Heartbeat International recently held its Annual Pregnancy Help Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.
The conference brought attendees from all over the world, all gathered for the united purpose of reaching and rescuing lives and renewing communities for life.
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The theme for the conference this year was ONWARD with a foundation on Philippians 3:14:
“Friends don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us ONWARD to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
This theme was found very fitting as many at the conference received a time of encouragement, inspiration, and growth as they go onward in their pregnancy help journey.
In addition to this uplifting theme and record-breaking attendance, this year brought the opportunity of gathering with many of our international pregnancy help friends from across the globe.
Heartbeat was overjoyed to host 12 of our international pregnancy help friends and three joint affiliation partners in-person.
The Parade of Nations was held on the opening evening of conference in which these international pregnancy help affiliates, and many others denoting 83 total countries, were welcomed and honored by a standing ovation and applause as all of their countries’ flags were brought into the front of the meeting ballroom.
Ellen Foell, International Program specialist for Heartbeat International shared, “So gratifying to watch them carry their nation's flag down the aisle with such joy and pride and also to watch them interacting with one another.”
The Parade of Nations provides a time of refection and a moment spent in awe as the consideration of the vast network of worldwide pregnancy help is on display for all in attendance to see.
In that powerful moment, the unification of our efforts is evident as we are all on the journey together of seeing life saved today, and lives saved for eternity.
As for the Heartbeat International Medical Impact Team, the conference paved the way for us to meet and express deep gratitude to the international pregnancy help affiliates in attendance.
We find ourselves in consistent communication with many of them and have never had an opportunity to meet face to face.
It is a powerful moment in time to look someone in the eyes - whom you know is often facing much more adversity and challenges as they stand for life in their country - and thank them for all they do.
Much of our international work would not be possible without these dear friends.
I am convinced many of them will not see the value and significance of their efforts in entirety until they one day receive their eternal reward.
Teresa Tholany, a Healthcare Team manager with Heartbeat International, shared, “Being in the same room with people from all over the world who share the same mission and vision was so encouraging. Coming together created a wonderful opportunity to connect with other international pregnancy help providers and share contact information to be able to help more women in the future.”
We are at a place in history that presents us with great opportunities to connect with other pregnancy help organizations worldwide to reach more women and families with the goal of renewing communities for life.
The Heartbeat International Annual Conference provides an atmosphere of hope and encouragement as it facilitates connection with pregnancy help organizations from all over the country and all over the world.
“It truly was a wonderful time to celebrate, make connections, and assure each other of our prayers for each other,” Tholany said.
As she reflected on Conference week, Ellen Foell shared, “I feel like I get to see the foreshadowing of every language, tongue, tribe and nation gathered around the throne.”
As we go ONWARD and press into the work God has for us, may we never lose sight that we are all on this journey together. May we keep our eye on the goal and never look back. ONWARD!
