tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42600689072265921982024-02-07T19:36:23.128-06:00Metro NewsSaving babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time.Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-55525325003902237602012-03-05T16:21:00.002-06:002012-03-05T16:30:59.480-06:00Don't Focus on Hardness of Hearts - Focus on the Tenderizing Nature of the Wordby Colleen Tronson
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from <em>A Retrospect</em> by J. Hudson Taylor
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Hudson Taylor had been ministering to a man in the hospital for many weeks; he had tried to share the Lord with the man but to no avail. He was becoming discouraged and decided that maybe by witnessing to the man, he was causing the man's heart to harden to the Lord. So he decided not to continue to talk to the man and prepared to leave his hospital room without speaking of the Lord.
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As he was preparing to leave the room, he had this thought, "Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone." He looked at the man, who was very surprised that Taylor had not tried to speak with him, as was his usual practice. Taylor then, with tears, started to share his heart with the man and found him open and receptive to the Lord. The man received the Lord, and Taylor was overwhelmed with joy!
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Taylor later reflected on this incident, while working in China:
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"<em>I have often thought since then, in connection with this case, and with the work of God generally, that 'He that goes forth <strong>weeping</strong>, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' Perhaps if there were more that that intense distress for souls that leads to tears we would see more of the results we desire. Sometimes while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, it may be the hardness of our own hearts, and our own feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things, that could be the true cause of our want of success</em>."
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I saw a similar event happen this week, when I had a heavy heart for one dear woman. I was despairing of her ever turning to the Lord, when I just decided to just pull out all the stops and pour out my heart and concern for her soul. Surprisingly, she was receptive, and I think we have made progress! In my mind and heart, I was convicted about being focused on the wrong thing: the hardness of heart, when I should be focusing on the tenderizing nature of the Word of God.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-75873230957428079652012-02-14T15:36:00.007-06:002012-02-15T15:52:13.457-06:00Students for Human LIFEUniversity of Minnesota Student Group Event Feb. 13th
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We were honored to be able to share our post-abortion stories with the Students for Human Life group at the U of M on Monday evening. The students are taking a stand for life on the campus by bringing in speakers to educate and inform others about life issues.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrDZCceKY1drssGB4zMC_oCGwxFATmbAAtprqb5YqUZLFdu4WeFae47MbBZ_15aEznWZt2GA_UwyHaNK21Z_ciJkhiqheZvUhvRt9GYnX5frbEVIZkN53R7xa6_zybsHTdsQxdJSZNl4/s1600/U+of+M+students.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrDZCceKY1drssGB4zMC_oCGwxFATmbAAtprqb5YqUZLFdu4WeFae47MbBZ_15aEznWZt2GA_UwyHaNK21Z_ciJkhiqheZvUhvRt9GYnX5frbEVIZkN53R7xa6_zybsHTdsQxdJSZNl4/s400/U+of+M+students.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709482593951026482" /></a>
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There were over 30 students in the audience as we shared how abortion did not help us but harmed our lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. One speaker shared that after aborting her first child, she experienced a miscarriage and was never able to conceive another child.
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A married couple shared their story of having an abortion together prior to their marriage and the challenges they faced in their marriage because of the sin. The woman in the marriage had 2 previous abortions, and after the third one, she experienced a miscarriage.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCZbaHU8RNgoOHDPwcsxXfAAYdNa6InKR0cd1Y1nGqF8G_Mxyh38SERyzl96Mav2N2SOmPHp_oaSNviT3op6iBvFI6AJhoViMD8QapOYaeC7O3hAJ05ACB-bUZocspV01EQwHPgVNcPQ/s1600/U+of+M+sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCZbaHU8RNgoOHDPwcsxXfAAYdNa6InKR0cd1Y1nGqF8G_Mxyh38SERyzl96Mav2N2SOmPHp_oaSNviT3op6iBvFI6AJhoViMD8QapOYaeC7O3hAJ05ACB-bUZocspV01EQwHPgVNcPQ/s400/U+of+M+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709482357367748146" /></a>
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Another woman spoke of aborting her child when she was an 18-year-old who did not want to disappoint her parents or stop her school activities. She recounted years of denial and guilt about it until she confessed it as sin and was forgiven by the Lord. She shared that the abortion clinic did not tell her about the years of suffering she would endure when they took her money and killed her baby for her.
