Virtual Benefit Event Recap
Friends of BsideU gathered virtually to say “we stand with you” this past month during our annual benefit event. Our largest annual fundraiser was held virtually this year due to the pandemic, with supporters gathering at home with family, or hosting watch parties. We certainly missed seeing all of you in person this year, but enjoyed seeing pictures from some of the watch parties! We are so thankful for each of you that stands with us in our mission to fight for the lives of unborn babies and their mothers!
We’d like to thank our virtual Benefit Event Host Sponsor: Zoeller Pump Company, our Gold Sponsors: Inspirational Greatness Boutique, L&N Federal Credit Union, NAI Fortis Group, Trinity Chiropractic and First Southern National Bank, our Silver Sponsors: Mission Pre-Born! and Southeast Christian Church, and our Virtual Guest Host Sponsors: Dan Hardt Financial Services, Tran Orthodontics, Sojourn Collective, Robin’s Nest Interiors, and Best Choice Heating and Air. Thanks also to each supporter that has donated to and prays for the ministry. Knowing that you stand with us in this ministry makes all the difference.
Sometimes the best way to get to know about an organization is to learn about individual people who work with or are impacted by it. We had the opportunity to focus in on a few examples of this during the benefit event programming. First, we heard a hope inspiring testimony from Judy Russell and her niece Emma. Emma, who is now 16, was at risk of being aborted by her birth mom when she came to BsideU those many years ago (at that time we were known as A Woman’s Choice Resource Center). Through the prayers, counseling, love and support of staff and volunteers, Emma’s birth mom chose life for her, and Judy’s niece and nephew-in-law were able to adopt her into their family. A teenager who is “always looking to make a difference in the lives of those around her”, Emma’s heart is focused toward life, and she wants to become an obstetrician.
We also got a glimpse into the front lines of the ministry through the eyes of BsideU staff member Tammy Gutman. Tammy serves where no one wants to find themselves, in the highest-pressure area, at our location on 2nd and Market, right next to the abortion clinic. “It feels like a battle zone, in the thick of evilness”, Gutman shared speaking of the parking lot where she meets mothers who are about to get an abortion amidst clinic escorts whose purpose is to quickly usher the women in to their baby’s demise. Tammy follows the Holy Spirit’s prompting in each opportunity to share with the women that there are options and resources to help them choose life. Some take her up on the offer for an ultrasound or just a safe and loving place to talk. Tammy is specially positioned to relate to these women because she’s walked in their shoes, having chosen abortion earlier in her life. She can share hope for healing, and the truth that God loves them and that BsideU for Life is there to help them regardless of the choice they make.
If you didn’t get to watch the virtual event program yet, you still can at this link:
There are also exciting updates about the ministry, and a message from Scott Klusendorf, equipping people to defend pro-life views in sometimes hostile conversations with friends and family members.
Thanks to all of you who have chosen to stand with us for life.
