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