"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God …Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
Love is a verb, an action word! It is not just an emotion or a feeling. Since God is love and we are God’s children, it is up to us to put that love into action. DO something today to make God’s love visible. You can begin at home by doing that small chore for your spouse that’s been on your “to-do” list for a long time. Give your child that much needed hug even when they are behaving unlovably. Then take your God-given love and bring it outside of the home. Say a kind word to the stranger at the grocery store. Let someone into your lane as the construction traffic merges. Finally, there is no place in more need of the action verb “love” than an abortion mill. We could just stay home and say that we love all the women and men who are victims of the lie of abortion. But we are called to actively show that love by being there for them. The women entering a clinic often feel desperately unloved. The employees may feel that they are beyond forgiveness. This is why we often call out to the people entering a simple yet profound message, “God loves you!” And He loves you too! News from the last three Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, June 21, we estimate EIGHT precious infants were destroyed at Forest View. ** One young woman, Amy (16), was very willing to come to the Women’s Center with us. In fact, she told me that she did not want to get the abortion. Her boyfriend Joey felt differently, but went with her. They spent about 20 minutes in the Women’s Center and when they came out of the building, it was clear that Joey was angry and still wanted the abortion. Amy followed him into Forest View despite our pleas. She will need much prayer for recovery as teens who abort are two to four times more likely to commit suicide. (http://afterabortion.org/2001/detrimental-effects-of-adolescent-abortion/) ** Another young woman, Kaylee, was also being pushed into an abortion by her boyfriend Cody and his mother who accompanied them from Wisconsin to Forest View. Through God’s Grace, she was able to find the strength to leave that day with a beautiful smile and her baby safe! We gave her informational pamphlets. However, Kaylee needs many prayers that she will stay strong and find supportive people to help her in Wisconsin. ** On Thursday, June 28, we estimate that again EIGHT women brought their unborn children to be killed. ** There were three unique blessings on that very hot day. 1. An off-duty Roselle police officer pulled up with a case of bottled water and told the prayer warriors that the Holy Spirit had sent him. 2. Another man named John stopped by to offer prayers with us. He told us that he drives by Forest View often and has seen us praying. For the last two weeks he ignored God’s voice telling him to stop and join us, but that day he listened and brought the love of God to the prayer warriors gathered there. 3. A “punky-looking” young man named Matt brought his sister Ellie for an abortion. He came out and talked to us for a long time while his sister was inside. Although he identified himself as pro-life, he was unable to convince her. He did, however, very much appreciate our being there and hugged one of the counselors before leaving. Let us pray that Matt will turn his pro-life belief into action and be a voice in his circle of friends. ** On Thursday, July 5, we estimate that SIX babies lost their lives at the hands of a “doctor.” ** We believe there may have been a save that day. Two women in a beat-up, old luxury car went in at 7:00 am without looking our way, but they left by 7:45 am. ** WE ARE STILL IN GREAT NEED OF MORE PRAYER WARRIORS this summer! Would you be able to spend one hour at the foot of the cross? Every Thursday from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm we strive to have at least two people outside Forest View praying for the women, children, men, and employees at all times. It is so important for them to know there is someone there for them, especially as they leave However, we have had a hard time covering the hours of 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. There is easy parking nearby and you will always be greeted with a smile! Call Laura if you’ve been considering attending a vigil and get more information: 847-651-4877 News about your spiritually adopted baby: ** Your spiritually adopted baby is 32 weeks old. The baby is about 18 inches long and 5.25 pounds. His eyes are open when awake and closed when sleeping. Baby is developing immunities against infection. Unfortunately, he is not yet immune to abortion as it is legal through all nine months. Pray every day for your spiritually adopted baby. To spiritually adopt a baby, pick up a prayer card in the vigil kit or go online atwww.spiritualadoption.org. Wondering about the Supreme Court Healthcard Decision? Here is a link to some great, concise information: http://ifrl-blog.blogspot.com/2012/06/court-ruling-keeps-abortion-funding.html Here is a link to the actual opinion of the Court: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf
