VOF newsletter-62 ( April-June 2016 )
A blooming bud saved from being withered off This is a story of an innocent girl named Sangita (name changed), she belonged to a small village in East Nepal. At a very tender age her parents had sent her to India with one of the villagers from her hometown, who promised her parents to take care of their daughter. Since, they were very poor and had no money to take proper care of their child they had sent her to India for a brighter future. But, they were unaware of the fact that those villagers took her in order to make her work as a child labor. She worked as a child labor for many months and later she was rescued by a group of missionaries and was brought to an Orphanage in Nepal. So, she was brought up in the orphanage and had no clue about whereabouts of her parents. When she was first brought to that orphanage she was very much amused and fascinated by the lifestyle of children living there. As she grew up, she gradually started blending in with the children there; she also learnt how to make jewelries. It’s amazing how time flies and in no time the young girl was now a fully grown up teenager. She was now 17 and was studying in 8th grade. At that point of her life she had developed a strong urge to explore the outer world and had an innate desire to taste freedom. So, in order to quench her thirst she along with her few friends left the home and took a small room on rent. She was starting her life in a new way and even though her childhood days were not so merry, she moved on forgetting all the painful memories of her past. One day when she was alone in her room, her phone rang, she looked at her phone and saw an unknown number and was in a dilemma whether to take the call or not. But, out of curiosity she received the call and over the phone she heard a husky voice of a boy, little did she know about that
Date: 1st July,
An appeal: The fund for the CMH Building Project Our organization “Voice of Fetus, Nepal” is a non-governmental organization, established in 2009 A.D, with the belief that “Social justice and security starts from a mother’s womb”. Our sole purpose is to strengthen and value the worth of human life. The vision of our organization is to make abortion unnecessary by envisioning the beauty and sanctity of human life as accepted and respected by people. Ever since establishment we have been looking after the problems related to women in crisis pregnancy by befriending, listening, loving and helping these individuals at the time of crisis. All the activities which were performed to help these vulnerable people are done in affectionate, creative, non- judgmental and non-aggressive manner. Up until now our organization had been helping these vulnerable women through a rented building of compassion maternity home. But, now we are planning to build a new residential building in our own land, which is going to be located at Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, in order to take care of these women in a private and tranquil environment, where we can help them in their holistic development, by focusing in their strengths and working on their weaknesses, which will ultimately enhance their personality and also empower them via few counseling sessions and other personality grooming and skill developmental activities. So, apparently we are seeking for donation to construct this new residence. As a pro-lifer, I believe that we should understand the need for saving the life of mom and their pre-born baby and this will only be possible through the generous funding that we will be receiving from you. I assure you that by making this donation, you will be making a difference by helping save a life. Thank you for your support! -Soman Rai (Elisha) Founder Director
Newsletter Title So, they planned to meet each other, to know more about each other. After that meeting they got into relationship. Sangita used to go at that boy’s home, where they had few private moments. Lonely and abandoned Sangita felt that, she had found the love of her life with whom she could share her happiness and sorrows. At that time she didn’t knew that she was sowing the seed for destroying her own future.After a month or so of being in relationship the boy stopped calling her so, they had a long communication gap. The whole time when they had communication gap Sangita felt sick, out of contact and felt as if the end was coming but, she couldn’t see it off in the future lurking and felt as if, she was battling with herself. But, every time she used to get over it hoping that there will come a day when she will come out of the bizarre situation through which she was going at the moment. But, all her hope went in vain and the boy didn’t call her. Later, after certain months she started feeling dizzyvomiting which was followed by a slight change in her body was seen. At first she assumed that it was due to stress but it started happening very often and she talked to her room-mate and with their help she went to a clinic for pregnancy test and found herself pregnant. When she learned about her pregnancy she was cold, shocked and confused. So, she tried to reach that boy’s cellular device but, he was continuously ignoring her calls. Many time she thought of doing abortion but couldn’t success. After all those attempts, Sangita reported to a police station and with the help of those police they were able to find out the boy but the boy denied that it was his baby and asked for a DNA test. But for that process she had to hire a lawyer for which she didn’t have enough money. Finally, she came to know about the Voice Of Fetus Nepal’s Compassion Maternity Home through a man whom she used to address as a brother. The man was one of the participants of VOF Nepal’s training and he was well known about the services provided by the maternity home of VOF Nepal. Sangita was then brought to Compassion Maternity Home, where she felt accepted and valued which was very new to a girl raised with no parents and here she learnt the value of a human life and her own life. Because of which she decided to give birth to her baby and advocate for her rights. Compassion Maternity Home is run in a Christian environment, even though she grew up without love she was able to experience sense of belongingness and the love of God through action in CMH, such gestures of love and care imprinted on her heart deeply. Before, she came there; she was a Buddhist devotee.
