"When Judas saw that his army was dwindling away and that the battle was about to begin, he was worried because there was not enough time to bring his army together. 8 He was discouraged, but he said to those who were still with him, 'Let's prepare for the attack; maybe we can still defeat them.'" 1 Maccabees 9:7-8
We live during a time when there are unprecedented attacks on not only Christian values, but also Christian people themselves. From violent persecution of Christians overseas to aggressive public protests to hateful personal verbal assaults through social media or in our workplaces and schools, we are under attack. At times we may feel like Judas in the Old Testament when the Syrians came to Jerusalem with 20,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. Many of Judas' 3000 men, upon seeing the Syrian army, fled in terror and he was left with only 800 soldiers. We must be like Judas who instead of giving up, prepared for the attack and trusted in the Lord. No matter what happened, he was ready to stand strong even against all odds. Sadly, Judas lost his life during the battle. However, he led with such bold conviction and strength that he inspired others to remain steadfast until ultimately peace was achieved. That is what we can do too, with God's help. Lent begins this week. Take time to lead with conviction and invite someone to come pray with you at an abortion clinic. It's time to stand up for Christian values, especially the dignity of human life. See below for opportunities at clinics this month, especially during the 40 Days for Life campaign beginning tomorrow. Governor's Race in Illinois: NorthWest Families for Life is not a political organization, but when the attack on Life is as great as it is with two of the candidates for Governor, we cannot be silent. The good news is: There is a 100% pro-life candidate for governor, Jeanne Ives. There has been some controversy surrounding her lately which proves how formidable an opponent she is! Seek out the true information (like her voting record found here) about this faithful woman and do not judge her by any ad. Jeanne personally had an experience of conceiving a child with a terminal diagnosis. She made the decision to refuse abortion and carried the baby to term with dignity. You can read Jeanne Ive's powerful testimony of continuing her pregnancy here. Jeanne will fight against HB 40 (taxpayer funding of abortion). She is a strong proponent of Christian values and will not play "Chicago" political games. Please vote for Jeanne Ives in the primary on March 20. Stand strong by displaying a yard sign. You can get one and read more about Jeanne's campaign here. We need to get out the word that Illinois has a real choice for governor! News from January vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of January, we estimate that 78 mothers chose to have their child killed and taken from them at Advantage Health Care. ** However, we were blessed to witness 2 SAVES in January! - The one couple did not stop to talk but drove off smiling. - The other save was of a young woman in her 20's who came with her mother to abort her child. On their way into the clinic, the young woman covered her eyes so as not to see the posters being held by the prayer warriors. After about 30 minutes inside they came out and pulled out. Two of our prayer warriors met them at the exit. The mother told them she would help her daughter with her grandchild. The young woman had a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. Both women were thankful and accepted the gift bag of information offered, which included a pair of adorable baby socks! Please pray for this young mother and her mother. ** One of our longtime prayer warriors, Mary, lost her battle to cancer at the beginning of February. We ask that you would prayerfully consider honoring her memory by taking her place. We are in great need of prayer warriors on Tuesdays between 9:00 - 11:00 am. Contact Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
0 Comments
** The Blessed News**
"Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord!" 1 Chronicles 16:10 - During 2017 at our 3 times-a-week prayer vigils on the sidewalk outside Advantage Healthcare in Wood Dale, Illinois, God granted us front-row seats to marvel at the work of His mighty hand in SAVING 34 CHILDREN FROM ABORTION. - Most recently, in December there was a couple who parked in the lot and argued for 30 minutes. The woman finally got out and walked to the door of the clinic but the man refused to follow. She returned to the car yelling at him, but he would not budge. They left together, never entering the clinic. Praise God for this strong man who saved his child's life simply by refusing to get out of the car! I can't help but believe that it was the prayer of those of us gathered on the sidewalk that strengthened him in his resolve as he saw us in the cold for love of him and his family. - In November, Thomas and Andresia came for an abortion but during a conversation with one of our sidewalk counselors, Andresia began to cry and told him that she "knew it (abortion) was evil." They decided to keep the baby! Praise God for this young couple from Ghana, Africa. - Another cold day in