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It feels like there’s really nothing more to say beyond the title. It says it all, doesn’t it?

God has blessed women to become moms in a variety of ways. Natural birth moms who have and raise their children, moms who gift barren parents with a child through adoption, moms who choose life after suffering previous abortions, moms who have lost their babies through miscarriage. At ICU Mobile, we have M.O.M.s (Mobile Operation Managers) who pour into their teams and their mobile ministry to ensure mothers everywhere hear the gospel and see their baby’s lives by ultrasound.

Every one of them superheroes. There is an unexplainable will, power, and ability  behind a woman who has experienced motherhood on any level. When God equipped women to conceive children, He combined conception with supernatural abilities. Even in miscarriage, a woman becomes a mother at conception and even if a baby is lost during pregnancy, motherhood reigns within a woman’s soul.

By nature, she becomes more intuitive, fearless, and bold. There is nothing she won’t do to protect her family and she is capable of doing almost anything. When we see women considering abortion due to fear, insecurity, or lack of support, these are brought by the enemy and people in her life who are driven by the enemy. When we are able to visit with a woman on an ICU Mobile unit, show her the power her body holds to develop another human life, and pray encouragement and hope over her, it changes everything.

Unfortunately, this is the reality many women with an unplanned pregnancy are facing. The father threatens to leave, her family tells her how much harder her life will be if she has a baby, and every media outlet she’s on tells her it’s her body, her choice. They tell her that she’ll never have the life or career she envisioned. Her life will never be the same again if she has a baby. They tell her successful women are empowered by their ability to choose what’s right for them.

And they’re absolutely right. Her life will be hard with a baby. Babies don’t come with instructions for every situation. She’ll have a lot of learning to do and make sacrifices that she wouldn’t make otherwise. It is her body and her body was made to carry and give birth to new life. Her career? It’ll probably be better than she ever thought because she has a little human who relies on her and her will to do everything better than ever will keep her on a path to success.

Her life will be completely different. It will be filled with countless moments when her precious baby bursts into a smile and giggles when she walks into the room. She’ll get to experience the feeling of that tiny hand wrapped around her finger. She’ll have dance parties that can’t compare with any club she’s ever been to. Empowerment? What’s more empowering than forming and giving life to an entirely new human being?

Every mom is a superhero. We’re here to be a shield to the kryptonite of fear and doubt.  ICU Mobile exists to show women every single day that they are capable of things beyond their imaginations through ultrasound. We are here to encourage them, speak life to them, and make sure they understand the power within them.

"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." - Psalm 46:5

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner.

A lot can happen in 3 days. A woman can visit an ICU Mobile unit and still leave planning to follow through with her abortion. As we continue to pray for her and she recalls our words and our prayers, she begins to change her mind as the Holy Spirit works through the Lord’s truth and love that we shared with her. We see these miracles all the time, just like we saw unexpected hope and new life in Christ.

Anytime a woman leaves an ICU Mobile unit without having changed her mind for life or Christ, as a team we can choose to feel despair or be faithful in hope. Because we were given new life in Christ, we carry new perspectives that allow us to trust in God’s faithfulness. Though she may not make a decision right then and there, we know that the Holy Spirit is always working. God doesn’t give a spirit of fear and yet, the enemy works within women to see their unplanned pregnancy as a fearful, desperate situation.

Think of Mary on that fateful Friday as she watched her son, Jesus, being raised up on the cross. His suffering was a mother’s worst nightmare. Helpless, she could only watch as her son was tortured and eventually died a slow death in front of many others who did nothing to help him. Can you imagine the fear and desperation she felt? He had raised the dead to life, but now he was dead. Gone. There was no hope of someone coming to his rescue to demand that he fill his lungs with breath.

He was placed in a tomb despite his promises to return, he was drained of life even though he said he was going to prepare a place for all of us. What a difficult time to feel any sense of hope for the future. And then, the third day changed everything and every one.  

The people were unaware of anything but the death of Jesus. Once he was sealed away in that tomb, there was nothing left. No hope, no expectation, no vision of a new day. Yet, all it took was one look into the empty tomb for hearts to rise up in hope. The select few who were able to see Jesus before he ascended to Heaven were rapt with exultation knowing that their Lord truly was alive, breathing, and fulfilling His promises.

Can you see the parallels between Mary, mother of Jesus, and the women who face an unexpected pregnancy? A pregnancy test reveals the coming of something unknown that instills fear, desperation, and uncertainty. But then, through ultrasound, she sees her child. Alive, receiving sustenance from her very body, and that life allows hope to begin. She may walk away from us undecided, but the Holy Spirit has begun a work in her and we are faithful that He will lead her well. How blessed are we to know hope and to have the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. - Luke 1:46-55

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner.

