Articles

News of Atheists turning to Christ doesn’t typically create much of a public stir. When God calls someone like Lee Strobel into his flock, God’s name goes up in lights. Not only did Lee abandon his atheist beginnings when he became a Christian, he wrote The Case for Christ, which reveals his journey to Christianity. The book was made into a movie and Lee took on speaking engagements and acting roles, and authored more books to reveal Christ for others.

Lee Strobel lives out the call to life as a Christ follower in a way that inspires us all to share our Savior. It wasn’t enough for him to receive the Gospel and go to church on Sundays. He knew within him that he must do more for the One who not only made him, but made Him for more. Lee went on to write many more books all for the glory of God.

As we explored speakers for our 2020 banquet, we recognized that Lee Strobel has a story like so many of us. Once lost in many ways, now standing on the solid foundation of Christ. As an organization that focuses on reaching women for Christ, we can learn much from Lee while we also bless him through sharing the work of our mobile units.

When we receive Christ, everything in our lives goes beyond accepting the invitation. We become transformed and we genuinely want others to experience the unconditional love, deep joy, and life-changing grace that can only be found in our Savior. Lee Strobel committed his life through his work to sharing the life saving gift He received and we are blessed that He has agreed to join us at our 2020 Fostering Life Together Banquet as our Keynote Speaker.

We would be honored to have you join us for an evening to celebrate life in Christ that leads to choosing life for so many women we reach every day. Please register here.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

To truly be a force for change in the pro-life movement, we must become louder and bolder than the pro-abortion movement, and never stop praying over what we’ve been called to do. Planned Parenthood has successfully amassed billions of dollars and taken millions of lives due to their ability to rally their supporters who believe in what they do.

As the ICU Mobile Fund Development Manager, I am able to support a national effort to save the lives of babies. The way ICU Mobile approaches the pro-life initiative is not to remain still and stagnant, waiting for women to find them. Sylvia Slifko chose to question the standard model for reaching abortion-minded women. She prayed over a vision to go to the women who needed help and God sent helpers to her side to make His calling over her life a reality.

It is no longer enough to wait behind the counter for a young woman, who is facing so many pressures and so many obstacles to seek us out. Our call is to go to her so that her choice for life can be made on her own grounds and with people who are willing to show up where she is. It can be prohibitive for someone with limited resources to seek out and get to a pregnancy center. When transportation and funds are low and, perhaps, she has limited support, we can offer a glimmer of hope for her situation.

In the midst of the pro-life generation there is disruption and louder voices and more money on the other side. Let’s face it, the prospect of bringing a child into our current societal conditions isn’t exactly inspiring. We are able to share the hope of the God of the universe with women and that is the changemaker for us and for them. With God on our side, we know that our message of hope through new life is one that can take away the feeling of desperation. Women have the power to change the trajectory of the world.

God granted women the blessing of forming new life within our bodies, delivering humanity into being and raising them up into a new generation of Christ followers. When given the opportunity, this is the message we share. Their strength, their ability, their importance in sustaining a society in which we must have the hope of new life. And, they won’t do it alone. We will be the ones to walk alongside them, guiding them to the resources they need, praying over them, and loving both mother and child.

Every generation can be the pro-life generation. This is not stereotype that defines a set of people born at a certain time. Being pro-life withstands time and can be ingrained within all our hearts if we remain faithful, if we boldly speak out on the sanctity of life, and if we are willing to put our time and money into that which we believe. The pro-life generation should not be David to Planned Parenthood’s Goliath. It’s time for a role reversal. Your dollars become the stones we need to take down the giant threatening the lives of all generations.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” - 1 Samuel 17:45

If you’d like to save generations in the name of Christ, please click here to donate.

For centuries, humans have been compelled to idolize celebrities of all kinds. Actors, producers, musicians, social media influencers, speakers, authors…we love them even though most often we don’t truly know them. With the rapid rise in actors as producers, the heart of their productions reveals more about their character than ever before.