November, a young Asian couple came out long before Dr. Goyal arrived. Terry was able to talk to them and gave them a handful of helpful literature. They confirmed that they would give their child life and the husband made the sign of the cross. The abortion clinic escort saw this and tried relentlessly to stop Terry, but he persevered and was blessed to witness this save. Read more about Terry below. ** The Tragic News** "Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4 - During this same year, a staggering 849 babies lost their lives to abortion at Advantage Healthcare in Wood Dale. And this is only at one abortion clinic in one state. To put this in perspective, consider these facts: - The average number of students in each elementary school in Illinois is about 400. This means that the equivalent of 2 entire elementary schools full of children was destroyed in Wood Dale this past year. - Harvard graduated about 1600 students last May. The loss of life is more than half of these bright young graduates with their futures ahead of them. Yet, these 849 children will never have a college graduation. - Finally, imagine life without your best friend, spouse, or sibling. Because the fact is - each one of these babies who died at Wood Dale was a unique, unrepeatable instance of God's creative love. They could have been someone's best friend, spouse, or sibling, but were not allowed the chance. Whether or not they could have graduated from Harvard, they were a child of God. These were our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, each life matters to you and me. This is why we continue to remember them. They have no families to mourn them. We will be their families. Please consider joining us this month at one of the events below to come together as a family. If you feel called, join us at a prayer vigil at an abortion clinic to prevent more lives from being lost this new year. Thank you for all of your prayer and support in 2017. Laura and Maria ** There is a sidewalk counselor who has been part of NorthWest Families for Life before we were even officially an organization! Terry used to stand with us at the 1640 Arlington Heights Rd. building where Dr. Goyal has a satellite office that refers to his abortion mills. That was over 8 years ago. Now he shows up to all three days of our vigil, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and even some Wednesdays in Glen Ellyn. Often arriving before 6:00 am because couples begin to arrive at 5:45 or earlier. Can you please say a prayer for this pro-life warrior? We are grateful to him and wanted to take this opportunity to ask God to bless him and keep him. ** Are you feeling called to join a prayer vigil at a clinic but nervous to take that first step? Please email or call us. We were once just like you! We would love to offer information, advice, and support. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees by Name
“And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long.”
Psalms 35:28 Praying at a clinic can be a daunting task at times. Watching women and men enter without even a look your way can be disheartening for even the most stalwart sidewalk counselor. Standing among others who share your frustration can be an opportunity for despairing talk. However, in those moments, we can look to these words from Psalms and declare that God is righteous! The battle has already been won. God does not ask us to have “success” at the clinics. He only asks us to keep vigilant and pray, bearing witness for all who enter that life is a gift from God and we will help them cherish that gift. We must keep our minds and hearts lifted up to God whether praying at a clinic, talking to friends from church, or speaking with a work colleague. It is easy to complain about the evil of abortion and the world, but try instead to talk of the goodness of God. Negative talk does not bring about a positive end. Only by raising one another up can we make the positive impact we seek! Praise God all day long! Thank you for making the 5th annual NorthWest Families March for Life a HUGE success! The rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic crowd! Thank you to our wonderful speakers: Dave Smith (Illinois Family Institute), Joe Scheidler (Pro-Life Action League), Debbie Blanzy (Save the Storks), Pastor Aaron Malusky (New Hope Christian Fellowship, Mundelein). The pro-life youth group Crusaders for Life from St. John Cantius and St. Peter in Volo brought so much pro-life joy! Click here for photos. If you'd like to give suggestions for next year, please feel free to respond to this email. Thank you! News from October vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of October, we estimate that 71 boys and girls were killed at Advantage Health Care. ** However, we were blessed to witness 4 SAVES in October! - There were two saves on the first Tuesday of the month. In one, the mother chose life, but the father seemed upset by her decision. Please pray for this young mother to stay strong. The other was a 19 year-old young woman who was able to speak in Spanish to one of our bilingual sidewalk counselors. We praise God for these blessings! - It was a cold, rainy day when we met Nigeria and Demitrius at the