“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.
0 Comments
“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. 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. “However, this kind of demon goes away only by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21
Jesus told his disciples this when they questioned why they had been unable to cast out a demon from a young boy. Abortion is a demon in our country. Perhaps this is one that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. That is the idea behind two of the aspects of 40 Days for Life. We all seem to be fairly familiar with the idea of prayer but fasting? Maybe not so much. Fasting is when we humbly deny ourselves something of the flesh to glorify God and go deeper in our prayer life. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Anything you can temporarily give up (chocolate, TV, radio, Facebook, snacks, coffee, etc. More ideas can be found atwww.nicksenger.com/csc/101-practical-fasting-ideas-for-lent) can be considered a fast. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to focus on God as a form of physical prayer. Fasting strengthens us for the Christian lifestyle in which we strive to put God and others before our own wants. If we are able to say, “Yes!” to God in small things like not eating cookies, it will make it easier to say, “Yes!” when the situation is much bigger. Sometimes it can be hard to maintain a fast. We may find ourselves thinking, “Will it really matter to God if I eat this one cookie? Can I really be saving a baby by turning off the TV?” In these instances it may be helpful to take that “hunger” or desire for the object of our fasting and satisfy it with prayer. It is also important to remember that your fasting and any suffering you endure because of it is not limited to you. Your sacrifice is united not only with millions of others around the world as a sign of repentance to God, but it is also united with the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave His very life for us, so He could save us from our sins by rising triumphantly on Easter! *40 Days for Life continues through March 24 – 165 babies saved so far! 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 Glen Ellyn and Aurora. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, February 14, we estimate that SEVEN precious infants lost their lives. ** One woman chose LIFE! Rosa came with her sister. They ignored the 7:00 am counselor, Terry, but they must have heard what he was saying. Or perhaps it was the presence of the faithful group of prayer warriors that pricked their hearts and awoke their conscience. Maybe it was the prayers offered by so many of you from work or home that called upon the power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever it was, I was able to talk to them as they left; baby still safely in Rosa’s womb. Her sister was crying tears of joy. Rosa was more hesitant, but thanked me for the information about the Women’s Center and happily took a pair of pink baby booties. Her husband does not yet know about her pregnancy, so please pray that he will accept this child with open arms. ** On Thursday, February 21, we estimate that EIGHT children were murdered at Forest View “Medical Center.” ** Jessica decided to give her baby the gift of LIFE! She came with her father around 8:30 am. Her mother showed up about an hour later and all three, I mean FOUR, of them then left together. Jessica was all smiles as she told me she was keeping her baby. As I looked at her joyful face, I couldn’t help but ask for a hug and she gladly obliged! I gave her information about the Women’s Center and told her we would all be praying for her. As I went to give her booties, I realized that I had a feeling that pink just wouldn’t do for her; however, she quickly grabbed them out of my hands stating, “I just know it’s a girl!” That will be one lucky little girl. Praise God! ** Even though Jessica was happy to grab the pink booties, we would love to have some blue ones as well. Click Here for a pattern for all of you knitters out there! Please let us know and we can even pick them up. ** Sometimes blessings come from passers-by. Many cars drive by with a friendly honk or give a thumbs-up. Some even stop by to thank us. On this particular day, an older gentleman on his way to the casino (one block away) stopped by to say how he sees us out there a lot and admires us. When I told him about the save that day, however, he was quick to say, “I’m not really on one side of the issue or the other.” I feel confident, though, that his heart may be pulling him to the side of LIFE if he felt compelled to stop and say hi. Every time you stand outside of an abortion facility you never know who will drive by and be swayed by your prayerful, peaceful presence. "Return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is He.” (Joel 2:13)
Today 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. Yet, as I read from “The Word Among Us” magazine today, I found that I need to look at Lent a bit differently. 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 TODAY! – 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 Glen Ellyn and Aurora. Watch a video of the Aurora site’s kick-off rally where they witnessed a save that very day!: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXRWkZqLqIQ 2. Two Lobby Days in Springfield Feb. 20 and March 13 – 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 the upcoming events tab for more information. 3. Click HERE to view “40 Ways to Embrace Life” . Choose one thing that you will do this Lent to promote LIFE. UPDATE ON A SAVE - We have a little more information about Kathy who chose LIFE at Forest View last July. Her baby girl, Kylee Elise, was born on January 15. Kathy is so appreciative of the presence of people praying for her that day and throughout her pregnancy. She texted, “She really wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, so thank you so much for that!” - From the update when we first met Kathy, “She came with two Hispanic young men. Neither was the father of her baby. As God would have it, the two men dropped Kathy off and then parked in the parking lot in front of the Women’s Center building which allowed us the opportunity to go right up to their car and talk. We are not legally allowed on the premises of the abortion mill’s parking lot, so it really was an amazing blessing! The one young man, Angel, was willing to listen and was very moved by the pictures of developing babies and aborted babies in the pamphlet I shared. He immediately texted Kathy to come out. And she did! All three came with me to the Women’s Center and left later with a plan for LIFE! - May God bless each person who pleaded to God for the life of this child. We have sent a gift to Kathy and Kylee from all of you! News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, January 31, we estimate that SEVEN children died at the hands of a “doctor.” ** One couple arrived at 7:00 am and left 20 minutes later. They did not stop to talk or even look our way, so we do not know what happened. ** On Thursday, February 7, we estimate that again SEVEN women chose death for their unborn child. ** As much as we would love to report that there was a save on one of these days, we simply don’t know. Of course, this doesn’t mean there wasn’t one. Former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson said that on abortion days when there were people present praying outside, their no-show rate shot up to 75%. However, even if not one baby was saved on these days, our prayers were not in vain. We must continue to go to these places of death. We may be the only ones who mourn the passing of these children at the site of their murder. Each one was a unique individual, a precious baby, who will never be seen in this world. “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) It is a sacred duty to never forget the youngest victims of abortion. To this end, the Pro-Life Action League has launched a project to remember these little ones. Read about it here: http://prolifeaction.org/hotline/2013/topten03/#more-27984(You can also find some comfort here by reading Eric Scheidler’s list of the top ten accomplishments of the pro-life movement!) 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! |
Our vigil update writer:
|