Today’s reflection is taken from the “40 Days for Life” devotionals: http://www.40daysforlife.com/getinvolved.cfm “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13) Reflection from Carmen Pate: I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ. We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
*The upcoming election may be difficult to discuss with friends, but we MUST put on the armor of God and do so. Get the information you need by printing out the Family Research Council’s Voters Guide (http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF11L04.pdf ). Share it with your friends! If you are Catholic you can also share the “Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics.” (click for link) It does not discuss any candidates, but it explains the 5 “non-negotiables” of our faith: abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, and homosexual marriage. And clearly states that voting for candidates who support any of these is a grave offense. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, October 4, we estimate THREE innocent lives were lost. ** One handsome young man, Frank, brought in his fiancé to kill their unborn child. He said it was “bad timing.” How sad that this new couple is going to begin their married life by murdering their first child. Frank was also ignorant of fetal development and told me that the baby was “nothing” since she only missed her period one week ago. I gave him a fetal development brochure and he was amazed to see that at this point his 3 week-old baby already had a heartbeat and developing eyes and ears. He promised he would try to talk to his fiancé, but they did not come out until after the abortion. Please pray for this young couple. ** Keep praying for the male nurse at Forest View. He has been very friendly lately and we are so hopeful that God will bring him to a new life-affirming job. ** On Thursday, October 11, we estimate that FIVE women made a “choice” that they will never forget. ** This is the third week in a row where the number of abortions has been 5 or lower. We do not know why, but we praise God for the reduction in numbers! ** Many people driving by have been honking and waving in support of the unborn. It is such an encouragement to those of us out there praying, but we also know that our presence is encouraging to those driving by. Too often we pro-lifers can feel that the world is “against us,” but hearing those honks and seeing those friendly waves reassures everyone that we are a vast community of pro-life brothers and sisters!
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“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3
The world and our NorhtWest Families for Life family has been blessed with another gift! Kim and Josh welcomed Khylie Nichole into their family on September 18. She is an absolutely perfect little girl at 7 lbs, 6 oz, 20 inches long. Kim is also doing well. We met Kim and Josh at Forest View on a cold day in February. They were struggling with their decision and did not know where to turn. I approached them with an offer of help and they gladly came with me to the Women’s Center. As they left, I gave them a pair of hand-knit pink baby booties predicting the baby would be a girl and now we all know that those booties were right! Speaking of booties, we are completely out of blue baby booties. Would you be willing to spend some time this month to knit some blue booties? Maybe your Bible study could knit while you talk. Or maybe you know someone in a nursing home who needs to be needed. A sweet pair of baby booties not only makes a woman feel cared for and loved, but it also shows the humanity of the life inside her. Yes, children are a gift, a reward, not a disease or a “problem” to be “taken care of.” We need to pray that all others would realize this truth, especially during this election season when so much is at stake. At the end of this email there are two different election prayers. Please join in praying daily for our country before this election. In addition to prayer, get all the information you can and share it with others. There are several election guides. Family Research Council has one contrasting the presidential candidates at http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF11L04.pdf . Illinois Family Institute has one that also contains information about local offices at http://illinoisfamily.org/ifi_news/general-election-resources/ . Priests for Life also has a Voter’s Guide: http://www.priestsforlife.org/candidates/index.htm . Ask your pastor if one of these could be passed out at your church. It is perfectly legal and would not harm their 501c status. You can check the Priests for Life website for more legal information. October is Respect Life Month across the country. There’s no better time to get involved! Contact us for a vigil schedule if you need one. Don’t forget that “40 Days for Life” has a 24 hour a day, seven day a week vigil site on Chicago’s north side and another location with a daily 6:00 am – 6:00 pm vigil in Downers Grove. See below for more details and many more ways to get step into LIFE this month. Today’s reflection is taken from Father Pavone’s blog: http://www.priestsforlife.org/blog/
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Reflection: A woman who saw the photos of aborted babies on the Priests for Life website wrote to us, “I have a dear friend who is very ‘pro-choice’ and I said: ‘Have you ever seen what an abortion looks like?’ The answer was: ‘No.’ I showed her the pictures. She was rightfully and truly horrified about what this REALLY looks like. And, she started to cry. She isn’t ‘pro-choice’ anymore.” Prayer: You are truth, Lord Jesus, and in you we find the truth about everything. Assist us to expose the truth about abortion. Amen. *As seekers of the truth, there are many upcoming opportunities to educate and empower yourself to be a beacon of truth for others. Please see “Upcoming Events” page. There are a ton of events! Pick one, grab a friend, and go! *With the upcoming election, there are even more opportunities to share the truth. Ask your pastor about handing out or stuffing bulletins with the FRC voter's guide (http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF11L04.pdf ). It is perfectly legal and WILL NOT jeopardize their tax-exempt status. News from the last three Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, August 23, we estimate FOUR innocent lives were lost. ** There was a SAVE! Georgiana and Ryan have been together for three years and have two children, 2 years old and 9 months old. They walked out of Forest View to talk before her abortion feeling confused and unsure. I handed them a brochure which they immediately began to leaf through. They then came with me to the Women’s Center and set up an appointment for an ultrasound! As they were leaving, I asked if I could give them a rosary, and Ryan not only took one for