Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The verse that greets visitors on the homepage of ChooseLifeUSA.org, the website for Choose Life Ministries (CLM), is "Oh that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live!" (Deuteronomy 30:19). This organization is dedicated to promoting the pro-life message and defending the rights of the unborn across the United States. "Our call is to the church. If we are going to see real change, it is not going to come through Washington, D.C.," the website states. "It is going to come through the local church becoming unified on what God's Word says about life--using the Word of God to counteract the lies." CLM is led by Doug and Joli Cullen, who spread their message through social media, newsletters and their website. Their most significant impact, however, comes from traveling to local churches. They began sharing the message of the "Sanctity of Human Life" across America in 2005. Since then, they have spoken in over 1,400 churches in 34 states. Through their website, the Cullens have expressed their desire to visit more churches, offering to address all age groups, including women's and men's ministry groups, as well as children and youth groups, and even during special events. Joli has also delivered gospel messages to children during fall festivals and Easter celebrations. While CLM believes that grassroots efforts can begin at churches, they recognize the importance of other outreach opportunities. "We also speak to school groups, pregnancy care center events, campgrounds, nursing homes, homeless shelters, homes for troubled youth and also engage in prison ministries," the website reads. Essentially, wherever there is ministry work typical of churches, CLM aims to be involved. The organization is willing to travel anywhere in the United States to advance the pro-life message. Those interested in having CLM participate in an upcoming event can reach out through their website, by calling (606) 269-3099, or by emailing dougcullen62422@gmail.com. Donations are also accepted via the website. Additionally, CLM can be found on both Facebook and YouTube.