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Another woman shared how her abortion led to depression, bulimia, and other challenges in her life until she repented of the sin of abortion and received forgiveness from the Lord.
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I shared my story of 3 abortions and then making an adoption plan for my son before coming to know the Lord and receiving forgiveness from Him for my sin in general and for abortion in particular. All of us acknowledged that at the root of our abortions, on some level, there was selfishness.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRqAxZnVYf_teu7Y53HhWBfiKfXJsJi0sTtg8EgYFZV9cWceJfuf-JnN20Hu6EE7CQxt6FYoJfJAe66JENYgOTwVQIK5LQXH0G7LCCEV2nLE-pBwSjAeUVrRf_afWV0ekvqRIKfhSKCg/s1600/U+of+M+speakers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRqAxZnVYf_teu7Y53HhWBfiKfXJsJi0sTtg8EgYFZV9cWceJfuf-JnN20Hu6EE7CQxt6FYoJfJAe66JENYgOTwVQIK5LQXH0G7LCCEV2nLE-pBwSjAeUVrRf_afWV0ekvqRIKfhSKCg/s400/U+of+M+speakers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709482990404217490" /></a>
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My friend Jim once said, “We put fences at the top of the cliff to keep people from going over the edge, but some will ignore the fence and jump over it, experiencing a dangerous fall. When that happens, we must run ambulances at the bottom to pick up the broken lives and minister to them with mercy, forgiveness, and grace.”
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All of us who spoke now have avenues of ministry to help others who have bought into the lie that abortion is a quick, simple solution to a “problem” pregnancy. Romans 8:28 tells us that “ALL things work together for good." Even the sin in our pasts can now be used to warn others not to chose abortion as we did. We surely don’t recommend sinning so that a person can have a future ministry, but the Lord has allowed our lives to be a cautionary tale to those coming after us.
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Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. We are no longer condemned but forgiven and free. Our forgiveness through Christ (Romans 10:13) shows others that there is hope and healing at the foot of the Cross and that it is available for all who seek it.
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I ask that you pray for the student group at the U of M. They are taking a stand for life in a culture of death. They are the leaders of today and the survivors of the abortion holocaust of our generation. God help them to stay strong and do all that they do for life with great love.
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<strong>“<em>Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love</em>." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 </strong>
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-80868564498533293722012-02-08T08:32:00.003-06:002012-02-08T08:36:46.560-06:00Amazing Grace Home Update!Since 2003, Metro Women’s Center has been building a capital campaign fund drive for the establishment of the Amazing Grace Home, a Christ-centered home for pregnant women. The name of the home comes from the <em><strong>Amazing Grace </strong></em>that God has shown me personally (you can read my testimony at www.metrowomenscenter.org) and for the grace He wants to show to each of our clients.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQd3jdTju29ClKIpi5L49D6C_272MCYwV4l9cvHcBEq8TlRreoTzI9tmJ575nLxesMwehzGVDIrujGaxMFS_DcslPfSHGvGhd8ZVmbTRrODxin9_Z4OCidnTNX5B3O0gV1FVuyw-5G9A/s1600/AGH+2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQd3jdTju29ClKIpi5L49D6C_272MCYwV4l9cvHcBEq8TlRreoTzI9tmJ575nLxesMwehzGVDIrujGaxMFS_DcslPfSHGvGhd8ZVmbTRrODxin9_Z4OCidnTNX5B3O0gV1FVuyw-5G9A/s400/AGH+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706773667421707218" /></a>
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In late November 2011, we purchased a home [pictured above] for $158,000! We are praising the Lord for His provision. Our goal was to raise $400,000 by end of 2012, and God provided us a home for less money than expected and also sooner than expected. We will continue to need operating funds of approximately $75,000/year with paid house parents (living on-site), a case manager working 20 hours/week, and for other expenses for the home.
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We are thankful for your past prayer and financial support for this project and humbly ask that you continue to pray and give financially as you are able. For more information on the Amazing Grace Home, email AmazingGraceHome@metrowomenscenter.org.