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An Official Announcement Program
VOF News 30th June,2016, Kathmandu Voice of Fetus(VOF)Nepal officially announced the commencement of fundraising program for Compassion Maternity Home (CMH) Building project at Pariwartit Jeevan Fellowship Hall, Bagdole. The program was organized in the presence of representatives from different Christian print media, online news portal, board members, and general members, former and present volunteers from different social work colleges. The program began with the executive director Soman Rai (Elisha), presenting on the background of the organization, starting of CMH and addressing the need of CMH building. He also presented on the amount collected up until now Rs.55,00,000 (USD 55,000) which was received from 10\40 Connections and the remaining fund of Rs.95,00,000 (USD 95,000) that needs to be collected for construction of two storeys CMH building in 3,928.00 sq.ft. Area. The media has undertaken the role for publicity for fundraising whereas the volunteers will be taking initiatives for fundraising through different creative activities. A sum amount of money was handed over to the treasurer of VOF Nepal by Ms. Bimala Rai as a seed plantation for the fundraising program. The event marked the official commencement of fundraising program for CMH building project.
Volume 1, Issue 1 Throughout Sangita̕s stay at CMH she was never prompted to be a Christian just because it was run by Christians. Time and again she went through counseling sessions and regular fellowships which were facilitated by the Executive Director of VOF Nepal. Gradually she was changed by the sessions and regular fellowship, she was touched by witnessing miracles happening in other people’s life, their true life stories. Within few months she felt the unfailing love of Heavenly Father and reconciled with God as Her Father, in whom she found her identity, dignity and destiny. So, later when she gave birth to her baby, she named him Anmol, which means p ̕ recious̕. The way she found her son precious, she also found herself precious in God’s eye as His daughter. For Sangita who grew up without knowing about her parents and a parental love, who was suffering from identity crisis, she has now found a new identity and a purpose to live. She wants her son to get the motherly love that she herself was deprived of and she wants to give her son a good future and identity in society which is now possible through the provision of new Constitution. Now, she and her baby both have received Jesus and are living a happier life. Voice of Fetus, Nepal is an organization that not only focuses on the life issue but, also focuses on the kingdom issue.
Invest to save lives
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The needed fund for the CMH Building Project:
Pro-life Education Presentation in different educational Institution and Theological seminaries Pro-life Education in Sudesha High School, Nakhu VOF News: May 10, 2016 Tuesday; As VOF Nepal believes in the impact of Prolife education on the attitude towards abortion it had planned to reach educational school and college with 'Pro-life Education' in the month of May, 2016. So, VOF reached to Sudesha High School in Nakhu Lalitpur with Pro-life education where the students of 9 and 10 grade were participated. The topics like abortion in Nepal (facts and figure), life series and foetal development, abortion types and complications, alternatives of unwanted pregnancy and the importance of sexual abstinence education were addressed in the presentation. The presentation was taken by the students very positively and wonderful feedbacks were shared by them. VOF News: May 12, 2016 Thursday; VOF was provided 80 minutes (two periods) by the St. Xavier’s School in Jawalakhel for Pro-life Education presentation among the students of all sections of grade 9. Fr. Amrit Rai the Principal in St. Xavier’s School introduced Soman Rai the facilitator of VOF Nepal and submitted time to him for presentation. The 80 minutes presentation was really informative and effective among the students. The students received the teaching with enthusiasm and seriousness. After the presentation many students gave their valuable feedback. A young boy shared that he really liked the life-saving work of VOF Nepal.
