“Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2)
If you’ve never read all of Psalm 139 from beginning to end, give it a look! It begins with the reassuring and remarkably humbling idea that God our Father knows each one of us individually and intimately. He watches over us intently and knows even our unspoken thoughts (verse 4). The Psalm goes on to describe how His love follows us everywhere and he never abandons us. Even if we were to try to hide from God (verse 7), His hand would guide us (verse 10). In verse 13, the Psalmist proclaims, “You formed my inmost being; You knit me in my mother’s womb.” This has great meaning to the pro-life cause as it clearly describes how the all-powerful hand of God reaches inside the womb to handcraft each new life. And His work is wonderful (verse 14)! Further, each new creation’s actions are foreseen by God and “written down” as each day was shaped before even one came to be (verse 16). However, the Psalm changes its tone near the end with a warning to those who “deceitfully invoke Your name” (verse 20). The psalmist goes on to forcefully condemn these people. This is the part that struck me most as I read Psalm 139 today. Among all the beauty and wonder of being a chosen creation of God there is a stark contrast to those who do not honor God’s creation. With Respect Life month coming up in many churches this October, it is sometimes suggested that we should focus more on other life issues, like the poor, hungry, and sick. While I agree that those groups should be a focus of efforts, abortion must be the main one. Because it is one of the only life issues (along with same sex marriage) where there are people who are in direct and loud opposition. This opposition even deceitfully invokes God’s name and continually spreads falsehoods about the “goodness,” “justice,” and “rights” of these actions. So today carry with you the awe of God’s personal attentiveness to you and stand strong in defending the unborn whom God’s hand is “knitting” today! News from the last three Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, August 8, we estimate that SIX babies’ lives were ended at Forest View. ** TWO women chose LIFE! - The first couple arrived in a car with WI plates. We see many cars from Wisconsin, in part because of Illinois’ almost non-existent abortion laws. In WI there is a 24 hour waiting period between a woman’s first visit to a clinic for counseling and the procedure. There is also a law requiring written consent from a parent or guardian for a minor, not just parent notification as was just ruled enforceable here in IL. To see a chart comparing some states’ abortion laws: www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_MWPA.pdf I approached Star and Tony, both in their 20’s, with an offer of hope and free help. Star told me she “had to do it” but wouldn’t say why. As I looked at Tony, he seemed to be less sure, so I appealed to him to save his child. He smiled but did not try to stop Star from walking quickly into the clinic. About 30 minutes later, they came out with a change of heart! Star was still concerned, however, as she confided that there may be problems with her and the baby. I gave her a brochure about the great pre-natal program they have just up the road from Forest View at Resurrection Hospital and promised we would all be praying for their family. Praise God! - The second woman to choose life, Boo, arrived with her friend Pasant. Both are 20-something Hispanic women. They rushed in at first ignoring my pleas, but later Pasant came out for a cigarette. I asked her if she saw a burning building and knew a child was inside would she go in to save her? She said she would and then told me that she was against the abortion. So I pointed at Forest View and said, “There’s your burning building. Get in there!” I armed her with a rosary, a fetal model, and brochures and sent her in. About 45 minutes later she came out with a smiling Boo who immediately asked for her own pink Rosary since Pasant decided to keep the one I had given to her! I have a feeling this precious little baby is a girl, so I handed her a pair of hand-knit pink booties (which received a joyful “Awww!” from Boo) and told her she would be surrounded by prayer. God is so good! ** There was another possible save that day. A 17 year old girl, Leslie, came with her teen boyfriend, Diego, to get a pregnancy test at Forest View. Laura talked to them before they entered and brought them to the Women’s Center for one instead. It turns out that Leslie had had an abortion when she was 14 because her mom had pushed her into it. Her test at the Women’s Center was negative, but Leslie still felt sure she is pregnant, but just too early to tell, so the great counselors at the Women’s Center set up a follow-up visit. We are hopeful that whether she is or is not pregnant, she will now receive counseling and education to make life-affirming choices in the future. ** On Thursday, August 15, we estimate that SEVEN women chose to end the new life inside of them. ** Although no women that we know of chose life, Laura passed out many copies of the Human Life International informational newspaper to people walking by on the beautiful day during their lunch break. This community outreach is part of our mission to educate and spread the truth. We pray many minds were opened that day. ** On Thursday, August 22, we estimate that again SEVEN families were forever changed by the loss of a child. ** Nema and her husband came to abort their third child. Each stopped to talk to me separately. Nema told me she “can’t take care of another.” I told them about free help, but neither husband nor wife was willing to make sacrifices for their third child. We pray they find healing and forgiveness. ** One of our early morning prayer warriors had the opportunity to talk to the boyfriend of one of Forest View’s employees whom he drops off every Thursday. The young man told us that Brenda doesn’t agree with abortion and is looking for a new job. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this, but PRAY!