clinic. First Demitrius came out of the clinic and surprised me by coming over to talk. However, he wanted the abortion. He told me the reason was because his girlfriend had been unfaithful. I told him that it was not the baby's fault and informed him of the dangerous conditions in the clinic that had sent a woman away in an ambulance a few months earlier. While we were talking, Nigeria came out in tears. She did not want the abortion. I told them about Care Net, told them I thought the baby is a boy, gave them handmade booties and then we prayed together. After the prayer, Demitrius said let's go to CareNet! Later that day I got a text from Nigeria, "Thank you. You saved my baby's life." God is good! He rewarded us for being there on such miserable, rainy cold day. - The last save in October happened on Halloween. A Mexican couple drove in with a Rosary hanging on their rearview mirror. They were not inside very long before they both came out and left. They did not stop to talk but drove off long before the doctor arrived and waved! ** Are you feeling called to join a prayer vigil at a clinic but nervous to take that first step? Please email or call us. We were once just like you! We would love to offer information, advice, and support. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
"You will be my treasured possession." (Exodus 19:5)
Priests for Life has a book of daily pro-life reflections. This is from today's reflection, "Dr. James McMahon was an abortionist in Southern California and performed partial-birth abortions. When asked by the American Medical Association news how he justified doing it, he admitted that the baby was a child, but then said there was a more important question, 'Who owns the child? It's got to be the mother,' he explained." As people of Life, we know that the mother most certainly does not "own" the child. But, to me the central issue that has been forgotten in our country (one that Dr. James McMahon has forgotten) is the truth that no one can stake a claim on another's life, because each one of us belongs to God. We belong to Him, not as a slave, but as a treasured son or daughter. If each person recognized their own inherent dignity and worth as God's precious child, they would be able to see others as His children too. From the newly conceived child in the womb, to the youth with special needs, to the elderly grandma with Alzheimer's. We must constantly have this thought on our mind, "I am a child of God, His treasured possession." Then, hopefully, we will act like it! News from July and August vigils at the Wood Dale Abortion Clinic: ** During the summer months of July and August we estimate that 150 human beings lost their lives at Advantage Health Care. ** There were 4 SAVES at the clinic in July! Plus a bonus save through texting! - One couple drove into the lot but the woman refused to get out. After talking to her for awhile the man convinced her to go in. However, they came out again and sat talking. Finally, they drove off for good and were not seen again! - Another woman, Vanessa, spent half an hour talking to a sidewalk counselor. She had brought her sister-in-law, Cindy, for an abortion because Cindy felt like she couldn't afford another child. She has 6 children. Both women were crying and ultimately Cindy decided to keep her seventh child! - Yet another woman chose life in a very dramatic way when she came running out of the clinic crying. She received lots of support and love from those on the sidewalk. - The "bonus" save happened when a woman, Lorena, pulled up alone to talk to the women praying on the sidewalk. She explained that her step-daughter, Doris, was being pressured to abort by her boyfriend, but Lorena wanted to help her. We gave her a gift bag full of information, candy, and baby socks. Later on that day, Lorena reached out to me through text and I was able to connect her to CareNet. She recently texted me that Doris talked to a counselor and is keeping the baby. She is one happy grandma! ** There were also 4 SAVES in August! - Jay and Elizabeth chose life after speaking to one of our sidewalk counselors. - A young Middle-Eastern couple with a young baby came to the clinic telling us they were getting birth control. The woman went into the clinic, but came out a short time later. As they left, they stopped to talk to the prayer warriors. The young mother admitted that she had lied to them earlier about why she was there. She was pregnant and seeking information about abortion. Then she told them that because they were there praying, they had changed their mind and were keeping the baby! Praise God! All you need to do is show up to pray and let God do the rest! ** Advantage finally brought the clinic up to code as far as having a back-up generator. It's unbelievable that this clinic has been operating on women for years without one. -On the day it was installed we met Rick, the truck driver who delivered the generator. He shared his story of how he saved his oldest child from abortion 21 years ago. In contrast, another man, Mike, riding by on his bike stopped to pray and mourn for his child who would have been 25 years old if his girlfriend had not gone behind his back and aborted the baby. He questioned, "How much