Not "Unwanted."

"I prefer using the word, surprise. Once you see that baby, everything changes." -- Brad Lindemann

Brad Lindemann shares his stories of God's goodness at Greene County Right to Life.

Linton, IN - Pro-life author and speaker Brad Lindemann served as keynote speaker at the Greene County Right to Life banquet on Saturday, October 17. 

Greene County Right to Life celebrates another year of service

Monday, October 19, 2015
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer

Brad Lindemann, the key note speaker for Greene County Right to Life's annual dinner, shared inspirational stories from his own family on Saturday evening.

With a video, Indiana Governor Mike Pence shared a few thoughts at the annual Greene County Right to Life Pro-Life Dinner Saturday evening at Linton's Knights of Columbus Hall.
In his brief remarks, Gov. Pence noted that he was committed to sanctify life. He said it is appalling and chilling when the truth of abortions is told.

"It is heartbreaking, devastating for women and tears families apart," Pence added.

Speaking to Right to Life advocates, Pence said, "Thank you for committing to protect children -unborn children."

The key note speaker Brad Lindemann, who is a member of the board of directors for Indianapolis-based Life Centers, an organization that counsels and supports women to keep their babies or place them for adoption, began his talk by agreeing with Gov. Pence.

"Aren't we proud to have a pro-life governor?" Lindemann asked.

Continuing with his message, Lindemann shared several experiences with surprise pregnancies in his own family and the choices that were made. Abortion was never an option.

Lindemann noted he didn't like the words unwanted or crisis.

"I prefer using the word, surprise," he said. "Once you see that baby, everything changes."

His first surprise was when his girlfriend told him she thought she was pregnant while both of them were in college.

"This can't be," said one of my friends. "Your life is in front of you."

Lindemann said he would never forget that week of prayer and the Bible verse came to him from Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.

No matter what happened, he knew they would keep the baby. As it turned out, she wasn't pregnant, and they did marry later and are the parents of five children.

Another surprise happened after he and his wife were parents of four children and he was starting a new business. His wife (without consulting him) promised to adopt the child her 14-year-old sister was expecting.

He didn't want to do it, and he said there was war in their house for three days.

"A friend and I talked, and I thought of a thousand reasons why we shouldn't adopt," noted Lindemann.

After praying with his friend that his wife would come to her senses, a peace came to him about the adoption.

"There were two for the adoption, God and my wife," Lindemann said.

Lindemann then shared the devastation he felt when his 15-year-old son's girlfriend was expecting a baby and how difficult it was to hand the baby to its adoptive parents.

He said he and his wife were surprised again when on the way to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, they learned that their unmarried daughter was pregnant.

Even though his daughter had health problems, Lindemann said she never felt better than during her pregnancy, and now has a lovely daughter.

(Photo)
Trina Estes sang inspirational songs at the annual dinner to celebrate another year of service by Greene County Right to Life.
(Photo by Shad Cox)
Since Roe vs. Wade, Lindemann said adoptions have dropped from nine percent to one percent.
He added that is why support is needed for pro-life organizations.

"We have to save every life we can," said Lindemann.

In closing, Lindemann spoke to women in the audience and told them if they have had an abortion not to feel guilty and beat themselves up forever.

"You can be forgiven," noted Lindemann.

He used the example of Christ, while on the cross, asking his Father to forgive those who were crucifying him.

Music for the program was provided by Trina Estes who sang several inspirational songs.

Michelle Brown, director of development for Pregnancy Choices in Linton, reported that they have several clients, including two young girls, who were thinking of abortion until they viewed the ultra-sound.

Brown said two youth ministers are visiting Greene County schools and teaching abstinence but another is needed to mentor at the Eastern School.

Pregnancy Choices is also providing a new parenting class for 15 to 19 year old girls, and a man's parenting class is being taught by John Correll.

In another update, Brown reported that Shaye Place is training for the nurse position.

Brown added that they are always looking for donations, volunteers, mentors and board members.

Food was prepared by Catered Affairs. Richard Anderson was master of ceremonies.

If you would like to join Greene County Right to Life, be added to the mailing list or receive more information about the organization, write Greene County Right to Life, PO Box 133, Bloomfield, IN 47424 or call 912-394-4244.

Joyce Thomas is director of Greene County Right to Life.