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“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength…” (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19)
In this passage from the prophet Habakkuk, we hear a prayer of thanksgiving and rejoicing despite hardships. We too have call for rejoicing! Even though we live in a culture that the media shows as more and more Godless, there are many lights of hope that shine. Operation Rescue reports that 42 abortion mills have permanently closed this year. That is nearly double of the 24 that closed in all of 2012! In fact, since 1991, over 70% of all abortion clinics in the US have closed. (http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/42nd-abortion-clinic-closed-this-year-due-to-filthy-unsafe-conditions/) Looking for more good news? A report by the Guttmacher Institute reveals that more teens are choosing to delay sexual activity. (www.lifesitenews.com/news/most-high-school-students-are-currently-abstinent?utm_source=LifeSiteNews.com+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=cb404e3b0d-LifeSiteNews_com_US_Full_Text_06_19_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0caba610ac-cb404e3b0d-397380807) Thanks in part to groups like A & M Partnership (www.ampartnership.org ) who provide educational curriculum with the factsthat teens need to make God-honoring choices about the gift of sexuality. And some of the best news is that you are not alone in your pro-life beliefs! At Townhall.com read an article with stats from two different polls showing that more and more Americans are realizing the ugly truths about abortion and becoming pro-life. (http://townhall.com/tipsheet/danieldoherty/2013/07/10/is-america-becoming-a-more-prolife-nation-n1637706) So rejoice and never give up because “the Sovereign Lord is my strength.” HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BABY ELIJAH! We have another birthday to celebrate! Rebecca and Ernesto came to Forest View in December of 2011. They were 20 years old, going to school, working, and desperate. Thanks to God, there were prayer warriors there to lift them up, sidewalk counselors to reach out to them, and the Women’s Center to offer support. And today they are happily married with a beautiful baby boy! Please offer a prayer of thanksgiving today for all the lives that will be touched by this one-year-old boy who almost lost his life to abortion. News from the last three Thursday Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, July 18, we estimate that NINE unique, unrepeatable human beings lost their lives at Forest View. ** One of the couples seeking an abortion brought a dog with them?? They left it in the car as they entered the clinic. Because we cannot trespass in the clinic’s parking lot, Laura asked a construction worker nearby if he would be willing to check on the dog on this hot day. He agreed and as Laura talked to him the hand of God was revealed: This construction worker’s girlfriend just found out she is pregnant and is considering abortion! Laura gave him all sorts of resources for the young man to help save his child. We thank God for this surprising opportunity. And, yes, the dog is OK, but it seems ironic that people are very willing to help an animal in need but so often refuse to speak up and help the babies. ** On Thursday, July 25, we estimate that THREE women were wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually when they allowed the babies in their wombs to be killed. ** Jason and Diane arrived for the third week in a row. We are not sure why they could not get the abortion the previous two weeks. They had not been willing to talk before, but Jason opened up to me this time saying that they are “too old” to have more kids. He is 45 with 4 children and Diane also has 4 kids. They are not married. No matter what I said in defense of his child and Diane, he would not be swayed. However, he was willing to at least take a Project Rachel brochure for Diane who had had another abortion 20 years ago. ** On Thursday, August 1, we estimate that FIVE children died inside Forest View “Medical Clinic.” ** In the last update, I mentioned that two employees of Forest View, Ramesh and Margaret, have not been seen in months. There is also one more employee who we have not been seeing regularly: the abortionist Dr. Goyal. A different man has been coming most weeks. We continue to pray for Dr. Goyal’s conversion. The impact would be great since he owns 5 abortion mills in the suburbs and 1 in Chicago. As the life of abortionist Bernard Nathanson shows us, no one is beyond the healing hand of the Father. Read about Nathanson’s miraculous conversion here: www.aboutabortions.com/Confess.html “‘I, and I alone, am God; no other god is real. I kill and I give life, I wound and I heal and no one can oppose what I do. As surely as I am the living God, I raise my hand and I vow that I will sharpen my flashing sword and see that justice is done.” (Deuteronomy 32: 39-41)
