It began with a kiss. The kiss was first on the left cheek, then the right. Recognizing one another and treating each other as if we were long-time friends. However, the truth is that we just met.
Sharing a common mission – to empower women so they don’t ever feel abortion is their only option – Heartbeat International’s European Pregnancy Help Summit was about to begin.
Over 60 leaders in pregnancy assistance from 22 European countries gathered in Bucharest, Romania on September 15-17, 2022 to share their inspiration, education, and make lifelong friendships.
Some of the attendees were celebrating 10 to 20 years of involvement in the movement. Some were new friends from the pregnancy help movement. One Norwegian woman was there to share her joy at finding like-minded people who are determined to change their culture by reaching out and saving one unplanned pregnant woman at a time.
We would all learn together, laugh together, and allow the Holy Spirit to work.
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From Norway to Ukraine and Switzerland to Malta, we discovered that while each country may face unique challenges, we all have a singular mission — to advance a culture of life.
Malta is the only European country where abortion is legal. Extreme pressure from outside forces on the government to modify its pro-life laws. They have great support from the government but external organizations are spending a lot of money to push the abortion agenda throughout the island nation.
Similarly, Ireland’s pregnancy centers are under an aggressive media attack since abortion became legal less than five years ago. This is in addition to pro-abortion officials trying to regulate the centers in extreme manners to silence their life affirming efforts, which makes it extremely difficult.
These pro-abortion campaigns target younger generations with lies that abortion is a human right that gives one freedom and allows success; all while working behind the scenes to silence any life-affirming option, leaving women with only one option — abortion.
Moving east, the former Soviet countries are still — even 30 years later — struggling to overcome the hopelessness and despair forced upon them by generations of Communist oppression. Even those who offer compassionate care without strings to women in these countries are difficult to believe.
The region’s pregnancy help leaders are determined to change the minds of their community members, allowing them to see that unconditional love is possible and that everyone is worthy to be loved.
The west is subject to political and cultural pressures, while the east is subject to generational and cultural pressures. The European Summit was filled of hope, however!
Each person was able to see the light of truth they were called to bring into their country. Every leader understood that each woman working in each center was an opportunity for one person to be changed and saved. That’s what makes it worth it!
Tweet this: At Heartbeat International’s European Summit, everyone understood the light and truth they were called to bring into their country.
The room was full of energy and, as one participant pointed out, it was similar to Pentecost when disciples heard and spoke the Word in their native languages so that everyone may hear the truth.
Truly positive change is possible through strong relationships and tightly knit networks. The European Summit provided an opportunity to build the community and to share resources to support the pregnancy help movement.
God is always present when there are more than three. Imagine what happens when 60+ people join forces!
Editor’s note: Heartbeat International provides Pregnancy Support News.
