The First Hundred Days and Beyond

Comment: This is an amazing and sobering look at what the abortion rights groups want to accomplish in the near future with the new administration. This should cause us to pray more fervently for those in leadership in our country.

Via the Christian News Wire, the Catholic League reports:

More than 60 organizations have issued a 55-page report advising the incoming Obama administration on the need to provide more money for abortion-related services. “Advancing Reproductive Rights and Health in a New Administration” calls for the most sweeping abortion-rights reforms ever envisioned. It not only wants more money to be spent, it recommends a host of regulatory changes, stressing the need to appoint judges who will implement its plans. Significantly, it endorses the Freedom of Choice Act, the most radical abortion-rights bill ever proposed.

Read the story here.

More on Fighting FOCA

Comment: This is a posting from LifeNews.com Editor, Steven Ertelt written back in October 9, 2008. Now that President-elect Obama has been elected, we would do well to pray hard that these new regulations are not enacted.

Pregnancy Centers Could Face National Attack

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Pregnancy centers across the country that provide women with abortion alternatives could be shut down or face severe regulations if Barack Obama wins next month. That's because a bill targeting pregnancy centers could easily be approved in a pro-abortion Congress and land on Obama's desk.

Obama has already promised pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL that he will be their lap dog in the White House and these are the groups leading the effort to pass the bill.

Read the rest of the story here.

Related web sites:
National Institute of Family and Life Advocates
Care Net
Heartbeat International

Pray for this Church

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s church was severely damaged by arson after promoting the Love Won Out conference sponsored by Focus on the Family. Read the rest of the story here.

Comment: Please hold this church up in prayer. It doesn't appear that there have been problems before they promoted the Love Won Out conference. Who knows what is behind this attack?

Adult Stem Cells Work, Too!

Single adult stem cells can self-renew and repair tissue damage in live mammals. Read the rest of the story here.

Comment: It is not necessary to use stem cells from aborted babies to help find cures and clues for medical research!

Fight FOCA

Please join in the effort to fight the terrible piece of legislation called "The Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA).

FOCA would establish the right to abortion as a fundamental right (like the right to free speech) and wipe away every restriction on abortion nationwide. President-elect Barack Obama has vowed in a speech to Planned Parenthood that passing FOCA will be his first act as President.

FOCA will eradicate state and federal abortion laws the majority of Americans support and prevent states from enacting protective measures in the future.
FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial-birth abortion, and on all other protections.
FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.
FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.
Unbelievably, FOCA will even invalidate all health and safety abortion regulations, allowing non-physicians such as dentists and social workers to perform surgical abortions without training. Under FOCA, abortion providers will not be required to sterilize surgical instruments or to have functioning emergency equipment. FOCA endangers the health, lives and safety of American women.

Please read the expert analysis by Americans United for Life (AUL) and sign the Fight FOCA petition at www.FightFOCA.com.

Chisago Lakes Baptist Christmas Tea

The ladies of Chisago Lakes Baptist Church hosted a Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 6th. We had a lovely time around the table and around God's Word. Colleen spoke about the birth of Christ - "Without the Cradle There Could Be No Cross!"

Diaper Drive "Covering" the City

We have been blessed recently by 2 groups who rose to the challenge of doing a "Diaper Drive" for MWC. Chisago Lakes Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church, Eden Prairie, AWANA clubbers, together collected 100 bags of diapers for the Center. We had great fun rejoicing over the diapers and trying to fit them all in our vehicle!

Thanks to all who participated!

MWC Christmas Greetings!

“Twelve Months of Ministry” 2008
(Hummed happily to the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas”
while praising the LORD!)

In twelve months of ministry the Lord gave to us:
One hundred prayer partners,
Seventy faithful donors,
Sixty bags of diapers,
Fifty cribs & car seats,
Forty pregnant mothers,
Thirty volunteers,
Twenty-five supporting churches!
Twelve salvations,
Ten board members,
Two faithful staffers &
Twenty-eight babies born into the world!

Wishing you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

Life Issues in Politics

Abortion Advocates Downplay Potential for Passing FOCA
Leading abortion advocates are downplaying the potential for getting the radical Freedom of Choice Act approved in Congress. Nancy Keenan, the president of NARAL, says she thinks her pro-abortion colleagues may have a hard time getting the bill to Obama to sign. "There's a lot of work that needs to be done before we even get around to considering a FOCA vote." Read the rest of this story here.

Abortion Industry Picks Obama's Staff
As you read through the list of Barack Obama's Cabinet and agency head picks, recall that Planned Parenthood, NARAL and EMILY's List promised to spend $30 million combined to defeat John McCain. It's payback time. Read the rest of this story here.

Breast Cancer Bamboozled!

Komen Affiliate in California Gives Grant to Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 30, 2008


Los Angeles, CA (LifeNews.com) -- A Susan G. Komen Foundation affiliate in California is the latest to send hundreds of thousands of dollars to the nation's largest abortion business. The money is going to Planned Parenthood even though research confirms abortion increases a woman's risk of contracting breast cancer.

The Orange County affiliate of Komen for the Cure is giving more than $1.3 million to several groups, including Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. In a statement LifeNews.com obtained, Lisa Wolter, the director of the local Komen affiliate, said community organizations like Planned Parenthood "are essential in helping us address the health needs of women in our community."

Read the rest of the story here.

Disabilities

50% More Downs Children Eugenically Aborted with New Screening Options

Thanks to more aggressive guidelines for prenatal Down syndrome screening, the number of Downs infants who survive the womb in Denmark has been reduced by almost half, according to a population-based cohort study published in the online British Medical Journal. While 55 Down's children were born in the country in 2000, the study found that number fell to 31 in 2005 and 32 in 2006. The number of Danish children prenatally diagnosed with the condition rose by 30% in the year after the new guidelines for prenatal screening and diagnosis were implemented by the Danish National Board of Health in 2004.

Read the rest of the story here and here.

Interested in Adopting Children with Downs Syndrome?
Check out this great web site, www.dsagc.com, for information and a video about people who have adopted these special kids. One of the comments we hear from people about special needs children is that there are not families willing to adopt them. This proves that claim to be false.