With the verdict of guilty on three counts of murder for three of the four babies Gosnell killed and one count of involuntary manslaughter for the death of a 41 year-old woman, we see a glimmer of the “flashing sword” of God on earth. Yes, He alone is the Author of Life. He alone has sovereignty over Life. Too often people make themselves a god and deem themselves worthy of life and death decisions. Convenience becomes their god. Or money. Or their reputation. Or even fear can be a god if allowed to run rampant and influence decisions. Yet, we have seen the power of God with this court case in Philadelphia and will continue to be His hands and feet on the earth. We urge you to share this news with as many people as you can, especially those who consider themselves pro-choice. You can share it on Facebook or through email. Here is a link to the NBC Philadelphia article about the verdict, so no one can accuse you of sharing biased information! http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Gosnell-Murder-Deliberations-Stretch-into-10th-Day-207178491.html Or post the LifeSiteNews article found here: http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-kermit-gosnell-convicted-on-3-of-4-counts-of-murdering-babies Then say a prayer. You never know what might make one of your pro-choice friends reconsider their position and think: If killing these three babies has been condemned as murder, what makes them different from the thousands of babies killed in abortion clinics every day? Jericho March at Forest View: Thank you for joining us in our first ever Jericho March to call down the power of God at one of Dr. Goyal’s 6 abortion clinics, Forest View Medical in Des Plaines. We were blessed to have almost 100 people unite together in prayer led by Father Lalo of St. Edna’s and many super seminarians from Mundelein. Thank you! We will have pictures up on the website soon (www.NorthWestFamiliesforLife.weebly.com) . And we have some encouraging news: We contacted Forest View to ask about a reopening date and they said no date had been set. This may not seem like much, but it is a far cry from the 5 weeks they originally planned to be closed. This is now the seventh week they have been closed. Please keep praying! And join our prayer vigil this Thursday in Wood Dale (Advantage Medical, 203 E. Irving Park Rd) where we encounter some of the employees and clients from Forest View with love and hope. We will be there from 7:00 am until 12:00 pm this Thursday, May 16, and next, at least. We are in desperate need of prayer warriors from 10:30 – 12:00 pm. Laura was there by herself last week. If you can make it, it would be a wonderful blessing! We will keep you updated about when and IF Forest View reopens! News from the last two Thursdays’ Wood Dale vigils: ** On Thursday, May 2, we estimate that. FOUR unique children died at Advantage “Health Care.” ** None of the mothers or fathers would accept our help, but we called out to them with hope and love and prayed for them. None of the children died alone. We offered prayer for their souls, mourned their loss, and loved them. ** On Thursday, May 9, we estimate that SIX children’s lives were lost and SIX mothers’ lives were forever changed. ** Again we were not able to convince any of the parents to accept the gift of Life that God was offering. However, we were able to give Project Rachel brochures for post-abortive healing to two of the drivers that day. One of these young men had a beautiful picture of Jesus hanging off the gear shift of his car. He said it was not his child and he was just doing his friend a favor. I asked him to respond differently the next time a friend asks him to do this type of “favor” and instead tell her that God loves her and her child, then refuse to take part in the killing by driving. He looked at me very earnestly and said he would. Let us continue to pray for these “just drivers.” “Go forward, and march around the city…” (Joshua 6:7)
When we arrived at Forest View abortion mill last Thursday there was a sign up stating they would be closed for 5 weeks for construction. We believe they will be expanding the clinic into the vacant office next door which they have been unable to rent for years. In the meantime they are sending patients to Dr. Goyal’s Advantage Clinic in Wood Dale (203 E. Irving Park Rd.). We will move our regular Thursday, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm prayer vigil to Wood Dale for the next four weeks. Please join us! On Saturday, May 4th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm we will hold a Jericho March at Forest View to call upon the power of God that this place of death will never reopen. There is great power in this. In April of 2011, a group of about 100 people of all faiths united for the closing ceremony of 40 Days for Life at Dr. Goyal’s “Dimensions” abortion facility. We took part in a Jericho March around the building praying, singing, and reading Scripture. By December of that same year, Dimensions closed its doors FOREVER! God is good! Let’s implore Him to intervene again and close another of Dr. Goyal’s six clinics. Do you play the trumpet? We’d love to blow some horns like they did in Joshua’s time. Never heard of a Jericho March before or wondered why it is done? Here are some answers: 1. What is the Jericho Intercession Procession or March? - The Jericho Intercession Procession or March is one strategy or recipe of intercessory prayer from the Holy Spirit. It takes its name and inspiration from the Old Testament story of Joshua at Jericho (Joshua 1 to 6). The actual Jericho March or prayer procession that God commanded Joshua to do was just one part of the larger strategy of intercession that we find in Joshua 1 to 6. This entire intercession pattern, including the prayer march around the city of Jericho had powerful spiritual and natural consequences. The obedience of Joshua to the Lord’s directions opened the way for God Himself to intervene and bring forth the victory He desired at that moment of history and in the future. Today, we can pray in the Jericho Intercession Strategy in various ways and thus open the way for God to directly intervene and bring forth the victory of Jesus in our situations. 