Pro-life education in St. Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel
Pro-life education in K&K International College, New Baneswor. VOF News: May 12, 2016 Thursday; Mr. Soman Rai addressed the 1st Year students of BSW in K&K International College in New Baneswor Kathmandu with Pro-life Education. The students were taught about the abortion in Nepal (facts and figure), life series and foetal development, abortion types and complications, alternatives of unwanted pregnancy and the importance of sexual abstinence education. The students responded the teaching with great excitement and same time with tears. The presentation truly impacted the attitude of students. Many of them expressed their deep desire to be involved in the work of VOF Nepal.
Pro-life Education in Covenant Academy, Kathmandu VOF News: May 13, 2016 Friday; VOF Nepal grabbed another opportunity to educate the students of grade 8, 9, 10 of Covenant Academy with Pro-life teaching. Mr. Bharat Shrestha the Principal of the Academy highly recommended the Pro-life teaching and its importance among the students. The students were thoroughly informed about the abortion in Nepal (facts and figure), life series and foetal development, abortion types and complications, alternatives of unwanted pregnancy and the importance of sexual abstinence education. After the presentation, one of the female students shared what she learned about the human life and the reality of abortion. She was sharing the impact of the teaching with the full of confidence. As a whole, the presentation remained very productive.
Pro-life presentation in Cambridge International CollegeCIC Kalanki Kathmandu VOF News: May 25, 2016 Wednesday; Normally, it is very hard to get free time for presentation in Colleges but VOF Nepal was provided 90 minutes (two periods) by Cambridge International College in Kalanki Kathmandu for Pro-life Education presentation among the 50+ students and some faculty members of BSW and BBS. Mr. Soman Rai the facilitator of VOF Nepal initiated the class with socking-breaking Main news report of NEWS24 TV channel regarding the rising of medical abortion among the teenagers in Kathmandu valley. After that he informed the students about the value of a human life and the development of human life in a mother’s wombConception to birth. He emphasized that the human life begins at conception and every human life at any stage and circumstances is worth to be protected. He also taught about the harsh truth of induce abortion procedures and the complications after an abortion. Finally, he presented about the Sexual Abstinence, parenting and adoption as a life-giving alternative to abortion. On the basis of the feedback shared by students the presentation changed and impacted the attitude and perspective of students totally. They also appreciated the facilitator for his great and unique social work of saving lives at risk and wanted to join in the movement of saving life.
Pro-life Education in Jalupa Secondary School in Baniyatar Kathmandu VOF News: May 26, 2016 Thursday; Despite of Nepal Banda\strike VOF Nepal’s awareness team went to the Jalupa Secondary School in Baniyatar Kathmandu for Pro-life presentation. With the active coordination of one of the trainees from St. Xavier Collage and the Principal of the school the VOF Nepal’s awareness team became able to conduct two separate classes among the students of class IX and X. Altogether 90+ students were there to attend the classes. The instructor opened the classes with asking the students to express their personal opinion on abortion. Some of the students expressed that there is nothing wrong with doing abortion. Among them there is a girl named Anusha from Class IX strongly stood for abortion. After that the instructor presented about the Life in a mother’s womb- fetal development- from conception to birth and then he also presented about the methods of abortion, its complications and life-saving alternatives to abortion. Finally, he gave serious presentation on sexual integrity as well. At the end of classes, the instructor made the students to express their thoughts again but the attitude of the students was found changed totally. Especially, Anusha admitted that her perception is changed fully and wanted to give credit to VOF Nepal for the presentation.
Pro-life presentation in AIMS College, Lagankhel 1st June, 2016, VOF was called to AIMS International College, Lagankhel in order to give a 90 mins presentation on pro-life education, which was coordinated by trainees. There were more than 55 participants including BSW and BBS students. The presentation began with a short 6 mins intro on Teenage Medical Abortion by making the News 24’s main news as it’s basis. The presentation was given by facilitators from VOF. After that short presentation those participants were asked an open question based on abortion to which few of them agreed, some denied and half of them remained silent. Among the participants one boy named Prakash Thapa Magar took the nerve to express his views related to the topic. According to the boy it is pretty much okay to abort a 12 week’s fetus in the mother’s womb. After hearing what the boy had to say VOF did continuous back to back presentations showing the facts and figures plus Nepal abortion laws. Furthermore, the importance of human life, fetal development, methods or procedures, alternative of abortion were beautifully presented by the presentation, which changed the participant’s perception regarding abortion. Even Prakash changed his views on abortion. At the end those participants were very much thankful towards VOF, Nepal for bringing such an informative presentation.