Call for Mental Health Support After Abortion

Finally, some recognition that abortion affects women's mental health (which we have known all along)!

A prominent Irish psychiatrist has called for specific treatments to be offered to women who have had an abortion, following the publication of new research linking termination of pregnancy with the subsequent development of mental health problems.

The researchers estimated that exposure to abortion accounted for 1.5-5.5 per cent of the overall rate of mental disorder in the group of women studied. Patricia Casey, professor of adult psychiatry at University College Dublin and the Mater Hospital, Dublin, in an invited commentary published alongside the research, said there was an obligation on abortion providers to inform women of the new findings. Prof. Casey has in the past opposed abortion.

Read the rest of the story here.

The Wrong Kind of Education

14-year-old girls to be taught about their 'right' to abortion

Schoolgirls as young as 14 could be forced to watch a film that teaches them they have the right to choose an abortion. The film puts forward the idea that it is up to a woman if she wants to terminate her pregnancy, and makers claim only a few are left traumatized by the procedure.

Made by the Family Planning Association, Why Abortion? shows a range of scenarios in which actresses justify abortion on the grounds that they cannot afford to have a child or that it could jeopardize their relationship with parents or boyfriends. Their choices are then debated in the video by a group of teenagers from Northern Ireland - where abortion remains illegal – with the majority defending women's right to choose. They claim that abortion is legal and safe, and that religious leaders shouldn't "moralize or dictate" about the issue.

Read the rest of the story here.

TEACH Home School Co-Op Group Adopts a Family for Christmas

Susan Johnson, coordinator for the TEACH Home School Co-Op, organized a very special Christmas for one of Metro Women's Center's single moms. The children purchased gifts for Kelly and her two children, CeCe, 9, and Gio, 6 months. Kelly is working hard to provide for her children, and she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the group. The children had chosen Scripture verses and read them to Kelly in the form of a prayer for her before they presented her with their gifts.

Here is a thank you note from Kelly and a photo of her and some of the moms and children that provided such a blessing for her.
"Thank you so much for getting me connected with this group of home-school families--what a beautiful, beautiful group of people! There is nothing I can say to describe. It was very powerful when they had all those kids praying the scripture verses. I am going to treasure that forever! Thanks again so much for recommending me; we are so blessed."

Out and About

10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 6 - Colleen speaking at Chisago Lakes Baptist Church Ladies Tea

7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10 - Colleen speaking at Liberty Baptist Church - AWANA Gift Giver Night

11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22 March for Life at the State Capital.
Silent No More Men and Women will give testimonies inside the rotunda after the march, come in and support us as we share our stories of how abortion did not help us but harmed us and learn why we will be SILENT NO MORE!
Note: Please bring your kids, your youth groups, your families and stand for life! For more information on the march click on www.mccl.org.

Annual Event--What a Blessing!

Thanks to all who were able to attend and participate in MWC's 18th annual Ministry Celebration.



Over 200 guests attended the Silent Auction and Dessert Buffet.



Music was provided by Steve Gnitka and his family and Kay Hawkins, pianist.



Over $7,000 was raised for the Center and over $6,000 for the Amazing Grace Maternity Home project, bringing our capital campaign fund to over $145,000 of our goal of $250,000.





We praise the Lord for our clients who shared their testimonies about the help they received physically and spiritually from the Center.



Thanks to everyone who volunteered for your wonderful help! And thanks to Joshua, our wonderful video producer!

Please help my friend Derrick in his quest for a chance to tryout for the Paralympics

My name is Derrick, and I have Spina Bifida.

The Spina Bifida Associate (SBA) estimates that there are as many as 54 million people living with disabilities in the United States . My Spina Bifida has a name called Myelomeningocele. This form of Spina Bifida occurs when the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal nerves come through the open part of the spine. This is the most serious type of Spina Bifida, which causes nerve damage and more severe disabilities. As a result of this disease, nerve impulses are not received in the brain, and I cannot feel any part of my feet.

I started playing soccer in kindergarten and fell in love with the sport. My physical limitations did not stop me from playing; however, after four major surgeries, I can no longer compete against people who do not have limitations.

I decided to attempt to tryout for the Paralympics. If you are not aware of the Paralympics, they are a multi-sport-event for athletes with physical and sensorial limitations. They are held every four years following the Olympic Games. They are sometimes confused with Special Olympics, which are only for people with intellectual disabilities.

Usually athletes who take part in the Paralympics have CP, blindness, and/or a brain injury. My condition, Spina Bifida, is not currently considered to be a "qualifying" disease for soccer. I am asking you to sign my petition to change the rules and allow me to tryout. All I am asking for is a chance to try out for the soccer team.

How you can help:

1. Go to http://www.ipetitions.com.
2. In the search box type playsoccer and sign my petition.
3. It is free, you do not have to donate.
4. It is important that you send the instructions to all of your friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones.

By doing this you are making a difference for people from all around the globe who are looking to find a place to compete and play the sports they love.

Thank you,
Derrick

A Little History Lesson

I don't know the origination of this information, but I find it very interesting!

In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 defenseless people, unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th century because of gun control: 56 million.

Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated by abortion in the UNITED STATES since 1973: 45 million and more.

Think about it!

The Value of These Precious Lives

Article written by one of the new members of our speaker panel, Gretchen Thibault:

I’m thrilled to see Sarah Palin’s family with their little baby Trig on center stage. It’s about time this little member of our human race be brought to the center stage of society rather than shoved out of view and conveniently out of our minds.

In 1959, my husband’s oldest brother, Greg, was born. He had Down syndrome, too. He was the oldest of six, born in the days of mass institutionalization. Upon recognition of his “ailment” — called “mongoloidism” at that time — the doctors urged his parents to “put him in an institution because future children will be too embarrassed to bring their friends home.”