To donate to the operating fund for the Amazing Grace Home you can go to www.metrowomenscenter.org and make a donation through PayPal or send your gift marked “Amazing Grace Home” to Metro Women’s Center, 6418 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55428.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-59218345687695520872011-10-27T17:09:00.002-05:002011-10-27T17:12:53.282-05:00MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration & Silent Auction Thursday, November 3rdWe are getting really excited for our annual ministry celebration and silent auction! You can sign up to come to this free event at <a href="http://www.metrowomenscenter.org"target=_blank>www.metrowomenscenter.org</a> (click on '21st annual ministry celebration').
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You can see pictures of all the silent auction items <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MetroWomensCenter#!/MetroWomensCenter?sk=photos"target=_blank>here</a>. Funds from the auction will go to the Amazing Grace maternity home fund.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-75572037542972445952011-10-27T17:03:00.003-05:002011-10-27T17:08:03.870-05:00Adoption Council of Minnesota Needs Your Stories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKZaszfeJtsUtdzAsl_FPx-3W6nTZpZx0VpCbn2rEq3mPwFajDdiPciV1i5al2SLJ3_eFVozOJ6nhli5zWG_QSjQuWgNolWFXmfwOWO_itvW938cCft90uBUNtChEzNHogLUT28edddU/s1600/30_30_horiz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKZaszfeJtsUtdzAsl_FPx-3W6nTZpZx0VpCbn2rEq3mPwFajDdiPciV1i5al2SLJ3_eFVozOJ6nhli5zWG_QSjQuWgNolWFXmfwOWO_itvW938cCft90uBUNtChEzNHogLUT28edddU/s400/30_30_horiz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668297134631834898" /></a>
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AOCM will be launching their "30 Stories in 30 Days" effort on Monday. The goal is to post one adoption story for each of the 30 days of November, which is adoption awareness month. The stories will appear in the Minnesota Loves Adoption online scrapbook.
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Would you be willing to submit your story to us for publication in the scrapbook? We've encouraged many people to share their stories, so we have a few to work with before we really start promoting the program. The story only needs to be 500 words or less, and it can have a picture with it or even be a poem about your experience. We also want stories from family or friends who have walked through an adoption experience with someone. You can submit your story anonymously or share your name if you so choose.
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You can read more about the 30/30 effort by visiting <a href="http://minnesotalovesadoption.org/">minnesotalovesadoption.org</a>.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-14237771978968269102011-10-27T17:01:00.001-05:002011-10-27T17:03:35.966-05:00Annual Report and Calendar AvailableYou can view MWC's 2010-2011 annual report and calendar <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdoc%2F70015419&h=GAQEW4BPtAQGqC2rx0kB2Jm98sjLosvCNACja_a4nupyvkw"target=_blank>here</a>.
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To order hard copies, email info@metrowomenscenter.org and include your mailing address. A limited number of copies are available.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-68348324605958676672011-10-27T16:52:00.002-05:002011-10-27T17:01:01.823-05:00Common Scenario:Man (to pregnant woman): If you get an abortion, I will <br/>
A) get out of your life and never bother you again <br/>
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B) never leave you.
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In this scenario, these are helpful things (along with scripture) to point out to the pregnant woman:
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1. You can always get another boyfriend, but you can never have this particular baby again.
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2. If you choose abortion, you are getting rid of the wrong person. It would be wiser to rid yourself of the person who is asking you to kill your baby to please him, rather than to abort the child. Anyone who would ask you to choose himself over your child does not love you.
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3. Tell him that you will get an abortion if he will lie on the table next to you and have them remove a “body part” of your choice. Ridiculous? Yes! Thought provoking? Absolutely!
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Just some thoughts that may cause her to think and also help her to realize that her thinking is focused on pleasing him and not on obeying God!
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<br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-65036192771939548762011-10-10T17:13:00.001-05:002011-10-10T17:16:12.268-05:00When Salt and Light Meet Fear and Selfishness<em>You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven</em>. Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
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Reflecting on the past year of ministry is causing me to think about two things: the incredible self-centeredness of human beings and the incredible generosity of human beings. One group refuses to sacrifice 9 months of their lives so another human being can live, and the other asks what more can I sacrifice so that a human being can live?
