"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
In the last update we heard from a letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. This passage is from another one of Paul’s letters to an early Christian community, but this time instead of praising all they have done, Paul is trying to settle disputes in the troubled Christian community in Galatia. Members were disagreeing about whether or not they should still be following all of the old Jewish laws. Paul is trying to explain that Christ brought about freedom from the old ways when the Jewish people were in slavery. We too live in times where obeying laws is causing confusion and dissent. Laws created by man are attempting to coerce people into denying their religious beliefs. Specifically, there are many current threats to our religious liberty in areas directly affecting us as pro-lifers. To read about some of these threats: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/current-threats-to-religious-liberty.cfm. Hobby Lobby is awaiting a decision in the next week from the Supreme Court about whether or not they will be forced to provide abortion-inducing drug insurance coverage to their employees which violates their religious beliefs. As we near the celebration of America’s independence, it is a fitting time to remember that God is the author of our freedom and He demands that we “keep standing firm” against those who try to take that freedom away. In response to this demand, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling for a 3rd Fortnight for Freedom, June 21 – July 4, a two week time of prayer, fasting, and action for religious liberty. Even if you are not a Catholic, you are invited to join in unity for these two weeks, beginning this Saturday, and spend some extra time in prayer for our country, founded as one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice FOR ALL. To read more and find prayer resources for the Fortnight: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK Here are the vigil times for the remaining FOUR suburban abortion mills owned and operated by abortionist Vinod Goyal (also owns one in Chicago). Please let us know if there are any corrections: Downers Grove (Access Health, 1700 75th St.) - Mondays, 7:00 am – 8:30 am - Thursdays and Fridays, 7:00- 8:00 am - Saturdays, 5:30 am – 11:00 am Hinsdale (ACU, 736 N. York Rd.) - Tuesdays, 7:15 am – 8:30 am Glen Ellyn (Aanchor Medical, 186 Roosevelt Rd.) - Wednesdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 am - Saturdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 am Wood Dale (Advantage, 203 E. Irving Park Rd.) - Every 3rd Wednesday, 6:30 am – 8:30 am (Contact Frank: [email protected] ) - Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm with NorthWest Families for Life * Important: God is blessing our efforts, and so Illinois Choice Action Team (ICAT) has been sending escorts to Wood Dale to try to stop counselors from offering women a real choice. If you encounter these escorts, please be kind and courteous, but do not engage. Stay in prayer. - Fridays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm (Contact Sandy: [email protected] ) - Saturdays, contact Claudia: [email protected] News from the last three Thursday vigils at Advantage in Wood Dale: ** On Thursday, May 29, we estimate that FOUR children’s beating hearts were stopped. ** A couple in their early 20’s, Jose and Carla, were at the clinic to get the “Plan B” drug. They have a 1 year old at home and were worried that they might be pregnant again so soon. They listened as Laura explained that “Plan B” can kill a baby by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting. Laura also told them about CareNet, the nearby pregnancy resource center. Carla was very interested. You can read more about Plan B here: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/worlds-top-authority-on-morning-after-pill-says-women-must-be-told-it-may-c It is currently in debate, however, the key to consider is that its use is on the rise, because Plan B doesn’t get at the heart of the real problem - our culture’s casual view of the sacredness of sexual intimacy. ** On Thursday, June 5, we estimate that SEVEN women chose to end the fragile life that had been entrusted to their care. ** We met a man named Nate who was “just the driver” for a young woman in her 20’s. He has a child whom he is very proud of, but couldn’t make the connection that he is helping someone else kill their child. Laura even gave him the scenario that if he saw someone beating a child, he would stop it and Nate agreed. However, he said he “didn’t want to think about it” when Laura described what happens to a baby during an abortion. Please pray for Nate’s mind to be opened and the woman he brought to find healing. ** On Thursday, June 12, we estimate that FOUR babies’ lives were ended before they had barely begun. ** One couple in their late 20’s came out after the abortion and the woman looked devastated. When I approached her with a rose and a Project Rachel brochure, the man became extremely angry and yelled at me. The woman, though, was looking at me with such desperate eyes that I continued to hold out the information for her. This made the man even angrier and he threw a pop can at me. Don’t worry, I ducked, but sadly, the woman was not able to break free from his anger to reach out for the hope I was offering. One of our prayer warriors commented that this is a horrible form of abuse that men too often impose on women. Please pray that men will accept the role of protector of the family and women will find strength through God to resist this type of pressure. ** A beautiful young woman named Yulesis came to Advantage for an ultra-sound of her 8 week old baby. She came alone and told me that her husband had lost his job; she doesn’t work, so they don’t have any insurance. This is why her doctor at Alexian Brothers sent her to Advantage, because they offer reduced rate ultrasounds. We were shocked to hear that a doctor at a Catholic Hospital is referring patients to an abortion clinic. One of our group contacted Alexian. Yulesis began tearing up when I told her Advantage is an abortion clinic, but regained her smile when I offered her a pair of blue booties… I have a feeling it’s a boy and she told me that is what her husband, an engineer, is hoping for! Please pray for her husband to find work soon and for Yulesis to seek care from a doctor who respects life. She left with a hug and information for CareNet. Pray for These Wood Dale Employees - Nancy: Office manager and post-abortive woman - Dr. Goyal: owner and operator of Wood Dale and 3 other suburban and 1 Chicago abortion mill - *Marisela: Listed as “Medical Records,” She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring unsure women back in. - Eugene: Orderly/POC. We believe POC stands for “Product of Conception,” which is how abortion clinics refer to babies. This job may require him to reassemble the aborted babies’ precious bodies to make sure no parts were left inside the mother. - *Jocelyn: works behind the front desk. Started on May 22. - *Jessica: Newer employee, took over as cashier when Carmen quit. * Starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter. You can print a copy of the letter here:www.attwn.org/wp-content/themes/attwn-child/images/attwn-onepage-lightbackground.pdf.
