Events and Opportunities

Book now for the first Choices of Life dinner in Melbourne.
 
Come along to hear about Choices of Life, about the plans to grow, and to hear some inspiring personal testimonies.
 
When: 6pm Saturday 2nd March 2013
Where: Corpus Christi school hall, 380 Princess Highway, Kingsville
Cost: $30 (includes buffet dinner and drinks)
RSVP: Friday 22nd February
See the attached invitation for further details.
 
Choices of Life takes the message of life to schools across Australia in an interactive presentation on the facts and choices surrounding the beginning of human life.  

Bernie Finn will be speaking at a range of venues in early September to answer questions about the Victorian abortion legislation. Many people have heard the stories about what went down in Victorian Parliament in October 2008, but this is your opportunity to hear a first hand account from Bernie, who was present during the debate, the vote and the rejection of amendments.
Bernie will also outline what individuals and groups can do to overturn the legislation that he describes as "The most extreme abortion legislation in the western world".

Where Victorian Liberal MP Bernie Finn will be speaking:

Albury - September 5 at 7pm 
The Commercial Club,                                                   
618 Dean Street, Albury

Castlemaine - September 10 at 10am
Senior Citizen's Hall, Mechanics Lane.

Bendigo - September 10 at 2pm - 3pm
Holy Rosary Church,
New Parish Hall -
4 Hamelin Street, White Hills
Light refreshments provided.

Finley - September 10 at 7:30pm
Presbyterian Church, 
Denison Street, Finley, NSW.

Contact Sonja Couroupis
 sonja.couroupis@bigpond.com
 0428 313 931 (text or call).
             

Bernie Finn, Vic Lib MP.

Have you ever wondered why so many Churches are silent about abortion?

Having asked numerous Church/conference leaders to host pro life events/speakers over the last three years, the response received is often underwhelming and usually one of excuses. The reason for this avoidance is actually admirable and because they are kind hearted - they do not want to add further pain or discomfort to women and men (in their congregations) who may have been affected directly or indirectly by abortion. Statistically, that would be one woman in every three, sitting in their pews each week. But does this silence actually contribute to the culture of abortion we have in Australia?

 For a week in September (23rd-30th), Church leaders have a wonderful opportunity to meet two Christian ladies from Operation Outcry (U.S), who will be available to share their powerful abortion and healing testimonies. They will also discuss why it is imperative for Churches to be prepared to tackle the ugly problem of abortion, for the sake of people in their congregations and in their wider communities. There will also be information on hand, for support that is available in Australia for women pre or post abortion. 

Church leader forums will be held:

* Warragul (Victoria) - Friday, Sep 23, 10am - 12pm. Warragul Church of Christ, 155 Bowen Street, Warragul - Light lunch provided. RSVP: Kirsten: 0402 220 445

* Bendigo - Friday, Sep 23, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, 113-123 Mackenzie St West, Golden Square.

* Mildura - Sunday, Sep 25, 1:30 pm. River Edge Church, River Road, Merbein. Coffee and cake provided.

For more information, please contact Sonja: sonja@lifenetwork.org.au or 0428 313 931

 

 

You're invited to join us for an intensive, educational and encouraging weekend learning how to better serve women and families in pregnancy-related distress, featuring talks and workshops from experienced PPH staff and special guest speakers from several relevant fields. Whether you are interested in serving on the PPH team, or simply want to know more about ministering to struggling and hurting women in your community, you are... welcome to join us for this inspiring and empowering event. Camp Wattle Grove, Kelvin Rd, August 26-28 Check in begins at 6pm Friday for a 7pm start (please note, we will not be serving dinner on Friday evening, only supper) and the weekend concludes at 3pm on Sunday. $110 registration (GST inclusive) per person includes two nights accomodation in twin share rooms or family suites, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday as well as morning and afternoon teas and supper. Each participant will also be supplied with training materials from each session. As several sessions will be based on the LOVE Manual, it is strongly recommended that you have your own copy for the weekend- they can be aquired from PPH for a suggested donation of $20 each to cover photocopying costs. There will be additional optional resources available for sale on the weekend. Time is short, so please contact Pregnancy Problem House on 9344 8337 or email pph.la@iinet.net.au to register or for further information.   See more

Melissa Ohden is considered a 'Voice for the voiceless' and passionately advocates for women and families facing unplanned pregnancy.

In 1977, Melissa Ohden's mother underwent an abortion attempt during her fifth month of pregnancy.  The abortion failed, and Melissa was born alive and provided with medical treatment.  After being adopted, she found out (during her teen years) the story of her birth and experienced first hand the incredible emotional pain that abortion can inflict.
 
