“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.
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“Return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is He.” (Joel 2:13) Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. Are you ready? I’m not! It always makes me a little anxious as I consider what I will do, how I will encourage my children, when I can fit in more prayer, and on and on. Thankfully, as I read from “The Word Among Us” magazine, I got a new perspective for looking at Lent.
They write, “The last thing anyone wants to do is reduce this season of grace to a to-do list. Your heavenly Father is ‘gracious and merciful.’ He is calling out to you so He can bless you. Our works during Lent are meant to arise from a heart that wants to know a deeper freedom from sin and fear – a heart that is looking to God for more of His love. We don’t do them to prove ourselves to God or convince him to bless us. We do them because they can help us feel the presence of God. We do them because they can change our hearts and make us more like Jesus.” So take a deep breath, soften your heart, and keep it open to the Lord this Lent. He will use whatever effort you make over these next 40 days, no matter how small, for your good and the good of others. Need some ideas of ways to “return to the Lord”? Here are a few: 1. 40 Days for Life begins TOMORROW! – There are four aspects of this worldwide campaign to end abortion: prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach. See “Upcoming Events” below to find out more about this mission which has had amazing results in converting abortion workers, closing abortion mills, and saving babies. Vigil locations are in Downers Grove, Aurora, and, for the first time ever, in Wood Dale (Kick-off Rally tonight, Tuesday, at 6:00 pm, 203 E. Irving Park Rd). Please pledge to spend at least one hour this Lent at the location closest to you. It can be very hard for the site organizers to make sure that a vigil is manned every vigil hour of every day for all 40 days. Each location is run by a courageous local volunteer, NOT a member of the 40 Days for Life staff. So please help these faithful organizers by signing up today at www.40daysforlife.com . Click on “Locations.” 2. Life Advocacy Day in Springfield, March 26– Visit your state Congressmen in person and make an impact! You will be provided with all the background to speak with authority on the issues. See below for details. 3. See the “41 Ways to be Pro-Life” document under the tab "41 Ways to be Pro-Life" Choose one thing that you will do this Lent to promote LIFE. 4. Vote in the primary on Tuesday, March 18 for solidly pro-life politicians. The primary is so important! Choose who you want to vote for in November TODAY; otherwise, on election day in November, you may end up having to choose between the lesser of two evils. Go to http://illinoisfamily.org/actions/voter-guides/ to see a voters guide that shows where the candidates stand on key issues, like same-sex marriage, rights of conscience, pain-capable unborn child protection act, parental rights, and more. SPECIAL PRAYER INTENTION Maria and Laura’s father Frank is in kidney failure and will be undergoing kidney transplant surgery this Friday, March 7. Maria will be donating her kidney for him. We ask for prayer for healing and full recovery for Frank and Maria, but also prayers for our entire family, especially Laura and our mom, who will be called upon for much support. Thank you so much! VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK Please see the vigil schedule (under the tab "Vigil Schedule") 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, February 20, we estimate that EIGHT children died at the hands of a “doctor.” ** We were sad to see this high number of deaths, the highest we’ve seen at Forest View on a Thursday since early last November. However, even on days like these when it seems that our presence is fruitless, we can see that our presence has indeed borne fruit when we look at the many Forest View employees who have quit. We recently received a copy of the renewal documents for Forest View from a wonderful woman, Jean, who helps at the Pro-Life Action League. From these documents, it is clear that many of the workers have left the deadly business of abortion. Some of these we knew by name, like Ramesh, Amber, and Brenda (see below!). Others we only knew by face. But still we rejoice and pray that it was through the intervention of God that their hearts were touched and they sought a new life-affirming career. For more evidence that Dr. Goyal’s abortion empire (He owns 6 mills in Illinois) is crumbling, read this interesting article by John Jansen: http://prolifeaction.org/hotline/2014/goyalmailing/#more-36801 There is also a link in the article where you can see the renewal documents with lists of employees names. It is very helpful if you pray at a one of Goyal’s clinics so you can reach out with love (and by name) to the employees. ** On Thursday, February 27, we estimate that again FIVE women chose death for their unborn child. ** One of our 7:00 am counselors, Dawn, was able to speak to the friend of one of the women. The friend told Dawn that she was there to be supportive. Dawn explained to her that the best way to support her friend would be to get her out of the abortion mill. Dawn told her about the devastating mental and physical effects abortion has on women. Read more about the traumatic effects here: http://bloodmoneyfilm.com/blog/post-abortion-after-effects . Sadly, the friend could not break free from the bonds that kept her quiet, silently witnessing to the death of a child. 