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So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
Saul mercilessly persecuted the early Christians. He believed that he was justified in doing so. The Jewish Christians were acknowledging a man as the Messiah who had endured one of the most shameful type of deaths. It simply couldn’t be true, he thought. Saul believed this was heresy, based on all he had long been taught to believe, and that he needed to “right” this wrongful belief, sometimes by killing. However, God had great plans for Saul. He knocked him off his horse and blinded him. Then God sent Ananias who bravely went to Saul to help him regain his sight and send Saul, now Paul, on a path of spreading the Good News. There is a strong parallel between Saul and those who work at the abortion clinics. Many employees believe that what they are doing is right and indeed “helpful” to women. They have been told for a long time that this is a woman’s right. Many of the women who work in the clinics are post-abortive themselves and seek to justify their own “right” by helping others make the same choice they did. They are blind to the truth that abortion harms not only tiny innocent human children, but also the women and men involved in the abortion. They are blind to God’s plan for Life. They are also often blind to those of us who stand outside the clinic offering love and acceptance, never judgment. That is why we stand at the clinics. God sends us, like He sent Ananias, so that they may regain their sight and “be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Just like Saul, it is our prayer that these workers will become the strongest voices for LIFE! Please pray for the employees and abortionists. See below for news of employees quitting! News about Forest View’s Closure We have gotten results back from a FOIA report and also spoken to one of the former Forest View employees and found out the following: 1. Forest View will NOT be reopening as an abortion clinic. 2. The building is still owned by abortionist Vinod Goyal who will be remodeling and opening a cosmetic center called Apollo. They will provide services like laser hair removal, acne treatment, chemical peels, etc. 3. Carmen, the cashier from Forest View, has quit! Praise God! 4. Samantha, the employee who was one of the first to speak with us when we began praying at Forest View 4 years ago this month, has quit! Praise God! 5. Jessica, a newer employee whom I spoke to a few weeks ago at Wood Dale, would like to leave her job too. She has an Abby Johnson letter. Please pray for her specifically. 6. We do not have a definitive reason for Forest View’s closure; however, if it had been a profitable abortion clinic, Goyal would most likely not be going through the expense and trouble of changing it. Of course, there is one other possibility; could Dr. Goyal be hearing the call of God? All we know for certain is that no one is beyond God’s reach, just ask Saul. Pray! VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK With the closure of Forest View, the days and times of abortions, and therefore vigils, at some of Dr. Goyal’s 4 suburban clinics are changing. Here are the vigil times. Please let us know if there are any corrections: Downers Grove (Access Health, 1700 75th St.) - Mondays, 7:00 am – 8:30 am - Thursdays and Fridays, 7:00- 8:00 am - Saturdays, 5:30 am – 11:00 am Hinsdale (ACU, 736 N. York Rd.) - Tuesdays, 7:15 am – 8:30 am Glen Ellyn (Aanchor Medical, 186 Roosevelt Rd.) - Wednesdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 am - Saturdays, 8:00 am – 10:00 am Wood Dale (Advantage, 203 E. Irving Park Rd.) - Thursdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm with NorthWest Families for Life * Important: God is blessing our efforts, and so Illinois Choice Action Team (ICAT) has been sending escorts to Wood Dale to try to stop counselors from offering women a real choice. If you encounter these escorts, please be kind and courteous, but do not engage. Stay in prayer. - Fridays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm - Saturdays, TBD. We had interest in a Saturday Forest View vigil and will now be focusing on Wood Dale. If you already responded that you are interested in Saturday vigils, we will get back to you. If you are interested but have not yet responded, let us know! Thanks! News from the last threeThursday vigils: ** On Thursday, April 10, we estimate that EIGHT children were killed at Forest View Medical Center. ** This was just 2 days before Forest View officially closed its doors forever and God blessed us with one last save at Forest View! A young woman in her early 20’s, Leslie, came with her friend Josie for an RU486 abortion (read about this abortion-causing drug: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/ru486/). One of the sidewalk counselors, Anna Marie, offered her a free ultrasound and stressed that she should take more time to think about this crucial decision. Leslie still went into Forest View. However, Anna Marie had asked for her cell number and began texting her while she was inside. Hours later a tearful Leslie came out and said she didn’t go through with it! Glory be to God! Last we heard, Anna Marie was going to accompany her to the Women’s Center for an ultrasound. ** On Thursday, April 24, our first vigil at Wood Dale, we estimate that FOUR women chose to end the life of their own child. ** This is the day that I found out Samantha is quitting. She was outside and happily told me, “Two weeks!” explaining that she had given her two-weeks notice. I told her that God loves her and we’d be praying for her to find the right job. She gave me a big smile! ** On Thursday, May 1, we estimate that FOUR babies died at the hands of “doctor.” ** A family, mom, dad, and two children, arrived around 10:00. This is late for an abortion as most are in by 7:30 am. When I approached the mother, Paola, she was very open to talking to me. It turns out that she had no