Friday, October 26, 2007
Pictures Don't Lie
The latest lies from Planned Parenthood claim that our 40 Days for Life campaign has brought out only two or three people, once a week. But what do you expect from a multi-million dollar corporation that makes money off of killing children? These pictures show only some of the people who've been out to pray in front of Planned Parenthood.
You can also spot a few of their supporters who are too ashamed to show their face with their "We 'heart' Planned Parenthood" signs, the foul mouthed, Satan worshipping supporter and customer who taunted us with his friends, and a look at the pro-choice graffiti on our banner displayed at a nearby church.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Pro-Choice Graffiti
This banner promoting 40 Days for Life was hung over the weekend at the busy intersection of Everett Ave. and Cedar Street, on the chain link fence that belongs to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, where many of the local organizers attend Mass. By Monday morning, it became the object of graffiti for all to see.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Spirit of Planned Parenthood Shows It's Face
A report from Wednesday morning from a vigil participant:
While we were there this morning, this young man (pictured left) came out of Planned Parenthood with two of his buddies (unusual for 3 young men to be there together), and he began to taunt us, daring us to step over the property line while he stood close to the building. We had no intention of doing so and we didn't. I told him that we are law abiding citizens, all the while he continued shouting out, and began swearing. The group there continued praying aloud. I asked if he could watch his language due to the children present. Thankfully, my daughter had just decided to get out of the cold and step into our car (perhaps her guardian angel urged her).
The young man became even more hostile, more obscene, and uttered all kinds of graphically fowl nonsense, decribing acts of child
rape, and blasphemed God while we continued to pray. I stopped trying to engage him before he got to this point. I believe he was posessed, and I don't use that term lightly. He even proclaimed that he worships Satan! The other two buddies (pictured here) stood there all the while, silent, but "looking tough". The Satan worshiper was making cell phone calls, and we believed he was calling more of his friends to come and join him. They eventually all went back into the building.
Shortly afterwards, the same woman that drives by daily, just to heckle us, came by to do it again. She often tells mothers with children that we should be "ashamed" of ourselves for having our children out there in the cold. (Our children think what is going on in that clinic is cruel, and some of them beg us to go there to pray for the babies and for their mothers.) She went inside this time for just a minute or two, and then came out again, doing the same thing. We continued praying.
A couple of questions and observations come to mind about the young man.
This guy was standing only two feet from Planned Parenthood's building, even near a window and was shouting his obscenities loud enough that surely the employees inside would have heard. Why did they not come out to urge him stop? Why didn't they "distance" themselves from him? Was he their representative for the day? No orange shirt? His friend had some kind of name tag on, and they were all there for quite a while.
A pretty young girl came out and passed them by and said something like, "You eggin' on the protesters?" and grinned. She went out to the parking lot and smoked a cigarette and went back in, after giving a scoffing look when she heard the words of our prayers, "Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." An employee or a client, I'm not sure.
It seems there are two types of people entering the building. The scared and confused (but otherwise well meaning people) and the diabolical, hard core pro-abortion zealots, whose god is Satan, and who express the spirit of Planned Parenthood. Today we got a rare look at what that spirit is like.
While we were there this morning, this young man (pictured left) came out of Planned Parenthood with two of his buddies (unusual for 3 young men to be there together), and he began to taunt us, daring us to step over the property line while he stood close to the building. We had no intention of doing so and we didn't. I told him that we are law abiding citizens, all the while he continued shouting out, and began swearing. The group there continued praying aloud. I asked if he could watch his language due to the children present. Thankfully, my daughter had just decided to get out of the cold and step into our car (perhaps her guardian angel urged her).The young man became even more hostile, more obscene, and uttered all kinds of graphically fowl nonsense, decribing acts of child
rape, and blasphemed God while we continued to pray. I stopped trying to engage him before he got to this point. I believe he was posessed, and I don't use that term lightly. He even proclaimed that he worships Satan! The other two buddies (pictured here) stood there all the while, silent, but "looking tough". The Satan worshiper was making cell phone calls, and we believed he was calling more of his friends to come and join him. They eventually all went back into the building.Shortly afterwards, the same woman that drives by daily, just to heckle us, came by to do it again. She often tells mothers with children that we should be "ashamed" of ourselves for having our children out there in the cold. (Our children think what is going on in that clinic is cruel, and some of them beg us to go there to pray for the babies and for their mothers.) She went inside this time for just a minute or two, and then came out again, doing the same thing. We continued praying.