different would my life have been with my son?" He named his son Michael Jr. The difference between these two men was very visible. Whereas Rick appeared very self-assured and content with his current life, Mike was a broken man whose life he admitted had not turned out well. Rick has three sons. Mike never had any children except the one he lost to abortion. The negative consequences of abortion are so far reaching and devastating. ** Are you being called to show up to pray and let God do the rest? Join us on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday in Wood Dale. You do not have to interact with the people entering or leaving. Simply standing in prayer is enough. Please feel free to call us (847-651-4877) if you would like more information about what standing vigil is all about or look on-line at www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. Pray for These Abortion Employees
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Ephesians 4:25
Bearing public witness to the truth about abortion is difficult in today's culture of "my body, my choice." People don't want to hear the truth that abortion kills children. They don't want to see the broken bodies or acknowledge that abortion stops a beating heart. They don't want to hear the truth that abortion leaves women and men emotionally, physically, and spiritually devastated. People deny the truth that there is only one God who created each human being, unique, unrepeatable, and, above all, loved. Yet, we have been called. We know the truth. This is why we "must put off falsehood and speak truthfully" to our neighbor, not from a place of superiority or righteousness, but from a place of love. Because if we are all members of one body, then what hurts one, hurts us all. In the same way, what helps one member is a blessing to the entire body of Christ. News from May and June vigils at the Wood Dale Abortion Clinic: ** This past May and June, we estimate that 148 babies were killed and taken from their mothers' wombs at Advantage Health Care. ** These children did not die unloved thanks to the faithful prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors who joined us these past two months as a public sign of the truth that each and every baby is a child of God created in His image. ** Their mothers and fathers also saw the visible sign of God's love as we passed out Project Rachel brochures to them after abortions. ** We have a special Saturday prayer warrior, Mary, who ministers to these broken post-abortive women and men at the Wood Dale clinic Saturdays from 10:30 am - 12:00 noon. Almost always by herself! Here are a few of her recent stories: - "A girl, Carolina, drove up about 11:30 and I asked if she was there to pick up someone who was having an abortion. She said she was coming for a check-up because she had an abortion 2 weeks ago. She said she had to do it because the male had left her and she didn’t have any means to support the child. I gave her the project Rachel pamphlet. I explained our Illinois Safe Haven law to her but she said she could never have given up the child for adoption but someday she wants to be a good mother. She was still a bit weepy about it. I told her God would forgive her and asked if she went to any church. She said she had stopped going and asked if there was a church nearby. I told her how to get to Holy Ghost because she said she was Catholic. I again repeated God would forgive her but don’t do it again. She said her brother brought her last week and her parents are in Argentina and she is doing Community service work at a place that feeds the homeless. She said she was 4 weeks pregnant. I have her name on my prayer list and hope she seeks forgiveness. She said she was glad she came to keep the appt. and was able to talk to me." - "One girl came out leaning on her female companion and was crying. I was able to give the pamphlet to the companion. Another girl came out, embraced her male companion, and was kind of weepy. She took the pamphlet from me. - God even blessed Mary with a late save last Saturday! "A group of people came out of the clinic and were having a discussion for at least 45 minutes. There was a woman, a man, and 3 girls. The woman and man seemed to be at a distance from the 3 girls, but every now and then they went over to the 3 girls who were now sitting on the curb very near the front door. I tried to tell them I had help and held out my resource of alternative places and phone numbers. I felt so frustrated that I couldn’t offer my alternatives but finally they all walked to their car. They said they weren’t going ahead with the abortion! I said Thank God and gave them the resource paper. I don’t know if the woman was the mother and the 2 other girls sisters or friends of the one very fragile teen ager who was teary eyed and of very slight build, under 100 pounds. The man took my brochure and I asked the girl her name. It is Alyssa. I said I would pray for her. I was so grateful that God let me see that they walked away because I would have felt so guilty if I hadn’t been brave enough to go right up to them and offer the resources." God bless you, Mary! ** Mary could use a prayer buddy during the 10:30 am - 12:00 noon time on