happen, she gave her admirable answer: Let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38)—and joyfully went to celebrate with her cousin and prepared for her child’s birth. On the other hand, Joseph’s reaction was something that those of us in pregnancy help might be more familiar with, confusion and uncertainty. Joseph needed an angel of the Lord coming to him in a dream to be convinced that it was right to stand by her (Matthew 1:20).
I wonder what it was like to have hope not only for this one child and this one family but hope for all of mankind because of this one child. And I wonder what it was like to feel that hope while looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem, knowing that the time for their son's birth was coming soon.
Mary and Joseph saw the hope of their child’s arrival on the faces of shepherds and wise men who came to see this precious little child.
For others, it is different. The hope that comes with a child is hard to see when you’re facing addiction, rape, domestic violence, or simply a pregnancy that wasn’t part of the plan. You speak that hope into the lives of parents every day when you offer real solutions to the obstacles that can make a pregnancy feel like a crisis.
Just like the angels who came to Mary and Joseph, you help them see the hope that comes with new life.
My two precious children, Maria (named in part for Mary, Queen of Apostles) and Christopher (literally 'Christ-bearer'), are the hope for me and my family every day. (And yes, I know I have a naming theme.) We waited, prayed, and yes, hoped for them. Now, I have hope for the lives they will live—from school to work to families they will lead. They are sparks of joy for my parents and grandparents. They inspire their aunts and uncles—sometimes even giving them hope for a better future. My kids, now just 3 and 1.5, offer grounds for believing that something good can happen, and that tomorrow will be better than today.
My biggest hope is that they will live up to their names and help bring Christ to the world because it is His coming that offers hope for us all:
Hope that there is something more than this broken world.
Hope that we will experience eternal life.
Hope that love, truth, beauty, and goodness prevail.
Advent Calendar
This year, starting December 1, we're celebrating the good work of pregnancy help by sharing stories, recipes, devotions, and more.
Advent is December 1-24, 2024!
How does it work?
• Open the calendar and the current week of Advent will be indicated with a present.
• Click on the present to reveal your 'gift!'
To navigate the interactive calendar, click the buttons and weeks to find your gifts quickly.
Mobile users, turn your device sideways (horizontal) for better calendar viewing.
Questions? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Empowering and Protecting Resident Voices: Resident Feedback
by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
In maternity housing, providing a safe and nurturing environment goes hand-in-hand with giving residents a voice. Honoring each woman’s dignity requires valuing her unique perspective and ensuring she feels heard. After all, the mission of a maternity home is to serve residents—not the other way around. This foundational commitment, established at incorporation and upheld for donors and constituents alike, keeps the organization focused on its true purpose: service through ministry to residents.
Structured resident surveys can be instrumental in fostering this environment. Anonymous surveys with open-ended questions allow residents to express their thoughts freely, supporting both transparency and safety. However, concerns inevitably arise: "What if residents lie or don’t tell the full story?" or "What if they manipulate responses to create triangulation?" Acknowledging these realities—along with the possibility that staff voices might go unheard—does not diminish the value of feedback. In fact, it strengthens it by promoting checks and balances between residents and staff. The survey process itself, done with integrity, serves as an accountability measure that protects both parties.
Beyond immediate insights, surveys reveal trends over time. While one resident’s perspective may be unique, repeated themes across surveys highlight patterns that can guide program adjustments. Additionally, survey data provides essential outcome measurements, serving as a valuable tool for evaluating program efficacy and reporting to donors, board members, and staff.
Example survey questions that invite honest reflection include:
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"What has your experience in the home been like this month?
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“What helped you?”
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“What did not help you?”
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“Did you feel safe this month? Why or why not?”
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“Is there anything on your mind that you’d like us to know that you might not feel comfortable sharing in person?”
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“What has your spiritual experience been like this month?”
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“Did you learn anything new this month? If so, what did you learn?”
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“What do you feel you need most right now?”
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“How was your sobriety journey this month?”
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“How many close friends do you have right now?”
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“What are your goals for the future?”
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"What do you feel you need most right now?"
Through structured feedback, maternity homes can fulfill their mission of dignified service, ensuring the organization remains a sanctuary of support, integrity, and growth.
From the Desk of the Executive Director
by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition
It's been a long election cycle, and I'm sure for many of you it was a long election night. I stayed up to watch all of the results and the speeches that followed. In the wake of the recent events after the election, I would be remiss not to address the state of our nation and how that affects our maternity homes nationally as well as globally. This election season was particularly notable to me as I've witnessed the increased resistance to maternity homes, specifically within mainstream media, coincide with the temperance of our political climate during the presidential campaigns.
