[JAN. 25, 2001]  Starting Sunday, Jan. 21, with Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Christians across the nation have been celebrating "Sanctity of Life Week." In Lincoln there will be a special presentation Friday evening by nationally known Gianna Jessin. Ms. Jessin speaks from the heart about her life, which was not intended to be by her biological mother.

A pro-life advocate and musician, Gianna Jessin will be appearing at the Lincoln Community High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Jan. 26. The evening will include music, testimony and an opportunity to ask questions about Gianna’s testimony and the pro-life movement. For tickets, call (217) 732-6722.

A survivor of an unsuccessful saline abortion, Gianna Jessen is a talented young woman with a powerful testimony.

Aborted in the third trimester of her teenage biological mother's pregnancy, Gianna weighed a mere 2 pounds at birth. Her critical condition caused her to spend the first several months of her life in a Southern California hospital.

Gianna was eventually placed in foster care and soon diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Doctors believed that Gianna would never be able to sit up independently, and chances of her ever walking or crawling were as dim. However, by the grace of God, faithful prayers, and consistent love of a dedicated foster mother and family, Gianna proved the doctors wrong.

Gianna persevered through endless physical therapy sessions and after a delicate surgery at age 3½, Gianna, for the first time, walked with the aid of a walker and light leg braces. Two months later, Gianna was legally released for adoption and another miracle took place. She was adopted by Diana DePaul, daughter of her foster mother. Thus, Gianna was permitted to remain in her longtime family and Penny, Gianna's foster mother, now became Gianna's legal grandmother.

With love and attention, Gianna's physical condition improved, and now, after four delicate operations, Gianna walks and runs without leg braces or assistance and enjoys an active life.

Gianna's passion is music, and she has been gifted with a beautiful voice. She has written and recorded an independent album entitled "In the Waiting," and her music is a welcomed part of her ministry to audiences nationwide and internationally. Gianna has been working with renown guitarist and occasional producer Phil Keaggy on her newest album.

Gianna has a desire to reach young people. By combining humor and honesty, she challenges them with issues like sexual abstinence, forgiveness, courage, perseverance, faith and obedience to Christ.

Gianna has appeared on local and national television including "The 700 Club," "The Maury Povich Show," "A Closer Look/Faith Daniels" and various news and cable programs. She has been featured on the "Focus on the Family" broadcasts, "Family News in Focus," "G. Gordon Liddy Show" and other major radio programs. Gianna's story has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, The San Diego Union and other major print media in the United States and internationally.

This is one of Gianna's favorite quotes:

[News release]

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