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I remember being part of the first group when I had three abortions in my late teens and early twenties. I remember the fear that drove me to the self-protective choice of abortion. I remember coming to the realization with my 4th pregnancy that there was someone else involved in my crisis -- my unborn child -- who I had failed to consider. I remember being touched by the human beings in the second group, those who said, "We can help you, you can live with us, we will provide for you, we will sacrifice our comfort and convenience for the sake of you and your baby."
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I understand the fears and concerns of women in difficult pregnancy situations, but I have seen, first-hand, how the sacrifice of the second group can impact the self-centerness of the first (me included). When we as Christians act as "salt and light" in our communities, beautiful things happen -- things like life and friendship and faith and hope. <br/><br/>
It is possible; I have lived it.<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-28501996531747081072011-10-07T20:16:00.002-05:002011-10-07T20:20:20.497-05:00October is Pastor Appreciation Month!I appreciate pastors who speak the truth about life from the pulpit and who encourage people to be actively pro-life as a Christian responsibility to care for those in need. Thanks to the pastors of MWC's 27 supporting churches who are leading by example! Thanks to these pastors and others who stand for those who cannot stand for themselves!
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Ambassador Baptist Church, Pastor Bruce Henry, Shoreview, MN <br/>
Berean Baptist Church, Pastor Cary Flinck, Brooklyn Park, MN<br/>
Bible Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas Yauch, Farmington, MN <br/>
Boy River Log Chapel, Pastor Dennis Gonczy, Boy River, MN <br/>
Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Randy Charlton, Chatfield, MN <br/>
Chisago Lakes Baptist Church, Pastor Kraig Keck, Chisago City, MN <br/>
Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN <br/>
Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor David Rogers, Willmar, MN <br/>
Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Julian L. Suarez, Saint Paul, MN <br/>
Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Keith Hedges, Brooklyn Center, MN<br/>
First Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Brower, Saint Francis, MN <br/>
First Baptist Church, Pastor Gene Witte, Waterville, MN <br/>
Fourth Baptist Church, Pastor Matt Morrell, Plymouth, MN <br/>
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Shadrak Vork, Stillwater, MN <br/>
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Clarke Poorman, Waseca, MN <br/>
Liberty Baptist Church, Pastor Don Odens, Eden Prairie, MN <br/>
Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor Loren Bjokne, Cottage Grove, MN <br/>
Normandale Baptist Church, Pastor Chuck Raichert, Bloomington, MN <br/>
Oakdale First Baptist Church, Pastor V. Richard Jensen, Saint Paul, MN <br/>
Oakwood Church, Pastor David Sheppard, Saint Paul, MN <br/>
Parkers Lake Baptist Church, Pastor Craig Muri, Plymouth, MN <br/>
Pine River Baptist Church, Pastor St. Michael, Pine River, MN<br/>
Southview Baptist Church, Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Richfield, MN <br/>
Sunrise Bible Church, Pastor David Stertz, North Branch, MN <br/>
Victory Baptist Church, Pastor Wayne Maupin, Osseo, MN <br/>
West River Road Baptist Church, Pastor Floyd Lunde, Brooklyn Park, MN <br/>
Woodcrest Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Poorman, Fridley, MN
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-26360881216755020312011-09-27T11:04:00.003-05:002011-09-27T11:11:48.265-05:00MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXdH_uKM1QJLQ-JvxwY0xHUdvvZG-yEeIvdM4aMjw_I1rRE4pdpHez7un8fuQ2h3Bct7DIEua3TUgCirFqRRKUPWOk32szINMEm5CUftvQgoBcFzKYu3xhYbDyL85RhBNnmQEa20ryyA/s1600/I+See+You+Poster+2011_150x150.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXdH_uKM1QJLQ-JvxwY0xHUdvvZG-yEeIvdM4aMjw_I1rRE4pdpHez7un8fuQ2h3Bct7DIEua3TUgCirFqRRKUPWOk32szINMEm5CUftvQgoBcFzKYu3xhYbDyL85RhBNnmQEa20ryyA/s400/I+See+You+Poster+2011_150x150.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657072439587680306" /></a><br/>
<strong>MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration is Thursday, November 3rd!</strong>
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Register online at <a href="http://www.metrowomenscenter.org"target=_blank>www.metrowomenscenter.org</a> for our annual dessert buffet, silent auction, and ministry update by clicking on '21st Annual Celebration' on our home page.