A couple of questions and observations come to mind about the young man.
This guy was standing only two feet from Planned Parenthood's building, even near a window and was shouting his obscenities loud enough that surely the employees inside would have heard. Why did they not come out to urge him stop? Why didn't they "distance" themselves from him? Was he their representative for the day? No orange shirt? His friend had some kind of name tag on, and they were all there for quite a while.
A pretty young girl came out and passed them by and said something like, "You eggin' on the protesters?" and grinned. She went out to the parking lot and smoked a cigarette and went back in, after giving a scoffing look when she heard the words of our prayers, "Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." An employee or a client, I'm not sure.
It seems there are two types of people entering the building. The scared and confused (but otherwise well meaning people) and the diabolical, hard core pro-abortion zealots, whose god is Satan, and who express the spirit of Planned Parenthood. Today we got a rare look at what that spirit is like.
Children are a Blessing!
The Thursday afternoon crowd has grown! Thursday is teen clinic day on certain weeks and is the only day Planned Parenthood is open as late as 6 PM. This photo was taken just before some of the 3:00 crowd left, upon some of the 4:00 crowd's arrival.Thank you to all of the beautiful families who came out to pray and be a witness to the blessings of children!
A similiar crowd can be found on Friday afternoons.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
40 Days for Life Campaign Confronts Planned Parenthood
Everett, WA – For the past 21 days local citizens have been praying and fasting for an end to abortion in front of the Everett Planned Parenthood. Over 100 people attended a rally last night to celebrate the midway point of the Everett 40 Days for Life Campaign. Eighty-nine cities in 33 states across the nation are united in an intensive effort designed to raise awareness, save lives, bring healing, and prepare America for the beginning of the end of abortion.
"The support from the community has been terrific," said Michelle McIntyre, local coordinator for the campaign. "People have stopped to offer us coffee and tell us thank you. Even Planned Parenthood's own customers have been friendly and grateful for the information we offer them."
Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, the state's largest abortion provider, is fearful that the Campaign may cut into profits. It issued a statement last week claiming that their clinics were "under siege from anti-choice protesters," and encouraged supporters to make donations. "It's odd that they call us anti-choice when it's the dedicated and loving folks participating in this vigil who are offering women the choice of having their baby – a choice that Planned Parenthood doesn't give them," said Ms. McIntyre. "As far as we know a single baby has never been born at a Planned Parenthood facility," she continued.
According to data posted on its web site, the supposedly not for profit Planned Parenthood Federation of America received $254.4 million in tax dollars in the 2002-03 fiscal year and reported revenue of $903 million during its 2005-06 fiscal year. In 2005, Planned Parenthood of Western Washington took in almost $34 million for a net profit of almost $4 million. In their 2005 annual report, the number of pregnancy-related client visits dropped slightly, but the number of abortions performed jumped from 6,200 in 2004, to just over 7,000 in 2005.
There has been little to no opposition to the Everett 40 Days for Life Campaign.
The Campaign officially began at midnight on September 26th and will end on November 4th. Vigil goers have seen their message resonate, especially with Planned Parenthood customers. One young woman came out of the Everett clinic after her abortion and walked up to vigil goers tearfully saying, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to do it but I had no choice." Vigil goers were able to offer compassionate support, the gift of prayers and a referral for post-abortion support at Project Rachel, an organization that offers women compassionate healing support after they've had abortions.
Women who have experienced abortion in the past are also participating in the 40 Days for Life Campaign. Nancy Johnson who had an abortion at the suggestion of Planned Parenthood 35 years ago, that she now regrets, is praying at the Olympia and Everett locations with a sign that reads I regret my abortion. "I wish something like 40 Days for Life had been there for me. I wasn't told about other options or warned about the harm that abortion does to women," Ms. Johnson said.
The 40 Days for Life Campaign is a nation wide effort of prayer and fasting by every day Americans in 89 cities across the United States. For more details, visit http://40daysforlife.com/ and http://www.40daysforlife.com/everett/
"The support from the community has been terrific," said Michelle McIntyre, local coordinator for the campaign. "People have stopped to offer us coffee and tell us thank you. Even Planned Parenthood's own customers have been friendly and grateful for the information we offer them."
Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, the state's largest abortion provider, is fearful that the Campaign may cut into profits. It issued a statement last week claiming that their clinics were "under siege from anti-choice protesters," and encouraged supporters to make donations. "It's odd that they call us anti-choice when it's the dedicated and loving folks participating in this vigil who are offering women the choice of having their baby – a choice that Planned Parenthood doesn't give them," said Ms. McIntyre. "As far as we know a single baby has never been born at a Planned Parenthood facility," she continued.
According to data posted on its web site, the supposedly not for profit Planned Parenthood Federation of America received $254.4 million in tax dollars in the 2002-03 fiscal year and reported revenue of $903 million during its 2005-06 fiscal year. In 2005, Planned Parenthood of Western Washington took in almost $34 million for a net profit of almost $4 million. In their 2005 annual report, the number of pregnancy-related client visits dropped slightly, but the number of abortions performed jumped from 6,200 in 2004, to just over 7,000 in 2005.
There has been little to no opposition to the Everett 40 Days for Life Campaign.
The Campaign officially began at midnight on September 26th and will end on November 4th. Vigil goers have seen their message resonate, especially with Planned Parenthood customers. One young woman came out of the Everett clinic after her abortion and walked up to vigil goers tearfully saying, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to do it but I had no choice." Vigil goers were able to offer compassionate support, the gift of prayers and a referral for post-abortion support at Project Rachel, an organization that offers women compassionate healing support after they've had abortions.
Women who have experienced abortion in the past are also participating in the 40 Days for Life Campaign. Nancy Johnson who had an abortion at the suggestion of Planned Parenthood 35 years ago, that she now regrets, is praying at the Olympia and Everett locations with a sign that reads I regret my abortion. "I wish something like 40 Days for Life had been there for me. I wasn't told about other options or warned about the harm that abortion does to women," Ms. Johnson said.The 40 Days for Life Campaign is a nation wide effort of prayer and fasting by every day Americans in 89 cities across the United States. For more details, visit http://40daysforlife.com/ and http://www.40daysforlife.com/everett/
"Under Siege"
Over 150 local pro-lifers in the Everett area have committed to not only praying, but being physically present on the front lines—the public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood--at various times throughout the round the clock schedule. Their willingness to sacrifice their time and to risk ridicule by providing a physical presence there is making a major impact on women entering that clinic and the decisions they are facing, and the innocent lives that are scheduled for destruction. As well, an impact on the business of Planned Parenthood.
We know this is so, because Planned Parenthood saw fit to respond by investing in the printing of a propaganda piece filled with false accusations about what our campaign is about and how our participants are conducting themselves.
They accuse of us of handing out misleading information, carrying disturbing signs, blocking access to their clinics, and harassing their patients and staff.
Not one of these accusations is true.
The information we hand out includes a list of places for a pregnant woman to get help, a list of ways that the agencies we recommend can help the woman and her baby, scientifically accurate milestones in fetal development and a list of the physical and emotional consequences of going through with an abortion.
The signs we carry all contain loving messages like: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”—God, “Women Deserve Better than Abortion”, “Pray to End Abortion”, “Jesus Forgives,” and “Let the Baby Live.”
We have never blocked access to their clinic, and have obeyed all laws. The Everett Police Department will tell you that there have been no problems in the 20 days we’ve been there. Planned Parenthood would have reported it to them if there were any violations of the law on our part. The building is under constant video surveillance.
Most of our vigil participants simply stand on the sidewalk and pray. Some, but not all, hold a sign. A handful of us engage in sidewalk counseling. It is always peaceful on our part, and most of the women on their way into the clinic respond positively to our message. Most of them thank us for the information we give them or politely turn us down, and we respect their space and continue praying for them. We offer one last time on their way out. Many respond more to us after they’ve been inside.
So, why the propaganda piece, and the desperate plea for help from the outside? There are two claims their orange flier got partially right.
They accuse of us of handing out misleading information, carrying disturbing signs, blocking access to their clinics, and harassing their patients and staff.
Not one of these accusations is true.
The information we hand out includes a list of places for a pregnant woman to get help, a list of ways that the agencies we recommend can help the woman and her baby, scientifically accurate milestones in fetal development and a list of the physical and emotional consequences of going through with an abortion.
The signs we carry all contain loving messages like: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”—God, “Women Deserve Better than Abortion”, “Pray to End Abortion”, “Jesus Forgives,” and “Let the Baby Live.”
We have never blocked access to their clinic, and have obeyed all laws. The Everett Police Department will tell you that there have been no problems in the 20 days we’ve been there. Planned Parenthood would have reported it to them if there were any violations of the law on our part. The building is under constant video surveillance.