Each doctor’s visit resulted in pressure to institutionalize him. His parents never gave it a thought and raised him at home. The doctor’s fear was far from reality. The love and protection Greg’s siblings had for him was instinctual. Greg had a profound impact on those who came to know him, by demonstrating how to love others unconditionally. He died at the age of 18.

As busy parents of six children, I was surprised when my husband suggested we adopt a baby with Down syndrome. I knew it came from his heart and it immediately permeated mine. We learned there are long waiting lists for parents wishing to adopt these children. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati has a national database with more than 200 families waiting. A majority of those adopting a child with Down syndrome have, or had, a family member with Down syndrome, or they’ve worked with people with disabilities.

I found it interesting that those who are most familiar with Down syndrome are the ones who are wanting to adopt. If Down syndrome were so terrible, surely these people would know better than to take on such a “task.”

As a former high-risk obstetrical nurse, I’d seen many so-called “therapeutic” abortions performed on these babies before the 23rd week. They were prematurely induced and would die within a few hours after birth. I didn’t take part in these procedures.

Today, I know many families who have children with Down syndrome. Many of them recall feeling pressured by medical professionals to terminate. A 2002 study, reported in The New York Times, showed that approximately 90 percent of those diagnosed with Down syndrome are terminated. The pressure to abort today parallels the half-century-old pressure to institutionalize.

We are grateful our son’s birth parents, feeling unable to provide for him, made the selfless yet grueling decision to place him with us.

There are certainly hardships and disappointments with EVERY child, and those with Down syndrome are no exception. As Sarah Palin pointed out, “Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love.” I suspect my most heartbreaking moments will not be what Ricky does or doesn’t accomplish, but rather cruelty inflicted upon him due to people’s ignorance.

Hasn’t history shown us that targeting a selection of a population as being “less than human” or “undesirable” has always been faulty?

As we see Trig Palin, one of the many children with special needs in the world, I hope those who are ignorant, by no fault of their own, grasp an understanding of the value of these precious lives and root it in their hearts. Let us be a country filled with individuals who don’t simply talk about caring for those less fortunate than we are, but that each of us actually accepts the responsibility and cultivates this virtue.

Ricky has eight cheerleaders in his home. He is a Rock Star — his red hair and blue glasses that frame his crystal blue eyes draw attention to him wherever we go. That great smile doesn’t hurt, either. Our pride bubbles over. We don’t mind him being at center stage. His nature makes us see life differently. While the stories of Greg’s life were always inspirational to me, life with Ricky has taught me and my children a lesson that no words can. I hope watching Trig grow before our eyes, as a nation, makes us better people.

Gretchen Thibault lives in Shoreview. She recommends the following Web sites for anyone interested in more information: www.dsamn.org (Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota) and www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org.

Planned Parenthood Loses Some State Funding

For 35 years, the state of Georgia has been funding Planned Parenthood of Georgia in Fulton County. On Sept. 30, the $420,000 annual contract was terminated. And, last month, Sarasota County in Florida dropped its 10-year annual $25,000 allocation to Planned Parenthood of Southwest & Central Florida.

"Planned Parenthood already receives more than $300 million in federal taxpayer dollars to fund their anti-life policies," commented Dawn Vargo, bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "We hope more counties across the country will start looking critically at the funds they give to this abortion giant."

MWC Annual Event report

November 13th Metro Women's Center celebrated its 18th annual Ministry Celebration with 200+ guests attending the dessert buffet, silent auction, and program. Testimonies, which are always the highlight of the event, were given by our clients. MWC is a ministry about helping people to change their lives and to come to know God in a better way or even for the first time. We were excited to announce the salvation of one woman that we have been working with on and off for 7 years. She received the Lord and now has a real job for the first time! We are praising the Lord for the 28 babies that were rescued from abortion this year and also for the many families that have been assisted through MWC's financial aid and practical aid programs.

Thanks to all who participated in the event financially: over $7,300 was raised for MWC's general fund, and over $6,000 was raised for the Amazing Grace Maternity Home project! Thank you so much!

Tronsons' vacation

We are back from vacation, and it was wonderful. Steve and I drove to Huntsville, Alabama to see my sister and her daughter. It was a great time of reconnecting with one another and enjoying the countryside. The drive to Nashville was beautiful. We missed the peak season for leaves, but it was still pretty. We enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday back here in Minnesota with Steve's family, celebrating his dad's 93rd birthday! Now it's back to work!

Please Consider This:

God is still on the throne. Babies still need saving from abortion. People still need to hear the Gospel. There is much more to do before the trumpet sounds! We were left here for a reason! I need to tell myself to stay positive and focused and to keep looking out for opportunites for God to be glorified! I also want to encourage you to smile today, here is a little light hearted lift for you and also some encouragement from Scriptures. I was sent this by a couple of friends and thought it might be helpful for today!

Pray for those now in authority and watch to see what the Lord will do.

God has a positive answer:

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7) *blog editor's favorite

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

October Praises

3 babies spared from abortion!

One woman prayed to receive the Lord!

BFL Ballot Issue Roundup

From Michelle at Baptists For Life- news you can use!

Ballot Issue Roundup

In South Dakota, voters defeated an initiative to ban abortion except in cases of rape, incest and serious health threat to the mother. http://www.lifenews.com/state3619.html

Colorado voters defeated a "personhood" amendment that would have defined human life as beginning at fertilization. The ballot did not explicitly mention abortion, but activists on both sides in the campaign viewed it as a blunt challenge to abortion rights. http://www.lifenews.com/state3620.html

The third try wasn't the charm for pro-life advocates in California who want parents to have a chance to know when their minor daughters are considering an abortion. http://www.lifenews.com/state3621.html

In Arkansas, voters banned unmarried couples living together from being adoptive or foster parents.

In Washington state, voters decided to join Oregon as the only states offering terminally ill people the option of physician-assisted suicide. http://www.lifenews.com/bio2617.html

Among scores of local ballot questions, one of the most provocative was in San Francisco, where a measure to decriminalize prostitution was defeated.