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Hope to see you there!
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-26299594409340078632011-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:002011-09-25T16:42:32.112-05:00September NewsletterCheck out MWC's September newsletter:
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/66061840/Newsletter-Sept-2011"target=_blank>http://www.scribd.com/doc/66061840/Newsletter-Sept-2011</a>
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-64350304447513072852011-09-25T16:39:00.002-05:002011-09-25T16:41:09.718-05:00Teens are a Blessing for LIFE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B05xhlIJ8oAaseKHp010zH38Q4xXk_4gfjPmbI1ILcaU7dBWd4FVI-xJ-HIqihyphenhyphen3iA5zKW-4Yb_MRvn30gTcvRxphhMuskLXptfmY2ldmpg8nY7ZprOKtbnQC6ODCL4XFrUEVQNzvBQ/s1600/Liberty+Baptist+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B05xhlIJ8oAaseKHp010zH38Q4xXk_4gfjPmbI1ILcaU7dBWd4FVI-xJ-HIqihyphenhyphen3iA5zKW-4Yb_MRvn30gTcvRxphhMuskLXptfmY2ldmpg8nY7ZprOKtbnQC6ODCL4XFrUEVQNzvBQ/s400/Liberty+Baptist+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656415434890485826" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLjnV_EKbjL7r-oRBfzqFUU3t_BW-lRxTGM-GEeUZgFFoAWdsJMK6HZr5IFpQU8801uEekwZSMUe8Z8Jdp8C1v8s-rTVt3lwvv5Yz2IQV7QJyT7Fs1CXQrflhJ3t0KaecB9t6rSNAJBc/s1600/Liberty+Baptist+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLjnV_EKbjL7r-oRBfzqFUU3t_BW-lRxTGM-GEeUZgFFoAWdsJMK6HZr5IFpQU8801uEekwZSMUe8Z8Jdp8C1v8s-rTVt3lwvv5Yz2IQV7QJyT7Fs1CXQrflhJ3t0KaecB9t6rSNAJBc/s400/Liberty+Baptist+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656415432225724818" /></a>
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Thanks to the Liberty Baptist Church youth group for preparing 1,400 invitations for mailing for our annual event on November 3rd. Invites are in the mail thanks to your great service. Thanks to Pastor Seth and Crystal Grotzke for organizing this event. You are a blessing for life!
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-48200953850837367242011-09-12T15:31:00.002-05:002011-09-12T15:37:18.675-05:00September 11 - One Time Human Tragedy; Abortion - Ongoing Human Tragedy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrqDdJB3Dt7aFaELJ8ujK_4C-F-pl8mQ-KCZJlwcMdxgU_wp7VbdRE0TaAYyMlee9XffI-AAwO2GdZ_X0Yojf9fvmYh1bPETakTGA04PKZSzPZsekqz5UJc7bJ4-0s2RaOKhFg2-oB5g/s1600/hands.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrqDdJB3Dt7aFaELJ8ujK_4C-F-pl8mQ-KCZJlwcMdxgU_wp7VbdRE0TaAYyMlee9XffI-AAwO2GdZ_X0Yojf9fvmYh1bPETakTGA04PKZSzPZsekqz5UJc7bJ4-0s2RaOKhFg2-oB5g/s400/hands.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651574830591506258" /></a>
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September 11, 2001 happened one time, and it was and is a great human tragedy. For the past many years, at least 10,000 human beings--per year!--have died in abortion mills in Minesota alone.
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While we hope and pray that 9-11 never happens again, we remember that abortion is a reoccuring, ongoing human tragedy that can be ended each time one "born person" (the woman) thinks about the other "unborn person" (the fetus, young one) and chooses life over death.
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It is right and just to remember the human victims of 9-11. We must never forget. It is right and just to remember the human victims of abortion. We must never forget. All human life is sacred.