Pro-life Education in Green Tara College of Health and Science, Bhaisepati VOF News: June 8 and 17, 2016 Kathmandu: Voice of Fetus Nepal did two different presentation on Pro-life education in Green Tara College of Health and Science at Bhaisepati Lalitpur, in which 50 nursing students and 45 Health Assistance(HA) students and college principal and a faculty member were participated. An open question related to abortion was asked to the participants before the presentation, in order to be more familiar with their understanding, knowledge and thoughts regarding the topic, through which it was clear that participants shared more or less similar views with VOF. Then a two hours presentation centering on fetal development, it’s physical as well as emotional complications and life saving methods was given by VOF’s facilitator. After the presentation was over, the participants changed their views. Before, they were in favor of situational abortion but, after the presentation, they were for life. Everybody including the college Principal liked the presentation and they were grateful towards VOF for bringing such an educative presentation.
Pro-life Education in Champi Higher Secondary School VOF News: 8th June 2016, Champi Higher Secondary School called VOF, Nepal in order to give a short presentation on “Life in the womb”, in which 50 students from 9th and 10th grade participated. VOF, Nepal started the presentation by listening to the opinions of the participants regarding abortion. Among all the participants one boy expressed that abortion is one of the facilities given to an unmarried pregnant woman by the government. Then a two hours presentation was given by VOF’s Facilitator, after which the perception of every participant including the boy who had expressed his view had changed. The participants were delighted to be a part of such an enlightening presentation and requested VOF, Nepal to bring more of such presentations in future as well.
Life-giving teaching among the seminary students in NBBC, Kathmandu VOF News: May 13, 2016 Friday; After the presentation in Covenant Academy the team of VOF Nepal went to the Nepal Baptist Bible College (NBBC) and presented ‘Life-giving teaching’ among the seminary students of 1st, 2nd, 3rd year and staff members of NBBC. Mr. Santosh the dean of NBBC highlighted the importance and urgency of Pro-life teaching and submitted the time to Soman Rai for presentation. Soman Rai started the teaching with short devotion from Gen. 1:27 about the ‘Sanctity of human life’. After that, he presented about the Life in the womb (fetal development) and the devaluation of human life –abortion procedures and its complications. Finally, he talked about the life-giving options- Sexual Integrity, parenting, adoption with some genuine examples. In total, the presentation impacted the students’ life and mind very positively.
Pro-life presentation in KIU (Jesus College) VOF News: May 17-18, 2016 WedThursday; VOF Nepal was provided 6 hours by KIU (Jesus College) in Nakhipot for Pro-life presentation. Mr Soman Rai presented teaching on the sanctity of human and life in the womb, worldview in first session and in second session he taught about the abortion types, complications and its life-giving alternatives. He also addressed about the importance of Sexual Integrity or saving sex. There were 85+ students and staff members responding the teachings with great excitement and same time with tears. Some of the students were also from North India and Myanmar. They all were provided DVDs, books and other related brochures. As a whole, the presentation remained very productive and wonderful feedback we got to hear from the students and staff member.
Pro-life presentation in Believers Church Minor seminar-BCMS VOF News: May 19, 2016 Thursday; VOF Nepal’s trainer team spent whole day with the first year students of BCMS in Bhaktapur presenting Pro-life information. Mr Soman Rai (Elisha) opened the teaching session with an open discussion and interaction with students regarding their own opinion on abortion, abortion law in Nepal, current abortion status in their community, position of their church on abortion. There appeared two opinions’ group. One group did thumbs up for the situational abortion and another group wanted to thumbs down to any induce abortion and chose to stand for life in any situation. After the discussion, Mr Soman Rai presented teaching on the sanctity of human life- the development of human life by using the ‘Wonderfully and uniquely created’ DVD and other power-points, clips fetal models. And after the lunch he presented teaching on abortion’s procedures, its complications (Physical, emotional, relational, spiritual) with testimonies, Prolife arguments to the situational and compassionate abortion and life-saving alternatives (Parenting and adoption). He also talked about the importance of Sexual Integrity in church and community. Consequently, the attitude of all the students found changed and all the students wanted to speak and stand for life in every situation. They fully understood that no any situation can justify abortion. Finally, there were prayed for their journey as a life-giver and provided lifebag containing DVD, books and brochures and also Why-Pro-life books, flip charts and some other books for their library.