2. What Happens Spiritually During The Jericho Prayer? - In our lives, we are continually surrounded and bombarded by a spiritual atmosphere of the world and the flesh and the devil. As a result, it is often difficult for people to be and do good. When we pray in the Jericho procession, we are spiritually cutting off these dark clouds of evil that surround the people or places for whom we pray. At the same time, our prayer replaces the dark spiritual clouds with the Presence of Jesus and the bright Divine Cloud of all His Love and graces, mercy and blessings. We set our people and places apart unto God, so He can then work very directly in their lives. And we surround them with a Divine Shield, thus building a kind of spiritual wall or container around them in which to catch God’s Glory. In this way, we are opening the window to heaven above them and their lives and their places so the Lord can pour out His Mercy and blessings and miracles upon them. “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” (John 20:21)
Happy Easter to you and your family! We hope that the joy and especially the peace of this holiday remain with you now and always. It is difficult to imagine the devastating sorrow the disciples experienced watching the suffering and death of the beloved man they believed would be their Savior. Then that sorrow transformed to immeasurable joy once they realized that truly Jesus Christ is risen and is the Savior of the world! In each one of our lives we also experience sorrow, disappointment, frustration. 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! There is no telling what you can do as long as you take the joy and peace of Easter and live it every day. Let the Risen Lord shine through you! We must never give up spreading the truth. As God sent Jesus, so He also sends you. **Thank you to those of you who came out for Stations of the Cross at Forest View on Good Friday. It was a beautiful witness and no abortions occurred there that day! Pictures are on our website. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, March 14, we estimate that SEVEN women condemned the children in their wombs to death at Forest View Medical Center in Des Plaines. ** One brave young woman chose LIFE! She came out of the clinic with her two friends around 11:00. Although it was a bit early to be leaving after an abortion, I assumed she had gone through with it. When I tried to hand her a Project Rachel brochure, she walked right up to me and said, “I didn’t do it.” I smiled and offered her a pair of blue baby booties which she happily took. She did not want to visit the Women’s Center, but took the information, thanked me and left with her baby safe, snug and secure! Glory to God! ** On Thursday, March 21, we estimate that FIVE precious innocents lost their lives. ** Our 7:00 am counselor, Terry, approached one young man with an offer of help, but the man only said, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Terry just smiled and said, “Yes! Jesus said to be here.” Indeed, in Acts 20: 35, we are encouraged to work hard to help those who are weak. Many of those who enter the doors of an abortion mill do so out of weakness. ** 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 standing vigil. More information is on www.NorthWestFamiliesForLife.weebly.com. Also see the Pro-Life Action Leagues video, No Greater Joy ** On Thursday, March 28, we estimate that TWELVE babies were murdered by Dr. Goyal at Forest View. This is the highest number of abortions we have seen on a Thursday at Forest View since February of 2012. We mourn this increase in loss of life. 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 women are there in this world who, like Judas, deeply regret what they have done? Some statistics say as many as 94% of post-abortive women regret their decision. How many former abortionists and clinic workers want to “throw back” the blood money they earned by “betraying innocent blood”? Former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson has helped more than 40 abortion workers leave the industry since June 2012 through her organization “And Then There Were None” (www.attwn.org). How many fathers? How many people who “just drove” a friend? 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 experience or participate 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!” 