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"<em>I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you <strong>life </strong>and <strong>death</strong>, blessing and cursing; therefore <strong>choose life</strong>, that both you and your descendants may <strong>live</strong>.</em>" <strong>Dueteronomy 30:19</strong>
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-89864021824370333812011-08-12T15:23:00.003-05:002011-08-12T15:31:18.734-05:00Blooming Good Summer!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhiUGFdPNXUM5z-oc9jvCxgcf6bQNAJ_SLhwAYGmgV7oBz3qQxKOMX6UORkdj5WplIOAD3iV-y6qythaCoMWixX0LFu7xY52tkRw6J5sNMHMiBVjl_nsn0jGeMui0w5Ym-BFzBhq3Jm8/s1600/yellow+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhiUGFdPNXUM5z-oc9jvCxgcf6bQNAJ_SLhwAYGmgV7oBz3qQxKOMX6UORkdj5WplIOAD3iV-y6qythaCoMWixX0LFu7xY52tkRw6J5sNMHMiBVjl_nsn0jGeMui0w5Ym-BFzBhq3Jm8/s400/yellow+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640069195467105426" /></a><br/>
<em>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.</em> Galatians 5:22-23
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMn0lrcviBJattEOwZoZChys2OT8YtKKD8OQrAAmFj9xiBBq1phcbK9a68nGuSWbuh1526rCowPGlQx1ysPMpn-o10LonmgvECj9xlnecU90vtemQxRNB85sBw_RXFrpcVj1OmkVQSkI/s1600/Tiger+Lily.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMn0lrcviBJattEOwZoZChys2OT8YtKKD8OQrAAmFj9xiBBq1phcbK9a68nGuSWbuh1526rCowPGlQx1ysPMpn-o10LonmgvECj9xlnecU90vtemQxRNB85sBw_RXFrpcVj1OmkVQSkI/s400/Tiger+Lily.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640069179358189410" /></a>
I have been enjoying gardening this summer by planting a “heritage” flower garden that is bringing me lots of joy! My mom always has tiger lilies, my two aunts had bleeding hearts and gladiolas, and my mother-in-law grew wonderful bearded irises. The budding flowers and brilliant colors make me smile and give me something new to discover each morning when I leave the house for the Center. There are so many plants now that the weeds are being overpowered, which makes me even happier!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfp_KBwTabsi46KXGAZ-9dlWtthIwU_n5ULFan56gaJTQl2wKH0dMcTpmKrPsvvsMM2KycUne6MOfF3QC_5FG9b4oYmaWW89oHFVycl1eVj0Q9eYwY_0tJ9VZ7fY6-gBe23XmKShALtY/s1600/sooo+pretty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfp_KBwTabsi46KXGAZ-9dlWtthIwU_n5ULFan56gaJTQl2wKH0dMcTpmKrPsvvsMM2KycUne6MOfF3QC_5FG9b4oYmaWW89oHFVycl1eVj0Q9eYwY_0tJ9VZ7fY6-gBe23XmKShALtY/s400/sooo+pretty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640069187586811618" /></a><br/>
It’s the same in our lives and in the lives of MWC clients, isn’t it? The more we plant God’s Word in the soil of our hearts, the less room there is for the weeds of anger, bitterness, confusion, and other “weeds” that choke out joy and contentment. Often women come to the Center full of these emotional weeds that need to be pulled out and radically amputated. Just as in our lives, it can take time for them to put on the “fruit” of a changed heart. While this week was much calmer than last, it was not quite as smooth as I would like. It did, however, give me opportunities to re-examine the “fruits” of my spirit and to do some weeding of my own! I don’t know about you, but I keep finding weeds where I would like to find beautiful blossoms! Thank goodness God is not finished with me or our clients yet!
<br/> <br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-6639490051698927342011-08-12T15:13:00.002-05:002011-08-12T15:17:24.038-05:00Memorial for the Unborn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a-oVo2hW63oiYzCPDuHTWTC0qIUjSAFeJqXkvw-0JLhrt9UUOpzb2nhD1gr46FPYKvkuQi-K9Kw-uwDAAS8JChNYS_StKwQGfGv-1FFl0BlQWSOCONV4pHMSjag5RqQjablMHpXj0Bc/s1600/unborn+memorial+plaque.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a-oVo2hW63oiYzCPDuHTWTC0qIUjSAFeJqXkvw-0JLhrt9UUOpzb2nhD1gr46FPYKvkuQi-K9Kw-uwDAAS8JChNYS_StKwQGfGv-1FFl0BlQWSOCONV4pHMSjag5RqQjablMHpXj0Bc/s400/unborn+memorial+plaque.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640066082189776930" /></a><br/>
If you are up in the Brainerd - Baxter area this summer, you should check out the Memorial to the Unborn on the property of First Baptist Church in Baxter. If you or someone you know has suffered any type of pregnancy loss: abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or the loss of any child, we encourage you to visit this quiet spot for reflection, located at 15221 Russell Road, Baxter, MN 56425.