In Michigan, a proposal to allow embryonic stem cell research passed. http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=POLITICS0105, http://www.lifenews.com/bio2616.html

10 things that remain the same

This is from my friend Jim White:

A word from the Word: "Ten things that remain the same"

November 5, 2008

Scripture Jeremiah 21; Romans 13.1-7

Verse for the day: Jeremiah 21:8 "And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death."

The election is over! If you listen to the "Pundits" it is either the dawn of a glorious "Day of Change", or it is the end of democracy and freedom as we know it. History will record the true story. The one thing that remains the same is God is still Sovereign of the universe and He still sits upon His Throne as described in Isaiah 6.

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work: Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

3. The Holy Spirit will still move: John 15.7-11

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. 35 verses; 425 times

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching: Ephesians 6.18-19

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
Ephesians 5.19 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
Colossians 3.16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people:
Isaiah 44.3 "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:"
Malachi 3.10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

8. There will still be room at the Cross.
Matthew 11.28 "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and I will give you rest"
John 7.37 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Revelation 22:20 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and back of the church.

Volunteers make a difference!

I have been praising the Lord for our volunteers! This picture shows our volunteer, Wini, with her client and new baby! This young lady needed someone who could communicate with her in Cantonese, and the Lord brought Wini to her aid! God uses each person's gifts for His glory! Thanks, Wini!

The Importance of Voting

Check out this post by Randy Alcorn. It's just a thought, not to get political but to help you think about the importance of the life issues on voting:

I'm not Voting for a Man--I'm Voting for Generations of Children and their Right to Live

"I sympathize with wanting to send a message to the Republican Party. But is this the time, when failing to vote for McCain could ultimately remove hundreds of laws limiting abortion at the statewide level—informed consent and parental consent and late term abortion measures? As a physician commenting on my last blog said, prolife physicians and nurses and hospitals could find themselves with a federal mandate to perform abortions, and lose their licenses if they refuse. The Freedom of Choice Act, which Obama promised Planned Parenthood he will sign if elected president, could ultimately do all this and more. It may also make life very difficult for Pregnancy Resource Centers."

Genetic test will detect disease in unborn child

Prospective parents will be able to screen embryos for almost any known genetic disease using a revolutionary “universal test” developed by British scientists. The £1,500 test will allow couples at risk of passing on gene defects to conceive healthy children using IVF treatment. Unlike current tests, it takes just weeks from start to finish and is suitable for couples at risk of almost any condition. The “genetic MoT” will transform the range of inherited disorders that can be detected in embryos and the speed and accuracy of such tests. At present only 2 per cent of the 15,000 known genetic conditions can be identified in this way. It involves creating embryos by IVF and removing a single cell from each when they are two days old. The cells are tested using a technique known as karyomapping before a healthy embryo is implanted. Read the rest of the story here.

Note from Michelle at Baptists for Life, Grand Rapids, MI:
Two-day-old embryo = unborn child. Correct! But why say this new test "allows couples to conceive healthy children" when conception has already occurred? Actually, the new test detects defects in already-conceived children and allows technicians to discard faulty ones. This is not a cure!

Note: This past month I have had a couple of situations where the health of an unborn baby has come into question. We have been able to educate and inform the parents about getting a second opinion before rushing into an abortion decision. What a blessing to be able to let people know about an organization called Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of compassionate parents with special needs children, as well as medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy, who offer support, encouragement, and information to expectant or new parents facing an adverse diagnosis relating to their preborn or newborn.
Check out www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com for more information or to become involved.

Spiritual but not religious

According to Robert C. Fuller, author of the 2001 book Spiritual, But Not Religious, it is likely that one in every five persons could describe themselves as spiritual but not religious. Such people were less likely to evaluate religiousness positively, less likely to engage in traditional forms of worship such as church attendance and prayer, and more likely to characterize religiousness and spirituality as different and non-overlapping concepts. Spirituality, in that study, was associated with higher levels of interest in mysticism, experimentation with unorthodox beliefs and practices, and negative feelings toward both clergy and churches. Religiousness, meanwhile, was associated with higher levels of interest in church attendance and commitment to orthodox beliefs.

Read the rest of the story here.

Note: I have been thinking about this a lot lately as we have been pulling together statistics from this past year of work here at the Center. I have found that most clients state that they are "Christian", yet when asked about how their faith and practice merge, there is disconnect.

African Americans suspect stealth Planned Parenthood abortion clinic

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina, October 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Black pro-life activists in Fayetteville hope to expose what is believed to be a stealth Planned Parenthood Abortion clinic in the making. Pastor Johnny Hunter says that when he received word that Planned Parenthood was hiding behind the name Tharrington Medical Clinic to renovate the old Pizza Hut building on Yakin road and turn it into an abortion clinic, he became angry.

Read the rest of the story here.

Note: Abortion services have been deliberately and systematically targeting African Americans. A disproportionate number of the nation's abortion clinics are located in minority neighborhoods. (The Destiny of the Black Race, Carlisle Peterson, Planned Parenthood 1992 Service Report)

New Jersey Hotels Stop Giving Discounts to Abortion Customers

Cherry Hill, NJ (LifeNews.com) -- After a LifeNews.com story exposing the practice, two New Jersey hotels have reportedly stopped giving discounts to women who patronize a local abortion business. An executive of the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill confirmed the stoppage, but it is unclear whether the Quality Inn has done the same.

Read the rest of the story here.

Note: This is a great example of exposing a practice relating to abortion that has led a business to change its policy.

Abortion Pictures Only Offend People?

Seemingly everyday the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform (CBR) gets testimonies from women who would have committed an abortion if it weren’t for AbortionNO.org. According to many abortion vulnerable parents who visit the website, nothing short of seeing abortion would have deterred them from killing their babies. A 28-year-old woman from Monrovia, CA, wrote “I am 4 weeks pregnant and abortion crossed my mind, but after what I saw I won't dare to kill an innocent baby. I am so shocked and concerned; this made me cry.” A 19-year-old woman from San Antonio, TX, wrote, “Today was the first time in my life that I have ever seen an abortion video. I had considered abortion in my early pregnancy. It hurts to admit that now, but I’m glad your website exists.”