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. 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. - *Amber: New employee, Nurse’s assistant, Phlebotomist, Finds abortion “interesting,” refused abortion for her own unplanned pregnancy. Not listed as an employee! - Brenda: She is no longer listed as an employee at Forest View! Praise God! - *Marisela: She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring unsure women back in. - *Lisette: New employee, beautiful young woman whom we spoke to for the first time this week. * 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. “Present yourselves to God… as weapons of righteousness.” Romans 6:13
When praying at an abortion mill, you may not think much about your effectiveness. There are days when maybe you don’t see any fruits of your labor. But this passage from St. Paul encourages us to realize that as long as you present yourself to God, He will use you as a “weapon of righteousness.” Some translations have the word as “instrument,” but those of us who engage regularly at the mills recognize that it is indeed a battle worthy of weapons. But even if you are not at an abortion mill today, you can still be a weapon used by the Lord to free people from darkness. In “The Word Among Us” the author writes, “So today, put your whole body to work for the Lord. Use your eyes to be on the lookout for anyone who needs encouragement. Use your tongue to speak words of kindness. Use your hands and arms to embrace someone who is feeling alone or overwhelmed. Use your feet to offer quick assistance with any problems you run across. Offer your ears if someone needs to ‘vent’ about a problem. Most important, offer your mind to understand the best way you can help the people around you. Whether you realize it or not, a spiritual battle is going on around you - a battle for the souls of God’s children. And while God is certainly big enough to fight his own battles, he offers you the privilege, the honor, and the calling to join him.” www.wau.org News from the last two Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, October 17, we estimate that ONE child was lost to abortion at Forest View. ** ONE couple chose LIFE! A young couple pulled into the lot at 8:15 am. The man exited, but the woman sat in the car. The man refused to talk to Terry, our early morning sidewalk counselor. But our faithful prayer warriors, Kate and Yvonne, stayed strong. They stood on the sidewalk in view of the girl in the car holding up a sign for free help and one of a beautiful baby and they prayed… hard! About a half hour later the couple drove off without ever having entered Forest View. Glory to God! ** On Thursday, October 24, we estimate that EIGHT women made a “choice” that will change their lives forever. ** One young black man, Michael, stopped to talk to Laura after his girlfriend rushed towards the clinic. He told her that they were just there “getting information” because the girlfriend’s mom wants her to get the abortion since they already have a 4 month old baby. However, Michael wanted to keep the baby. Laura gave him counseling materials and encouraged him to “get information” from the Women’s Center where they will get real choices. He walked to his girlfriend who was waiting at the door and a loud exchange could be heard. Sadly, they entered the clinic and were not seen again until 3 ½ hours later. The woman was completely out of it and could barely walk. Michael looked shell-shocked, but thanked us for our concern. ** We were able to pass out 3 Project Rachel (www.hopeafterabortion.org) brochures that day. One was to a sobbing teen girl. I approached the car as they exited. Her mother was driving and the girl was crying uncontrollably. I told her that God still loves her and gave her a rose with the Project Rachel brochure. The mother sat stone-faced, but I reached out to her saying, “You’re going to help her through this, right?” The mom acknowledged with a nod. I pray that the “help” she gives in the future won’t be to drive her daughter to kill a baby. ** A 4th Project Rachel was almost accepted thanks to one of our faithful prayer warriors who has been willing to stay past 1:00 pm for those who leave later. Gary reported that the young woman appeared to be in pain and both were quiet, “almost as if they were in shock.” Thank you for being there as one of God’s powerful weapons, Gary. Even though they did not stop, you showed them love and hope. 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. - *Unknown “nurse:” She has been sarcastic to us in the past, often sent out to bring back couples back in. *Three starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter. 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. “Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2)
