OK, I am going to pick on you directors for a minute.  I promise, I won't be too harsh; but during the first week of January, our call center is flooded with requests like this:

"Hello, I am the director of the Jane Doe Pregnancy Center, and I know I am really late ordering this, but could I place an order for your Sanctity of Human Life bulletin inserts?"

Now, don't get me wrong. We are thrilled that hundreds of you order our materials and use them to promote Sanctity of Human Life Sunday to the local churches in your areas. What always puzzles me, though, is the lack of planning that centers sometimes get caught in when Sanctity of Human Life Sunday rolls around. Notice I said "sometimes." I know that not all centers do this; you know who you are.

Thanksgiving hits, then Christmas, and before you know it Sanctity week is just around the corner and many of you are scrambling to get commitments from pastors and church leaders for even five minutes of time to speak. It's human nature to procrastinate; but for an event like this, it's your center's opportunity to shine. You are the experts; you have the opportunity to share your ministry to hundreds, if not thousands, of other believers. This is a great opportunity to educate the public — and potentially rally new volunteers and donors to support the wonderful work you do.

So, take some time, pull out a calendar and start working backwards. How much time do you need to make those phone calls? Block it off now. After reading this month's "Heartlink," log on to our Sanctity of Human Life Web site (www.beavoice.net) and order all the materials you'll need to promote this year's event.

Take time to brainstorm some ideas you haven't had a chance to develop that could coincide with Sanctity week. Maybe you could host a "Be a Voice for Life" breakfast for your donors and supporters. Maybe you could finally place that ad in the paper you’ve wanted to get out in time for this year's observance. Focus on the Family® provides free artwork you can download and take to a local publication, so that eliminates half the cost. 

Sanctity of Human Life week is a great time to market your ministry, so make sure to capitalize on it. With some additional planning and creativity, this could be your center's best year yet. 

See you on our Web site!