ALBUQUERQUE, NM (ANS) -- Every day in Israel, in a moment of panic and distress, an expectant mother in crisis decides to terminate her pregnancy.

Already stretched to her limit economically and psychologically, she fears the future. Distraught and conflicted, pushed to the brink, she sees no other way out. Women with medically at-risk pregnancies face difficult decisions as well.

Just One Life (www.teamjustonelife.org ) offers another option. Just One Life offers 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. They provide each family financial support to help them through their crisis.

Birga and Bob Alden photographed two weeks ago at the Albuquerqe International Balloon Fiesta.  (Submitted Photo).

Birga Alden is a radio personality who hosts the Morning Show on AM730 KDAZ in Albuquerque, NM, and has been working for the station for almost 6 years. I met Birga on her first trip to Israel with the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) Press tour in October, 2009.

She is excited to return to the Holy Land, not as a journalist this time, but to run in a charity race for Just One Life -- and this time she’s going to Israel to run alongside her husband, Bob, who is the real runner in the family.

“I enjoy getting to meet and learn about a wide range of people by way of interview. I have been privileged to speak with hundreds (possibly thousands?) of individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) about news, politics, community projects and ministry opportunities,” she told ASSIST News.

Recently, the station manager, Annette Garcia, was at a pro-Israel function in Colorado and spoke in depth with the Director of Team Just One Life, Rabbi Pesach Sommer.

“They talked about our ministry (Son Broadcasting) involvement with JOL in the past. He brought up the races to her, and she felt strongly that I should be involved. When she approached me with the idea, I said I would be excited to go, but it was really my husband who is that avid runner who I wanted to be there. He (my husband Bob) has never been to Israel, and it was my dream that we could return together one day. Annette spoke again with Rabbi Pesach, and he was in agreement that we go, and do the race together,” Alden said.

Now Birga and her husband Bob will take part in a charity race around the shores of Lake Galilee in Israel.

“I have never run a marathon before, by my husband has. He ran the Duke City Marathon in 2010. He had an extensive foot surgery earlier this year for a neuroma and hammer toe problem, and is just now starting to get back into long distance running. Because of the quick onset of this trip (I think it's in 10 weeks), we have decided to do the 10K rather than the marathon, as I don't think we would be ready,” she said.

Alden said that just having learned of this opportunity within the last few days, she I hasn't as yet been doing much training.

“In general, I try to get out for walks as often as I can. Saturdays usually allow me the time to spend more time outside. Today, I completed a 20K walk in 3 hours and 49 seconds. I wish my children were more physically active with me, however, most of my exercise happens when they are in school, or before they get up in the morning.

“As for spiritual preparation, we have been praying about this regularly since we heard this trip would happen. We are asking the Lord to provide the necessary funding and an open door if this is of Him. If this isn't the right time for us to embark on such an adventure, we are praying that He would close the door in that regard,” Alden said.

She continued: “This run shows me once again how good the Lord has been to us. We are hard workers and always have all that we need, but international trips have always been out of our budget. The fact that the Lord would bless me with not just one, but now two (and with my husband!) trips to Israel blows my mind.

“This organization (Just One Life) is doing such an important work in Israel. According to their stats, one out of every 10 pregnancies in Israel is terminated. It's a hard number to swallow. If our being there to run, and raise funds can help save even just one life, then it's an exciting and important task. I know that there are countless ministries and organization to give to, so I ask only that my family and friends prayerfully consider if this is one of those areas where they could contribute some of their hard earned dollars.”

Alden says that she’s always so happy when the Lord chooses her to be part of anything that He is doing. “That He would select me to be woven into this story, at this time, is a gift that I will treasure.

“Bob is super excited and he loves being able to run together as a couple. Running in Israel will be one of the moments that he will remember for the rest of his life. He's pleased to be running for a good cause as well. There is a surreal element to the prospect of this race. He and I both have an eager anticipation about what will happen, but can't begin to imagine how it will actually feel to be standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee getting ready run where Jesus did much of His ministry.”

Alden added that her youngest (Sydney) says that she is a little bit sad that we her parents are leaving, but that she's happy for us. “Hannah is also happy were are going, but she wishes she was going with us. I still pray that there will be a day when the four of us can travel there together.”

Alden concluded by saying that ‘standing for life’ is a very important issue.

“Throughout time, Jews have been persecuted, enslaved, and slaughtered by the millions. It seems the attack on Jews, and the nation of Israel, comes in many shapes and sizes. Now, the lie of ‘it's just a blob of tissue’ or, ‘life for you would be so much easier without a child’ seduces women who are overwhelmed with the prospect of becoming mothers. They have been brought to a place of desperation by their circumstances. To equip (financially) Just One Life to bring hope and healing to these women, is a great privilege,” she said.

“We are excited about the opportunity to race at the Sea of Galilee on behalf of Son Broadcasting. This is Bob's first time in Israel, and what a tremendous experience this will be!

“I became acquainted with Just One Life through the radio station, and we fully support the vision and mission of this organization. Would you please consider joining us as we strive to raise the funds that will be instrumental is helping bring babies safely into this world?” Please go to http://www.teamjustonelife.org/my/birgaandbob  to show your support.

Alden is not aware of any other journalists that are scheduled to be there, however, the invitation is open to all.

There are two other events planned by the organization besides the event at Tiberias in January. The second event will be in Jerusalem in March, 2013, and another event will be held in San Diego, CA in June.

Through Team Just One Life, you can run or walk a 10k, half-marathon or marathon while helping Just One Life.

Just One Life has helped thousands of women in crisis and today celebrates more than 13,000 babies born to expectant mothers in Israel.

Contact Rabbi Pesach Sommer, Director of Team Just One Life at rabbipesach@gmail.com  for more information.

** Michael Ireland is an Internet Journalist who has served as Chief Correspondent and Senior International Correspondent for ASSIST News Service ASSIST News Service. since 1998. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. Michael's writing ministry is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International. Michael frequently attends the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and Evangelical Press Association (EPA) conventions where he interviews high profile leaders of missions and ministries across the US and around the world. His stated mission for writing is 'Truth through Christian communication.' Please contact Michael for more information. Also, if you have a story idea for Michael, you may write to him at:Writer Mike