If you’ve never read all of Psalm 139 from beginning to end, give it a look! It begins with the reassuring and remarkably humbling idea that God our Father knows each one of us individually and intimately. He watches over us intently and knows even our unspoken thoughts (verse 4). The Psalm goes on to describe how His love follows us everywhere and he never abandons us. Even if we were to try to hide from God (verse 7), His hand would guide us (verse 10). In verse 13, the Psalmist proclaims, “You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother’s womb.” This has great meaning to the pro-life cause as it clearly describes how the all-powerful hand of God reaches inside the womb to handcraft each new life. And His work is wonderful (verse 14)! Further, each new creation’s actions are foreseen by God and “written down” as each day was shaped before even one came to be (verse 16). However, the Psalm changes its tone near the end with a warning to those who “deceitfully invoke Your name” (verse 20). The psalmist goes on to forcefully condemn these people. This is the part that struck me most as I read Psalm 139 today. Among all the beauty and wonder of being a chosen creation of God there is a stark contrast to those who do not honor God’s creation. With Respect Life month coming up in many churches this October, it is sometimes suggested that we should focus more on other life issues, like the poor, hungry, and sick. While I agree that those groups should be a focus of efforts, abortion must be the main one. Because it is one of the only life issues (along with same sex marriage) where there are people who are in direct and loud opposition. This opposition even deceitfully invokes God’s name and continually spreads falsehoods about the “goodness,” “justice,” and “rights” of these actions. So today carry with you the awe of God’s personal attentiveness to you and stand strong in defending the unborn whom God’s hand is “knitting” today! News from the last three Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, August 8, we estimate that SIX babies’ lives were ended at Forest View. ** TWO women chose LIFE! - The first couple arrived in a car with WI plates. We see many cars from Wisconsin, in part because of Illinois’ almost non-existent abortion laws. In WI there is a 24 hour waiting period between a woman’s first visit to a clinic for counseling and the procedure. There is also a law requiring written consent from a parent or guardian for a minor, not just parent notification as was just ruled enforceable here in IL. To see a chart comparing some states’ abortion laws: www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_MWPA.pdf I approached Star and Tony, both in their 20’s, with an offer of hope and free help. Star told me she “had to do it” but wouldn’t say why. As I looked at Tony, he seemed to be less sure, so I appealed to him to save his child. He smiled but did not try to stop Star from walking quickly into the clinic. About 30 minutes later, they came out with a change of heart! Star was still concerned, however, as she confided that there may be problems with her and the baby. I gave her a brochure about the great pre-natal program they have just up the road from Forest View at Resurrection Hospital and promised we would all be praying for their family. Praise God! - The second woman to choose life, Boo, arrived with her friend Pasant. Both are 20-something Hispanic women. They rushed in at first ignoring my pleas, but later Pasant came out for a cigarette. I asked her if she saw a burning building and knew a child was inside would she go in to save her? She said she would and then told me that she was against the abortion. So I pointed at Forest View and said, “There’s your burning building. Get in there!” I armed her with a rosary, a fetal model, and brochures and sent her in. About 45 minutes later she came out with a smiling Boo who immediately asked for her own pink Rosary since Pasant decided to keep the one I had given to her! I have a feeling this precious little baby is a girl, so I handed her a pair of hand-knit pink booties (which received a joyful “Awww!” from Boo) and told her she would be surrounded by prayer. God is so good! ** There was another possible save that day. A 17 year old girl, Leslie, came with her teen boyfriend, Diego, to get a pregnancy test at Forest View. Laura talked to them before they entered and brought them to the Women’s Center for one instead. It turns out that Leslie had had an abortion when she was 