What do you think? What would happen if we would show the bodies of the 39 children that are destroyed each day in Minnesota by abortion on the nightly news? The Word of God says that those things that are done in secret will be brought out and shown in the light. Maybe we need a good dose of reality to shake us up and stir our passion for this issue once in a while. Out of sight is often out of mind. You may have heard the saying "the proof is in the pudding". Well, the proof about abortion is in the pictures. Men and women need help and compassion, not abortion.

Praise!

A lady just came in with her 5 year old grandson and a dozen roses for the Center. She wanted us to know that 5 years ago we encouraged her daughter not to abort. She wanted us to know that her grandson just graduated from preschool, and gave us his picture. She was quite emotional and praising God for our help.

Saving babies in Florida, northern Minnesota, and in our neighborhood!

Monday I received a phone call from a woman in Florida seeking help with a pregnancy crisis. She had found MWC on the net! I was able to refer her to a center in her city for ongoing help.

Then on Wednesday evening I received a phone call from a pastor's wife in the northern part of the state requesting help with an abortion-related situation. Her daughter has a friend that is considering abortion, and the daughter wanted to reach out to the other girl. I was able to refer the family to a pregnancy center in their area and to encourage them to offer support to this abortion-minded woman.

Today a girl called in a panic seeking an abortion. She was right down the street, so I invited her to MWC to talk. She agreed, and, praise the Lord, the baby has been spared!

Praise the Lord for being able to network with other centers in different parts of the state and even around the country to help women in need!

Two Women Guilty of Trying to Cause Abortion

Two women admitted Tuesday to forcing turpentine down a teen's throat in 2006 in an attempt to cause an abortion. A third woman facing the same charge remains in jail. Shonda Y. Blackshire, 28, and Monica M. Johnson, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal abortion -- a charge that netted both women two years on probation and 40 hours of community service. Police were called to investigate after the girl told her school counselor that her mother allegedly made her drink turpentine. Sgt. Debra Bohannon had said the sex crimes unit handled the case because it already was investigating a sexual assault against the three-months pregnant teen.
Read the rest of the story here.

Regional News: North Dakota Abortion Center Says It Will Do Record Number of Abortions

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
October 2, 2008

Fargo, ND (LifeNews.com) -- There is just one abortion business in the state of North Dakota, and its director says she expects it to set a record this year for the number of abortions done. The Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo has been the subject of criticism in the past over bogus medical malpractice insurance and how abortion affects women.

The abortion center has been doing abortions for just over ten years and did a record 1,358 abortions in 2003 and another 1,238 abortions last year.

Tammi Kromenaker, Rid River's director, tells the Associated Press that the center is on pace for its highest number of annual abortions and is doing about 25 abortions a week.

She contends the number of abortions is on the rise because college students have seen funding for birth control and contraception cut.

Red River came under fire in August 2004 for refusing to divulge information about an apparently bogus malpractice insurance policy it purchased from an illegitimate Bermuda-based company.

Jim Poolman, the state's Insurance Commissioner, issued a subpoena to obtain the records when Jane Bovard, the owner of the abortion business, refused to provide them.

"All we're trying to do is help her make sure [Red River] is covered by legitimate malpractice insurance," Poolman told the Fargo Forum newspaper at the time.

The investigation set off a national scandal over whether other abortion businesses across the country have legitimate malpractice insurance.

Red River was party to a lawsuit in 2003 about whether it was misleading patients by not disclosing the fact that abortion can increase a woman's chances for contracting breast cancer.

Amy Jo Kjolsrud, a former state resident, sued for false advertising. Kjolsrud was a sidewalk counselor outside the abortion business, and she said one Red River brochure said medical research did not support any claim that abortion increased a woman's risk for breast cancer.

However, at the time, 16 out of 17 statistically significant studies reported increased breast cancer risk among women having abortions, and 7 studies reported a more than two-fold increased risk.

The North Dakota Supreme Court eventually ruled that Kjolsrud did have legal standing.

Helping Women with Sexual Sin Issues

Resource for helping women with sexual sin issues:


Women Helping Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Carol Cornish

A Great Opportunity to Help A Post-Abortive Woman

The woman sitting in my office had asked for help in dealing with an abortion she had over 20 years ago. She stated that she had not been able to put her finger on the deep sadness she had carried all these years. Then she attended a women’s conference and heard about help for women who had aborted their children and thus recognized her need to talk with someone about her abortion.

She had never spoken to anyone about it before, yet she carried it in her heart all those years. Though she knew the Lord as her Savior and had confessed the abortion as a sin before Him, there remained in her a deep sadness . . . always this deep sadness overshadowing her life.

As we talked, I asked her if she had ever recognized the humanity of her aborted baby. She looked at me in shock, and then the tears came rolling down her cheeks and she said. “No, I never have.” Together we prayed and asked the Lord to help her acknowledge that her abortion had taken the life of a human being and to help her embrace the reality of her child’s humanity. As she began to consider the loss of her child – a human child – she was finally able to grieve. Later we went to a park and had a little memorial service for her aborted child – not to glorify the child, but to acknowledge that he/she was human. Over time, her sadness lifted and she was able to move forward in her walk with the Lord.

Women and men who abort their children are not encouraged to grieve the loss of their children. They are told that they are merely “making a choice” and that any sadness probably has to do with hormones. Yet the post-abortion help lines and web chat rooms are filled with individuals trying to make sense of this “deep sadness” they carry after an abortion.

The specific sin of abortion is not beyond God’s forgiveness (1 Peter 3:18), but it does bring with it certain lingering consequences that must be addressed. One of those consequences is facing the truth that, in fact, they did not abort a blob of tissue; they aborted a child, and they lost a “someone” not a “something” because of it.

Sadly, with abortion there is no body to bury or funeral to attend, and this can make it more challenging to really believe there was a life to acknowledge. When there is a death in our society in any other instance, the deceased is treated like a person, and loved ones are allowed to mourn the loss. This woman had not mourned for her child and was therefore stuck. By helping her recognize her need to grieve, she was given hope to move forward. She is now reaching out to other post-abortive women who are suffering in silence with the love of Christ.