0 Comments
What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? ...Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2: 14 & 17
After the Ascension of Jesus, His disciples sure had their work cut out for them. They had been commanded to spread the Good News to the ends of the Earth. From the vast Christian community throughout the world, it would seem that they have succeeded. However, spreading the faith requires more work. And since we are also disciples of Jesus that work falls to us. In this passage James is instructing the early Christians to do more than just believe. In fact, without work, that faith is “dead.” Now, just what sort of “work” is required? The choices are endless! Clothe the naked, visit the sick, and feed the hungry are a few of the “corporal works.” Yet, the ones that can be most difficult are the “spiritual works,” like instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners and counsel the doubtful. It is some of these which we are being called to do now more than ever in our country. So many people remain ignorant of the dangers found in the Healthcare Act and the HHS Mandate. I have attached two informational sheets (“HHS Ruling Q & A” and “HHS Federal Regulation on Coerced Abortion Payments”) that you can use to inform yourselves, but perhaps more importantly, share with others. As we continue the work the disciples started, let us pray that we may always remain united in Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.” John 14:27 Sometimes it’s hard to feel at peace as a pro-lifer. It may seem like our efforts are fruitless in a secular world. You may ask yourself, “Am I really making a difference? Are my prayers being heard? Can I do anything to stop the culture of death that seems to pervade society?” The answer to all these questions is a resounding YES! In this Scripture passage, Jesus, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, tells us that without a doubt the answer is yes. YOU make a difference every time you stand up for LIFE, whether in a conversation with friends, by attending a rally, supporting a group financially, praying, or in any other way. Your prayers are heard and your efforts will be rewarded by a loving God. According to a recent poll, the majority of Americans (51%) are pro-life (http://www.lifenews.com/2012/01/24/poll-51-of-americans-take-pro-life-position-on-abortion/). We are changing the culture. So do not be troubled by what you may hear in the mainstream news. The world cannot give God’s everlasting peace; peace comes from knowing that you are doing God’s will. So let us not be fearful as we continue in all our endeavors to protect the unborn! NorthWest Families for Life’s Second Anniversary Prayer Vigil On Thursday, May 24, we will be commemorating 2 years since we began our ministry! Please make a special effort to come to Forest View (2750 S. River Rd., Des Plaines) between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm to join us in prayers and hymns of thanksgiving for the more than 50 babies saved!! There will be a special prayer service at 10:00 am Updates on Recent Saves
Veronica and Paul are doing very well. On Mother’s Day she expressed her gratitude for the life she has nestled safely inside her thanks to all of you! Her baby girl is due July 16. She is 32 weeks old!
** On Thursday, April 26, we estimate FIVE babies were murdered at Forest View. ** One of our counselors was able to talk to many of the women and give them literature. Although it may appear that no babies were saved that day, we do not know the impact of our prayers and presence. Did a couple see our display of beautiful babies with a crowd of prayer warriors and drive past without ever entering the parking lot? Did an abortion-minded woman feel God’s love through our prayers and cancel her appointment? Or maybe it was the Project Rachel brochure handed out to a post-abortive woman which will heal her heart and soul and prevent further killing? Only God knows. We are called to be faithful. ** On Thursday, May 2, we estimate that SEVEN children lost their lives. ** I was able to speak at length to a young woman named Natalie. She came out in tears as she awaited her abortion. She told me that she didn’t want to abort but there was no other way: her boyfriend was going to jail and her mother was very sick. Natalie seemed interested in going to the Women’s Center but wanted to go back inside to get her sister first. Sadly, her sister was not open to life. The next time I saw Natalie, her sister did all the talking for her and made it clear that SHE was doing what was best for Natalie. Please pray for Natalie to find strength to stand up to people in her life, especially her sister, who try to lead her to evil. ** On Thursday, April 