With any documentary or series, do your homework to learn who is behind it and what their political agendas include. For example, the documentary “What the Health “is produced by Joaquin Phoenix and Keegan Kuhn. Both men are animal rights activists and Phoenix is also a supporter of PETA and has received awards for his work with them. It’s easy to see why he would create a documentary that aims to show how damaging to our health it is to eat meat.

Reese Witherspoon is one of America’s sweethearts who has played many roles about strong female characters that showcase a woman’s ability to change her circumstances and get what she wants. She’s a media darling. Women love her and respect her. She’s an actress, producer, entrepreneur, and even a mom. Now, she produces a show on Hulu that depicts her on-screen daughter’s abortion with Planned Parenthood’s brand proudly displayed in scenes witnessed by millions. Why? Because Witherspoon is pro-abortion. And her work shows it.

When we follow the careers and lives of celebrities, it’s natural to want to believe that they are just as good as the characters they play in movies. We hope that wholesome Elle Woods was created directly from the heart of Reese Witherspoon. That they are one and the same. And yet…

We must be diligent, guarding our minds by understanding what’s going on behind the curtains of the big screen. It’s not enough anymore to ask our kids “What is that movie rated?” before giving permission for them to see it. It’s no longer a question of PG or R. Now, we have to research it like a finals paper. Who is in it, what do they believe, how will their beliefs be woven into this piece of entertainment? It’s a tough time to be a Christian, a conservative, a believer in the sanctity of life.

Thankfully, not all is lost in Hollywood. We still have the likes of Chris Pratt, Kanye West, Benjamin Watson, Patricia Heaton, Tim Tebow, Justin Bieber and many others who are becoming brave enough to reveal their faith and their pro-life beliefs. Celebrities who will just as likely shout their support for life as the ones who will shout their abortions. Whether we like it or not, American celebrities have a strong impact on American minds. Choose carefully whom you will allow inside yours.

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. Galatians 4:8

If you’d like to help us bring more hope into every community, please click here to donate.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

One of the greatest gifts the world has ever known was the birth of Jesus Christ. His love covers all of our insecurities, our mistakes, our misdirection’s and guides us to beautiful rivers of acceptance and forgiveness. He willingly came into our brokenness and offered the sweet salve of peace and salvation through relationship with Him. He came to us. He knew we were in need and had a plan.

ICU Mobile has a plan. A plan for women who have questions about their pregnancies, women who need understanding and who need a friend. Acting as the hands and feet of Jesus on the wheels of their mercy medical units, they also come to our world; our places where we are in need. Working with a local pregnancy center in the area, ICU Mobile finds its way to us; they heed the call. They meet us where we are in our personal journeys without any judgment, no awkward silences or disappointing glances. Only love.

I was once like so many of the women that ICU Mobile serves. Although I didn’t have a surprise pregnancy, I did have a very unplanned parenting path that included me being marginalized overnight and an ex-husband in jail. I was so young and afraid. I was embarking on a life journey that I had no way to navigate. No compass to show me the direction to go. I felt like the world was coming at me like a tsunami, and I didn’t have any life jackets for us. I didn’t have a job, or any college education. I was looking at a life that seemed to be filled with uphill battles, struggles with my children’s father, and not being able to pay the bills. When I thought of my future, I was depressed and overwhelmed. I knew that there were services out there for women like me, but I had no idea how to find them. Honestly, I didn’t have any time to try to find them. I was so busy doing life and trying to make sure the pantry was stocked with mac and cheese and peanut butter. At night, I was so physically drained and emotionally depleted I could barely keep my eyes open. I didn’t think I would be able to handle this situation.  How can I raise my children if I can’t even take care of myself?