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-10716722484957531902011-07-14T13:07:00.003-05:002011-07-14T13:14:52.194-05:00Mike Adams: Killing Six Birds with One StoneAuthor's Note: <em>Every summer at Summit Ministries </em>(see <a href="http://www.Summit.org"target=_blank>www.Summit.org</a>) <em>I give a speech that goes by the same title as this column. It is meant to equip young pro-life students with proper rebuttals to pro-abortion choice arguments. I have been asked to reprint the speech in my column (in condensed form). I am doing so in two parts. I hope you find this - the first of two installments - both beneficial and informative</em>. <br/><br/>
Whenever I find myself in an extended argument about abortion I find that there are about six arguments I can expect to encounter before the argument has come to term, so to speak. But, fortunately, the six arguments all suffer from one fatal flaw, which makes them somewhat easy to rebut as long as the proponent of life stays focused on the central moral question of the abortion debate, which is <strong>"Are the unborn human?"</strong> <br/><br/>
I've listed the six arguments - in no particular order of importance - along with specific common-sense rebuttals to each. I hope they will be helpful to those who wish to defend the weakest among us (the unborn person) against those who wish to deny their humanity (the already born who cannot be aborted).<br/><br/>
1. <strong>"It's my body, my choice". </strong>This argument is extremely easy to dismantle because the unborn baby has its own distinct genetic code that is generating growth from conception. Not only is there unique DNA but in 100% of abortions the baby already has a detectable heartbeat. Doctors will not even perform abortions until six or seven weeks into the pregnancy - in order to protect the health of the mother. The doctor wants to be able to account for and remove all of the baby's body parts. If some small portion of the baby remains in the mother it could cause a deadly infection. The irony is lost among most of these so-called health care professionals.<br/><br/>
So the woman who says "my body, my choice" is in the absurd position of arguing that she has two noses, four legs, two brains, two skeletal systems, and on average one testicle and half a penis. This kind of absurdity requires no further elaboration. It is nothing more than feminist foot stomping to assert the "my body, my choice" argument. In fact, it is unbecoming of anyone above the age of two who is similarly inclined to argue "my toy, my toy."<br/><br/>
2. <strong>"Back alley abortions will increase if abortion is illegal." </strong>This argument simply assumes, like the first, that the unborn are not persons. If they were not then the abortion choice advocate would be in the awkward position of arguing that someone has a right to commit murder in a safe and sterile environment. This hardly survives the straight-face test. But if, for some reason, your opponent can't see its absurdity tell him the following: I'm planning to rob the Wells Fargo Bank across the street but there is fungus all over the sidewalk. I'm afraid I might slip and fall during my escape. Could you call them and tell them to power-wash the sidewalk some time before I commit the robbery? And hurry up. I need the cash!<br/><br/>
They may try to lie at this point and say that when abortion was illegal 10,000 women died per year using coat-hangers on themselves in back alleys. But those numbers are both false and irrelevant. Within a few years after abortion rights were constitutionalized the number of annual abortions went up at least six fold - and that is a very conservative estimate. That means over a million more babies were killed per year within just a few years after <em>Roe v. Wade</em> (compared with pre-Roe numbers). The fact that they were killed in a sterile, well-lighted environment did not make them any less dead. Please review argument #1.<br/><br/>
3. <strong>"It is wrong to force a woman to bring an unwanted baby into the world."</strong> Put simply, there is no such thing as an "unwanted baby." If a baby is unwanted by its mother, there is always, and I mean always, someone else who would want to adopt the baby. People cannot easily adopt in the country because so many children are unnecessarily aborted. But there is something even more sick and twisted about the "unwanted baby" excuse; namely that it insinuates that abortion prevents child abuse. But we have already established that abortion is child abuse. Please review argument #1 before reading further.<br/><br/>
