Al and Lisa Robertson of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” are scheduled to speak in Tyler on March 4, 2016, as part of a fundraiser for the Tyler-based nonprofit CARE. Courtesy

Al and Lisa Robertson of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” are scheduled to speak in Tyler Friday as part of a fundraiser for the Tyler-based nonprofit CARE.

CARE, which stands for Christ-centered Abortion Recovery and Education, ministers to post-abortive men and women and selected the Robertsons because of some of their life experiences.

The couple’s new book, entitled “A New Season: A Robertson Family Love Story of Brokenness and Redemption,” chronicles some of the challenges the couple has been through together and individually.

Mrs. Robertson had an abortion as a young woman and shares that in the book. In addition the couple has dealt with infidelity and deceit, yet overcome this to create a strong marriage today, according to the book.

Avara Mahler, who is CARE’s event coordinator and board secretary, said she wanted speakers who would appeal to men and women and thought the “Duck Dynasty” couple would be a good choice.

The couple will speak about life, marriage and how to overcome the deep hurts and pains in relationships, Ms. Mahler said.

Robertson is the oldest son of Phil and Kay Robertson and is brother to Jase, Willie and Jep.

Often referred to as the “beardless brother,” he and Mrs. Robertson have two daughters, Anna and Alex, according to the A&E website.

This is CARE’s third annual fundraiser and with it the organization hopes to increase its exposure in the community.

CARE dates back to 2008 when founder Dr. Grace English and Barbara Bobo started a Bible study for women who had had abortions. In 2010, they named the ministry, and, in 2011, it received its nonprofit status.

As part of its ministry, the nonprofit offers an eight-week Bible study for women and men separately and periodic weekend retreats with a Bible study.

Since its inception, more than 300 women and four men have participated in the programs.

CARE representatives also are open and available to speak at events in the community.

In the past, representatives have spoken and provided training in abortion recovery in East Asia and in Jamaica.

The money raised through this fundraiser will help support the work of the ministry.

Ms. Mahler said few people realize the aftereffects of having an abortion – things such as guilt, shame, and physical and emotional problems that can accompany the experience for so many women and men.

At CARE, they are trying to create a safe place where people can share what happened, what led them to make the choice to have an abortion and how they can heal and move on with life afterward, Ms. Mahler said.

“We just want it to be a conversation within the church community,” she said.

 

Twitter: @TMTEmily

 

If you go

Who: CARE, Christ-centered Abortion Recovery and Education

What: An Evening with Al & Lisa Robertson from A&E’s “Duck Dynasty”

When: 7 p.m. March 4

Where: Green Acres’ CrossWalk Conference Center, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler

Why: To raise money for CARE

How: Tickets cost $20. Purchase online at www.careabortionrecovery.com by Monday. Sponsorships are available starting at $250.