By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – During the upcoming CENLA Pregnancy Center ‘Gift of Life’ Fundraising Banquet, Sept. 18, 6 pm, at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria, veteran morning on-air radio personality J.J. Jasper will share his testimony about hope found in Christ amid difficult circumstances.
According to jjjasper.com, Jasper hosts a national morning radio show on American Family Radio network that has approximately 200 stations in 36 states. When he is not offering encouragement on his show, Jasper motivates others to grow closer in their faith through his humor as a comedian and best-selling author.
Jasper, in his book “Losing Cooper: Finding Hope to Grieve Well,” shared how his family came through the tragic death of their son, Cooper, who passed at the age of five on July 17, 2009. Through that tragedy, God walked with the family and turned their sorrow into hope.
Jasper and his wife, Melanie, have been married for 27 years and have seven children and five grandchildren.
Jasper explained that their commitment to the pro-life movement only strengthened after the birth of their son, Bode, who has Down syndrome.
“We had lost our Cooper, and we didn’t think we could be any more pro-life after that,” Jasper told the Baptist Message. “But Bode’s birthday took our understanding and belief in the sanctify of human life and the worth of a child to the next level.
“We didn’t know what that journey would look like when we found out we would have a son who had Down syndrome, but the joy we get from Bodie so much more outweighs the challenges we have. We can’t imagine our life without him.”
CELEBRATING LIFE
Jasper said he is looking forward to sharing some jokes with the crowd and encouraging them to support the CPC.
“Too many in our modern culture say that children are noisy, expensive, in the way and a burden, and that we may should even abort the baby,” he said. “But I am thankful for the Creator of life and what He says about a baby in His Word.
“There is a strong pro-life community in Alexandria, and I can’t wait to meet people at the banquet,” he continued. “We will laugh together and then talk about the important work the CENLA Pregnancy Center does. I can’t wait to celebrate life and the work of the pregnancy center.”
The largest fundraiser of the year for the pregnancy center also will feature testimonies by pro-life supporters and updates will be presented about how God has used this pro-life ministry to help save Central Louisiana babies from abortion.
“Every life has a story,” CPC Director Kim Lyons said. “Every heartbeat is a miracle. And every woman facing an unexpected pregnancy deserves to be met with compassion, hope, and truth.
“At CENLA Pregnancy Centers we walk alongside women in their most vulnerable moments – offering practical support, life-affirming care and the love of Christ,” she continued. “But this mission isn’t possible without you. When you partner with us, you become part of a life-changing story – a story of hope, a story of life.
“Reserve your table today or consider sending a monetary donation — and be a part of something eternal.”
SAVING LIVES
Since the Alexandria location was launched on the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Building in 2017, the CPC has added locations in Marksville and Vidalia, served more than 2,000 women and given 2,574 pregnancy tests and 1,828 ultrasounds (a vital service to the decision-making process for many pregnant women).
The centers are saving lives by offering such services as counseling (pregnancy decision coaching by trained advocates), free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, information about pregnancy options, referrals to mental health counselors and obstetrician-gynecologists, safe house and affordable housing recommendations, adoption support (referrals to assist expectant mothers with an adoption plan and limited financial assistance), post-decision support that includes parenting education and material assistance for up to two years into the child’s life, as well as post-abortion services for those whom abortion is part of their own journey.
Additionally, the centers meet basic needs for mothers, fathers and babies by distributing food, baby beds, diapers, women’s hygiene products, car seats and clothing.
Table sponsorships are available until Aug. 30, but general admission tickets may be purchased until Sept. 6. Learn more or donate financial gifts by visiting cenlapc.com or calling 318.314.3061.