19, TEN women made the “choice” destroy their own child. ** The last couple weeks one of the nurses has been coming out of a side door of the clinic on the phone appearing very stressed. Then another nurse comes out to get her. We pray that the Holy Spirit has begun to stir her heart and make the idea of working in a death camp hard on her. Please pray for this nurse and all the employees, especially Dr. Goyal himself. ** THANK YOU to John, Peggy, Karen, and the whole gang from Santa Maria del Popolo. Thank you for bringing a wonderful group with you to the clinic every week, veterans and newcomers alike! Your prayerful presence makes such a difference. ** THANK YOU to the group from Mission San Juan Diego! We hope to see you again soon. News about your spiritually adopted baby: ** Your spiritually adopted baby is 24 weeks old. Your baby weighs about 2 pounds and is 14 ½ inches long. She opens and closes her eyes now and may respond by turning her head when a bright light shines on the mother’s belly! Even at this advanced stage, some women consider and have abortions. Please continue to pray every day for your spiritually adopted baby. To spiritually adopt a baby, pick up a prayer card in the vigil kit or go online at www.spiritualadoption.org. THIS FRIDAY unite with people in over 100 cities across the country to Stand up for
Religious Freedom! March 23, Noon – 1:00 pm. Rally in defense of religious freedom against the Obama administration's HHS Mandate at Federal Plaza (50 W. Adams Street, Chicago). Religious leaders and other public figures will speak out against the HHS Mandate. Participants will offer hymns and prayers for our nation. The Rally will be a peaceful, family-friendly, non-partisan, ecumenical event. ** Hop aboard the “Freedom Train!” I will be taking the 10:25 am train from Palatine. You can catch it at 10:32 in downtown Arlington Heights or 10:37 in Mount Prospect. It will get us downtown by 11:30 and then we can catch a train to return by around 2:15 pm. Join me! For more info. go to: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people (in Egypt) and have heard their groans, and I have come down to rescue them.” Acts 7:34 This Scripture is taken from the moment God speaks to Moses from a burning bush and tells him that, after 40 long years of wandering in the desert, the time had come for salvation. This is our prayer today! This coming January 2013 will mark 40 years of our once great country “wandering in the desert” of abortion on-demand. For 40 years we have seen the morals of our land slide into secularism. We have seen such a devaluing of human life that euthanasia, infanticide, and abortion are seen as someone’s “choice” and “right.” BUT… we can look to the Bible and know that just as our God heard the “groans” of the Jews, He hears the our prayers too! And He WILL come down to rescue us! Let this be the year that we stand united for LIFE and only vote for those who hold LIFE sacred! 40 Days for Life continues! 352 babies saved so far!! - Downers Grove is hosting a 12 hour daily vigil from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. You can sign up for an hour athttp://40daysforlife.com/downersgrove/ . There is also a Chicago location. If you can’t make it out to a vigil, commit to praying for an hour from where ever you are at a time when abortions are being committed. Don’t forget to keep fasting and reaching out to others to invite them to pray for an end to abortion. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, March 8, we estimate NINE women made the “choice” to kill the unborn child in their womb. ** One was a particularly tragic story. A middle-aged man dressed in a handsome shirt and tie tried to avoid us but finally talked to me on his way out of the lot… after he dropped off his wife at the clinic. He explained that their baby has Down Syndrome and a tumor that doctors say will continue to grow until his wife miscarries. I tried to speak words of encouragement to put this in God’s hands rather than take the life of his unborn child into his own, but I was unable to convince him. I recently read that an estimated 90% of babies diagnosed prenatally with Down Syndrome will be aborted. We must be a voice for these children of God. Please pray for eyes to be opened to the gift of LIFE. ** You can read an uplifting story of a woman whose unborn child was given a similarly grim diagnosis,but she chose to let God be in charge at: http://www.physiciansforlife.org/content/view/2211/26/ . It’s titled “Miracle Joey: The boy who refused to die.” ** On Thursday, March 15, we estimate NINE innocents were killed at the hands of a “doctor.” ** We are seeing many more people with Wisconsin plates coming to Forest View now that the Rockford abortion mill is closed. We need more prayer warriors! If you have ever sidewalk counseled before, we could especially use your support for the early hours 7:00 am – 9:00 am when most of the women arrive. News