Saturdays. Would you consider joining her in this most vital ministry to post-abortive women and men? If yes, contact us at [email protected] and I'll connect you. ** There were at least 2 more SAVES that we know of in the last two months. - Ina (founder of Brazil 4 Life) sidewalk counsels with her beautiful Brazilian accent. She spoke to a young man who brought a friend, Teri, for an abortion. Teri was already inside and the man was leaving when Ina got him to stop and talk. She convinced him to call Teri and get her out... and he did! Teri was all smiles as she thanked Ina for her help. She is 6 weeks pregnant. We must pray now for both her and her child. - We believe another woman chose LIFE on a Thursday in June. We do not have specific details but the couple, who had a child in the back seat, left smiling at us before the doctor arrived. God is good! ** We have noticed a blue MIMIT sign on Advantage's door and the same one on Dr. Goyal's clinic in Glen Ellyn. This stands for the Midwest Institute of Minimally Invasive Therapies (www.themimit.com) which is operating out of these two abortion clinics, allowing the Glen Ellyn clinic to stay open and providing more income for the abortionist. - Can you make a phone call to MIMIT? What if many pro-life people called MIMIT asking about their Wood Dale and Glen Ellyn offices and then told the person that they could never go to an abortion clinic for any procedure? Perhaps MIMIT would leave this partnership for fear of losing business! If you are the type of bold person who might be interested in helping in this way, email or call us and we'll get you started. 847-651-4877 ** Are you feeling called to bear public witness to the truth? Join us on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday in Wood Dale. You do not have to interact with the people entering or leaving. Simply standing in prayer is enough. Please feel free to call us (847-651-4877) if you would like more information about what standing vigil is all about or look on-line at www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” (John 20:21)
It is difficult to imagine the devastating sorrow the disciples must have experienced watching the suffering and death of the beloved man they believed would be their Savior. Then that sorrow was transformed into immeasurable joy once they realized that truly Jesus Christ is risen and is the Savior of the world! That knowledge gave them the hope and strength for the mission Jesus calls them to in this Scripture passage. In each one of our lives we also experience sorrow, disappointment, frustration. Those are times to dig down into that Resurrection Hope for ourselves. 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! We must never give up spreading the truth about abortion, how it kills children and leaves women and men broken. As God sent Jesus, and Jesus sent the apostles, so He also sends us. Thank you to those who came out to the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Wood Dale abortion clinic! See photos here of the crowd over 100 people strong! News from April vigils at the Wood Dale Abortion Clinic: ** This past April, we estimate that 84 women condemned the children in their wombs to death at Advantage Health Care. ** FOUR women chose LIFE! One of these women had to fight for her child. The couple appeared to be in their 30's. The man, possibly her husband, yelled at the prayer warriors as the woman ran in. However, they both came out before long and left! Sadly, on the way out in the car, it looked like the man was now yelling at the woman. We were not able to get any helpful materials to her, but we pray and ask you to join us in prayer that this brave mother will seek help and stay strong in her determination to protect her child. ** Another woman never even made it into the clinic. She sat crying in her car for almost an hour and then they left! Again we pray she will continue to embrace God's gift of Life. ** One young man tried in vain to save his child. Calvin was waiting outside for his girlfriend Tiana. She was mad at him because he refused to be inside with her killing his child. He impressed me with his knowledge of not only fetal development, but also the physical and emotional damage abortion does to women. He went in armed with brochures of help for Tiana, he prayed with us, but nothing could change her mind. She felt overwhelmed by the 8 month old baby she has. We gave Calvin a Project Rachel brochure for himself and Tiana. We also encouraged him to name his child. This is something we do before leaving vigil. We name and baptize the little ones lost that day. We stand in the place of their parents and give them the dignity of a name to let them know they are loved. When I asked Calvin what name he chose for his baby, he replied brokenhearted, "Junior. Calvin Junior." ** On April 18 at 10:40 am we witnessed something we had never seen firsthand while at vigil - an ambulance arrived at Advantage to take a woman away. It brought the harsh reality of the danger of abortion into the open for the public to see. We were actually speaking to some teens who had stopped by to chat when the ambulance pulled into the lot with a fire truck parking on the street. The teens clearly saw that