himself, but asked for one for Georgiana as well saying, “We need all the Jesus we can get!” I pray that Ryan will realize that all he needs to do is ask and he will “get” all the Jesus he needs! Please pray that this young couple will accept help in choosing LIFE. ** Keep praying for the male nurse at Forest View. He has been very friendly lately and we are so hopeful that God will bring him to a new life-affirming job. ** On Thursday, August 30, we estimate that SEVEN women made a “choice” that they will never forget. ** A heartbreaking scene unfolded as a group of three older women brought in a 14 year-old girl for an abortion. I was able to talk to the girl’s mother, Helen, when she came out by herself for a cigarette. This poor woman had no idea how to help her daughter. She wept as she told me about her daughter Michelene. I offered to take them to the Women’s Center but was interrupted when the office manager of Forest View came outside. Helen hurriedly rushed back inside. I did manage to give her a Project Rachel and a hug before she left. Please pray for this family. Helen is also recently divorced. ** On Thursday, September 6, we estimate that FOUR babies were murdered by a “doctor.” ** We believe there were two saves this day! Both couples left long before the doctor arrived. One couple told one of our counselors they were only there for the test. Many couples say this and then go through with the abortion. But this couple left after only being inside for 5 minutes! Praise be to God! News about your spiritually adopted baby: ** HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABIES!! It’s time to rejoice. It’s time to celebrate. It’s time to praise God for His blessings and for allowing us to be a part of His loving plan for this child. A member of our NorthWest Families for Life family made a great suggestion that we’d like to pass on to you. Every time a “saved” baby is born, this man makes a donation to a crisis pregnancy center as a “birthday present.” Would you consider giving your spiritually adopted baby a birthday gift? You can donate money, goods, or even time to one of the centers near you, like the Women’s Center (www.womens-center.org ),Heather’s House (www.helpaidforwomen.org/services/heathershouse), The Well of Mercy (www.thewellofmercy.com), or Woman’s Choice Services (www.womanschoiceservices.com ). Who knows? Your spiritually adopted baby may even be receiving services from one of these very agencies. You may never get to meet your baby here on earth, but perhaps in Heaven a “stranger” will approach you calling you “mom” or “dad” and thank you for LIFE! To spiritually adopt a baby, pick up a prayer card in the vigil kit or go online at www.spiritualadoption.org. “My heart exults in the LORD… My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (1 Samuel 2:1)
We got the joyful news last week that a woman who chose life last December at Forest View, Veronica, welcomed baby girl, Eliana, on July 12 at 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Mother and daughter are both healthy and VERY happy! It is time to “exult in the Lord” and His gift of this little girl. Rejoice! This child has been born into the world with God’s help and thanks to the prayers and support of our NorthWest Families for Life family - thanks to you! This is a time for great rejoicing! The above Bible passage is from Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving after her prayers for a child were answered by the birth of Samuel. Children are indeed a blessing. This is why week after week you who recognize this irrefutable truth go out to clinics around the Chicago area to share the Good News! Here is the update from December 1, 2011, the day we first met Veronica and she chose LIFE: ** There was a miraculous save! I call it miraculous because there were so many times when all seemed lost. When I first approached the car, Veronica (the client) had already gone in and her sister Adrianna was in the car with Veronica’s 1 ½ year old daughter. Adrianna told me that she was very much against the abortion, because she had one 6 years ago and was still suffering emotionally. Despite this, Veronica didn't feel like she could have another baby (She has two children, her husband is separated, and she does not have enough money for rent or food.) As I was counseling Adrianna about Project Rachel, Veronica suddenly appeared at the car to get money for medication. I talked at length to her, but she insisted on going back inside “to think.” I got in the car with Adrianna and a half hour long texting session with Veronica began. Finally, after sending two unanswered texts, we feared Veronica had gone through with it. Suddenly at 11:30, well after most abortions at Forest View had already been committed, Veronica came rushing out the door and chose LIFE! I went with her to the Women’s Center in Chicago last Saturday, and if you come to Forest View next week, I’ll show you the ultrasound of her beautiful 8 week-old baby! Thanks be to God! And Veronica would like to thank all of you who joined us physically at Forest View and elsewhere in spirit. Veronica later told me that she was actually in the room, wearing the gown, hearing the doctor call her name, when she got the courage to leave. THAT is the power of prayer! If you would like to come and see what other miracles God has in store, we would love to meet you at Forest View Medical Center (2750 S. River Rd., Des Plaines) on Thursdays from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm, especially during the later hours from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm. If you have ever considered making an impact by joining a prayer vigil, NOW is the time! We must “speak boldly” against the enemies of LIFE. If you have never done anything like this before, rest assured you will be welcome. We welcome people of all faiths to join us in singing, praying, and being a visible sign of God’s love for the women and men who enter. To read more about what to expect at our Thursday vigils and see photos of the clinic, go to our websitewww.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com or for more information call Laura at 847-651-4877. There is easy parking next door to the clinic in front of the Women’s Center building at 2720 S. River Rd. There is always someone at the vigil to greet you with a smile from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm every Thursday, rain or shine, blazing heat or freezing cold! Talk to a pro-life friend and take the first step together to become actively pro-life. Please continue to pray for Veronica, Paul (her now reconciled husband!), and her children Elieyes, Elisabeth, and baby Eliana. Look for our next update in the next few days with news about Kathy, God’s most recent save at Forest View! “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. |
Our vigil update writer:
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