about your spiritually adopted baby: ** At 16 weeks, your spiritually adopted baby weighs about 5 ounces and is almost as long as a ballpoint pen. His ears are beginning to function and he can detect sound. Let us pray that those little ears will someday hear the sound of his family’s laughter and love. To spiritually adopt a baby, pick up a prayer card in the vigil kit or go online at www.spiritualadoption.org. O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.” Isaiah 25:1 With the bad news of last week, the Respect for Right of Conscience Bill getting voted down, it’s all the more important to remember these words from the Bible and give thanks to God for all the wonderful works He has done. The fact that we have computers to read this on, eyes to see it, minds to understand it, and voices to share it are just a few of these “wonders” in our lives. And we have wonderful people like you with whom to share this cause! Yes, that vote was a blow, but God has formed plans long ago with “perfect faithfulness.” Our lives and futures are in His very capable hands. So as we journey through this Lent with our eyes on Jesus’ triumph over death, take time to exalt and praise God’s name. We are blessed because we still live to fight another day for the ultimate triumph over death in our land! Opportunities to be God’s hands and feet for that triumph: 1. Lobby Day in Springfield, March 8 – 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. 2. 40 Days for Life continues! 182 babies saved so far!! - Downers Grove is hosting a 12 hour daily vigil from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. You can sign up for an hour athttp://40daysforlife.com/downersgrove/ . There is also a Chicago location. If you can’t make it out to a vigil, commit to praying for an hour from where ever you are at a time when abortions are being committed. 3. Friday, March 23 at Noon - Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally in defense of religious freedom against the Obama administration's HHS Mandate. Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams Street. For more info. go to: http://standupforreligiousfreedom.com 4. Call your US Representative and ask them to support a Right of Conscience Bill. You can find your representative’s contact information at www.ilga.gov Or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121. You can also fill in an email form to send a message to your Congressperson at www.nchla.org. Update on a Save from Last Year:
News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, February 23, we estimate EIGHT women made the “choice” to kill the unborn child in their womb. ** One of the women was there with her husband Dreco. He explained that they “needed to abort” because his wife suffered 3 years of post-partum depression after their second child was born. He would not listen to any information about the severe depression she will now endure for a lifetime. Please pray for this family to seek healing. ** We believe there may have been a save that day. A beautiful African American woman was leaving before the doctor arrived. I approached her car and gave her information about the Women’s Center. She smiled and thanked me, but then the man in the car behind her (her boyfriend or husband) began to honk to get her to stop talking to me. Pray that she will not return to this killing center. ** On Thursday, March 1, we estimate TEN innocents were killed at the hands of a “doctor.” ** Again we are hopeful that a young couple chose LIFE. This couple was in their early 20’s. They did not want to talk but left at 8:00 am, long before the doctor showed up at 10:00. **As the weather warms up, people are always more willing to speak to us. We need all the prayer warriors we can get to help us speak words of Life through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you’ve been looking for a personal invitation to come out to the clinic, this is it! Please come out to Forest View (2750 S. River Rd., Des Plaines) or another vigil this Thursday anytime from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm and witness firsthand what it’s like to “stand in the gap” between life and death. It’s a very peaceful and rewarding way to spend an hour! We do not “protest.” We simply pray and offer help. Won’t you join us? News about your spiritually adopted baby: ** At 14 weeks, what a little cutie your spiritually adopted baby is! His precious little body is sprouting lanugo, fine hairs that grow over almost the entire body. Baby is about 4 ½ inches long and weighs a little over 3 ounces. His face is perfectly formed now as the eyes move closer together and ears move into position. Pray this week that the people who perform ultrasounds at abortion clinics will see this beautiful face and have a profound conversion of heart. To spiritually adopt a baby, pick up a prayer card in the vigil kit or go online at www.spiritualadoption.org. |
Our vigil update writer:
|