It’s places like ICU Mobile that come and fill in the gaps. When you walk into a mobile unit, you won’t find a cold and impersonal atmosphere. You’ll find warmth of community and feel the support of relationship in a state-of-the-art capacity with certified physicians and nurses. ICU Mobile staff treats all clients with respect and dignity in their sensitive life circumstances. They understand and they are available to discuss your pregnancy questions (and provide ultrasounds), but also so many other topics that may be going through your mind. They have real answers. And, it’s not the type of answers that lead to more questions. It’s the type of answers that lead to solutions and creating a life plan that we can follow toward overcoming whatever may come our way. ICU Mobile can connect you to the organizations within your community that can support your needs from basic (like food and shelter) to more complex needs like long-term financial support and job placement. They are our advocates; they fight for us. We all need someone in our corner. I know, I did.

The name itself says it all: ICU Mobile literally means I SEE YOU. To be seen and accepted as we truly are is a beautiful thing. It tears down cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnicity walls. You are uniquely you. If you are uncertain about what to do with your pregnancy, and you want to be more than a number, more than just a face in a crowd, come be seen by ICU Mobile.

“You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” –A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Shannon is the author of The Bounce-Back Woman, Ignite, and Single Moms 101. Along with being an author and speaker, Shannon is a featured contributor of Keep the Faith radio.  She also writes for Lifeway's HomeLife magazine and other various publications including as Crosswalk and iBelieve.com.  

The culture of life and how we define it, our morals, our values, our decisions around what is right and wrong, is being attacked consistently and ruthlessly. The victims aren’t even aware they are victims and they become younger by the day.

Shows and movies on streaming services are more bold than prime time TV and theater movies. They push the envelope with violence, sex, and moral values. This push translates in product placement as well. Over the years we’ve grown used to and, likely, unaffected by the brand names we see in on-screen images. From soft drinks and athletic brands, to department stores and fashion, America’s corporate giants flood our TV and movie watching with their brands and they pay to make that happen. Just like with any other ad placement, business is given the opportunity to pay to have their brand seen and heard in front of millions.

Planned Parenthood has joined the circle of corporate giants who is paying to be seen by larger audiences. Abortion is becoming an act that is commonplace in storylines featuring young women – teenagers – who wish to hide pregnancy from their parents or simply “deal with this and move forward empowered.”  Planned Parenthood is capitalizing on this trend and making sure they are the go-to, household name brand that is chosen by teens and young women across the country.

We’re no longer being lured to choose one brand of running shoes over another. We’re subliminally sold on choosing Planned Parenthood as our abortion provider of choice over the local abortion clinic. We can no longer simply shake our heads at these bold actions and bold messages.

Our ministry is focused on saving two lives. The life of the unborn child and the eternal life of the woman facing the most desperate time of her life. We would be ecstatic of we could place the ICU Mobile name on the biggest screens with the biggest celebrity names all over the country to widen the impact of our multi-faceted life-saving efforts. And yet, that’s not where we want to be. We want to be on the streets, in the neighborhoods, in the most accessible places where every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy can find us. We want to see her face-to-face and offer a kind smile, gently hold her hands while we pray with her, and see the light in her eyes when she experiences the indescribable gift of Christ and a choice for life for both her and her baby.

To us, product placement means an ICU Mobile unit in every community. To women everywhere, we want every mobile unit to be a clear and bold message of hope.

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

If you’d like to help us bring more hope into every community, please click here to donate.

For a Time Such as This

A new season is upon all of us and it’s foreign in every way. Our office is at home, we have become teachers to our children, our meetings are 100% done by video conferencing, we are with our spouses 24/7, perhaps income has been cut in half, confusion abounds over whether we should actually make a trip to the grocery store or order them to be delivered. 

The phrase “normal routines” went out the window weeks ago. Whatever stressors we had before COVID-19 are now amplified and multiplied as we shelter in place, practice social distancing, and wash our hands more than ever in the history of our lives. 

Whether you feel the stress or not, it’s likely there. Some of us wear our hearts on our sleeves and it doesn’t take much for us and others to see the anxiety. Others of us internalize our anxiety and stress responses, allowing them to build  up without knowing it. We feel fine, but we’re not. This is a time to reflect on the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

Each of us needs to engage in stress relief measures on a daily basis. Make it part of your routine. If you don’t have a routine, implement one. That’s the first step to less stress. If you’re teaching your children, extend them and yourself a little extra grace during this time. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be rigid. Relax, do the best you can, and recognize this too shall pass. The fruits of the Holy Spirit apply to every activity we do. With each item on your to-do list, consider which fruit of the Spirit can be applied.