Motherhood- Pro-life education among women VOF News: May 6, 2016 Friday; The 18 ladies from different parts of Nepal learning skills in Lidia Vocational Training Centre in Kathmandu were informed by VOF Nepal about the sanctity and beauty of human life, the importance of a woman in the creation of a human life (reproduction), proud to be a mother, life in the womb (foetal development), abortion procedures (devaluation of a human life), complications of abortion (Post-abortive syndromes) (PAS), alternatives of abortion (parenting and adoption) and sexual purity\integrity. The presentation found very powerful and effective to impact and change the attitude of the ladies in centre. It has been believed that the presentation has equipped them to speak and stand for life in their communities. They were also given the Life-bags containing of DVD, books and brochures for the use of their work in communities. The Lidia Vocational Training Centre is appreciated for hiring the VOF Nepal for the presentation.
Pro-life Education in WLT VOF News: VOF Nepal was given two hours for the presentation on the Sanctity of human life and abortion in Women Leaders Training-WLT at Kathmandu where 20 young girls from different parts of Nepal were educated directly. The girls were really excited to learn about the sanctity and beautify of a human life. They really celebrated the value of their life but later when they learned about the devaluation of a human life (Abortion) they dropped the tears from their eyes. The presentation made them to repent and resolute for new steps. Finally, they were given Life bags containing of DVD, Books and brochures published by Gabriel International-GI.
VOF news: April 23, 2016 Saturday Kathmandu: VOF Nepal Christian nurses as a life-giver –Pro-life Presentation was given an opportunity by the Christian Nurses Fellowship (CNF) to address the issue of life among 20+ nurses serving in different hospital and nursing institution in Kathmandu. The session was opened with the short devotion on the Sanctity of Human Life by Mahima Bantawa. After the devotion, the participants were asked by Dr. Samundra Rana to express their thought and opinion on the issue of abortion. Most of the participant expressed their curiosities on situational abortion (in the case of child’s deformity, mother’s life at risk, pregnancy caused by rape and incest and so on). Finally, Soman Rai (Elisha) addressed all those curiosities by emphasizing the message of the devotion that ‘every human life is sacreduniquely created by God, very precious, worth to be saved whether they are born or pre-born, formed or deformed, wanted or unwanted’. He also made the participants to discuss on the significant question ‘when does life begin? Is it religious question or scientific question? Consequently, All agreed that Life begins at conception(fertilization) and it is a scientific fact not a religious fact– and same time they also discussed about the Emergency Contraceptive Pills(ECP) (I-Pill, e-con, 72Max, 72-unwanted) -and came to the conclusion that ECP, IUD, Norplant also cause abortion –by disturbing the implantation of Zygote on the wall of Uterus. Soman Rai encouraged the participants and defined them that ‘every medical professional as Life-giver’ –they must speak and stand for life in every situation -he also confirmed it with his own experience and life-giving alternatives. Finally, they were also given some useful Life-giving materials Like Pro-life DVDs, Books like Why Prolife?, Therefore Choose Life and small sized foetal models and some brochures too.
CHURCH LEADERS TRAINING (CLT), FOLLOW UP MEETING\TRAINING: VOF News: On last February 2-5, 2015 CLT on the Sanctity of human life was happened in Kathmandu in which 73 church leaders were participated from different church denominations of Nepal. Since, the participants had found the training quite effective and very urgent to address and apply to their own life, family and church and community they had made a plan in ‘Next steps?’ session. After the CLT there was a need to get feedbacks, information and to remain updated on how the participants have been utilizing the materials and things learnt from that training VOF organized a CLT-Follow up Meeting\training on June 3, 2016 at Changed Life Fellowship’s hall in Kathmandu.