Recently, lawmakers in states like Florida and South Dakota have filed legislation that bans abortions based on a diagnosis of Down Syndrome during pregnancy. 

It’s almost unbelievable that, in this decade, doctors continue to offer and encourage abortions to women when a fetal test reveals Down Syndrome in their preborn baby. Our country is filled with messages - to the point of demand - that all people be treated with equality and inclusivity, celebrating the diversity that makes us all a unique contributor to the landscape of America. Except, that only applies to certain groups and politicized categories of humanity. It is not equally applied to people with disabilities, developmental or acquired, seemingly because there isn’t enough adversity associated with them. 

Rates of abortion of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome have heightened since a woman’s physician offers it as a solution to a problem. Even though the woman’s health isn’t at risk, it seems these doctors recommend abortion under the lie that it would save her from hardship or that it is the humane thing to do so that their child wouldn’t have to live a life of difficulty. 

The truth is, that no one knows what life holds. A woman can be married and have a healthy baby and that baby could end up with a life-threatening illness later or an accident could happen. We would never consider disposing of a life that unexpectedly became altered, injured, or disabled. 

Most families with a Down Syndrome child would tell you what a blessing they have been to their family. How they have helped them see what truly matters in life and that positivity changes everything. We’re so grateful for lawmakers who are finally answering the call to protect the lives of people who bring a diversity to our world who create for us a renewed way of viewing the world and the people in it. Doesn’t true diversity mean inclusivity for all? We believe so. 

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. - 1 Cor. 14:26

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

In the name of female empowerment, feminism, independence, individuality, and equality women are being convinced that being a mother is a sign of weakness. Pro-abortion feminists, along with pro-abortion men, have changed the narrative to convince women that giving birth to an unplanned child is a sign of weakness, of giving up, or even worse: not fair to the baby. 

On the other hand, pro-life feminists understand that giving birth is the ultimate proof that women can do anything on their own. Sure, a man is required for the conception of a child, but beyond that, women are able to manage their lives, make decisions, have careers, and build multi-million dollar businesses - even with a baby on their hip. 

Abby Johnson, Alveda King, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Michelle Malkin, Celine Dion, Patricia Heaton, Sarah Palin, and Candace Cameron Bure are all very successful pro-life advocates who have enjoyed success while also standing firm in their values. Even if you look at celebrities and female leaders who are pro-abortion, consider the number of these women who didn’t put off motherhood for their careers. Ever heard of Beyonce? How about Kim Kardashian or Angelina Jolie? All women who had babies right in the middle of their success and it didn’t change a thing for them. Tell us again how babies prevent women from achieving their goals.

The women who stand confidently as pro-life feminists share the same, truthful message. A woman doesn’t have to give up one thing in order to be successful. Even if, at her very core, a woman knows she is not capable of parenting a child or providing a safe and nurturing environment, adoption is an option for every woman. 

Adoption is the ultimate feminist choice. It shows that a woman can honor her body’s ability to develop another human life, have the strength and bravery to give birth to that life, and make the difficult decision and action of offering her child over to someone who is not able to do what she did. Sacrifice? No. Celebration. Celebration of a woman’s strength and wisdom. 

In a world where women like to know that they can do anything a man can do, let us remind them that not only can they do anything a man can do, but they can also do one thing a man cannot do: give life to a human being. Now that deserves celebration.

"She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong." - Proverbs 31:16-17

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

Jazmiere said yes to life. But she first struggled. Her self-talk held messages like, “What am I going to do with a baby? I really shouldn’t keep my baby. I didn’t want to bring another life into the world to struggle with me. I didn’t want to be that person.” 

Her friend also told her she needed to have an abortion. The baby’s father didn’t want anything to do with the baby or the pregnancy. Jazmiere was nervous and uncertain. Emotionally, she was all over the place. It was a lot to handle for such a young woman. Her friend kept prompting her to get an abortion. 

When she came onto the mobile unit, the team talked with Jazmiere. They showed Jazmiere her baby with the incredible gift of ultrasound and helped her to see how she could choose life. This was a transformation point for Jazmiere. She recognized that she could pull her life together, raise this little baby and move forward or potentially continue to spiral out of control. 

She left that day with more hope, but still uncertain. The discussions she had with the women on the mobile unit made her hopeful that she could do this and that she would never be alone. She returned for her follow-up ultrasound a week later, the baby had grown and nearly doubled in size since she last saw her baby, and she heard the heartbeat again. She chose life for her baby! 

