California Family Minute

January 19, 2011

There is One Call, with Many Faces

by Rebecca Burgoyne, 
CFC Research Analyst

The image of a face can evoke many emotions. Pro-life advocates long have known the stirring value of a smiling baby – and now the seemingly miraculous ultrasound insights into the womb reveal even younger faces. 

The pro-life cause gains the spotlight this month, and many Christians will focus on the issues of the preborn in memory of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision to legalize abortion. Focus on the Family encourages Christians and churches to cast a wider vision net.  Partnering with a wide range of ministries, they are co-sponsoring the Life and Justice Conference this weekend. 

Behind the theme One Call – Many Faces, the conference will help you discover how to be a voice for the sanctity of life – whether your passion is the preborn, orphans, human trafficking, those with special needs, genocide, or the elderly. All fall under the heading of life – with many faces. All humans bear the image of God and deserve to be honored and respected.

A generation ago, Francis Schaeffer popularized the saying, “the mark of a Christian,” that mark being a strong devotion to sacrifice and service, prompting the world to take note. Indeed, because all men bear the image of God, they are worthy of love – even the seemingly unworthy. 

Early Christianity emerged in part due to the sacrificial love of its believers, who – when plague caused citizens to flee their cities – remained behind to care for the sick and dying, often succumbing to the dreaded disease. These men and women certainly bore the mark of a Christian. 

Today, there is resurgence in the Church’s commitment to sacrifice and service. Younger believers, especially, are motivated to act out their faith in hands-on ways. They are not willing to simply make a monetary donation, but as they exclaim, “Prove it!” to the Church’s leaders, they are also committed to “proving their faith” by their service. 

While the conference will be held in Colorado Springs Saturday, January 22, an online simulcast will be offered, as will a podcast after the event. For more information, visit www.lifeandjusticeconference.org. Make plans now to be encouraged, to take on a broader view of life issues, and to become equipped to show the love of Christ – and the true face of Christianity – to a lost and hurting world.