What began in 2023, increased in 2024 with great vigor. There was an increased slander against maternity homes across America, particularly maternity homes that are faith-based in Jesus Christ. This wasn't altogether a surprise, however, the rapidness of the intensity was indeed a surprise. We saw the media accuse maternity homes of impure motives with conspired plots to harm women. As the election grew closer, I couldn't help but notice that the media attention to homes also grew stronger as well as accusations that grew intemperate.
So what do we take away from all of this?
Three Takeaways for Maternity Homes
1. First, we remember that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV).
For those of you who have become the focus of negative media coverage because of your devotion to righteousness, you are blessed. We are praying for you and stand united with you.
2. Secondly, we found that while negative media coverage creates great turbulence, wind, and busyness, it has not proven to be effective in halting the operations of the Kingdom of God. We find that there are homes across the United States that are in the midst of lawsuits from corrupt media as well as homes that have become the year-long focus of entertainment sources suggesting scandal in maternity homes. Although this focus is persistent and the audience is broad, we have found that the work of Jesus Christ in ministering to women during their time of need carries on.
The same grace afforded to Peter to walk on water with Christ during a storm is active and available to those carrying out the exploits of the Kingdom today (Matt. 14:28-31).
We have no cause for fear. We pray that you are strengthened with this divine grace in every storm.
3. Third, at this time it is critical that we operate with prudence, humility, and strategy. Our strategies must build off of the wisdom of the generations that preceded us and also operate in prudence with anticipation for the generations that are to come. While we await the changes anticipated in government as a result of our most recent election, we do not anticipate a reduction in slander toward maternity homes. This is our season to prepare, review our practices, renew our public relations policy, and fortify our teams to be ready to operate in the grace of Jesus which enables us to walk above water during the storm.
New Series!
Given our current times, we will begin a new series called “Recommended Practices: Considerations for Maternity Homes.” These will include practical considerations for operating a maternity home within all approaches and populations. As always, maternity homes affiliated with the Maternity Housing Coalition have access to cost-free monthly consultations. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you would like to further discuss the application of these practices for your organization. Click here to schedule a Housing Consultation.
Read Part 1 of this series: Empowering and Protecting Resident Voices: The Cornerstone of Dignity and Purpose in Maternity Housing
Heartbeat Goes to Italy
by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing
1. Have you been to Italy before?
I had never been to Italy before this opportunity, but have had the pleasure of meeting our Italian friends here in the States several times at our training conferences. I also have had the privilege of participating in Movimento per la Vita's (MPV) training events virtually in the past.
2. How did this trip begin? 
It just so happened that the MPV Symposium occurred at the time of my anniversary, so my husband was able to join me and we got to familiarize ourselves with the beautiful countryside. Venice is everything you imagine it to be. There is beauty all around. From here, we joined new friends from other areas of the country to drive up into the mountains where the training would be held. Thankfully, one of our fellow travelers happened to be my translator for the week! Camilla was a God-send and has an incredible zest for pro-life work and reaching the youth with a message of hope and love.
3. How long were you in Italy?
With travel and training, we were in Italy for a week.
4. What PHOs did you visit during your time in Italy?
The MPV Symposium brought in pregnancy center leaders from all over the country, which is quite vast. Ultimately, there were about 65 people present, representing dozens of pregnancy centers and maternity homes.
5. What did your visit cover (curriculum, training, visits/meetings, etc.)?
The symposium was such a powerful event. Italians have a love for education, so this was a true example of that in-depth teaching. We covered three primary topics, with various subtopics within.
First, we discussed cultural changes in the world from both a physical standpoint as well as a psychological standpoint. The abortion pill use is expanding all over the world, and it is important to understand the impact it has on women, both physically and emotionally.
Second, there was a clear generational gap that needed to be addressed. Many at the training have worked in the field for decades and have an amazing heart for the work. On the first night, however, we were asked how many in the room were under the age of 35. Four hands raised. (Mine was NOT included.) To come back to a culture that embraces life, we must reach the youth with a positive message about family and hope. For effective succession planning and true impact, we must have more involvement from the youth. MPV has a good youth program that sadly lessened with COVID-19. They are rebuilding and have grand plans for future expansion.
Sticking to culture, we unpacked the role of media today and how we can use it to positively share stories from pregnancy help. We must recognize that journalism has shifted over the last decade and has activated an aggressive media attack on the abortion issue. I had the opportunity to provide media training there alongside two professional reporters. There are ways to counter the narrative, but we must be intentional about putting stories out into the world. There was a theme of becoming good storytellers throughout the Symposium.