What a Blessing!

WCTS Radio recently donated books written by their radio guests to MWC to use as part of our Silent Auction on November 13th. If you love to read, this will be a great opportunity for you to pick up Christian books at rock-bottom prices, plus you will be supporting our effort to raise funds for the Amazing Grace Maternity home.

Check www.metrowomenscenter.org for more information on the fundraiser.

Speaking Up for Purity

I have several young women in my life right now who are struggling to stay on track with the Lord in the area of sexual purity. I am so thankful that they are asking for help, and I am grateful to have a resource like Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh to turn to for help in guiding them to God's truth. This book is FULL of scripture, and, along with my Bible, it is a great tool! 2 Peter 2:19 tells us that "whatever overcomes a person, to that she is enslaved." So many people become enslaved to sexual sin and are overcome by it. Not only young people but all of us need our eyes and ears fixed on the Lord in this area of our lives.

I was working on my computer on Tuesday, and when I clicked on a web address to get some information, WOW! I got more information than I wanted. My computer had taken me to a pornographic site, and it would not let me off it until I shut down my system and restarted it! It made me cringe to see that stuff, and the images stayed in my mind all day, even while I used Scripture to combat them. It made me so thankful that I am not in that lifestyle anymore, and it reminded me that teens living in this sex-saturated culture need people to show them God's plan for their bodies and intimacy. I thank the Lord for opportunities to speak up for purity in the lived of our clients at MWC!

Family News

We were excited to attend our son Lewis's college graduation last night. He received a BA in Visual Communications and Graphic Design. We praise the Lord for his accomplishment, and say thanks to all who pray for our family!

Great Conversation

I had a great conversation with a young man. He is 18, and we were discussing why I would not provide condoms to him and his girlfriend so they could continue to have "safer" sex. "Safer sex" is a term used to describe having sex while using any kind of contraceptive or barrier that lowers your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. The term is used because the proponents of it know that abstinence is the safest way to protect yourself and that no method other than that is 100% safe, so they have come up with the term "safer sex."

He had made it clear that he was not going to stop having sex. He was trying to convince me that giving him condoms was more responsible, on my part, than not doing so because it allowed him to continue his behavior yet be still be protected.

I informed him of the following:

• My message of abstinence would mean nothing if, after my whole speech, I turned around and gave him condoms.


• My job was to speak the truth to him, not if he liked it, but because he needed to hear it. I reminded him that if I gave him a condom and he got an STI or his girlfriend got pregnant, I would be part of the problem not part of the solution.


• If he thought he was old enough to be making the decision to have sex, then he could use his own resources to purchase the condoms (not the best plan, but true!).


• If he was a drug addict and wanted to quit, would it be helpful to give him clean needles to continue to use, even if he died doing it?


• He should not consider sex to be a "stand alone" activity, because God intended it to be attached to marriage for the purposes of intimacy and procreation.


• To continue to put himself at risk emotionally, physically and spiritually in the face of truth is foolish and if he avoids the truth, he does so to his own peril. I also told him I thought he was smarter than that, given our conversation.

He did not agree with everything I said. We did discuss the Gospel and how it could affect his life to have a personal relationship with God. In the end he did admit that I had made some valid points and that he would consider what I had said and that he did not like the fact that I had some good arguments.

Pray for more contact and that the seeds planted would grow!

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! This week I had the opportunity to pray with a women while she asked Jesus to be her Savior. What a thrill!

Can't Have It Both Ways

I was thinking about the pro-choice position that women who make adoption plans for their children have more trauma from that decision than do women who have abortions.

On one hand they say, abortion has little effect on women and that if there is a problem it is only "acute stress" often ending with the abortion. Yet if a woman chooses adoption they say she deals with it as "chronic stress", that often goes on and on as she has questions about her child in the future.

To say that there are different emotional outcomes when women abort their "products of conception" (POC) than when they make adoption plans for their newborn (POC, different size and location) highlights the truth that abortion takes the life of "someone" that the woman, if given time, would become attached to and be concerned about. If the POC is not "someone", then the emotions should not be any different.

As a three time post-abortive women and a birth mother of a child I released into an adoptive home, I can say that I will always grieve the loss of my three POC someones, and I did grieve when I released my son into his adoptive home. But today, I am rejoicing for the life of my 26 year old birth son (POC, different size and location) as I can never rejoice for the lives of my aborted someones.

They can't have it both ways. If POCs cause emotional attachment leading to stress of any kind, they must be "someones", not simply POCs.

What happens . . .

. . . when you get the news that a client chose not to carry her baby to term after leaving the office?

For many of our volunteers and staff, it is a challenge to manage the emotions associated with this news. We ask ourselves, "How could this happen?" We thought the risk was neutralized for the mom and the baby. On some level we grieve for the loss of that baby and for that mother who, even though her initial response to having the abortion may be relief (the most common initial response), we know at some point will deal with the loss of her child.

David O'Leary wrote an article for At the Center magazine, that I remind myself of when discouragement comes. He writes, in part, "Remember your calling. You are called to serve not to save. In our work, we offer help to those in need because of the love and compassion of the Lord Jesus. It is not for us to rescue the lives of the women, men, and children with whom we deal. Our calling is to offer a way, proclaim hope in Christ, and give practical assistance."

The ups and downs of ministering keeps us always mindful of who it is that works the changes in a person's life: it is not us, it is God.

I Corinthians 13:7-8
Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.

Pray for Thursday

I will be speaking with a group of teens at Kennedy High School on Thursday, September 18th at 1:00 about adoption. Please pray for this outreach and for the other speakers that they would communicate positively and clearly about this loving option.

Harvest

There are days in the ministry when you just have to sit back and praise the Lord. There is never a dull moment here as we see the Lord's hand working in the lives of our clients. I am having a weekly Bible study with one woman who has learned some hard lessons about "doing things her own way" rather than following the Lord. I was encouraged as we spoke this past week to hear her say, "I need to experience the consequences of my past choices so that I learn and grow from them." She was not blame-shifting to others or trying to dodge her consequence; it was very refreshing! This is major progress for her, and I rejoiced to see God's Word "getting" to her!