14 because her mom had pushed her into it. Her test at the Women’s Center was negative, but Leslie still felt sure she is pregnant, but just too early to tell, so the great counselors at the Women’s Center set up a follow-up visit. We are hopeful that whether she is or is not pregnant, she will now receive counseling and education to make life-affirming choices in the future. ** On Thursday, August 15, we estimate that SEVEN women chose to end the new life inside of them. ** Although no women that we know of chose life, Laura passed out many copies of the Human Life International informational newspaper to people walking by on the beautiful day during their lunch break. This community outreach is part of our mission to educate and spread the truth. We pray many minds were opened that day. ** On Thursday, August 22, we estimate that again SEVEN families were forever changed by the loss of a child. ** Nema and her husband came to abort their third child. Each stopped to talk to me separately. Nema told me she “can’t take care of another.” I told them about free help, but neither husband nor wife was willing to make sacrifices for their third child. We pray they find healing and forgiveness. ** One of our early morning prayer warriors had the opportunity to talk to the boyfriend of one of Forest View’s employees whom he drops off every Thursday. The young man told us that Brenda doesn’t agree with abortion and is looking for a new job. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this, but PRAY! “‘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.” “Go forward, and march around the city…” (Joshua 6:7)
When we arrived at Forest View abortion mill last Thursday there was a sign up stating they would be closed for 5 weeks for construction. We believe they will be expanding the clinic into the vacant office next door which they have been unable to rent for years. In the meantime they are sending patients to Dr. Goyal’s Advantage Clinic in Wood Dale (203 E. Irving Park Rd.). We will move our regular Thursday, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm prayer vigil to Wood Dale for the next four weeks. Please join us! On Saturday, May 4th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm we will hold a Jericho March at Forest View to call upon the power of God that this place of death will never reopen. There is great power in this. In April of 2011, a group of about 100 people of all faiths united for the closing ceremony of 40 Days for Life at Dr. Goyal’s “Dimensions” abortion facility. We took part in a Jericho March around the building praying, singing, and reading Scripture. By December of that same year, Dimensions closed its doors FOREVER! God is good! Let’s implore Him to intervene again and close another of Dr. Goyal’s six clinics. Do you play the trumpet? We’d love to blow some horns like they did in Joshua’s time. Never heard of a Jericho March before or wondered why it is done? Here are some answers: 1. What is the Jericho Intercession Procession or March? - The Jericho Intercession Procession or March is one strategy or recipe of intercessory prayer from the Holy Spirit. It takes its name and inspiration from the Old Testament story of Joshua at Jericho (Joshua 1 to 6). The actual Jericho March or prayer procession that God commanded Joshua to do was just one part of the larger strategy of intercession that we find in Joshua 1 to 6. This entire intercession pattern, including the prayer march around the city of Jericho had powerful spiritual and natural consequences. The obedience of Joshua to the Lord’s directions opened the way for God Himself to intervene and bring forth the victory He desired at that moment of history and in the future. Today, we can pray in the Jericho Intercession Strategy in various ways and thus open the way for God to directly intervene and bring forth the victory of Jesus in our situations. 2. What Happens Spiritually During The Jericho Prayer? - In our lives, we are continually surrounded and bombarded by a spiritual atmosphere of the world and the flesh and the devil. As a result, it is often difficult for people to be and do good. When we pray in the Jericho procession, we are spiritually cutting off these dark clouds of evil that surround the people or places for whom we pray. At the same time, our prayer replaces the dark spiritual clouds with the Presence of Jesus and the bright Divine Cloud of all His Love and graces, mercy and blessings. We set our people and places apart unto God, so He can then work very directly in their lives. And we surround them with a Divine Shield, thus building a kind of spiritual wall or container around them in which to catch God’s Glory. In this way, we are opening the window to heaven above them and their lives and their places so the Lord can pour out His Mercy and blessings and miracles upon them. “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. |
Our vigil update writer:
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