Finally, I was able to provide an overview of the global landscape of pregnancy help. This brought us back to talking about the abortion pill and abortion pill reversal. We must be fully aware of the implications easy access to abortion has on society and adapt to this new landscape.
6. What was the biggest thing you learned from or about the organization(s) you visited?
I was very impressed with the depth of MPV's work. They encompass all life issues. In fact, while we were on-site, a couple of the presenters went down the road to present at another conference that had a focus on combatting euthanasia. MPV is working to mobilize the youth, serve through pregnancy help, encourage pro-life laws, and create a culture that embraces life from natural life to natural death.
7. What was the biggest takeaway from your visit to Italy?
Italy truly has the best pizza! Plus, there is a desperate desire to change the culture to embrace life before it is too late. MPV is watching the world and doing everything it can to protect the country from falling into cultural darkness.
8. Why is it important for us to connect internationally and between organizations?
This opportunity was a great example of how we are truly better together. MPV is doing amazing things in Italy! As one of our joint affiliate networks, they tap into Heartbeat trainings often and have great influence in their network. Staying connected and sharing the current challenges and triumphs helps us strategize for tomorrow while bringing key concepts to others around the globe. This is such a mighty mission that we are all working toward, so the more we can work together, the better.
9. Is there anything else that stood out to you or affected you during your time there?
Was there anything that surprised you?
My translator, Camilla, introduced me to a six-year-old girl who was saved at her pregnancy center outside of Rome. The girl's parents are still together and they are actively involved in the work of MPV. Her mother is studying to become a magistrate and her father is a lawyer. Seeing how engaged he was at the Symposium and how she was cared for by all around, as though she was a niece to each person, showed love in action. While a completely different language and nation, the work is exactly the same. We are each called into this movement to share our skills to work toward a common mission of life. It was a great affirmation.
A European Family Reunion
by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist
There are so many reasons people attend the European Pregnancy Help Leaders (EPHL) Summit. There are, of course, inspiring keynotes and relevant workshops. This year, attendees heard keynotes from Jor-El Godsey and Guillermo Morales Sancho, from Alliance Defending Freedom International, and nine workshops covering issues such as mega tech’s shadow banning, metrics, and how to track them simply, efficiently, and effectively, as well as updates on European Union laws and cases, fundraising and mission drift. That wasn’t all, but hopefully, that whets your appetite to attend the next Summit which will be in 2026.
Aside from that, the EPHL Summit is always held in a beautiful world-class city. From Bratislava (2014) to Venice (2016), Belgrade (2018) to Bucharest (2022), and this year to Budapest (2024) participants have the opportunity to see something in the city. This year, we also had the honor of being received in the Hungarian Parliament by the Vice President of Hungary. Hungary declares itself to be pro-family and pro-life, and this is evident—even at the airport!
One can’t forget to mention the food. A fun part of attending these Summits is the opportunity to taste local cuisine, served at the hotel and in neighboring restaurants.
Networking & Fellowship
Have you ever wondered how other centers do "x" or "y" [insert frustration of the day]? Are we the only ones that do things this way? Are we the only center that struggles with this? One of the reasons people love the Summit is that they have a chance to talk to other center leaders and volunteers. They talk about mutual challenges and difficulties to figure out solutions that might work. Further, we often have a chance to visit a local pregnancy help center. It is fun to see how other centers are set up.
Speaking of fun…you should hear the volume level in the lobby as people greet one another and excitedly hug when they see each other after two years of not seeing one another.
But, what's the best reason to attend the EPHL Summit? Well, there are actually 60 reasons: the people who come. There is nothing quite like seeing people who already connect on a professional level, also connect on a personal and friend level. The fellowship of people who see one another only once every two years—but every two years—is sweet. Repeat attendees enjoy seeing one another and make sure newcomers are warmly welcomed.
The pregnancy help community is a family. We need one another and we help one another. We spur one another to greater love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), we encourage and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), we carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), we are kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), we sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we accept one another and encourage one another with the same mind in Christ (Romans 15:5). We remind one another of the “why” behind the work we do.
Family reunions—there's nothing quite like them. We are grateful for the privilege of hosting this family reunion every two years in Europe. Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you in 2026! We value your input, so please fill out the short evaluation linked here. Also, make sure you're subscribed to our eNewsletter, Heartbeat Around the World*, for an announcement about our next Summit. You don't want to miss it!
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