A doctor once told the mother of New England Patriots quarterback Tim Tebow, known for his public displays of Christian faith, that she needed to abort him.

Pam Tebow spoke Thursday night at Statesboro First Baptist Church about faith, her anti-abortion views and how her son was a miracle from God. Pam Tebow was the featured speaker for a fundraiser dinner to support Choices of the Heart, a pregnancy center ministry that helps "women in crisis, said Dustin Barr, who serves on the organization's board of directors.

The ministry focuses on the mother's needs, although "we are also very much concerned for the baby," he said. "We're focused on helping the mothers through everything."

Before Tebow spoke, board Chairwoman Karen Murphree said the ministry provides free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting classes, and other services. It is on South Zetterower Avenue.

Tebow, a University of Florida graduate, was on a mission with her husband in the Philippines when she became pregnant with Tim. She contracted amoebic dysentery, one of the leading causes of death in that country. She said her doctor advised her to have an abortion, saying her baby was a tumor, a "mass of fetal tissue."

In spite of heavy bleeding and other complications, Tebow refused to abort and Tim, although weak and health-challenged, was born and survived.

"God preserved that little baby inside me," and the doctor later told her, "This is a miracle baby," she said. She prayed for strength and growth, and little Tim Tebow developed into a strong young man who is now a noted football celebrity.

Pam Tebow spoke about meeting several Statesboro residents who shared what she called "God stories" with her.

"God stories are those that cannot be explained outside of the power of God," she said, adding that her son's story is an example.

Tim Tebow is known for his public displays of faith during football games, including going down on one knee to pray before games and after touchdowns — a gesture some call "Tebowing" — as well as painting Bible verses, particularly "John 3:16" in the eye black underneath his eyes. She said after one television commercial during the Super Bowl, more than 94,000 people performed a Google search regarding the Scripture.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.