She received vital classes and coaching on how to be a successful parent in a judgement-free zone full of love and guidance, leaving weekly with supplies for the baby on the way. A local church mothers’ group adopted Jazmiere, and threw a baby shower for her and when she heard they were doing this it brought her to tears. The mobile unit family even came to the labor and delivery to support Jazmiere so that she would feel a support network where people are faithful in keeping their word that she had never known. 

Her walk with God has continued to grow as her child has become the best little gift she could have ever received. Her daughter, Cameron, is so indescribable and Jazmiere says, “My daughter saves me every day, she’s so happy, it’s so rewarding knowing that another life is good in your hands. She is the best thing that ever happened to me, she really is.”

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. - John 1:4

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

We’ve heard the saying time and again, “hate the sin, not the sinner.” As we encounter women who have been in the unimaginable position of terminating an unwanted pregnancy, we must keep in mind her eternal soul instead of leaving her as a loss, just like the life that was already taken. The baby being in Heaven means that our efforts should be directed to the mom who, too, is in need of eternal salvation. 

Falling short of being a perfect person is something we’re all prone to, no matter the type of sin. As Christians, we know that in spite of our bad choices and behaviors, we have a place in Heaven because our Savior has taken the place of death for us. But what about the woman who, out of desperation and fear, was driven to a decision that can’t be erased. A decision that took a life. A choice that she was convinced was all hers. 

What a burden! The pro-choice movement has fought for, and won, the ability for a woman to be empowered to choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy, to terminate a life. What they don’t tell her is that with such great power and independence comes a great burden to bear for the rest of her life. 

Had she known the truth that abortion ends the life of a baby, and that loss, was at her own choosing, and that choice would leave an unfillable emptiness inside her, would she see it differently? 

In the name of female empowerment, feminism, independence, individuality, and equality women are being convinced that abortion is the right thing to do. They’re not ready to be a mom, they have a career, they have too many kids already, they can’t do it. Interesting the discouragement behind the encouragement, isn’t it? If they were offering true empowerment, independence and equality, wouldn’t the message instead be that 9 months of pregnancy doesn’t stop a woman from having it all. Giving birth is the ultimate proof that women can do anything on their own. Having yet one more child than planned expands their leadership position. 

Yet, these positive outcomes aren’t the outcomes that are desired by the pro-choice side. They thrive on fear, falsehoods, and dependence leading women to believe that they must listen to them and therefore, they gain control. Control over someone else’s body. My body, my choice is a lie. It’s their choice. A wolf dressed in the clothing of empowerment. 

Let us speak words of life instead of words of condemnation to the woman who has already made a desperate choice. She has a long road ahead of her and she should know that she can do it through the power of Jesus Christ.

But I will not say anything about my needs, for I am able, wherever I am, to be dependent on myself. It is the same to me if I am looked down on or honoured; everywhere and in all things I have the secret of how to be full and how to go without food; how to have wealth and how to be in need. I am able to do all things through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11-13

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

A few weeks ago, a beautiful yet burdened woman came onto the mobile unit. She wept from the beginning to the end of the short meeting. Through the course of the appointment she told of a secret abortion she had in the past and of her 7-year-old child who was born out of wedlock. She shared about her parents being ministers and the weight of expectation and disappointment she felt from them as well as her greater community. 

She felt judgment wherever she was. Her sorrow was deep, and she continued to cry. She told us she didn’t want to have another secret abortion but she was terrified to tell her family that she was expecting once again. The conversation turned to Jesus as we spoke of His great love for her. We talked about how His love for her was greater than she could ever imagine and that He would never forsake her. 

The appointment was heavy, but we sensed something changing in her. We scheduled an ultrasound for the following week. When she arrived for the ultrasound it was the same flow of constant tears. Her voice was fragile. She told us she still had not decided what to do. As the ultrasound started she got very quiet. When asked if she wanted pictures she responded very confidently, “Yes.” At the end of the ultrasound, we asked her how she was feeling. “Better,” she said strongly. 

We sat down with her after the ultrasound to go over the report and it was as if we were talking to a different person. The tears had stopped and her voice was strong and clear. We spoke to her about churches and her affirmation was positive when we mentioned a church of her culture. She smiled as if that connection alone gave her such peace. She said she had planned to attend church there that previous weekend but had struggled with her morning sickness. We were so encouraged at the end of the appointment. 

What a transformation during that ultrasound, a testimony to how beautiful that room can be. There is power in seeing God’s creation and gaining confidence in His purpose for all of His children. As she left, now smiling, she said this, “I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted, but this gave me a sense of purpose.” Praise the Lord, for she has great purpose indeed! 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

To be honest, we never know how things will turn out with any of the women who board the mobile units. We have no way to anticipate her current state of mind and we have no way to know if we will impact her decision. Recently, we met a young woman who was abortion determined and yet we prayed trusting that God would somehow intervene. 