Most of our vigil participants simply stand on the sidewalk and pray. Some, but not all, hold a sign. A handful of us engage in sidewalk counseling. It is always peaceful on our part, and most of the women on their way into the clinic respond positively to our message. Most of them thank us for the information we give them or politely turn us down, and we respect their space and continue praying for them. We offer one last time on their way out. Many respond more to us after they’ve been inside.
So, why the propaganda piece, and the desperate plea for help from the outside? There are two claims their orange flier got partially right.
Claim One: They said of us, “They want to close our doors!” The fact is, we do want their doors to close permanently, but we will not be doing the closing. That is up to God and we know he will cause that to happen; it’s just a matter of time.
Claim Two: They said, “We are under siege at our Everett location.” This is true, but not in the way they imply. They imply “under siege” by physical force, but the fact is that this is a spiritual siege. Our weapons are prayer, fasting, compassion, wisdom, truthfulness and a smile.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
We're Halfway There!
This Tuesday, October 16th, we celebrate our midway mark. We are half way through our 40 Days.Please join us as we rejoice in the amazing ways God has blessed this campaign so far, giving thanks for all of our joys and sufferings. "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Back by popular demand, Donna Cori Gibson with music that will lift your heart...and more great speakers!
Rally begins at 7 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall (2913 W. Marine View Drive Everett). See you there!
Report from the National Campaign
Late yesterday afternoon, the e-mails began pouring into my inbox from pro-lifers around the country:
These comments were attached to forwarded copies of the latest mass e-mail sent out by Planned Parenthood to abortion advocates across the nation. What was all the commotion about? You guessed it: the growing impact of 40 Days for Life!
The message comes directly from Planned Parenthood's national president, Cecile Richards. She starts off: "From Aurora to America... The battle to open our clinic in Aurora, Illinois, might be over -- thank you for all your support -- but the war against Planned Parenthood and the women we serve continues. The anti-choice people have just begun their '40 Days for Life' campaign, and you can imagine what that means. Right now, there are picketers outside... more than 80 Planned Parenthood clinics across the country, 24 hours a day for 40 days. They're claiming it's 'the largest and longest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in American history.'"
Then Richards rolls out Planned Parenthood's response to 40 Days for Life:
Tragically, the "Emily X" character even reveals the shame and guilt that some Planned Parenthood workers feel about their jobs:
As you go to bed tonight, just think of those good people who will be standing in the cold rain tonight in prayer."God is certainly bigger than Planned Parenthood's $902 million abortion empire......And with tens of thousands of people praying, fasting, and participating in peaceful vigils outside of Planned Parenthood offices, I believe the abortion giant now realizes that its days are numbered.
"Have you seen this?"
"They're advertising 40 Days for Life for us!"
"This is the best response Planned Parenthood has to 40 Days for
Life?
"Wow. How pathetic."
"They wouldn't do this if 40 Days for Life wasn't
working!"
These comments were attached to forwarded copies of the latest mass e-mail sent out by Planned Parenthood to abortion advocates across the nation. What was all the commotion about? You guessed it: the growing impact of 40 Days for Life!
The message comes directly from Planned Parenthood's national president, Cecile Richards. She starts off: "From Aurora to America... The battle to open our clinic in Aurora, Illinois, might be over -- thank you for all your support -- but the war against Planned Parenthood and the women we serve continues. The anti-choice people have just begun their '40 Days for Life' campaign, and you can imagine what that means. Right now, there are picketers outside... more than 80 Planned Parenthood clinics across the country, 24 hours a day for 40 days. They're claiming it's 'the largest and longest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in American history.'"
Then Richards rolls out Planned Parenthood's response to 40 Days for Life:
- They created a fictional character named "Emily X" (who is supposed to represent a blend of different Planned Parenthood workers and activists) to post stories online of what it's like to work at the abortion operation.
- They set up a blog to post pictures and videos of 40 Days for Life volunteers (in an apparent attempt to harass and intimidate faithful people).
- They falsely characterize the motivations of 40 Days for Life volunteers.
- They ask abortion advocates to participate in the tired, old "pledge-a-protester" fundraising drive.
- They encourage abortion supporters to come volunteer at Planned Parenthood.
- They beg abortion activists to write notes of encouragement to boost the morale of Planned Parenthood workers during 40 Days for Life.