If you can manage it, take a short walk each day. Start each day with a scripture that you can meditate on when things get stressful. End each day by journaling what went well and what you’d like to improve on for tomorrow. Try to eat as healthy as possible and let the sunlight into your home. 

It’s imperative to give children the opportunity to share their thoughts about things, too. Their world has also turned upside down and they will need a way to manage stress. Outside time for them, times of rest and doing activities they enjoy will help immensely. 

Rest and grace are paramount to this season we are in, as they are the two things that will re-set our responses to others and replenish our energy stores. Undoubtedly, there is wisdom in scripture that will help us in many ways. These one-word “fruits” plant seeds within us that will strengthen us season after season. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  

                                                     Galatians 5:22-23

If there is one scripture that has been repeated, painted on signs, engraved on jewelry, posted on highway billboards, it’s John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

It is the very foundation of Christian faith that is offered to those considering salvation through Jesus Christ, and it is filled with hope. Hope that “whoever” means me. Hope that eternal life is a gift I can receive, too. Hope that the one true God who loves the world also loves me. When we see words emblazoned in many places and repeated throughout so many outlets, it could get watered down, become less impactful. 

We are here to tell you that this one sentence is an everlasting promise from the one true God who knows you and loves you. Yes, He knows you. It’s been said that it’s easier to love someone than to trust someone. So many of us love God, love Jesus, love the Holy Spirit within us, but it’s a little harder to place trust in the triune God. 

John 3:16 is a statement of love that requires us to trust it. Trust isn’t a two way street in a relationship with God. He doesn’t have to trust us to make the relationship work. Thank goodness because we wouldn’t last long! But when you can read the promise within John 3:16 and then fully place your trust in that promise by believing in Him, the result is life changing. 

Those words aren’t a marketing slogan to promote the Bible or Christianity. They are a promise that you can trust and stand on for eternity. Let this promise not be reduced in its strength and authority because you’ve seen it or heard it so many times. 

Whether you’re a lifelong Christian, or not quite convinced about the invitation to follow Jesus, be encouraged by this: God didn’t have to sacrifice His son. He’s the God of everything that has ever been and ever will be. He doesn’t have to do anything. Yet, He sent us His son as our Savior, to take our place in answering to Him for our sins, and He wants us to spend eternity with Him. 

He wants us to spend eternity with Him so He knew He had to send a Savior for our sakes. We couldn’t be trusted to atone for our sins so His son took our place. That, friends, is how much God loves you. He knows we are not perfect and He loves us. He knows us and He loves us. 

All He asks in return is that we believe. The invitation for salvation is for you and your response can be offered anytime. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

We’re in an especially pressing time right now that requires the pro-life community to be willing to be brave enough to speak up about what we believe. But as pro-humans, we must be ready to grab the baton when our turn comes to continue the race. 

During an election year, the abortion issue is often the most heated one to be discussed, debated and discarded among politicians and people across the country. Since the issue of life is so deeply rooted among conservative Christians, it can be difficult to change the narrative from one of a woman’s autonomy to one of humanity. 

Take comfort in this: both science and God are on your side. When you are given the opportunity to talk with others about abortion, reproductive rights, and the rights of the unborn, the conversation doesn’t need to invoke anxiety or aversion. Yes, it’s hard to be the only one in the room who is pro-life. Hands start sweating at the very thought of sharing your values and beliefs. But when the pro-life argument is based on facts, it’s much easier to keep emotions at bay. Life begins at conception. All life is created perfectly by God. He does not make mistakes.

The abortion issue is a humanity issue. It’s not an issue of sexuality, race, gender, or income - everyone can be pro-life. Women don’t have to raise a child if they’re not ready due to shame, family issues, career or education. That’s why God has sent so many people ready to adopt and provide a loving home for a child conceived unexpectedly. In 9 months, every single woman can be back to life as usual. The same can’t be said for women who choose abortion. Abortion becomes a life sentence of guilt, emotional torment, and often, depression. There is no taking it back. 

