Rev. Douglas W. Merkey CFL President	Reverend Douglas W. Merkey - President Brief bio & experience in the life arena: Just months after I was converted to Christ, I was confronted with the spiritual conflict over the sanctity of human life. It happened when I was suddenly called upon to help a single friend struggle through an unplanned pregnancy. About four years later (1995) during my first year in seminary, God began to show me more about the depth of the spiritual conflict over life. It was in that year that a friend invited me to join him in prayer on the sidewalk in front of an abortion clinic. Terrified as I was at that prospect, I went with him and while there was stricken by two unforgettable things: (1) the unmasked reality of men and women walking into a building to pay to have their children killed, and (2) the conspicuous absence of the church at that location to graciously reach out to those men and women directly and their unborn baby indirectly.  Since 1995, God has taken me on an amazing journey of theological and practical training as a leader in the life arena. As an ordained pastor, I am most grateful that He has grown me to understand how the gospel of Jesus Christ directly relates to the content and conduct of Christians in the battle for the sanctity of human life. Becoming President and Founder of Churches for Life is the culmination to date of all that God has taught me about radiating His heart and mind in the battle for life. To see the details of His “training program” – that is, my ministry and vocational experience - please click here.  Contact Doug at doug@getintolife.org.
Carol Fouse CFL Ministry Assistant	Carol Fouse - Ministry Assistant Brief Bio: Carol and her husband Jeff have been married for 35 years and have three children and five grandchildren. Carol has worked in both private and public schools for over twenty years. She and her husband have been active members of Chatham Bible Church in Hazelwood for 27 years, serving in many capacities. Both Carol and Jeff are originally from Ohio but along the way have also lived in Houston and Austin, Texas. Experience in the life area: I believe that God has called each of us to speak boldly about life issues “as we are going” through life. God has given me many opportunities to speak His truth to adults and children as well as the opportunity to work behind the scenes to support life issues. Recently, I began attending a Sunday School class at Chatham Bible Church coordinated by our Life Team which has highlighted many areas concerning life. From that experience, I have felt compelled to become more active in the life arena.    Why serve through Churches for Life?   As I was praying for God’s direction in my life, I became aware of the opportunity to become the Ministry Assistant for Churches for Life. I count it a privilege to be a part of this gospel-centered, life affirming ministry. I pray that through the support of Churches for Life, many churches and individuals who may now be silent, will use their voices to impact our world for Christ and for life.