Tragically, the "Emily X" character even reveals the shame and guilt that some Planned Parenthood workers feel about their jobs:
"Last night, my mother-in-law called me at home. She told me that she just
read an ad in the local paper about the '40 Days for Life' campaign. She said that she wanted to get involved, she wanted 'to get out and do something about Planned Parenthood.' See, she doesn't know that I'm a doctor at a Planned Parenthood health center. It's a part of my life that I don't share with her."The bottom line: Planned Parenthood is investing quite a bit of energy in
response to 40 Days for Life. Would they do this if the campaign wasn't hurting
their business and tarnishing their public image?
Read this report I just received from a 40 Days for Life location, and YOU decide why Planned Parenthood is so worried...
"Despite today's steady downpour, the sidewalk was full of people praying for LIFE today! What a beautiful sight to see sometimes 20-30 people with umbrellas and raincoats, all united in prayer to bring about conversion of our nation and an end to abortion.
For those of us who have spent years at the Sidewalk all alone, having all of you there today was a miracle!
Tuesday and Fridays are normally killing mornings at the downtown Planned Parenthood, but again today like last Tuesday, we never saw the abortionist arrive. The escorts were getting frustrated at the no-show, looking at their watches frequently.
Last Tuesday, he didn't show up either and appointments had to be rescheduled. God is answering our prayers, so we PRAISE Him even in the storm.
As you go to bed tonight, just think of those good people who will be standing in the cold rain tonight in prayer."God is certainly bigger than Planned Parenthood's $902 million abortion empire......And with tens of thousands of people praying, fasting, and participating in peaceful vigils outside of Planned Parenthood offices, I believe the abortion giant now realizes that its days are numbered.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
Beautiful Feet
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion "Your God reigns!"". Isaiah 52:7
What a privilege it is to be in such good company with so many caring brothers and sisters in Christ! The number of prayers said, and sacrifices offered on behalf of unborn children and their mothers, simply blows your mind. To see the hand of God at work on that sidewalk fills your heart with such joy.
Day by day, the number of lives being touched by God as a result of your prayers, fasting and presence there reminds you of what it's like everyday without this campaign. For a moment you reflect on that. "Why did it take us so long?" But praise God for this movement! Praise God that the "sleeping giant" is awakening. Praise God for 40 Days for Life.
Pictured above is Monday's 11 o'clock crowd, including Matt and Georgene from The Helpers of God's Precious Infants. They've been praying and doing sidewalk counseling in front of abortion clinics in Western Washington for about 20 years. They have been faithful, even in the desert. It thrills them to see so many new faces through the 40 Days for Life campaign and it is an answer to their prayers. So far, we have seen 3 women turn from abortion.
The first being on the very first day, in the first two hours the clinic was open during our campaign! What an encouragement from God, that we would witness that! We have directly referred women for pregnancy tests to pro-life agencies, redirecting them as they were on their way into Planned Parenthood.
We have given away hundreds of brochures, and we pray that all who read them will be touched by the message within, and be open to God's grace, and move their attitudes toward respect for human life and chaste love that cherishes the gift of life.
We have been peaceful mesengers to women and men entering that clinic for "other services", and have shed light onto the business that is Planned Parenthood.
Momentum is building among churches in the Everett area. This weekend a homeschooling mother offered to give a talk at all 4 Masses at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish. Immediately the very first Mass, she was approached by many who wanted to sign up, including a woman who offered to interpret her talk and all of the promotional materials into Spanish. So she gave the talk as well. At a total of 5 Masses, parishoners heard a powerful message about 40 Days for Life and what God is already doing in out community through our efforts.
Other churches that have responded generously to the campaign are:
The combined parishes of:Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Immaculate Conception , Everett
St. Mary Magdalene, Everett
New Life Center, Everett
St. Pius X, Montlake Terrace
Camano Chapel
Are you stil thinking about being part of this? It's day 13. What are you waiting for?
Friday, October 5, 2007
"At The Other End of The Spectrum..."
A homeschooler writes:
I know you are all praying for the 40 days for life. At the other end
of the life spectrum, a major attack is underway in Washington state.
Saturday morning, Oct 6th a very critical meeting of the Washington State
Medical Association will be in session in Tacoma. They are meeting to determine
whether they should take a neutral position on physician assisted suicide.
This is exactly what proceeded the disaster in Oregon- the medical
leadership went neutral and all hell broke loose because good men did not take a
position of defending life. The Oregon physicians have since recanted greater
than 100 to 1, but it was too late, the damage was done and now PAS is
legal for the first time in the US.
