PRC Spring Fund Raising Dinner March 18th

By Jim Day

 

     In April 2003 the St. Louis AIDS Walk raised over $130,000 for AIDS research and assisting those with the disease.  Money donated came from corporate sponsors, organizations, businesses, schools, individuals and even some churches. A good many of the contributing organizations, businesses, and churches listed on the AIDS Foundation web site were either sympathetic to or heavily involved in promoting the homosexual agenda. The following month, the Humane Society of Missouri raised nearly $140,000 during their annual Bark in the Park event held in Queeny Park. Humane Society donations came from corporation sponsors, businesses and individuals sympathetic to the plight of lost, abandoned, and mistreated animals. In March, prior to these two events, contributions (primarily from individual Christians, churches, and Christian owned businesses) barely topped $40,000 at the PRC’s (Pregnancy Resource Centers of Greater St. Louis) annual Spring fund raising dinner. PRC is in the business of helping women in crisis pregnancy situations and saving the lives of unborn children.

     Does anyone see something wrong with this picture?

     I’m sure there were a number of Christians who attended the Walk for AIDS and the Humane Society’s event who donated to those causes. I certainly believe, we as Christians, should reach out with the love and compassion of Christ to those suffering with AIDS and I believe we should be good stewards of the creatures that God has provided us. However, something is seriously wrong when a Christ centered ministry that struggles to help women in crisis situations and save unborn babies can’t even raise 29 percent of the money that was given to help make life better for stray dogs. You’ve got to ask yourself, “Where on earth are the priorities of the Christian community?”

     On March 18th the Christian community of Greater St. Louis will have an opportunity to rectify the aforementioned situation and prove where its priorities lie. On that date PRC will hold its annual Spring fund raising dinner at the Windows Off Washington banquet facility located at 701 N. 15th Street in downtown St. Louis. This year’s special guest speaker will be the beautiful and talented Miss Missouri of 2003, Amber Etheridge. Christian radio personality Debra Peppers from radio station KJSL (AM 630) will emcee the evening’s events.

     With expenses of approximately 1.5 million dollars a year to operate PRC’s eight facilities, four resource programs, and 24 hour hotlines, tax-deductible donations are the only thing that make it happen. PRC receives no local, state or federal government funding.
     So what is this money used for? Every PRC facility is equipped to help women in pregnancy crisis situations by providing pregnancy testing; ultrasounds (so they can actually see their babies and hopefully change their minds about aborting them); tangible resources (such as baby clothing, cribs and car seats); and highly trained counselors who

Amber Etheridge

comfort, advise and provide them with referrals to outside agencies for adoption, legal, and medical services. PRC also offers special programs such as Best Choice℠, an abstinence based educational outreach program; Pregnancy Loss℠ to help those dealing with the loss of a child; and Mentoring Men℠, a program designed specifically for men involved in crisis pregnancy situations.  All of these services are provided at no cost to those in need.     

     At the same time the physical needs of those they assist are being met, PRC also addresses the most important aspect of helping them -- their spiritual well being. Everyone who walks through their doors is offered the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ through the ministering of the Gospel. That means that they are not only saving the lives of innocent pre-born children, but the lives of mothers and fathers who may not know Christ as their personal Savior as well.

     None of this work however would be possible without the much needed financial support of the Christian community. With two primary fund raising events; the March 18th dinner that kicks off the year for the PRC and their annual Walk for Life which is held in May, now is the time to start setting aside funds to donate. You might also wish to contact Christian owned businesses and talk to your pastor or priest and ask them to encourage your congregation to contribute as well.

     The cost to attend PRC’s March 18th dinner is only $25 and reservations can be made by contacting Donna Busby at (314) 783-3040 Ext. 228 or e-mailing her at donnabusby@prcmo.net. Seating is limited to about 500 people so make your reservations early. If you are unable to attend, donations can also be mailed to: PRC, 4331 Lindell, St. Louis, MO 63108 and remember, all contributions are tax-deductible.

     PRC’s slogan is “Real Help with Real Answers.”  I pray that this year the Christian community will really answer PRC’s call for real help by donating generously to their mission. Let’s show St. Louis where our priorities lie – reaching out with the love of Christ to those in need and saving babies.