abortion may be legal, but it is definitely NOT safe for the mother and certainly not for unborn child. We are in the process of acquiring the recording of the 911 call. Please pray for this woman and her child. ** We have noticed a blue MIMIT sign on Advantage's door and the same one on Dr. Goyal's clinic in Glen Ellyn. This stands for the Midwest Institute of Minimally Invasive Therapies (www.themimit.com) which is operating out of these two abortion clinics, allowing the Glen Ellyn clinic to stay open and providing more income for the abortionist. - One man came to Advantage to have a procedure done to a vein on his leg. When he found out it was an abortion clinic, he went in and cancelled his appointment! - That gave us an idea: What if many pro-life people called MIMIT asking about their Wood Dale and Glen Ellyn offices and then told the person that they could never go to an abortion clinic for any procedure? Perhaps MIMIT would leave this partnership for fear of losing business! If you are the type of bold person who might be interested in helping in this way, email or call us and we'll get you started. 847-651-4877 ** We were blessed by some first time prayer warriors recently. It is always a huge morale boost to us veterans to see new folks step out in faith! ** Could you be our next first-timer to give us a boost? Maybe just one hour a month? 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 what standing vigil is all about or look on-line at www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. “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 mothers and fathers, like Judas, deeply regret what they have done by betraying innocent blood? Some statistics say as many as 94% of post-abortive women regret their decision. How many abortionists and clinic workers wish they could “throw back” the blood money they earned? Former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson has helped more than 325 abortion workers (including 10 abortionists!) leave the industry since June 2012 through her organization “And Then There Were None” (www.attwn.org). How many grandparents who encouraged a son or daughter to abort their own grandchild live in despair? 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 experienced or participated 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!” Could you 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 3 abortion clinics in the suburbs and 1 in Chicago. We greet him every Tuesday in Wood Dale with, “Good morning! We are praying for you.” Pray that the Holy Spirit will profoundly touch his heart. We wish you and your family a Blessed and Joyous Easter! News from March vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of March, we estimate that over 100 lives were lost! This is the highest monthly total we have seen since we began praying at Advantage in April 2014. Please consider joining us on this battlefield between life and death. The presence of prayer warriors makes a difference. Even if no one says a word to the women, they see you there and may change their mind. ** We believe there were two saves, on a Thursday but do not have details. We know that God does have the details and will praise him and continue to ask His blessings on these women and children! ** We were able to speak to some of those who drove women for abortions. One man claimed that it was "a good thing" they were able to have the abortion "before it was a baby." I informed him that the heart starts beating by 3 weeks after conception, before his wife even knew she was pregnant. He denied this stating that it doesn't start beating until 40 days. I encouraged him to look it up for himself, but he just drove off. Education is key when speaking to others about abortion. It's especially an effective tool for teens. They may be susceptible to emotional arguments, but the facts of human development will stick with them. Illinois Right to Life has a fantastic, easy-to-read website just for this: http://illinoisrighttolife.org/science-of-life/ ** 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 what standing vigil is all about or look on-line at www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. Pray for These Abortion Employees
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
From 40 Days for Life: (www.40DaysforLife.com) We see the evil and oppression in the world, the arrogance of those who mock God, the millions of innocent lives destroyed because of the greed of a few. Our flesh tells us that we should take justice in our own hands, but instead of vengeance, the Lord calls us to love our enemy, to forgive others as we have been forgiven. God loves the abortionist and the Planned Parenthood advocate just as much as He loves you. It breaks His heart to see them in bondage to sin and He is giving you this opportunity to introduce them to the Savior who sets the captive free. Though you may not experience direct interaction with these souls, your presence will not go unnoticed. Your nonverbal communication speaks volumes about the God you serve. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is not condoning or overlooking the wrong behavior of others, but rather it is freeing ourselves so that God can work mightily through us to touch their hearts for Him. Let’s join our hearts with His in recognizing that those in the abortion industry are not the enemy, but rather they are blinded by the enemy. News from January and February vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of January, we estimate that 78 children's beating hearts were stopped. ** We were able to talk to several men who brought a woman there to kill their baby. Their reasons for this ranged from "it's her choice" to the mom has "health issues." It is always sad to see men relinquishing their God-given role as protector of women and children. But we were heartened to have a young man named Felix stop by to ask us some questions and share that he is writing a pro-life paper for one of his college classes! God is good to send this upstanding man to give us hope for the future. ** During the month of February, we estimate that 83 women had their baby violently taken from them. ** We believe that one woman chose life! We do not have many specifics but we pray that she remains steadfast and courageous. ** Sadly, we are seeing some of the highest numbers of abortions per day than we have ever seen in Wood Dale. Please consider joining us. It always seems like the more prayer warriors we have, the less abortions. ** When we stand vigil at an abortion clinic, our mission has many facets. It is not only to offer help to women and save children's lives. We also are a living memorial to all the children whose lives have been lost at this place of death. In addition, we are an announcement to the community of the evil that exists in their town. Further, we are a beacon of hope for other pro-life people who drive by that they are not alone. Finally, we strive to be ambassadors of Christ to the employees, abortionists, and folks who make deliveries to the abortion mill. - Like Jason who came to deliver oxygen to the clinic a few weeks ago. He did not know he was delivering to an abortion clinic. He told us, "I'm on your side." Then he said this was his first time here and would be his last. I gave him a Project Rachel and a CareNet brochure so he would know that our mission is one of love. ** Looking for a way to make this Lenten season special? Come sacrifice an hour in prayer with us for these innocent victims at their place of death as a living memorial. Please email or call us. We would love to welcome you at a vigil on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
The prophet Isaiah never had the chance to see his prophecy fulfilled during his lifetime, but each one of us has been blessed to see with our own eyes the wonders of God through His only Son Jesus Christ. Blessed are we who continue to rejoice in His birth! As we begin the new year, let's take a few minutes to meditate on and marvel at the images of Jesus Isaiah presents, "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace." Consider each title for Jesus and how we can reach out to Him. He is a counselor - Go to Jesus for advice. He is mighty - There's nothing He can't do through you. He is your eternal Father - Trust in and rest in God's fatherly love for you as His beloved child. He is the Prince of Peace - Seek His will and feel the peace it brings today and always. Wishing you a blessed and Happy New Year! Rejoicing in another year of praying and working together with you for an end to abortion! Laura and Maria News from November and December vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of November, we estimate that 60 children died inside Advantage Health Care. ** However, we were blessed to witness a remarkable woman choose LIFE! Shonda and her boyfriend arrived at the clinic from the south side of Chicago. He wanted her to kill their child. Shonda has children already and did not want to kill this one. As sidewalk counselors and prayer warriors watched, prayed, and called out, Shonda and her boyfriend talked in the car. Then they went into the clinic only to come out and talk again. The boyfriend became aggressive yelling at Shonda until he finally got in the car and left her alone outside the clinic. Quickly, we rushed to her side. Shonda gratefully accepted the brochures we offered. She wanted to get home as soon as possible, so Kate walked her to the train station and sent her off with her baby safe. Please pray for Shonda that she may continue to protect her child and get free from the aggressive boyfriend. ** During the month of December, we estimate that 58 women paid to have someone rob them of God's precious gift of new Life. ** SIX of these deaths occurred on Christmas Eve. Yes, the clinic was open, and yes, the abortionist Dr. Vinod Goyal was taking lives on the eve of Christ's birth. Please pray fervently for Dr. Goyal to have a conversion. This is a season of miracles. ** Several women throughout the month took a Project Rachel brochure. One Hispanic woman about 30 years old accepted a brochure through tears while climbing into a huge Cadillac. We don't know if the tears were because of a forced abortion or the weight of her loss pressing on her. Either way, please pray for her and all the women who suffer from the trauma of abortion. Every abortion claims at least two victims, the mother and child. ** God is good