Please pray that Washington
physicians tomorrow will maintain their strong position against physician
assisted suicide or we may be the next Oregon. Many physician's including
Lester, are taking time off to try to plan strategies and speak at the meeting
in Tacoma. Many have been working and planning for many months for this
meeting.
The actual vote is on Sunday morning.
Please
pray for them that they will not fail, that the
holy Spirit will give them the words to turn hearts and gain the
votes they need to stand for life.
The Liberty Line
What a day. I spent 3 hours outside one of our state's illustrious Planned Parenthood abortion centers the other morning. This was my second Wednesday, a killing day, outside this particular center. The personal devastation, fear, turmoil and confusion were written all over the faces of the "clients." It's hard to describe what takes place. It's all very quiet. Normal, in fact. The mail trucks and delivery trucks continue making their deliveries. No one runs the stop sign. The men working on a nearby building never look over and continue their work to meet their deadline.There are a few of us there in a Liberty Line offering help to the women who are going in for abortion, contraception and pregnancy tests. A brochure is given to one young woman. We think she's blown us off but she comes back down the sidewalk with a purpose asking what kind of help we have. We tell her about Pregnancy Aid around the corner. She's had one abortion and won't have another. She regrets it but explains that she was
young and didn't know what to do. She takes the card with the phone number for Project Rachel. I mention that she can name her baby and her eyes soften and water just barely. She's young, beautiful and scared with her whole life ahead of her. As she walks quickly down the sidewalk away from the epicenter of evil I see her step into the light. The sidewalk becomes an underground, unseen railroad. I want to yell, "Run, run. Keep going!"You will forever abandon any belief in evolution after watching the people going in and out of an abortion mill. The idea that humans are just clever talking beasts that got a lucky head start on chimpanzees and gorillas will be forever swept from your mind. Chimpanzees don't rip their hearts out over how and when they will kill their offspring. The elephant doesn't lie to herself about the loss of an offspring. Animals do what works in order to eat, breed and survive. Only the free will given to man could create such a horrific scene. This is not progress or evolution where the "best" survive. You are witness to a story that is as old as man and repeats itself again and again. If you want to see the past, go to an abortion mill.
The official looking Asian woman in the pant suit holding a clip board sits with a thin, bearded man wearing earrings in both ears. She's in charge and must be very important. They park in the parking lot and enter the mill from a side door. A while later they are parked out on the street. Maybe they are going to build a wall. They seem to have plans for something.
The second wave of abortions scheduled for the day starts between noon and 1:00. You pass out a lot of brochures and try to talk to others.
Another young girl comes out. She approaches you and wants to know where she can get something to eat. You ask her if she wants to talk. She looks down at the path to freedom beneath her feet. She says she hasn't "done it yet." You ask her if she's scared. You want to ask her where her mom is. She tells you she's read the whole brochure. She's had an ultrasound and she's 12 weeks along. Come Holy Spirit...you tell her about your son. You tell her God has a plan for her and her baby. You tell her help is available. Lack of money is the last reason to have an abortion. She goes on her way, off the safety of the railroad back into the stockyard. You pray. Five minutes go by. She should be back out here by now! Ten minutes go by. You pray and the family with you prays harder. The flag pole shakes and rattles violently. "Ah, the demons are back. I'll need to tell Debora." Twenty minutes go by. Where is she!!? She should have been back here by now. You'll never forget her face.
A couple of teenage girls pull into the parking lot. The passenger gets out and walks to the back of the parking lot. She gets back in the car a few minutes later. As they are leaving the parking lot you walk up to the car and extend the brochure. (The driver is yelling at you but she rolls down the window and takes the brochure anyway.) "I'm a Christian and I go to church but I believe in letting people exercise their rights!" You look at the passenger -- scared, tears just below the surface, crouched down in the seat. You don't care. Spit on me, hit me, kick me, hate me. Just take your friend and run!
If you go to the Planned Parenthood web site you'll see lots of happy, smiling, middleclass or up-and-coming type folks. It's white and light. They look like Republicans. They are your neighbors, your kids and their friends. You will not meet these people at a real life Planned Parenthood clinic. At a real life Planned Parenthood clinic you will meet people who spent the whole night crying. You meet people who are about to change their lives forever. The faces are white, Asian, Latin/Hispanic, Somali and perhaps one American Indian. One Martina Natrilova-looking woman explained that she couldn't take a brochure because "we are Buddhist." The men who were milling around, smoking cigarettes, going in an out were absolutely tormented. Tormented -- It's the only word to describe it. They did their best to hide it. To look and act tough. They constantly looked down as if searching for something, not seeing that freedom lay at their feet.
