"But someone may well say, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.' ... faith without works is useless." (James 2:18-20)
Many churches designate October as "Respect Life Month." Many of us feel that Respect Life Month should be every month! However, designating this month as a special time for reflection and prayer provides a new opportunity to engage others who may BE pro-life but have never actively DONE pro-life. Yes, Pro-life is not just something you are, but something you do. Just as faith without works is useless, so are pro-life beliefs without any action. We know many of you already DO so much for the cause, so perhaps this month you can make it your goal to encourage just one person you know who is pro-life to get out there and DO something pro-life. To help you, we're putting the upcoming events at the top of this update. Find one event below and invite a friend to join you. Maybe Life Chain this Sunday (NWFL is co-sponsoring the one in Arlington Heights). Maybe make it a movie night to see the just-released Gosnell movie with a pro-choice friend or the teens in your life. Maybe sign up for an hour of vigil at a 40 Days for Life site. Or, of course, our favorite... :-) 6th Annual NorthWest Families March for Life St. Theresa Parish, Palatine Saturday, October 20, 1:00 pm. Speakers include: Joe Scheidler, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, Fr. Paul Mankowski, a woman who chose LIFE, and special guest, author and former LOOP DJ, Kevin Matthews who will lead a Rosary at 12:30 pm before the March. New this year: We're starting in the St. Theresa gym, so expect even more energy as we promote peace by embracing LIFE! Invite your friends with the attached flier, Instagram, or Facebook. News from September vigils in Wood Dale: ** During the month of September, we estimate that 58 women made a “choice” that ended a child’s life and changed their own lives forever. ** There was, however, 1 SAVE in September! A young couple in their late 20's arrived at the clinic. They both went in without acknowledging the sidewalk counselors. However, they came out before long and sat talking in the car. Soon they began to drive out of the lot. At the exit I was able to meet them and offer them information. The woman smiled and accepted it. She told me she was 12 weeks already. I happened to have a fetal model the exact size and weight of a 12 week old baby in my purse. I handed it to her and she marveled at its perfect features. She told me she has 3 kids already and wants this one. They left with the fetal model and a brand new hand-knit pair of booties! God is good! ** An unusual sight was seen on one Tuesday. A couple in their 30's arrived with their 3 children aged from about 10 months to 4 years. The mother would not speak to us at all. She went in and came out several times while the husband sat in the family's van with the children. At one point the whole family actually went in through the side door of the clinic. The clinic does NOT allow born children in the waiting room, so we wondered what was happening. At one point, I offered to adopt the 10 month-old in her father's arms, so they could have their baby and still only have 3 kids. He was shocked I would say that. He then protectively kissed the child. The irony of his failure to protect his youngest child still in the womb was lost on him. Please pray for this family. ** This family's baby and the 57 other tiny human beings who lost their lives this month were lovingly named and prayed for by our sidewalk counselors and prayer warriors. ** Standing vigil is also a ministry to the wider community. We often talk to drivers who deliver goods to the clinic. Some are shocked to hear it's an abortion clinic and others simply don't care. We give them a great brochure called "Sing a Little Louder." Many days a passer-by will stop to ask us what we are doing there, providing an excellent opportunity to educate and inform. We have Human Life Alliance newspapers (www.humanlife.org) with tons of information. This public ministry is one of the reasons why 40 Days for Life 24 hours a day - 7 days a week prayer vigils are such a wonderful opportunity. Check for the one nearest you and step out in faith for an hour! ** Are you feeling called to join a prayer vigil at a clinic but nervous to take that first step? Please email or call us. We were once just like you! We would love to offer information, advice, and support. Maria: [email protected] or Laura: 847-651-4877. Pray for These Abortion Employees
* Starred have a copy of the Abby Johnson letter to abortion workers. You can print a copy of the letter here.
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