intention of aborting but was there for an ultrasound. We know that some of Dr. Goyal’s clinics are listed on the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield website and we are wondering if that is how Paola came to Wood Dale. Despite my urging to find a safe place for her and her baby, Paola went into the clinic, but not without a pair of pink booties and information about the nearby crisis pregnancy center, Care Net (www.carenetdupage.com/). Keep this family in your prayers. Pray for These Wood Dale Employees - Nancy: Office manager and post-abortive woman - Dr. Goyal: owner and operator of Wood Dale and 3 other suburban and 1 Chicago abortion mill - *Marisela: Listed as “Medical Records,” She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring unsure women back in. - *Lisette: “Health Educator,” sister of Samantha. We are not sure if Lisette will be quitting too! - Eugene: Orderly/POC. We believe POC stands for “Product of Conception,” which is how abortion clinics refer to babies. This job may require him to reassemble the aborted babies’ precious bodies to make sure no parts were left inside the mother. * starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter. You can print a copy of the letter here:www.attwn.org/wp-content/themes/attwn-child/images/attwn-onepage-lightbackground.pdf. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 1-4)
This is one of the most well-known Scripture passages and, yet, have you ever taken it piece by piece and really thought about what it means? The promises it holds? The images it creates? It seems to me that there are actually seven promises included in this passage: 1. “I shall not want.” When we think of this, we have to be careful to look at “want” vs. “need.” The verse does not promise to provide for our every need. However, it clearly explains that if you accept that God is in charge you will be free from the nagging “wants” that can distract us, like “wanting” wealth, new clothes, car, popularity, more time in the day, etc. We can rest in the idea that God has got me where He “wants” me. 2. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” This is one of my favorite images in this passage. Who doesn’t like the idea of lying in the cool, green grass relaxing? God can be this type of an oasis in your day. Sometimes it can be hard to carve out time to pray, but maybe instead of traditional prayer, take some time to just imagine God asking you to lie down in green pastures to rest, focus on Him, and soak up His goodness. Is God trying to “make” you lie down in peace right now? 3. “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Water is a source of life. So we can imagine God offering not only rest but also rejuvenation and refreshment. Look for where he is leading you to find that refreshment, in a prayer vigil, a Bible study, at the side of a friend in need. Take His lead. 4. “He restores my soul.” Why would a soul need to be restored? Sin. Sin is the scourge of the soul. Sin damages our souls. But God promises that He will indeed “restore” our soul, fill it with the shining light of the Holy Spirit when we come to Him with sorrow and repentance to seek His forgiveness. There is no sin too great, even the sin of abortion, which God will not forgive. The last three promises in the next update! UPDATE on SPECIAL PRAYER INTENTION The kidney transplant two weeks ago was a complete success! Maria and our dad Frank are both doing well. Maria even feels good enough to return to vigil this week! Thank you for all of the prayers for our family. We felt the Lord’s love and support flowing through you every step of the way. VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK Please the vigil schedule page for days of the week and times when faithful people will be praying outside of Chicago-land abortion facilities. Be especially aware that every day during the Lent 40 Days for Life (Saturdays and Sundays too!) you can join a vigil in Downers Grove, Aurora, and Wood Dale. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, March 6, we estimate that TWO babies died at Forest View Medical Center. ** Our counselor Dawn called out to two women on their way into the clinic and they came over to talk to her and were interested in the Women’s Center. However, as Dawn began walking with them towards the Women’s Center, one of them burst into tears sobbing telling Dawn that it was too late. She was only coming to Forest View today for a follow up appointment after her abortion. The woman said, “I wish you were here on that Saturday.” Dawn gave her a Project Rachel and invited her to come pray with us to help others. ** Some people have shown interest in being part of a Saturday vigil at Forest View. We will be contacting you soon if you responded because from the previous story we can so clearly see that God is calling us to minister on Saturdays. If you would like to be included in a meeting about Saturday vigils, please reply to this email. ** On Thursday, March 13, we estimate that NINE women succumbed to the lie that abortion is the only solution to their “problem” of pregnancy. ** One couple chose LIFE! Kaelynn (20ish) and Dominic (27) arrived at 7:45 am for an abortion. Dawn was there to greet them and let them know that it was not a safe place for them. Kaelynn told Dawn that Dominic did not want the abortion, but she didn’t feel financially ready for a baby. Dawn told her about all the help available and gently offered the option of adoption. Dominic was reluctant to go with them to the Women’s Center, but when Dawn called out, “We’re going to save your baby’s life!” he saw the light and joined them. After meeting with the WC counselor, they left smiling and kept hugging and thanking Dawn. Dawn said that the relief on Kaelynn’s face was unmistakable. Please pray for this young couple as they discern their options for this child. Praise God! Pray for These Forest View Employees - Nancy: Office manager and post-abortive woman - Dr. Goyal: owner and operator of Forest View and 4 other suburban and 1 Chicago abortion mill - Samantha: Was “just answering phones” as a way to make money for culinary school 3 years ago when we first met her. Now she has quit school and appears to be thoroughly invested in the business of abortion. Listed as a “Health Educator.” - *Carmen: New employee, cashier, Catholic. Has Women's Center and Project Rachel cards to give to women inside the clinic. Pray she will be inspired by the Spirit to hand them out. - *Marisela: Listed as “Medical Records,” She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring unsure women back in. - *Lisette: New employee as a “Health Educator,” sister of Samantha. * starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter. You can print a copy of the letter here: www.attwn.org/wp-content/themes/attwn-child/images/attwn-onepage-lightbackground.pdf. