Singer-songwriter Jim Croce wanted to save time in a bottle, but Burt Bacharach believed that what the world needs now is love – not just for some, but for everyone.  I agree with Burt.  Having time but less love might lead to more senseless acts of violence like the one (in Minneapolis that) our nation is mourning. 

When questioned about the greatest commandment of all, Jesus answered with two: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” These two go hand-in-hand. As our love for God deepens, it naturally grows our heart for loving others.

Burt Bacharach also observed that “love was the only thing there is just too little of.” Sometimes we see that “too little” at Lighthouse when the partner of a pregnant woman threatens to leave her if she continues with their pregnancy. Or the baby’s father abandons her just before the baby is due. Other times I’ve witnessed it when a young man wants to be a good parent, but has not experienced the love of a father in his own life.

Lighthouse responds to this shortage by bringing God’s love to life. We extend a small measure of God’s unconditional love to those facing unexpected pregnancies, parenting challenges, relationship struggles, or post-abortion pain. Our free services and ongoing support – funded and fueled by those who have experienced God’s love in their own lives – expresses that love in practical ways. For some, it is a free ultrasound to medically confirm pregnancy when they have no insurance or no one to turn to; for others, it is a listening ear throughout their pregnancy journey that equips them emotionally, spiritually and materially to be a loving parent. For teens looking for love in the wrong places, it is guidance toward wise choices that protect their hearts and future.  For those hurting from a past abortion, Lighthouse offers a confidential place to discover they are not alone and that healing is possible. 

The New Testament makes another extreme statement about love. “Perfect love drives out fear,” we are told in I John 4:18. At Lighthouse, we see that even imperfect love can overcome the fear a newly pregnant mom or dad is feeling. As love is brought to life, those we serve can see past the fear of the moment to make wise life-giving, life-transforming choices. 

During this uncertain season, Lighthouse is asking friends to push past our own fears, and fill a bottle with love – a virtual baby bottle. Every other spring, we would be distributing baby bottles to be filled with cash, checks or change to fund the free services that bring God’s love to life. But this spring is different, so our bottles are virtual, but the need for your generous support is very real.

I pray you will join us with a gift today at www.LighthouseBabyBottle.org so there is more love in our world tomorrow.

As the leaves on the trees begin to mature and the spring blooms shoot from the ground, we are also celebrating new life at Lighthouse!  We are blessed to report a record year of courageous choices by those who received our life-affirming support in 2016.

Because of your generous partnership, last year we were able to serve more than 1,800 women, men and teens in our Wayne, Hackensack and Paterson centers and help bring 441 babies into the world (up 36% from 2015!).  Through your prayers and financial and material support we have been able to accomplish these great things.  Thank you for being part of God’s loving work at Lighthouse!

Spring also means the start of our annual Baby Bottle Boomerang on Mother’s Day.  This campaign is not only a practical, easy way for every member of your church or school to provide valuable life support to parents in need, it also helps spread the word about Lighthouse’s free services.  Last year, your participation allowed us to raise more than $74,000 – which equaled one month of life-enhancing services at ALL of our centers and in local schools.

This year, we ask that you pray with us for an even greater outpouring of support – enough to cover an entire summer of saving and changing lives!

The 2017 Baby Bottle Boomerang works like this:  We supply your church or school group with wrapped baby bottles to be distributed on or after Mother’s Day (choose the date that works best for you!) and returned to you by Father’s Day (June 18).  We ask that bottles be filled with change, cash or checks to provide valuable life support.  We offer a 3-minute video featuring several brave moms, or a staff member, on Distribution Day or another time, to share about the lives being saved and changed through your partnership. Other promotional items are offered – all at no cost – and materials are available in Spanish.

Please call Mary Kate in our Wayne office, 973.238.9047 x10 or email her at events@lighthouseprc.org to participate in our Baby Bottle Boomerang.

Our Lighthouse family and the families we serve appreciate your continued prayers and support.  Thank you for helping parents be brave so children will be loved!