Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians

to champion human life at every stage

PPL ENEWS

Introducing our Executive Director

September 2023

The Board of Directors of Presbyterians Protecting Life is thrilled to announce that on August 23rd, 2023 we unanimously approved the hiring of Carla van Eyk, BSN, RN as Executive Director with thanksgiving to God for leading us to her after an extensive search. Carla will assume her position on September 1st.

Carla shares the Board’s sense of God’s leading in bringing her to PPL. In her own words:

“I have been seeking the Lord’s direction for where to devote my service to issues which I have cared about for many years. Ever since I had a college roommate who had an unexpected pregnancy and I sought to dissuade her from the abortion, I have felt burdened to answer this hurting world with the hope-filled vision of Christ.”

The desire to do something to bring the hope of Christ to those hurting in the realm of life issues that was birthed in Carla during her college years has come to fruition throughout her life. It is easy to see God has equipped her in unique ways that fit perfectly with the mission of PPL. She became a trained counselor during the founding years of Central Indiana Crisis Pregnancy Centers (Life Centers). Her conviction for chastity before marriage led her to train for teaching “Creating Positive Relationships” as an alternative to offer schools in her community. Carla also served as the health representative for her late mother when she became afflicted with meningitis-encephalitis and faced brain recovery over many months. That experience has led her to continue to advocate wholeheartedly for older adults and those with special needs. In addition, she has been equipped for abortion recovery ministry and suicide awareness. A very personal loss occurred for Carla’s family when a granddaughter, “Baby Tess” was diagnosed at 20 wks in utero with anencephaly. Though doctors advised abortion she was lovingly carried to term by Carla’s married daughter and surrounded in prayer. Though Baby Tess was stillborn, the whole family valued her life, in all stages of development. Because of this loss Carla has a great compassion for women and families experiencing miscarriage, and stillbirth, or any loss of a child.

Carla has been married to Hans for 38 years. She and Hans are parents of three adult children and have 7 grandchildren (two of whom are in heaven). Carla is an active member of Christ Community Church of Carmel, Indiana (PCA). She hopes to provide encouragement and education management for churches and their leaders by building the network of PPL life teams. Drawing on her advocacy as a Public Health Nurse and an AP Anatomy/Physiology lecturer including topics on bioethics, abortion, and her role in diligently managing three children in home school through high school graduation, Carla is eager to begin equipping Presbyterians to become champions of human life at every stage!

September is Suicide Awareness Month

El Roi: The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16; 21:8-21)

By Deborah Hollifield

“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Prov. 18:14)

For a tragedy that touches everyone, the church is awkwardly silent when it comes to the matter of suicide. Thankfully, Scripture has many examples of the struggle common to all humans from time-to-time, regardless of their depth of faith.

The Old Testament records the “shame in defeat” suicides of King Saul and his armor bearer, in order to avoid capture (I Samuel 31) and King Abimelech and his armor bearer, to avoid being killed by a woman (Judges 9). Zimri, King of Israel only a week before being ousted by a coup, perished in his burning palace (I Kings 16:19).

Jonah is an example of an unsuccessful suicide, when he took the blame for his ship’s peril on the sea, and then tried to sacrifice himself by going overboard to save the ship (Jonah 1:12). Later, in a funk of anger sourced in resentment, he wished for death in Nineveh (Jonah 4:8)

The only suicide in the New Testament is Judas, in apparent remorse, (Matthew 27:3)

The Bible does not say that someone who commits suicide cannot go to heaven (note that this is Protestant teaching, which does not include the Catholic teaching of the necessity of last rites). The taking of a life – even one’s own – is the murder of a human being, which life we have no right to end. But for Christ-followers - whose rash act born out of unreasoning emotion or the pit of despair leaves no opportunity for confession – in this sinful act, as in all our sinful acts,

“... we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).

There are far more accounts of saints who wished for death, but instead, chose life:

Moses, who despaired of the burden of momentarily failed leadership (Numbers 11:14-15); Job, after the severe trial of losing his wealth and family (Job 3:11); an exhausted and harassed Elijah collapsed under a broom tree and wished for death (I Kings 19:4). Rebekkah wanted to die because of family conflict, (Gen 27:46; 28:5); David despaired of the future. Even Paul, one who had met Jesus face-to-face, who was once taken up into Heaven, who had experienced Divine rescue and performed miracles himself, was momentarily overwhelmed by his trials and “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

The myriad reasons for loss of hope involve focusing on feelings of pride, anger and fear, rather than on the promises of God. Believing the lies of the heart, rather than God’s truth, can turn some toward suicide.

Take heart, Believer! Our times are in God’s hands! (Psalm 31:15)

Five things to let go of:

- - - - Fear of the future (Matthew 6:34)
        The desire to control (Jeremiah 29:11)
        The pain of regret (I John 1:9)
        Shame from your past (2 Corinthians 5:17)
        Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Credit Craig Groeshel

PPL HAS MANY RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIANS ABOUT SUICIDE

Visit SUICIDE/ppl.org

PPL Recommends. . .

Hope Always

“A much-needed manual for all who attempt to counsel
troubled souls battling despair.”
—Bob Russell, Retired Senior Pastor, Southeast Christian Church

Every single day, someone you know is thinking about committing suicide. It isn’t just one or two—ten million Americans will consider killing themselves in the upcoming year. Dr. Matthew Sleeth believes Christians—and our churches—should be the first to offer hope. Are we prepared to do so?

As a physician and minister, Dr. Sleeth shares his personal and professional experiences with depression and suicide, challenging Christians to become part of the solution. With sound medical principles finding their rightful place beside timeless biblical wisdom, Hope Always offers the practical and spiritual tools that individuals, families, and churches need to help loved ones who are struggling.

What does the Bible say about suicide? • Denison Forum

APRIL 22, 2022 - JIM DENISON, PHD

Wrestling with depression or anxiety? Know that God has a plan for your life. Discover more in both audio and text versions of “What does the Bible say about suicide?”

Mark your Calendar!

Presbyterians Protecting Life is participating in FaithfulGive on October 15-17. Lancaster (PA) now has a secure, online, momentum-building, community giving opportunity that aligns with Christian values. Giving is a demonstration of joy and a conduit for sharing God’s blessing with others. Look for volunteer opportunities, prayer requests, and mission-aligned organizations! Mark your calendars to stretch your gift and help PPL earn great cash prizes at FaithfulGive.org.

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