But what about instances of rape? Pro-choice, pro-abortion people will challenge you on this. And it’s tempting to acquiesce and agree that might be the one situation where abortion is “okay.” But stand firm, friend. A woman who has been a victim of sexual assault should never be encouraged to endure yet another violent act on her body. Make no mistake, abortion is violence. It involves paralyzing, maiming, and tearing apart a human body that is living inside that same woman. Encourage a peaceful resolution to a horrific act of violence. Pregnancy and birth can offer a woman a time of healing and redemption, the power to create good out of evil, and control over what her future life will hold. That is empowerment and feminism at its best. 

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. - Proverbs 31:8-9

Please prayerfully consider a financial gift as we go out into communities, day after day, to help women choose life. Please click here to support ICU Mobile. 

It’s a limiting belief to think that women who dedicate their lives to raising children are less than. While every woman’s name won’t be in lights or heralded for every innovation, she will be known and go down in history for her legacy, however small that may be. 

When people become famous, their bio includes their personal life, where they came from, who raised them. Who provided them the nurturing and opportunity to follow their calling and live out their gifts that are shared with the world? Parents are part of that creation of history and none of it would happen without a woman who chose to bring a life into the world. 

Whether in sports, entrepreneurship, politics, or education, the woman behind those successes is credited with making it happen. No, not every woman is a perfect picture of mothering, but if she gave life, she gave opportunity. When a woman chooses life, she offers breath to a person who was given the chance to go into the world and make an impact. 

History-makers aren’t always the ones in the spotlight, and sometimes it can take decades to learn what kind of an impact someone will have in this life. Therefore, we should never doubt, assume, or wave-off how or when any one of us just might be part of big moments in history. 

Melissa Ohden, an abortion survivor, explains it perfectly, “My family is living testament to the intergenerational impact of abortion. If that abortion attempt had succeeded in ending my life, then my daughter, Olivia, would have never entered this world.  My husband would have never had a wife. My adoptive parents would have never had a daughter. My brother and sister would have never had a sibling. And now my biological family would never have had me in their life. The list could go on and on. Abortion truly has a ripple effect. No one remains untouched.”

Melissa is now a strong and impactful voice for life. She is living proof of what a person can become and how they can impact history if given the chance at life. God had big plans for her and He pulled her out of the death sentence that was waiting for her. All praise to Him because we can’t imagine a world without her!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Would you like to impact history through a financial gift to help women choose life? Please click here to support ICU Mobile. 

The product we offer is a printed photo. It’s the core of what we do on ICU mobile units. We have services like pregnancy tests, but the product we want every woman to walk away with is a picture. The photo is free but the image on it is priceless. 

Organizations have a why, and a how, and a what, and our what happens to be the very first image a woman will see of the beautiful life inside her. Our what has the ability to change an abortion-minded woman to life-focused woman. With that image, she’s given new understanding, new reality, and a new hope. 

A little hope is often all we need when faced with situations that seem insurmountable. When she can be surrounded by people who can help her see there is help then she can think clearly to make the ultimate life-changing decision. When surrounded by empowering people, she feels empowered! We’ve seen the transformation happen right before our eyes and it’s life-changing for everyone.

Seeing an image of her baby in the womb presents the perfect time for us to share the love of God with her. The new life she carries represents the new life she has through Jesus. Together, mom and baby are set on an adventure like no other. The kind of adventure that only God can write and carry them through. There is no other hope like this - the kind that reaches to the depths of your soul and carries your spirit to heights unimaginable! 

Help deliver that kind of hope through your support of our ministry. Help us to never cease sharing this good news!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Feeling led to support the mission of mobile ultrasound? We invite you to visit our secure donation page at https://www.icumobile.org/donate. Your financial support is an answered prayer to our team and encouragement to the women we serve.