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Center for Life LIGHTHOUSE (Centar za Život SVJETIONIK) – Bosnia and Hercegovina

 WHO ARE WE?

The LIGHTHOUSE Center for Life, the first pro-life registered center in the nation of Bosnia and Hercegovina since 2001, is managed by Robert and Sara (Sandrina) Jurjevich. The LIGHTHOUSE offers information and education for women about pregnancy, regardless of whether it is planned or unplanned. Through our educational activities and workshops, we aim to answer the questions that pregnant moms have concerning their pregnancy and how to prepare for the most precious gift in life – parenthood.

The highest priority of the LIGHTHOUSE ministry is to offer hope to women facing a crisis pregnancy and to offer alternatives to abortion, which is considered the main birth-control remedy in Bosnian society.

Testimony: “I was in a situation where I already had one baby of 14 months and found myself quickly with an unplanned pregnancy with a second baby. I was hit with fear and worry. What now? It was too soon…would I be able to handle it or not, because there was little difference … I have no help … I have no one … I will go crazy … I will fall into a depression. I cried and said to myself I did not wish for or want an abortion. By chance, I then came across the website of the LIGHTHOUSE! While seeking advice I wondered why this website? How could they help me? I received support through counseling and understanding. The pregnancy calendar I received prevailed, and I did not decide on an abortion. Through it, I learned so much that I didn’t know about. I highly recommend the LIGHTHOUSE! To everyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances and does not know what decision to make, contact the LIGHTHOUSE!” – I.G., Sarajevo

‘PREPARE FOR YOUR BABY’ PREGNANCY WORKSHOPS. Throughout the year the LIGHTHOUSE team offers a course of 6 consecutive weekly workshops for pregnant moms where we discuss the development of their baby in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy; the importance of a healthy diet and exercise; preparation for the birth of the child; and, what to expect in the first weeks after birth.

In the workshops, we provide pregnant moms with a nine-month pregnancy calendar called ‘The Miracle of Life’ which walks them through the details of their pregnancy month by month. Additionally, at the end of the workshop, the attendees receive a gift bag filled with items they will need for the baby.

Testimony: “All the information, examples, exercises were useful in preparation for giving birth, staying calm, understanding my body through each stage of development. The breathing exercises were most important for me during my own experience in giving birth because I was able to control the pain and helped myself and the baby.” – Samka M. H., Sarajevo

We stay in touch with the moms up to the first birthday of their child.

OTHER SERVICES OF THE LIGHTHOUSE

• Counseling after a stillbirth or crib death
• Post-abortion healing classes
• Humanitarian aid for single moms and families in need of food, clothing, firewood, etc.
• Online counseling
• Publishing books and literature focused on pregnancy issues

Voice for Life (Glas za Život) -  Bosnia and Herzegovina

Our vision is to help women in the situation of unplanned pregnancy, by walking alongside them in their own unique circumstances. We provide counseling, as well as emotional and material support. We also help women who have suffered reproductive loss and have had abortion/s to find healing and restoration.

These are some of our client's testimonials:

I got pregnant with my third child unexpectedly. My first thought was, oh no, how are we going to provide for this one?! I went to see a doctor and he told me I was 12 weeks pregnant. The only thought I had in my mind is to have an abortion. I thought that would be the most responsible decision. Still, I had my doubts, so I decided to look for answers online. There I found your FB page, and I read that you help women in crisis pregnancy.

I called you, and you were so patient and kind to me. I talked to my husband after that and we both agree that we actually want this baby and that we will manage to provide for her somehow. Now after A was born, we couldn’t imagine our lives without her. Thank you so much for being there for me and for encouraging me to make the right decision.

At the beginning of our relationship, everything was “perfect”. He was kind, gentle and loving. However, the moment I told him I was pregnant, he completely changed. He said he could pay for my abortion and that things can go back to how they were before. I was raised Catholic, and I knew that abortion was wrong. I told myself that I will not have one. Still, I didn’t know what to do. I went to the priest and I asked for help. He told me he could refer me to some people who could help. He connected me to a lady who then connected me to your center. Words can’t express how grateful I am that you paid my rent for all of those months when I couldn’t afford a place to stay. I’m forever grateful to you all for providing a safe place for me and my daughter.

Through “Save One” that you offered me as a tool for healing I discovered some wounds that I was still carrying around. Through all of this, I’ve learned (and I’m still learning) the following:

• I believe that God forgave me in His mercy, even though I remember and cry about it sometimes.
• I have to accept forgiveness, not because of my own merit, but by the grace of God.
• I want to move on trusting that I will help someone else change their view on unborn life.