DJ, just 18 years old, was determined to have an abortion. In fact, her stop at the ICU Mobile unit outside of the abortion facility was merely to get the qualifying ultrasound that would make her abortion checklist complete. She told the team that she was set on having an abortion. The mobile team overheard her as she angrily spoke on her phone to her unborn baby’s father who was in jail. The team was not sure if she was listening to what they were saying to her or if she was responding in angst to the difficult reality on the other end of the phone. 

The mobile team was not optimistic about DJ choosing life as they witnessed her dismissive attitude and full-blown intention to terminate this pregnancy. They inquired why she was feeling this way. She spoke of the father being in jail, about a previous miscarriage and about how the abortion was absolutely what she wanted. 

As the team performed the ultrasound, they prayed, as they knew she would see the reality and beauty of her little one in the womb. The ultrasound was vivid and the baby was merely nine weeks old.  However, the mom remained unmoved. She was determined to abort that baby until she saw a tiny hand popping up on the screen, practically giving mom a little loving wave saying, “Mommy, hi! I’m right here!” Her calloused intentions instantly melted away and she said she did not know her baby was so big and she had no idea that her baby was so real. Because of the gift of ICU Mobile’s presence in Detroit, the gift of ultrasound and a glimpse of her baby saying hello, this mom changed her heart forever and went from planning to abort this sweet child to knowing her and wanting to protect her little life.

Truly, this was a God-ordained moment. DJ came to our mobile unit simply to check “ultrasound” off her list. During her time with us, her baby’s hand appeared and DJ was able to see her child’s life was worth protecting. The ultrasound gave DJ the gift of her baby’s life and a life of her own without regret. Praise God for His mighty miracles! 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

When God breathed life into the idea of ICU Mobile into Sylvia Slifko’s heart, He made it clear that this ministry would accomplish two things: allowing women to see their baby and blessing women with the Gospel. 

While the Slifko’s knew that lives would be saved and changed through this calling God placed in their lives, only God knew the real details about what was to come. From mobile units being deployed into more communities every year to thousands of babies given the chance at life and women dedicating their lives to Christ, but they couldn’t have anticipated the “extra mile” mobile unit teams would go for these women and their babies.

Our teams go beyond providing a service and a prayer. They develop trust, creating relationships that have become commonplace in ICU Mobile communities. Women return to the mobile units with their babies to share the joy of having a child instead of regret. In the true spirit of women helping women, individuals from our teams have taken their support from the mobile unit to the delivery room, coaching and holding the hands of women as they give life to the unborn. 

Just as the King of the World was born to the fanfare of only those who understood the significance of His birth, ICU Mobile babies have the support and love of our teams who rally around each woman because they understand the significance of the birth of every baby. 

Jesus was the most unexpected pregnancy. In spite of every factor against her, Mary chose life. She was an unmarried virgin, pregnant, scared, and undoubtedly confused. But the word of God delivered through angels gave her the strength and hope she needed to do what she was called to do. Praise God for her faith because her son changed every one of our lives.

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” - Luke 11:27

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner. 

Our experience of 2020 has left many of us shaken, experiencing a turbulence we haven't quite seen before. As Christians, we may be better equipped to handle times of instability, stress, and uncertainty. Jesus promised He will always be with us, He walks alongside us in our daily lives, and the Holy Spirit guides us through a deep understanding that no matter our circumstances God is in control.

Consider the woman who receives news of an unexpected pregnancy. She is shocked, fearful, uncertain and lacking confidence that she'll be able to handle the situation she's been given. What a woman experiences in an unplanned pregnancy is a microcosm of what we have experienced in 2020. Imagine being a young single woman, without a support system, perhaps having lost her job because of the pandemic, and now she's pregnant and she feels she has nowhere to turn and feels completely hopeless.

Our commitment to sharing the gospel with these very women comes from a deep understanding that without God and without the Saving Grace of Jesus, and the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it is unfathomable how we can handle any crisis without anxiety of the unknown.

Without Jesus, there is no hope. Only when given the opportunity to meet Jesus and understand that true life change comes from a relationship with him, can we endure the turbulence that is certain to come at the most unexpected times. When we minister to the women we meet, it's just as important that we lead her to Christ as it is that we help her make a choice for life for her baby. Only when she understands how important her life is can she truly understand how vital the life is within her. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 

- 1 Peter 5:10

Help us preserve the sanctity of life by becoming a Loving Life Partner.