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 6 abortion clinics in Chicago and its suburbs. We greet him every Thursday at Forest View with, “Good morning! We are praying for you.” Pray that the Holy Spirit will profoundly touch his heart. Join us for a special Forest View vigil on Good Friday, March 29. Come stand “at the foot of the cross” to pray for all victims of abortion. WHEN: Friday, March 29, 10:00 am – 11:00 am WHERE: Forest View Medical, 2750 S. River Rd., Des Plaines Prayer will be led by Deacon Larry Schumacher. The Pro-Life Action League has produced a beautiful, ecumenical “Way of the Cross” booklet for use at abortion clinics. If you would like to download a copy and host your own, go to http://plal.org/hotline/2013/goodfriday-2/#tools . Also, please let us know so we can publicize it for you. Since many of us have that day off, it is important to remember why we have time off that day. It is time to recognize the tremendous suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As Eric Scheidler writes, “It is fitting that we solemnize Jesus’ suffering and death in connection with the pro-life ministry He has entrusted to us.” VIGIL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS WEEK Please see the vigil schedule tabs for days of the week and times when faithful people will be praying outside seven of the too many Chicago-land abortion facilities. News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, February 28, we estimate that SEVEN women condemned the children in their wombs to death at Forest View Medical Center in Des Plaines. ** A young man named Tim brought his girlfriend Gabrielle to abort their child. They were convinced that the child would be deformed because Gabrielle had gone tanning. Of course, this is very untrue, but types of ignorance like this are sadly quite common. This couple did not even bother to get a doctor’s opinion. Despite this ignorance and their tragic mindset that only a “perfect” child is wanted, we were able to forge a positive relationship which we hope will bear fruit someday. If you meet a couple with a real negative prenatal diagnosis, you can let them know about resources suchas www.isaiahspromise.net . No child is unwanted!** We believe there was a SAVE! A young couple left without getting an abortion. They did not stop to talk but the woman looked happy. ** On Thursday, March 7, we estimate that FIVE precious innocents lost their lives. ** One man, Sam, who dropped off his wife to kill their child, informed me that it was “not the right time.” He and his wife Toni have one child already and can’t afford another. The idea of adoption was rejected immediately. Despite his unwillingness to change, he listened to all I had to say and took a Project Rachel brochure. Again, we pray that a seed was planted to bring about recognition and healing for this family. ** When we sidewalk counselors have such personal interactions with couples and yet they still go through with the abortion, it can sometimes leave us feeling like we should have done more. Will you please pray for Terry, Laura, Monica, and myself that we will not lose heart, but instead submit ourselves to God’s will for us and for the couples we encounter? ** A special thank you to one of our devoted Prayer Warriors, Kathy, who taught herself to knit using the pattern from last update (and attached again) and created a pair of beautiful BLUE baby booties for us to give away at the clinic. If she can do it, so can 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!) “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
I couldn’t help but think this joyfully as I looked out on the energetic crowd of almost 500 who gathered last Saturday in Palatine for the first-ever NorthWest Families March for Life. God blessed us with warmer weather and even sunshine as we reached the plaza. It felt as if God was smiling on us, and I know He was. THANK YOU to each and every one of you who came to bear witness to LIFE. We especially want to thank - - Our wonderful speakers: Carol Rybacki, Jim Sable, and Joe Scheidler - Those who led us in prayer: Bishop George Rassas and Scott Phelps - The many Knights of Columbus - Our generous, anonymous donors - Countless people who donated their time and energy to make the march a success. You can view a video of the March: http://vimeo.com/57767279 Thank you to Chris Iverson of “Prevail: Prolife Events & Activities of IL” Facebook page for creating this beautiful video. Read an article about the March in the Daily Herald: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130119/news/701199889/ Despite the fact that the reporter was biased against life referring to us as “anti-abortion” and including quotes from Planned Parenthood, she did include some good quotes from the moving speakers of the day. View photos of the March at our website. Click on the “March for Life” tab at the top of the home page. Finally, if you missed the March, we have created a handout called “40 Ways You Can Embrace the Gift of Life.” It has many ideas for doing “something new” for Life this year. Even if you were there, the handout has been revised, so be sure to check it out! (on this website under "easy ways to further the Pro-life cause") After 40 years of Roe v. Wade, you will be part of a renewed call to LIFE. UPDATE ON SAVES - Kathy, a young woman who chose LIFE last July at Forest View, gave birth last Friday to a beautiful baby girl, Kylee Elise. In a text Kathy writes, “I’m feeling great and very happy J.” Thank you, God! He has plans for this little girl’s life known only to Him. We will share pictures when we can. - Speaking of pictures, we received a Christmas card from Kim and Josh (a couple who chose Life Feb. 2012 at Forest View). Their daughter Khylie was born Sept. 18 and what a cutie she is! Consider how different each person’s life would be right now if they had made a different “choice.” Praise be to God! News from