Melissa went on to complete her Master's Degree in Social Work and has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence/sexual assault counselling and child welfare.

After years of personal grief and questioning, Melissa is telling the world her story - a story of survival, triumph and hope.
She toured Australia last September, receiving an overwhelming response from thousands who heard her speak and now Bendigo residents have the opportunity to also be inspired, when she visits in May.

                                                                                                   
Where: The Bendigo Library, R.L Campbell Theatrette - 269 Hargreaves St, Bendigo.
Tuesday, May 10 at 7:15 pm
Enquiries: Lois Ph 0402 915 960                                          
Supper Provided
Supported by lifematters2u - Bendigo

 Embrace are compiling a book and need your help. If you have experienced a difficult or unplanned pregnancy and gone on to have your baby, then Embrace would love to hear your story and consider it for their book.

Please email Embrace info@embrace.org with your story or any enquiries. 

If you need support and encouragement during pregnancy, please email friend@embrace.org  
 

Want to make a serious impact for life?
 
For the last two years, a stand-up bunch of enthusiastic volunteers have made their way to ‘Easterfest’ in Toowoomba. Christian music fans? Maybe. Passionate about communicating the nightmare of abortion to 40,000 Australians – definitely!
 
Their mission – to engage Christian young people in the battle to rid their generation of the scourge of abortion. Their weapon – T-shirts! Yep, T-shirts.

          
 
Abort73.com is a US-based ministry that aims to educate people about abortion. They recognise that even after 30 years of a 'pro-life' movement, not a lot has changed... the problem? People don't know, so people don't care. Abort73.com aims to educate people about abortion - most people are ‘pro-choice’ without knowing why. The truth about what abortion does to babies, women, and the broader society makes all the difference. Abort73.com uses T-shirts (and other things) to get people to a website to educate themselves.
 
Recent feedback on their website says: “Before I visited this site, I was opposed to abortion [but] did not know the facts about the types of abortion, and the horrible truth of [it's racial impact] across our society... I did not know the whole impact it took on mothers, and on families.”
 
For Abort73 to make an impact in Australia, they need as many people wearing Abort73.com T-shirts as possible. That’s where Easterfest comes in. The organisers in past years have other commitments this year and are unable to man the stall. Life Network Australia are looking for volunteers who would be willing to sell T-shirts and help get the truth out there!
 
Here’s what a previous volunteer had to say about the experience: “It's pretty easy - all that is required of the team is to man the stall, sell shirts, tell people what abort73.com is on about and have the odd extended conversation about abortion. I really enjoyed it when I did it.”
 
If you can wear a T-shirt, this is your opportunity to get involved in the fight for life. Email (paul@tpcc.org.au) or phone (0409 644 504) Paul Hodge for more information or to volunteer.

        

Real Choices Australia is a not for profit organisation delivering its services nationally.

Real Choices Australia is committed to the empowerment of women, men and young people in decision making about relationships, sexuality and pregnancy, through the provision of quality education and professional services. They aim to:
 provide a national framework for the delivery of pregnancy support services and post abortion support services around Australia, through the development of professional standards, education and resources.
 develop and deliver education programs to schools and communities on relationships, sexuality and reproduction that encourages and supports healthy life choices.
 monitor, develop, establish and improve professional services in each of these areas.

Real Choices Australia have some exciting new initiatives planned for the next three years. To enhance the implementation of these projects and to meet the growing need for their services, they are seeking donations and more donors willing to make a regular and ongoing contribution. You can give a one off or set up a regular donation at Our Community. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

With your continued support Real Choices Australia can continue to meet the unmet needs of women and families seeking help to continue a pregnancy, and ensure that those needs are met by professional, qualified and supported workers.

Choices of Life will continue to expand in 2010, but TRAINEE PRESENTERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED.

NSW and ACT — new and return visits to schools

January — Camp at Toukley, January 15 - 17 (contact brucecoleman@choicesoflife.com.au for more information)
March — Tasmania
April/May — North Coast (NSW) and Queensland
June — Annual Sydney Dinner
July — Passion4Life Walk
July/August — Riverina (NSW) and South Australia
September — Darwin
October — Victoria

There are increasing demands for the program and presenters are desperately needed. Thank you to those who are making presentations (Julie Jordan in Sydney and Sally Baird in Geelong) and those who have offered in country areas. Bruce will be in touch as he visits your area.

Please email Bruce Coleman (brucecoleman@choicesoflife.com.au) if you have a passion to save the unborn and are willing and able to be involved. A very special Thank You to Judith Bond who faithfully rings schools and successfully makes appointments across Australia.