Therefore Choose life training among the 46 couples in Nekap Kathmandu
VOF News: June 10, 2016 Friday Kathmandu: VOF Nepal presented teaching on the Sanctity of human life and the reality of abortion among the 46 couples from different churches of west part of Kathmandu. The session was started with the topic of God’s design for marriage and couple from the story of Adam and Eve and reproductive blessing (Gen.1:28). The training was happened whole day and it was well arranged by the women committee of society. The teaching was seriously taken by the participants and many of them had a time to indentify and realise their past wrong decision and had time to repent and ask for forgiveness and healing. Some of them were sharing about the bitter experiences of gender based abortion. Many of them shared their good feelings and relief after the presentation.
Life-giving Presentation among the Local women group VOF News: June 24, 2016 Friday Kathmandu: VOF Nepal did a training among the 30+ local women of Mulpani Kathamndu. They were informed about the value of a human life and a woman or mother, reproduction, fetal development and abortion methods and its complications. All of them were reacting that they were listening the information for the first time in their life. So , many of them were regretted for the decision that they had made in their past . It was very unsuitable to tell about the forgiveness and healing since they were all Hindu but indirectly we mentioned about it . They were all thankful to VOF Nepal.
Voice for the voiceless Training in Gokarna Kathmandu On last 14th May. 2016 the VOF team facilitated ‘Voice for the voiceless’ training among the 70 local women in Gokarna, Kathmandu. The training was happened in the Hall of Bridge of hope –BOH tuition center. Mariyam Shrestha the trainee from K&K International Collage assisted Soman Rai to instruct\facilitate the training. There were some women in the program who really struggled to accept their own value and beauty. Their heart was hardened to accept their own truth about themselves but the program facilitated them to accept who they really are. There were some women in the training who made comment that it is very hard and tough job to be a mother but later they really enjoyed and celebrated motherliness. Consequently, the women became able to be in love with themselves and the life developing in their womb and to hate the inhumane procedures of abortion. In fact, the program was creating positive attitude towards womanhood, life in womb, motherliness and off-course about the Most high GOD- Jesus Christ and church and Christianity. One of the women admitted that she felt very sorry about her past wrong decision of abortion. Now, she wants to aware others about it. Sitting, talking and eating snacks together with other Christian women were the beauty and highlight of the training. Praise God! At the end of program the women’s hearts were mild to receive prayer prayed by instructor from front. The instructor even invited them to attend local churches around them.
Progress: On June 7, 2016: The ground or land was broken with prayer On 8 June, 2016: The engineer did layout of the ground 0n 9 June onwards: The Earthwork, reinforcement works, brick soling are in final stage Challenges: The heavy rainfall is disturbing our work Transportation is one of the big challenges due to rain Neighbours disturbing due to farming Prayers: Please pray for the strength and courage for our labourers Please pray for the smoothness in the work Please pray for the needs to complete the construction
FUNDING Special thanksgiving and prayer points:
Lets Praise and thank God for His great guidance and help during the presentation in different colleges and schools and seminaries.
Lets thank God that He made us able to start the Compassion Maternity Home Building project.
Now, please pray for the needs to be provided on time to complete the CMH building
Please pray for the students and faculty members who attended the presentation throughout the month of May and June first week so that they can be a Life-giver in their family and community.
Please pray for the moms and babies of Compassion Maternity home who are now living in different organizations because the CMH has closed for some times.
Please pray for our up-coming trainings and trips for CLTs and VFVs and TCLs
Please pray for our fund raising programs. May God help churches and individuals to open their heart and hand to invest for CMH
First of all, VOF believes in vision, then in provision. We are always committed to fulfil the vision from God, but it won’t be possible unless someone wish to support the vision from God with their cheerful heart and hand. So, please open your heart and hand to support this LIFEGIVING work. VOF receives any kind of grant you wish to send: prayer, financial, commodity, volunteers, technical, etc. Thank you.
Banking Details: Account No.: 00602676670017 Account holder: Voice of Fetus, Nepal. Bank name and add: Himalayan Bank Ltd. Patan Branch, Lalitpur, Nepal. Swift code: HIMANPKA
For further information: Voice of Fetus, Nepal GPO 8975 EPC: 2194, Katmandu, Nepal. Email: voiceofetus.np@gmail.com Contact: +977-9841651569 Website: www.vofnepal.org
Thank you!