and allowed us to witness His power through FOUR lives saved in December! - The first was early in December. A couple from Wisconsin left well before the doctor arrived. - A week later another life was saved when Roy showed 2 Hispanic women the truth about abortion through a graphic image of baby who lost his life to abortion. Although the women did not speak much English and Roy not much Spanish, the powerful image opened their eyes and gave them conviction to leave. - During one of the Empty Manger Caroling days at Wood Dale we saw another couple choose Life. When I arrived, the group there had been praying and singing Christmas carols as 5 couples went in. No one even stopped to talk, much less take any life-saving materials from them. Yet, we continued to sing and pray. At about 10:00 am, a black couple came out of the clinic. This is well before most post-abortive women leave, so we were hopeful as we approached the car. "We're having a baby! We changed our minds," the woman called out joyfully. Another sidewalk counselor and I met them at the driveway exit to give them a pair of purple handmade booties (We think it's a girl!) and a business card for CareNet in case they need any help. With a big smile on his face, the man told us, "Thank you. You're doing a great job!" - Just this morning another couple chose Life. They are Hispanic and the man was near tears when Ina, one of our sidewalk counselors and founder of Brazil 4 Life (www.Brazil4Life.org), gave them a pair of beautiful handmade booties. Ironically, it seems like the clinic escorts hired to usher women into the clinic may have unwittingly been part of this save. As the clinic escort (ICAT) approached the couple, they appeared upset by her. Praise God for His mercy! ** Another young couple received a pair of booties. They arrived late and told us they were not seeking an abortion. However, we hear this a lot and it is often not true. Blessedly, in this case it was! They came out joyfully after an ultrasound confirmed her pregnancy. I encouraged them to find a better doctor and they happily accepted a pair of booties with a soccer ball sewed onto them! ** Could you be part of NorthWest Families for Life's mission? Please email or call us. We would love to welcome you at a vigil on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26 - 31
This Scripture speaks for itself, especially after the election we’ve just witnessed. Please continue to storm heaven today and every day for healing in our country. For peace among Republicans and Democrats. For kindness from both sides instead of boasting or name calling. And especially pray for President-elect Donald Trump that God will work both in him and through him. Thank you to those of you who made it to our first October NorthWest Families March for Life! We were blessed with beautiful weather and an enthusiastic crowd! Thank you to our wonderful speakers: Ashley from "Save the One", State Senator Dan McConchie, Joe Scheidler, Dawn Fitzpatrick, Congressman Peter Roskam, State Representative Tom Morrison and Pastor Calvin Lindstrom. We also thank the Crusaders for Life from St. John Cantius and Volo for bringing so much pro-life energy! For videos and photos: www.northwestfamiliesforlife.weebly.com/2016-march-for-life-palatine.html If you'd like to give suggestions for next year, please feel free to respond to this email. Thank you! News from October vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of October, we estimate that 64 boys and girls were killed at Advantage Health Care. ** However, we were blessed to witness 2 SAVES in October! - Two girls appearing to be in their 20's pulled into the parking lot and just sat in the car. Prayer warriors offered help and non-stop prayers. Although the girls would not engage in conversation, they left without ever going in after almost ONE hour of sitting in the car. Imagine the battle for the soul of that woman and her child. - We believe there was another save of a baby conceived in rape. We are unsure of the circumstances but the couple was seen leaving before the doctor arrived. The myth that abortion after rape helps women must be dispelled by the truth. In discussions on this difficult topic, it helps to stay focused on the woman herself. Remind others that it is her baby too, abortion cannot "un-rape" her, the abortion is a further invasive violence against the woman who would now become the perpetrator against an innocent victim (her own child). Finally, I find it helpful to share the amazing statistic that in several studies of rape victims 0% of women who gave life to their child regret the decision. On the other hand, depending on the study, between 70-98% of women who abort their child conceived in rape regret it. For more information: www.abortionfacts.com/reardon/rape-incest-and-abortion-searching-beyond-the-myths or www.SaveThe1.com. You can watch Ashley's brave testimony from NorthWest Families March for Life here. ** Are you feeling called to join a prayer vigil at a clinic but nervous to take that first step? Please email or call us. We were once just like you! We would love to offer information, advice, and support. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
|
Our vigil update writer:
|