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom
his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 Peace on earth. This message of hope, proclaimed by angels to the shepherds on that night of Jesus’ birth, is, was, and always will be meant for each of us. When we strive to give glory to God in how we speak, act, and go about our day, we will find that peace. God’s favor rests on you this Christmas season and throughout the entire New Year. Feel the weight of that. God has created you, *chosen* you for a special purpose. Pray that all expectant mothers will feel God’s call to choose LIFE, especially at Christmastime when we celebrate the birth of Mary’s “unplanned pregnancy” – Jesus! Yes, God’s favor rests on you. Let it rest *in* you and your families as you celebrate Christmas. *Merry Christmas to all of you in the NWFL family!* News from the last two Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, December 12, we estimate that THREE women “chose” death for the babies in their wombs. ** One couple chose LIFE! Again it was through the teamwork of prayer warriors and a sidewalk counselor that a child was saved. The couple parked in the Forest View lot facing the sidewalk where Yvonne and Karen prayed and held signs offering free help and “No shame or judgment.” The couple sat in their car but were obviously made uncomfortable, so they drove around by the building with the Women’s Center in it. This was a real blessing, because now one of our 7:00 am sidewalk counselors could legally walk right up to the car, offer materials, and a shoulder to cry on. The young couple left smiling without ever entering the clinic! Glory to God! ** On Thursday, December 19, we estimate that SEVEN unrepeatable lives were lost. ** One mother brought her daughter to the clinic not for an abortion but to get a cyst removed. When I told her that the primary money-maker for this place is abortion, she was upset, but unfortunately, it was too late to go somewhere else. She told me that she appreciates what we are doing there. I told her we would pray for her daughter Taylor and she was grateful. **Another mother and daughter had a much more difficult day. The young teen was wiping away tears as she and her mother exited after the abortion. When I approached the car to offer her a Project Rachel brochure, the mother waved me off, but the girl never even saw me since she had completely covered her head with her coat. There is so much guilt and shame following an abortion. We pray for these young girls who have a lifetime to live with the regret, especially since teens who abort are twice as likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts and depression. ** There was a blessing with one of the workers that day. Carmen was leaving to pick up lunch and she stopped to talk. I gave her a stack of Women’s Center and Project Rachel business cards to pass out secretly to women in the clinic. I asked her to be our “angel on the inside” until she can find a new job. She assured me that she was looking for a job and smiled at the new title. Please pray for this young woman. PRAY FOR THESE FOREST VIEW EMPLOYEES - Nancy: Office manager and post-abortive woman - Dr. Goyal: owner and operator of Forest View and 4 other suburban and 1 Chicago abortion mill - Samantha: Was “just answering phones” as a way to make money for culinary school 3 years ago when we first met her. Now she has quit school and appears to be thoroughly invested in the business of abortion. - *Carmen: New employee, cashier, Catholic - *Amber: New employee, Nurse’s assistant, Phlebotomist, Finds abortion “interesting,” refused abortion for her own unplanned pregnancy. - Brenda: Her boyfriend told us she does not want to work there anymore and is looking for a new job. - *Marcella: She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring unsure women back in. *Three starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter. You can print a copy of the letter here:www.attwn.org/wp-content/themes/attwn-child/images/attwn-onepage-lightbackground.pdf. Our reflection today comes from 40 Days for Life:
Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast... Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people." Joel 2:15-17 The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded in abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered. It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection -- His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him. The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me... Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me... O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17). We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we encounter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring condemnation; we bring God's good news. UPDATE ON CRISIS PREGNANCY FROM LAST EMAIL It is with a heavy heart that I give the news about Rashonda’s abortion. Despite many texts to her, she took the RU 486 pills and killed her child. I know that I am not mourning this loss alone. So many of you reached out to assure of your prayers, offer to adopt the baby, and many more words of encouragement. It is through these prayers that God will work to bring about good from this situation. After the abortion, Rashonda told me that she knows it was wrong, and I offered her information about Project Rachel (www.hopeafterabortion.com ) which she very much appreciated. Only God knows where she will go from here, but she knows that she is not alone and told me that she prays every day that God will forgive her. To find out more about RU 486 and that it can actually be reversed go to: www.abortionpillreversal.com/how-the-abortion-pill-works.php News from the last two Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, September 12th, we estimate that ONE child lost their life at Forest View. ** On Thursday, September 19th, we estimate that TWO women paid to have the lives inside them ended. **We praise God for the low numbers of the last 3 weeks! We are trying to figure out what is happening and why. We do know that Dr. Goyal’s Hinsdale clinic has cut back to committing abortions on one day only, Tuesday. ** Forest View still commits abortions on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, Thursday is the only day that there are pray warriors present, leaving three days when a woman can come to the clinic and not find any “choice” or hope. If you are available to pray on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday morning, it would be a real blessing. There is even another abortion mill in Des Plaines farther north on River Rd. that does business on Tuesdays. You don’t need any special training, signs, or brochures to stand outside a clinic and pray – just the desire to bring the light of Jesus to these dark places. You can even just grab a friend and stop by on any one of these days. If you let us know of your plan, we will let others know and they can join you. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16
We have a very urgent prayer request today. A woman who chose life at Forest View on Thursday, Aug. 29 is now considering abortion. We met Rashonda when she came by herself at noon for a pregnancy test at Forest View. I was able to talk to her before she went in and took her to the Women’s Center where she received confirmation of her pregnancy and compassionate counseling. I saw her leaving and could see the fear there, so I offered to take her out to lunch. Rashonda seemed to feel more relaxed at lunch and, despite the fact that she hadn’t told anyone about the baby yet, she sounded like she had made a choice for life! Then last week we met at the Women’s Center for an ultrasound of her then 7-week-old child. Her eyes filled with tears as she watched the baby’s beating heart. Afterwards, we “talked” through texts and she told me that her parents had “accepted” her pregnancy. But after that something changed; last Monday she texted that she would be seeking an abortion. That is the last text I got from her. She is ignoring my texts. This Bible verse tells us that prayer for one another can accomplish much, so it is with this confidence that we ask you, righteous men and women, to lift up this young woman and her child in prayer. We pray it is God’s will to save this baby’s earthly life and Rashonda from a lifetime of regret. We trust that no matter what happens, however, God can make good from any situation. News from the last three Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, August 29th, we estimate that EIGHT babies’ lives were ended at Forest View. ** A young man walking down the sidewalk approached us to tell us that his wife had an abortion about 2 years ago and he knew nothing about it until it was over. Matt told us that he still “cries about it all the time,” especially when he looks at their one year old child. Clearly, abortion does not just hurt women. I gave Matt a Project Rachel brochure for him. Please pray for his healing and ability to forgive his wife and for help for her come to terms with the abortion, since Matt told us, “She doesn’t care.” There is help available specifically for post-abortive men: http://healingafterabortion.org/For-Men ** Remember in the last update, we told you that Laura had been passing out many newspapers from Human Life Alliance (www.humanlife.org ) to passers-by? Well, one of them stopped by to tell us that she read it and couldn’t believe what happens during an abortion. Eileen was disgusted by what she read and now is convicted in her pro-life belief. Do you know someone who is lukewarm in their pro-life belief? Pick up one of the newspapers in the vigil kit at Forest View any Thursday morning to give to them or order some for yourself to pass out to friends. The facts about abortion are very convicting. People need to know. ** On Thursday, September 5th, we estimate that ONE woman chose to end the new life inside of her. ** We don’t know why there were so few abortions this day, but we do know that Forest View does abortions on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, Thursday is the only day that there are pray warriors present, leaving three days when a woman can come to the clinic and not find any “choice” or hope. We wonder if the clinic tries not to schedule on Thursdays to avoid the chance that they receive the truth and light. If you are available to pray on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday morning, it would be a real blessing. There is even another abortion mill in Des Plaines farther north on River Rd. that does business on Tuesdays. You don’t need any special training, signs, or brochures to stand outside a clinic and pray – just the desire to bring the light of Jesus to these dark places. You can even just grab a friend and stop by on any one of these days. If you let us know of your plan, we will let others know and they can join you. ** I spoke to one of Forest View’s new employees. She is a young woman named Amber. I explained to her that the prayer vigils are peaceful and we are there for her if she ever needs anything. I gave her one of Abby Johnson’s letters for clinic workers (http://www.attwn.org/wp-content/themes/attwn-child/images/attwn-onepage-lightbackground.pdf), but Amber told me she “likes working there.” When I asked her what she liked about it, she said that she finds the medical aspect “interesting,” as she is a certified nurse’s assistant and phlebotomist. In gentle terms, I tried to understand what exactly she found interesting about the way children are ripped apart by vacuum aspiration abortion. She responded, “I try not to think about it,” and after a bit more conversation, we parted ways with a wave and a promise that we are only there to help. Please pray that a seed has been planted and Amber’s conscience will awaken to help her “think about” what she does with her medical training. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength…” (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19)
In this passage from the prophet Habakkuk, we hear a prayer of thanksgiving and rejoicing despite hardships. We too have call for rejoicing! Even though we live in a culture that the media shows as more and more Godless, there are many lights of hope that shine. Operation Rescue reports that 42 abortion mills have permanently closed this year. That is nearly double of the 24 that closed in all of 2012! In fact, since 1991, over 70% of all abortion clinics in the US have closed. (http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/42nd-abortion-clinic-closed-this-year-due-to-filthy-unsafe-conditions/) Looking for more good news? A report by the Guttmacher Institute reveals that more teens are choosing to delay sexual activity. (www.lifesitenews.com/news/most-high-school-students-are-currently-abstinent?utm_source=LifeSiteNews.com+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=cb404e3b0d-LifeSiteNews_com_US_Full_Text_06_19_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0caba610ac-cb404e3b0d-397380807) Thanks in part to groups like A & M Partnership (www.ampartnership.org ) who provide educational curriculum with the factsthat teens need to make God-honoring choices about the gift of sexuality. And some of the best news is that you are not alone in your pro-life beliefs! At Townhall.com read an article with stats from two different polls showing that more and more Americans are realizing the ugly truths about abortion and becoming pro-life. (http://townhall.com/tipsheet/danieldoherty/2013/07/10/is-america-becoming-a-more-prolife-nation-n1637706) So rejoice and never give up because “the Sovereign Lord is my strength.” HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BABY ELIJAH! We have another birthday to celebrate! Rebecca and Ernesto came to Forest View in December of 2011. They were 20 years old, going to school, working, and desperate. Thanks to God, there were prayer warriors there to lift them up, sidewalk counselors to reach out to them, and the Women’s Center to offer support. And today they are happily married with a beautiful baby boy! Please offer a prayer of thanksgiving today for all the lives that will be touched by this one-year-old boy who almost lost his life to abortion. News from the last three Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, July 18, we estimate that NINE unique, unrepeatable human beings lost their lives at Forest View. ** One of the couples seeking an abortion brought a dog with them?? They left it in the car as they entered the clinic. Because we cannot trespass in the clinic’s parking lot, Laura asked a construction worker nearby if he would be willing to check on the dog on this hot day. He agreed and as Laura talked to him the hand of God was revealed: This construction worker’s girlfriend just found out she is pregnant and is considering abortion! Laura gave him all sorts of resources for the young man to help save his child. We thank God for this surprising opportunity. And, yes, the dog is OK, but it seems ironic that people are very willing to help an animal in need but so often refuse to speak up and help the babies. ** On Thursday, July 25, we estimate that THREE women were wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually when they allowed the babies in their wombs to be killed. ** Jason and Diane arrived for the third week in a row. We are not sure why they could not get the abortion the previous two weeks. They had not been willing to talk before, but Jason opened up to me this time saying that they are “too old” to have more kids. He is 45 with 4 children and Diane also has 4 kids. They are not married. No matter what I said in defense of his child and Diane, he would not be swayed. However, he was willing to at least take a Project Rachel brochure for Diane who had had another abortion 20 years ago. ** On Thursday, August 1, we estimate that FIVE children died inside Forest View “Medical Clinic.” ** In the last update, I mentioned that two employees of Forest View, Ramesh and Margaret, have not been seen in months. There is also one more employee who we have not been seeing regularly: the abortionist Dr. Goyal. A different man has been coming most weeks. We continue to pray for Dr. Goyal’s conversion. The impact would be great since he owns 5 abortion mills in the suburbs and 1 in Chicago. As the life of abortionist Bernard Nathanson shows us, no one is beyond the healing hand of the Father. Read about Nathanson’s miraculous conversion here: www.aboutabortions.com/Confess.html “‘I, and I alone, am God; no other god is real. I kill and I give life, I wound and I heal and no one can oppose what I do. As surely as I am the living God, I raise my hand and I vow that I will sharpen my flashing sword and see that justice is done.” (Deuteronomy 32: 39-41)