You look in the parking lot at the cars! You simply can't believe the cars. The new SUVs, vans, Mercedes, Jettas, Volvos, PT Cruisers. Not a one older than 5 years. Some of them arrive on foot and the surreal nature of what you are witnessing just can't be put into words. By the end of the day you are craving for art; for some symbol or sign to make sense of it: An image. A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
You think you can see blazing ovens with billowing black smoke and a rain of ashes; men in black boots, barbed-wire and batons. If only then they'd see! Yes, all those who cried "never again" would be out here with us filling the streets and the sidewalks. You hear a story that last week someone saw them loading small refrigerators onto a truck for transport to the University of Washington. And you wonder...
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Pray in Union With Other Participating Cities
Check out updates on the national campaign at the the blog section of the national 40 Days for Life website. Each day, you'll be given an update, a prayer intention, a scripture and reflection and a prayer. Today's update mentions Western Washington, so I thought I would post it here.
DAY 7
40 Days for Life is already having a potent impact on Planned Parenthood and the entire abortion industry.
“We know from past experience that these rallies and prayer vigils create barriers that deter our patients,” admitted Chris Charbonneau, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Washington in a press release sent out by the abortion chain in response to 40 Days for Life.
Abortion numbers and revenues are dropping in numerous locations, morale is at a low level in many abortion centers, and the positive press about the prayerful 40 Days for Life campaign is driving them crazy.
Now Planned Parenthood and abortion advocates across America are desperately trying to fight back against the nationwide onslaught of prayer:
In Norwich, CT, 40 Days for Life yard signs have been vandalized with the words “Eat Babies” crudely written across them.
In College Station, TX, Planned Parenthood put up a huge black tarp across their fence to block their customers from seeing prayer volunteers or talking to sidewalk counselors. What ever happened to giving women a choice?
In the Bronx area of New York City, abortion escorts regularly scream vile obscenities and anti-religious bigotry at 40 Days for Life volunteers.
In Pittsburgh, PA, Planned Parenthood advocates bumped into a prayer volunteer with their moving car, and then proceeded to open their car doors into the 40 Days for Life volunteers.
In many locations across the country, Planned Parenthood has launched its laughable “Pledge-a-Picketer” campaigns, attempting to dissuade 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers from coming out by trying to convince them that they are actually raising money for the abortion chain.
In the media, Planned Parenthood has tried to falsely portray 40 Days for Life volunteers as violent, threatening, harassing, and hateful. For anyone who has been out to a 40 Days for Life vigil, you know that is the exact opposite of the truth… but for a business that makes millions by killing people, lying isn’t difficult either.
Read the rest here.
DAY 7
40 Days for Life is already having a potent impact on Planned Parenthood and the entire abortion industry.
“We know from past experience that these rallies and prayer vigils create barriers that deter our patients,” admitted Chris Charbonneau, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Washington in a press release sent out by the abortion chain in response to 40 Days for Life.
Abortion numbers and revenues are dropping in numerous locations, morale is at a low level in many abortion centers, and the positive press about the prayerful 40 Days for Life campaign is driving them crazy.
Now Planned Parenthood and abortion advocates across America are desperately trying to fight back against the nationwide onslaught of prayer:
In Norwich, CT, 40 Days for Life yard signs have been vandalized with the words “Eat Babies” crudely written across them.
In College Station, TX, Planned Parenthood put up a huge black tarp across their fence to block their customers from seeing prayer volunteers or talking to sidewalk counselors. What ever happened to giving women a choice?
In the Bronx area of New York City, abortion escorts regularly scream vile obscenities and anti-religious bigotry at 40 Days for Life volunteers.
In Pittsburgh, PA, Planned Parenthood advocates bumped into a prayer volunteer with their moving car, and then proceeded to open their car doors into the 40 Days for Life volunteers.
In many locations across the country, Planned Parenthood has launched its laughable “Pledge-a-Picketer” campaigns, attempting to dissuade 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers from coming out by trying to convince them that they are actually raising money for the abortion chain.
In the media, Planned Parenthood has tried to falsely portray 40 Days for Life volunteers as violent, threatening, harassing, and hateful. For anyone who has been out to a 40 Days for Life vigil, you know that is the exact opposite of the truth… but for a business that makes millions by killing people, lying isn’t difficult either.
