On November 4th 2007 in Mobile, Alabama, we experienced one of the most awesome celebrations that this City has ever witnessed. We encountered an outpouring of charity, compassion, and God's love that you read about in the Bible. A great commission in the earth is to help those that are in need. This event was living proof the scripture found in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the {action of His} power that is at work within us, is able to {carry out His purpose and} do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think {infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams}”AMP The vision of A More Excellent Way Ministries' "Luncheon for Life" has exemplified that scripture.
The "Luncheon for Life" was an event to bring awareness to the sanctity of human life and the unborn. The afternoon was set with a warm, friendly atmosphere with soft music and people conversing over a delicious lunch. As the afternoon went on there was a tribute to the honored guests by Caleb Lopes, age 12. Caleb was the keynote speaker with his speech entitled, "How God Saved Jennifer's Baby." He shared how his mom had a crisis pregnancy, was scheduled for an abortion, and with God's intervention decided to keep her baby. That baby was him. The honored guests, Hyacinth, Ann, and Nicole, were young ladies who were ready to terminate their pregnancies and give up on the life God had given them. They felt like all hope was gone but later decided to keep their babies and chose life, just like Jennifer. God restore their hope and faith through this event. The excitement began when volunteers began to bring out baskets full of clothes, baby products, diapers, diaper pales, wipes, bottles, and anything you could imagine that a baby would need. There were gift certificates given to the mothers to have a day out to pampering (spa and dining).
The expected babies each received gift certificates for their first birthday party and cake. Complete wardrobes, strollers, car seats, and high chairs for each baby was given. They also received certificates to have their portraits taken for the fist year of their life with a commemorative leather album. The moms received maternity clothes and devotional products from Paula White and Joyce Meyer Ministries. The breath taking moment was when the curtain on the stage was pulled. Behind the curtain was a complete ensemble from Siegel's Baby’s Room which included: a crib that changes to a full size bed, bumper pads, dresser, changing table, glider chair, comforter, sheets, blankets, mobile, and rug. All three of the ladies were recipients of this nursery. Everything the baby and mothers needed was provided.
At the conclusion of the event, one in four guests were given envelopes to open (representing the abortion rate in America). Live butterflies emerged from the envelopes and were released into the ballroom. There wasn't a dry eye as the guests watched the butterflies during the moment of silence that honored the lives of those that were aborted each day. Then Deidre Pujols, wife of St. Louis Cardinal, Albert Pujols, came forward to share that she was proud to know that each mom chose life for their babies. She then announced she was giving each mom an all-expense paid, dream vacation to Orlando, Walt Disney World, for their families. Transportation, food, airfare, resort, and park passes for five days was included in the gift. What an example of God’s Goodness! The world is watching the Christians of today and they are looking to see how they respond, react, and how they treat one another. The Luncheon for Life will always be remembered as a monumental moment of an extravagant expression of God's love.
Submitted by Patricia Jackson