the last two Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, January 10, we estimate that EIGHT babies lost their lives at Forest View. ** One young man stopped to talk to me on the way out after dropping his girlfriend off for an abortion. Chris told me that he was against the abortion, but it was her decision. No matter how I tried to empower him, he left feeling powerless to save his child. We need to pray for men to accept their God-given duty to protect women and children, like Joseph did for Mary and Jesus. ** One couple chose LIFE! They pulled into the parking lot but sat in the car for about ½ an hour talking. Blessedly, they were parked facing the sidewalk where we stood praying and holding up signs of “free help” for the couple to see. Finally, they left! The man gave us a big thumbs-up and smile and accepted a brochure about the Women’s Center. The woman seemed distraught but we called to her, “God loves you!” Praise God! Please pray that this couple’s hearts may be filled with hope and peace. ** On Thursday, January 17, we estimate that SIX women made a “choice” that they will never forget. ** One man spoke to our 7:00 am counselor, Terry. He told Terry that he is Catholic, but he and his wife already have 3 kids and can’t afford a 4th. When Terry brought up adoption, the man said that his wife had “medical problems.” Sadly, nothing Terry said could break through this man’s wall. We must pray for this whole family to seek healing. The siblings have been robbed of their little sister or brother. ** We pray at Forest View (2750 S. River Rd, Des Plaines) every Thursday to offer help to the women and men who arrive between 7:00 am and 10:00 am. We stay and pray while the abortionist, Dr. Goyal, takes the lives of the children from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. We are there until 1:00 pm as the women are leaving to offer hope to them. Could you come for even a half hour? You would be such a blessing! Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. With the outcome of the election three weeks ago, we figured that one scripture passage of encouragement might not be enough. But God is our “enough.” He who is, who was, and who always will be. God does not change because of an election and neither will we. We will not lose hope. We will not be downcast. We will persevere and keep doing everything we can to protect the unborn. It may not be getting any easier for us, but our help is in the Lord as it always has been. On Thanksgiving, we pray that you and your families will find many reasons to give thanks! We wish you and yours a Blessed Thanksgiving! P.S. Need a little more up-lifting? Watch this 5 minute video of women living at Heather’s House, a home for women in crisis pregnancies in Des Plaines. It’s a real joy to see these children of God and the “angels” who help them! www.helpaidforwomen.org/our-video News from the last three Thursdays’ Forest View vigils: ** On Thursday, November 1, we estimate FIVE children lost their lives at Forest View. ** We were blessed to be joined in prayer by a wonderful group from Our Lady of Hope and the Knights of Columbus. A big thank you to Jim for organizing this All Saints Day Rosary. ** On Thursday, November 8, we estimate that THREE women made the “choice” to kill the baby in their womb. ** One woman chose LIFE! Laura saw a woman come out of Forest View who had not yet had an abortion, just a pregnancy test. Laura watched as she sat in her car staring hopelessly at the signs by our vigil which state, “Pregnant? Free Help nearby.” As the woman went to leave, Laura approached her car and found out that the baby was not seen as "good news" for this woman and would be a financial strain. However, she looked at Laura with hope in her eyes as she asked about the signs. Laura sent her to the Women's Center where she now has a new lease on Life. If not for those signs, who knows where this desperate woman would be now? And only God knows how many more women have seen these signs and sought help instead of giving in to despair. ** This save happened at 1:00 pm in the afternoon, long after most abortions are complete. This is why we feel it is so important that our vigil run from 7:00 am (when most of the clients arrive) until 1:00 pm (when most are leaving). We never know how God is going to use the prayerful presence. However, sometimes Laura is there alone at this critical time. Would you be willing to join her from 11:30am – 1:00 pm? Even for a half hour? Please call us and let us know. 847-651-4877. ** On Thursday, November 15, we estimate TEN babies died at the hands of a man who calls himself a “doctor.” ** There was a blessing that day. We were informed by the Women’s Center that a woman who had an abortion at Forest View a few weeks earlier was coming in for post-abortive counseling. The most amazing part is that she was referred to the Women’s Center by an employee of Forest View! Please pray that this employee may be experiencing a change of heart and will embrace life. Also, please pray for this post-abortive woman. She has had several abortions and needs the healing power of God. ** You can reach out to those who have been harmed by abortion and share God’s love. Here is a phone number and website for help: 1-888-456-HOPE, www.AbortionRecovery.org |
Our vigil update writer:
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