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.