"Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the babe is Lord of all."
Edith Reed

From the moment of His birth, and even before, Jesus always seemed to identify Himself with those who were down and out. Mary, in her Magnificat, praised God with these words: "He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant...He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly (Luke 1:48, 52)." And although there were angels that announced Jesus' birth -- they didn't appear in the midst of a crowded city -- but to some lowly shepherds who were watching over their flocks by night. And here's how the shepherds would recognize Him -- "You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." You would have thought God would have chosen a palace -- not a stable, for the birthplace of His Son!

When Jesus explained His mission, He said that He had come to preach the gospel to the poor and to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). And as He neared the end of His earthly ministry, He taught us that we were to feed the poor, clothe the naked and visit those who were sick and in prison, for as we do it unto one of the least of these...we do it unto Him (Matthew 25).

That's what the ministry of New Hope is all about -- reaching out to "the least of these." We feel compelled to speak out on behalf of the unborn -- those who are unable to speak for themselves, because God's Word says, "Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die (Proverbs 31:8)." Through the technology of our new Ultrasound equipment, our clients will "see" their unborn babies and even hear their heartbeats. Our prayer is that God will move the hearts of these moms so that the lives of many babies will be saved. 

Over 650 women pass through our doors annually. They receive pregnancy tests, peer counseling, childbirth education, diapers, formula, baby clothes, and much love. Those who are unable to parent are helped to make an adoption plan. Those who have had a previous abortion receive help to find forgiveness and healing from the wounds of their past. Since this time last year, 28 of our clients prayed to receive Christ as Savior. And each year, about 2500 students in the public schools are brought a message of abstinence through "Real Love Respects."

Your gift to us this Christmas will make it possible for New Hope to continue to reach out to "the least of these." We appreciate your faithful support and prayers and always thank the Lord for the impact YOU have made in the lives of those we serve.

The Board and Staff of New Hope join me in wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with all God's blessings.

Because of Jesus,