MWC Volunteer Has Book Published

One of our volunteers, Lee Burtman, has written a memoir for a dear World War ll veteran friend. It's finally finished, after three years, and will be available in early October. The story follows this man's harrowing journey through war-torn Europe and also shares a touching account of meeting his first love while in France. The book fast-forwards to his life today and shares his spiritual struggle as he second-guesses crucial decisions he made over sixty years ago. I believe his story will be an encouragement to believers and an opportunity for unbelievers to hear the Gospel through the pages of Fighting For Delphine: A Soldier's True Story Of Triumph And Tears.

Lee says, "I want to share God's truth and also honor my veteran friend, Ken, about whom the book is written. We're planning a book-launch event/tribute at Galilee Baptist on Saturday Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. We'll have a 1/2 hour salute to Ken and all the WWll vets in the area with music, patriotic hymns, a video honoring our vets, etc. Then there will be a book-signing with a display of military artifacts and light refreshments. The public is welcome to attend!"

For anyone you may know who is interested in purchasing a copy through the web site, a portion of the proceeds will support missionaries in Haiti and Russia. For more information, go to moonglademedia.com.

Welcome, Danielle Grace Moreau!

Thought I would share the good news from one of our MWC board members, Jennifer Moreau:

"We had our baby! Danielle Grace was born on Sept 5 at 11:54 am, and was 9 lb 4 oz, 22 in. Considering I only gained 35 lbs during the pregnancy, her size was quite a surprise! I may be biased, but I think she's the cutest thing ever."

The Impact of Teen Parenting on Teens, Their Children, and Society

My friend, Jenny, is a great researcher and here is some information she put together regarding teen pregnancy and its impact on teens, their children and society.

Disclaimer: This is research-based information, and while we know there are exceptions to all of these findings, this is the world of teen pregnancy which we need to face. This information is another reason why MWC's efforts to encourage sexual abstinence, adoption, and spiritual truth are so critical!

One way we can use this information is that in discussing the option of adoption with teens we can help them consider the real impact of single parenting for both their children and themselves. We would, of course, support any choice that honors life, but this information can be helpful in advising pregnant teens, especially when there is no father in the picture . . . but that discussion is for another post.

From "Emerging Answers 2007: Research Findings on Program to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases"

About 75 of every 1,000 girls age 15 to 19 became pregnant in 2002, which means that cumulatively, more than 30 percent of teenage girls in the US become pregnant at least once by the age of 20. Despite declines in all major racial/ethnic groups, there remains large racial/ethnic disparities in these rates. More then 80% of these pregnancies are unintended by the mothers.

About 40 of every 1,000 girls age 15 to 19 gave birth in 2005. This is important because births to teens have negative consequences for the mother and her children. Despite recent declines in overall birth rates to teens, the percentage of births to unmarried girls under age 20 has risen dramatically, reaching 83% in 2005. This is important because births outside of marriage generally have more negative consequences for both mothers and their children.

Teenage mothers are less likely to complete school, less likely to go to college, more likely to have large families, and more likely to be single--increasing the likelihood that they and their children will live in poverty. Negative consequences are particularly severe for younger mothers and their children.

Children of teenage mothers are likely to have less supportive and stimulating home environments, lower cognitive development, less education, more behavior problems, and higher rates of both incarceration (for boys) and adolescent childbearing (for girls).

Monetary costs are also high. Teen child bearing cost taxpayers $9.1 billion in 2004.

From "A Work in Progress vs. 2: Building a Minnesota State Plan for Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting"

It has been clearly established through research that teen pregnancy and welfare reliance, lack of school success and reduced employment opportunities go hand in hand.

National data show that 80% of teens giving birth are already living in poverty. They are less likely to finish high school or go on to college, and their children are at greater risk of low birth weigh, high infant mortality, and childhood health problems.

The concrete costs associated with teen pregnancy and parenting are equally shocking. Families started with a teen birth account for 53% of all welfare expenditures, or $13.3 million each month in 2001. (MN Department of Human Services)

Speaking to Teens about Adoption

With school starting again, we are having opportunities to speak in high schools about the option of adoption. We will be at Kennedy High School on September 18 and at St. Bernard's in Stewartville on November 5th. We sent out 195 notices to high schools in Minnesota about bringing in a speaker panel regarding this important topic. Pray that we get lots of responses!

Politics

For information on where all the candidates stand on life-related issues, click on www.mccl.org to download a reproducible fact sheet.

Family News

Steve and I are getting prepared for our oldest son, Lewis, to graduate from Brown College on October 1, with a BA in Graphic Design. We are so proud of his accomplishment and thrilled that he has a job in his field working for a Christian publisher. Neither Steve nor I graduated from college, so this is pretty exciting!

The Cost of Abortion

I have been reading an interesting little book called The Cost of Abortion by Lawrence F. Roberge. It documents the "real dollar" cost of abortion in our society socially, economically, and demographically. We battle abortion because it takes the lives of human beings created in the image of God, but this information may turn some folks into "pro-lifers" who may not agree with us based on truth. It's sad to say, but some folks may not change their views about the issue unless they see how it affects their pocketbooks! You can find this book at Amazon.com.

Birth Control Jewelry

NOW I have heard it all: Planned Parenthood is making jewelry out of expired birth control pills. READ IT FOR YOURSELF!

Politics?

Teens Respond To Palin’s Daughter's Pregnancy

In Los Angeles's Echo Park neighborhood, you can often find teen moms walking down the street with strollers. Among them is 18-year-old Silvia Figueroa, whose daughter is one month and 11 days old. Figueroa says she heard something about Bristol Palin on the news but didn't think much of it. "Seventeen's not a big deal. A lot of girls get pregnant at that age," she says. "Most of the girls do it; I don't know why they make it a big thing. And that doesn't have anything to do with politics."

Read the rest of the article here.