With the verdict of guilty on three counts of murder for three of the four babies Gosnell killed and one count of involuntary manslaughter for the death of a 41 year-old woman, we see a glimmer of the “flashing sword” of God on earth. Yes, He alone is the Author of Life. He alone has sovereignty over Life. Too often people make themselves a god and deem themselves worthy of life and death decisions. Convenience becomes their god. Or money. Or their reputation. Or even fear can be a god if allowed to run rampant and influence decisions. Yet, we have seen the power of God with this court case in Philadelphia and will continue to be His hands and feet on the earth. We urge you to share this news with as many people as you can, especially those who consider themselves pro-choice. You can share it on Facebook or through email. Here is a link to the NBC Philadelphia article about the verdict, so no one can accuse you of sharing biased information! http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Gosnell-Murder-Deliberations-Stretch-into-10th-Day-207178491.html Or post the LifeSiteNews article found here: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-kermit-gosnell-convicted-on-3-of-4-counts-of-murdering-babies Then say a prayer. You never know what might make one of your pro-choice friends reconsider their position and think: If killing these three babies has been condemned as murder, what makes them different from the thousands of babies killed in abortion clinics every day? Jericho March at Forest View: Thank you for joining us in our first ever Jericho March to call down the power of God at one of Dr. Goyal’s 6 abortion clinics, Forest View Medical in Des Plaines. We were blessed to have almost 100 people unite together in prayer led by Father Lalo of St. Edna’s and many super seminarians from Mundelein. Thank you! We will have pictures up on the website soon (www.NorthWestFamiliesforLife.weebly.com) . And we have some encouraging news: We contacted Forest View to ask about a reopening date and they said no date had been set. This may not seem like much, but it is a far cry from the 5 weeks they originally planned to be closed. This is now the seventh week they have been closed. Please keep praying! And join our prayer vigil this Thursday in Wood Dale (Advantage Medical, 203 E. Irving Park Rd) where we encounter some of the employees and clients from Forest View with love and hope. We will be there from 7:00 am until 12:00 pm this Thursday, May 16, and next, at least. We are in desperate need of prayer warriors from 10:30 – 12:00 pm. Laura was there by herself last week. If you can make it, it would be a wonderful blessing! We will keep you updated about when and IF Forest View reopens! News from the last two Thursdays’ Wood Dale vigils: ** On Thursday, May 2, we estimate that. FOUR unique children died at Advantage “Health Care.” ** None of the mothers or fathers would accept our help, but we called out to them with hope and love and prayed for them. None of the children died alone. We offered prayer for their souls, mourned their loss, and loved them. ** On Thursday, May 9, we estimate that SIX children’s lives were lost and SIX mothers’ lives were forever changed. ** Again we were not able to convince any of the parents to accept the gift of Life that God was offering. However, we were able to give Project Rachel brochures for post-abortive healing to two of the drivers that day. One of these young men had a beautiful picture of Jesus hanging off the gear shift of his car. He said it was not his child and he was just doing his friend a favor. I asked him to respond differently the next time a friend asks him to do this type of “favor” and instead tell her that God loves her and her child, then refuse to take part in the killing by driving. He looked at me very earnestly and said he would. Let us continue to pray for these “just drivers.” “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” (John 20:21)
Happy Easter to you and your family! We hope that the joy and especially the peace of this holiday remain with you now and always. It is difficult to imagine the devastating sorrow the disciples experienced watching the suffering and death of the beloved man they believed would be their Savior. Then that sorrow transformed to immeasurable joy once they realized that truly Jesus Christ is risen and is the Savior of the world! In each one of our lives we also experience sorrow, disappointment, frustration. Sometimes we may feel alone or part of a small, insignificant, powerless group fighting to spread truth to people who don’t want to hear or believe. It seems to me that we have much in common with that small group of followers of Jesus. According to the media, anyone who professes Christian, Biblical values is outside of the norm and out-of-step with the world’s culture. But wasn’t that what people thought about Jesus and his followers? And yet look at what that little band of “outsiders” managed to do - Start the world’s largest religion! There is no telling what you can do as long as you take the joy and peace of Easter and live it every day. Let the Risen Lord shine through you! We must never give up spreading the truth. As God sent Jesus, so He also sends you. **Thank you to those of you who came out for Stations of the Cross at Forest View on Good Friday. It was a beautiful witness and no abortions occurred there that day! Pictures are on our website. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, March 14, we estimate that SEVEN women condemned the children in their wombs to death at Forest View Medical Center in Des Plaines. ** One brave young woman chose LIFE! She came out of the clinic with her two friends around 11:00. Although it was a bit early to be leaving after an abortion, I assumed she had gone through with it. When I tried to hand her a Project Rachel brochure, she walked right up to me and said, “I didn’t do it.” I smiled and offered her a pair of blue baby booties which she happily took. She did not want to visit the Women’s Center, but took the information, thanked me and left with her baby safe, snug and secure! Glory to God! ** On Thursday, March 21, we estimate that FIVE precious innocents lost their lives. ** Our 7:00 am counselor, Terry, approached one young man with an offer of help, but the man only said, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Terry just smiled and said, “Yes! Jesus said to be here.” Indeed, in Acts 20: 35, we are encouraged to work hard to help those who are weak. Many of those who enter the doors of an abortion mill do so out of weakness. ** Is Jesus calling you to be there for them? If you have never prayed outside of an abortion clinic before, maybe now is the time. You do not have to interact with the people entering or leaving. Simply standing witness in prayer is enough. Please feel free to call us (847-651-4877) if you would like more information about standing vigil. More information is on www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. Also see the Pro-Life Action Leagues video, No Greater Joy ** On Thursday, March 28, we estimate that TWELVE babies were murdered by Dr. Goyal at Forest View. This is the highest number of abortions we have seen on a Thursday at Forest View since February of 2012. We mourn this increase in loss of life. Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to that yourself!’ Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27: 3-5)
How many wounded post-abortive women are there in this world who, like Judas, deeply regret what they have done? Some statistics say as many as 94% of post-abortive women regret their decision. How many former abortionists and clinic workers want to “throw back” the blood money they earned by “betraying innocent blood”? Former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson has helped more than 40 abortion workers leave the industry since June 2012 through her organization “And Then There Were None” (www.attwn.org). How many fathers? How many people who “just drove” a friend? We must not allow them to suffer the same hopeless fate as Judas. As we near the time of Jesus’ death and Resurrection, let us pray that all those who experience or participate in abortion will enjoy a “Resurrection” of their own. And pray that God will use YOU personally to help in some way. Let us not be like the chief priests saying, “See to that yourself!” Put phone numbers and websites for Project Rachel in your bulletin. Reach out to a post-abortive friend with compassion. Donate to organizations like ATTWN, Silent No More, or Rachel’s Vineyard. And, pray daily, specifically for Dr. Goyal, the abortionist who owns and operates 6 abortion clinics in Chicago and its suburbs. We greet him every Thursday at Forest View with, “Good morning! We are praying for you.” Pray that the Holy Spirit will profoundly touch his heart. Join us for a special Forest View vigil on Good Friday, March 29. Come stand “at the foot of the cross” to pray for all victims of abortion. WHEN: Friday, March 29, 10:00 am – 11:00 am WHERE: Forest View Medical, 2750 S. River Rd., Des Plaines Prayer will be led by Deacon Larry Schumacher. The Pro-Life Action League has produced a beautiful, ecumenical “Way of the Cross” booklet for use at abortion clinics. If you would like to download a copy and host your own, go to http://plal.org/hotline/2013/goodfriday-2/#tools . Also, please let us know so we can publicize it for you. Since many of us have that day off, it is important to remember why we have time off that day. It is time to recognize the tremendous suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As Eric Scheidler writes, “It is fitting that we solemnize Jesus’ suffering and death in connection with the pro-life ministry He has entrusted to us.” VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK Please see the vigil schedule tabs for days of the week and times when faithful people will be praying outside seven of the too many Chicago-land abortion facilities. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, February 28, we estimate that SEVEN women condemned the children in their wombs to death at Forest View Medical Center in Des Plaines. ** A young man named Tim brought his girlfriend Gabrielle to abort their child. They were convinced that the child would be deformed because Gabrielle had gone tanning. Of course, this is very untrue, but types of ignorance like this are sadly quite common. This couple did not even bother to get a doctor’s opinion. Despite this ignorance and their tragic mindset that only a “perfect” child is wanted, we were able to forge a positive relationship which we hope will bear fruit someday. If you meet a couple with a real negative prenatal diagnosis, you can let them know about resources suchas www.isaiahspromise.net . No child is unwanted!** We believe there was a SAVE! A young couple left without getting an abortion. They did not stop to talk but the woman looked happy. ** On Thursday, March 7, we estimate that FIVE precious innocents lost their lives. ** One man, Sam, who dropped off his wife to kill their child, informed me that it was “not the right time.” He and his wife Toni have one child already and can’t afford another. The idea of adoption was rejected immediately. Despite his unwillingness to change, he listened to all I had to say and took a Project Rachel brochure. Again, we pray that a seed was planted to bring about recognition and healing for this family. ** When we sidewalk counselors have such personal interactions with couples and yet they still go through with the abortion, it can sometimes leave us feeling like we should have done more. Will you please pray for Terry, Laura, Monica, and myself that we will not lose heart, but instead submit ourselves to God’s will for us and for the couples we encounter? ** A special thank you to one of our devoted Prayer Warriors, Kathy, who taught herself to knit using the pattern from last update (and attached again) and created a pair of beautiful BLUE baby booties for us to give away at the clinic. If she can do it, so can you! |
Our vigil update writer:
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