For the past 12 years, I have been in a small group of Christian CEOs that can best be described as a mastermind group. One of our newest members is my longtime friend Ben Ferrell, owner of BMCFerrell in Tulsa.
Ben is a generous, positive, active guy. I wasn’t surprised when I found out he is raising money for unborn babies by participating with his son, Parker, in the Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon in San Diego on June 2, to benefit Just One Life, the charity in Israel that works with pregnant Jewish women to help them have and keep their babies, as opposed to terminating their pregnancy. This organization has helped to save more than 13,000 babies in Israel.
Not only is Ben participating to raise $10,000, but he’s doing it to celebrate his 60th birthday on June 18.
This week, I’m on vacation in the north Georgia mountains. What better way to quickly write a Strang Report than to help my friend and a good cause? It’s also a way to publicly say happy birthday to Ben. So please give generously, as I have, and share this with others through social media.
(For those who know me well, you’ll recognize that Ferrell is my wife Joy’s maiden name. Ben is not related as far as we know, although we suspect if we look hard enough, there’s a connection somewhere back in North Carolina.)
Here is more information in Ben’s own words and how to give. I have no connection other than helping a friend save the lives of unborn in Israel:
You Are Invited to My 60th Birthday Celebration
Dear Friend,
My wife, Kelly, asked me what I wanted for my 60th birthday, June 18. She offered me something BIG! I said, naw, I don’t need nuthin’.
But if I can do something challenging that can help someone else, then that will be a good birthday. So I decided to join some friends of mine whose charity in Israel, Just One Life, is putting a team together to run the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon-Half Marathon. My son, Parker, decided to run it, too! Now, we want to invite you to the party!
It is shocking, but Israel has one of the highest abortion rates in the world. Every day, in a crisis of distress, an expectant Jewish mother decides to terminate her pregnancy. Already stretched to her limit economically and psychologically, she fears the future. Women with medically at-risk pregnancies face difficult decisions as well.
Just One Life offers another option. By offering expectant mothers a helping hand to guide them through the months of pregnancy and beyond, Just One Life enables and empowers mothers to have the children they so desire. It provides each family financial support to help them through their crisis. To date, they celebrate the birth of 13,000 babies. Take a look at its website.
Because I am so grateful for my 60 years of life, I have decided to celebrate my 60th birthday by running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon to help raise much needed funds. By the time of the race on June 2, Parker and I intend to raise $10,800.00. On average, it costs Just One Life $1,800 to support a pregnant Jewish woman in Israel through this process. For my birthday, I want to challenge you to sponsor One Life for a tax-deductible donation of $1,800 (or as much as you can). I’ll do the leg work.
Just think, there will be a Jewish child on the earth because of what we did together! Wow!
As an example, here is recent case in which JOL is involved:
Miri, 25, is in the eighth week of a third pregnancy and considering abortion due in part to the couple’s current financial stress. The couple has two children, ages 5 and 2. Until five months ago, both Miri and Shimon were employed, each earning minimum salaries. They managed to support their family and did not need to turn to anyone for assistance.
Miri was laid off from her job due to cutbacks. Shortly thereafter, she learned that she was pregnant. Even though the couple had planned to have another child, the timing of this pregnancy was a cause for distress. The thought of managing on one small salary for the next year was daunting. These thoughts led them to consider ending the pregnancy. They were confronted with an overwhelming decision. The thought of an abortion was inconsistent with their traditional values. Yet they felt they had no other choice.
The social worker in the women’s health clinic was aware of their dilemma and referred them to Just One Life. With the offer of ongoing support, both emotional and financial, the couple was able to reframe the issue and make a decision to continue the pregnancy. Their joy and relief were palpable.
Just think, you and I can help bring a Jewish baby (one of God’s chosen) into this world … and he/she will be my birthday present! (What if it was another “Moses”? Remember in the Bible, he was given up by his Jewish mother due to political pressures.)
Remember God said whoever blesses Israel, He will bless.
The Team Just One Life website is easy to use, and making a donation will only take a minute, so please visit my personal web page today. Or send me a check, payable to Just One Life, to 5399 Oak Lake Lane, Tulsa, Okla., 74131. All gifts are tax deductible.
Please feel free to share this letter with anybody who you think might be interested in this worthy cause. Sincerely, with warm affection, your good old friend, Ben Ferrell.
Steve Strang is the founder and publisher of Charisma. Follow him on Twitter at @sstrang or Facebook (stephenestrang).
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