Comment: Praise the Lord that Bristol Palin did not hide or abort her baby! Encouragment saves lives, but shame and rejection send teens "underground" with a pregnancy and feeds into the fear-inducing lie that their lives will be "ruined" by a pregnancy. Compassion and love, along with a challenge to change behavior and turn to Christ, is the best way to ensure that life gets chosen by a woman and her partner!

Gardasil: A Public Health Experiment?

Judicial Watch, using records obtained under a May 2007 Freedom of Information Act request, has summarized the approval process, side effects, safety concerns, and marketing practices related to the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil. It calls these a "large-scale public health experiment."

Read Michael Arnold Glueck's commentary here, and see Judicial Watch's special report here.

Out and About

School is back in session, and we are excited to be able to have contacts in the local schools:

Please pray for our team as we present the "Option of Adoption":

September 12: Kennedy High School
November 4: St. Bernard's - Stewartville

If you are interested in having an adoption speaker panel for your school or youth meeting, please call 763-533-8642.

What I'm thinking about this week . . .

Verse of the Week: "Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God made he man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein."

Genesis 9:6,7

Thought for the Week: "What is the purpose of human government? God instituted government on earth for only one reason: the protection of life! From the days of Noah, God ordained government to be vested with the authority to pass laws insuring the safely of mankind’s most cherished treasure, human life."

--excerpt from The Sanctity of Human Life by Richard Seefried

Want to pray for centers nationwide?

Click this link to see a prayer calendar for the Baptists for Life Partners in Ministry if you want to pray for our sister centers nationwide! You can also sign up to be a prayer partner, to receive the bi-monthly Prayer Partner Calendar by mail, and/or to let BFL notify you by email when new calendars are available online.

In the News . . .

POLITICS

World's Largest Protest Sign: DNC Sheets of Shame
An official Guinness Book of World Records attempt to display the largest ever protest sign has succeeded. The 530-foot tall and 666-foot wide message is being shouted from the mountaintops overlooking the Democratic National Convention with the leading 2008 protest message. Depending on their location, thousands of DNC delegates and journalists can look out their hotel windows to the west to see the sign.
Read the rest of the story here.

McCain Backs Away from Abortion Pledge
John McCain's campaign signaled on Wednesday that the Arizona senator is backing away from his previously stated goal of changing the GOP’s platform on abortion. McCain’s plan to take a hands-off approach with the abortion platform stands in stark contrast with the position he took during his first presidential run. Back in 2000, McCain clashed with then-Gov. George W. Bush over his unwillingness to change platform language that called for a human life amendment banning all abortions. McCain implored Bush to join him in wanting to add exceptions for rape, incest, and danger to the life of the mother.
Read the rest of the story here.

INTERNATIONAL

Canadian Ad Group Calls Pro-Life Billboards "Deceptive"
In a bizarre - yet anticipated - ruling last week, Advertising Standards Canada rejected fact-based evidence from Stats Canada confirming that abortions do occur throughout all nine months of pregnancy and a ruling from the Supreme Courts showing that there are no laws against abortion in Canada. The ad has been running for two years, and one complaint has been received.
Read the rest of the story here.

Resource

STOP Abortion Breast Cancer: A federation of pro-life member organizations, with links to important documents and presentations. http://www.stopabortionbreastcancer.org/

Stepping Out

Back in June when Barak Obama was in Minneapolis for a big rally, a group of us post-abortion men and women went to the Excel Center with our signs to try to talk to the attendees about abortion adn the African-American community. Abortion is the leading cause of death in the African-American community, yet no one seems to be addressing that within the Obama camp. The response to our presence was overwhelmingly not welcomimng! Not very "inclusive" of them, is it?

Here are some interesting facts:

Approximate number of African-American deaths since 1973:*

AIDS: 227,695
Violent Crimes: 329,313
Accidents: 409,723
Cancer: 1,824,350
Heart Disease: 2,503,789
Abortion: 14 million

*All figures based on cumulative statistics provided by the U.S. Center for Disease Control National Vital Statistics Reports
Source: Dayton Right To Life

Reflection

I took this picture of this tree in Duluth this summer. It reminds me of 2 things:

1. The branch turned a completely different direction than it had been going in the growth process. Why? Who knows?! The woman whose story is told in Harvest Report stated that she was a Christian, but she was looking only at her circumstances and was headed in the wrong direction. However, at a crucial moment, she turned back to what was right. Why? We know--the Word of God spoken by others reminded her of truth, and she responded. Praise the Lord!

James 5:19-20 says, "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."

2. The crook on the tree branch also reminds me of being nestled in the shelter of the Lord's care.

Psalm 61:2-4 says, "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."

Harvest Report

The other day a woman came in to see us, and she had with her a 5-year-old little girl. She has given me permission to share her story with you:

"When I came to MWC 5 years ago, I was going to have an abortion, but you guys talked to me about life and God. I went to the abortion clinic anyway, determined to have the abortion. They gave me to information about the procedure, and even did an ultrasound to see how far along I was. I even went so far as to get on the table to have the actual abortion done. While I was lying on the talbe, I remembered what you guys said to me about choosing life for my baby and trusting God with my situation. Before they could start the abortion procedure, i sat up, put on my clothes, and left the clinic. I have never looked back! Thank you so much for speaking life into my ears so that I could not go through with my abortion!"

MWC News

I am back on track with this blog--so much to keep busy with--but I will try to bring you up to speed. God has been working in the life of the Center. Yesterday, Tupee was able to lead a woman to the Lord! We were rejoicing all day, and we're still rejoicing! There have been 3 babies born over the past 2 week. I have permission to show you a photo. One of these precious lives was spared from abortion and placed into an adoptive home. The mom is so thankful for the option of adoption!

Fathers

I have been thinking a lot about FATHERS these days and how men suffer post-abortion grief and loss, but are not public about it. At the national March for Life in Washington this year, there were men carrying "I regret lost Fatherhood" signs. Check out this site for testimonies of men who regret their abortions, a variety of men all experiencing lost fatherhood!