Read the rest here.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Lament of Clair
One of the biggest blessings so far in this campaign is the chance to meet so many new people who care deeply about the pro-life cause. Sometimes, we discover people who are right under our noses, and with enormous talent that hasn't yet been discovered and applied to the cause. This beautiful poem was written by one of our vigil participants who happens to attend my parish and sings in the choir, and I did not know him until he found our campaign.
The Lament of Clair
By Clinton Michaels
Be silent,
Now listen,
Do you hear a faint cry?
Eve calls to her children,
The Serpent,
He lies.
When once in the garden
With God so near
I fell into darkness
My soul raced with fear.
In silence she waited
As the reaper appeared
Her voice cried out
But no one
Would hear.
Gods Angels drew closer.
The trumpet,
Did sound
And a child of Adams
Was thrown to the ground
Oh darkness
You thief,
Your lorry is full,
With fruit not yet ripened,
The harvest of fools
Dark pleasure
You have it,
It drips from your knife,
From flesh that was stolen,
Your bitter delight.
Murderer,
Murderer,
Creator of strife,
You Trickster,
You Liar,
You hater of life.
How long your tunes played,
Still your Piper he calls,
He leads us to darkness,
Together we fall.
Gather your legions,
Of Demons
And Slaves,
Depart from Gods garden,
Return to your graves.
Saint Michael
Awaken!
For Satan has come.
God’s Angels cried out,
Slayer!
What have you done?
Oh Mother of Sorrows
Our Sweetness
And light
You brought us to Jesus,
He gave us new life.
Pray for us sinners,
And all that we’ve done.
As we turn from the darkness,
We bow to your son
Oh Lord of Sweet Mercy,
Of Justice and Might,
Pour out your forgiveness,
And rivers of life
For our sins are too many,
Says the teller of lies
Wash us, one body
As seen through Gods eyes
Oh Heavenly Father,
You gave us your cup,
You filled it with Jesus,
Faith
Hope
and love
You taught us that life
Was a gift to us all,
And the greatest among us
Loves the least of us all
How long we have waited
For the Darkness to fall
For truth which is spoken
To be heard by us all
With eyes, wide open
May we live in Gods light
Let us love one another
Giving hope to new life
For God loves his children
And gave life to us all
We are made in his image
The great and the small.
Now we wait for the day
When we rest in your arms
With the souls of our children
How sweet they have grown.
And in heavenly gardens,
We will sing with great joy,
With the Saints that were stolen,
And are silent no more.
Amen Oh Lord, Amen
Oh my Jesus,
Forgive us our sins,
Save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to heaven,
Especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Amen.
Pray for us dear Mother of Mercy,
Pray for an end to abortion.
In loving memory of my sweet little Clair,
Wait for me dear child
I will find you,
I promise.
Our lord knows the way
and he is here.
More Good News
Our local campaign is gaining momentum. More and more individuals and churches are finding out about the campaign and are excited about joining. We started out with many hours not filled, yet we keep getting reports of people just stopping by, and being joined by others. One dear lady has started her own blog to give an account from her perspective. Please visit Schola's blog.
Sign ups are increasing and we hope that soon, we can have a continual 24 hour vigil for the remainder of the 40 days (34 left), without having to set up and take down our supplies.
Sign ups are increasing and we hope that soon, we can have a continual 24 hour vigil for the remainder of the 40 days (34 left), without having to set up and take down our supplies.
Also, here's a story about the launch of our local campaign.
I came a half hour late today, and there were three others praying, then the shift changed slightly and the 11:00 shift came. There were a total of 5 of us from 11 to 12.
There was a small amount of traffic entering the clinic. We are amazed by how many young women entering the clinic tell us, "I totally support what you guys are doing, I'm against abortion too."
We met one today who was quick to tell us that she wasn't going for an abortion, but was just getting a pregnancy test. We asked her if we could give her some information, and she said yes. We gave her a card for Pregnancy Resource Center and one of our volunteers called them up for her on her cell phone, and made an appointment right there. She thanked us and told us that she had been feeling really nervous about even coming to Planned Parenthood, since they do abortions, but she doesn't have insurance, and can't afford a doctor. She was glad to learn that there is help for her, and if she is pregnant, help for her baby before and after pregnancy. We offered to pray for her right there, and she gladly said yes. She thanked us again and got into her car and left.
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