The very idea that we would murder children to prevent child abuse, which usually takes the form of simple battery, elevates intellectual laziness to a Zen art. It is the intellectual equivalent of promoting arson in order to prevent burglary. It is true that burglary will go down when we burn down everyone's house but by now you get the point. And hopefully the pro-abortion choice advocate gets the point, too.<br/><br/>
Finally, it is worth mentioning that abortion has not been an effective means of stopping child abuse (even if we exclude abortions). In 1973, there were 167,000 reported instances of child abuse. By 1982, reported instances of child abuse rose to 929,000. That is an increase of over 500 percent in less than a decade. When will so-called liberals take responsibility for this unmitigated disaster?<br/><br/>
4. <strong>"It is wrong for a woman to be forced to bring a handicapped baby into the world."</strong> It is frequently suggested that abortion is morally permissible when doctors discover, prior to birth, that a baby suffers from certain physical handicaps - such as Down's syndrome or cerebral palsy. My response usually goes something like this:<br/><br/>
"I agree that there are far too many handicapped people in the world. Every summer I take busloads of people who are wheelchair-bound on a trip to the Grand Canyon. We enjoy the view for a few minutes before I roll them off the edge of the Canyon. They are usually dead long before they hit the bottom. That is a good thing for them and for society as a whole. It is better to be dead than to be handicapped. Their lives are not worth living whether they realize it or not."<br/><br/>
This provokes a strong reaction - as it should. After all, I am accusing the abortion choice advocate of gross insensitivity. That is usually when they argue that they are not killing a handicapped person but rather preventing a handicapped person from ever being born. Please review argument #1. Your opponent is trapped once again.<br/><br/>
The last time I gave this speech at Summit Ministries a handsome, intelligent, and athletic 6'2 African American student approached me and said the following: "I was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy before I was born. The doctors were wrong. I am so glad my mother had me. Thank you for your speech."<br/><br/>
Mike Adams is a criminology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and author of <em>Feminists Say the Darndest Things: A Politically Incorrect Professor Confronts "Womyn" On Campus</em>.<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-63945373660244205312011-07-14T08:54:00.002-05:002011-07-14T09:04:03.168-05:00Fake Grass or Real Housing?First the disclaimer: I think that sports are a wonderful thing.
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Now, the rant: I heard on the news today that it will cost $500,000 to replace the AstroTurf at the Metrodome in Mpls. At MWC we have been working to raise $400,000 to establish the Amazing Grace Home for pregnant women, and thus far, $262,000 has been raised through private donations, no government funds. With $400,000 we can buy a home (cash) and fund it for more than 6 months.<br/><br/>
So, it got me thinking, hmmmm . . . fake grass or real housing? What do you think?<br/><br/>
To contribute to the Amazing Grace Fund, send your donation to Metro Women's Center, 6418 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55428. We promise we won't spend your money on grass. Well, maybe just a small yard . . .<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-56043762312608677662011-07-13T16:29:00.001-05:002011-07-13T16:31:09.655-05:00I Just Got Totally Blessed!A former client called to let us know how she is doing. She had come to MN 13 years ago by bus from Mississippi, 9 months pregnant, not knowing a soul up here. She delivered her baby 5 days later while living in one of our shepherding homes.
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She called to thank us again for being there for her and loving her through her time of need. She chose adoption for her baby, and the family still keeps in touch with her! What an encouragement! (story used with her permission)
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-31174159530915921032011-07-12T14:32:00.003-05:002011-07-12T14:35:52.097-05:00We love our clients!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu7Wp4a5pzBDPRYzzLwPtiC3_oG24sgILdbHVNPkQsKO5zRKPfUSsXeMcNJYptSxQzDB2LPsNlN7b7sMj3j_YtfcW2y6g9WUSGvQsCqqq0H18BpYQV5Mk887oTE73fDnG4gX04T4DJ3o/s1600/Stella.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu7Wp4a5pzBDPRYzzLwPtiC3_oG24sgILdbHVNPkQsKO5zRKPfUSsXeMcNJYptSxQzDB2LPsNlN7b7sMj3j_YtfcW2y6g9WUSGvQsCqqq0H18BpYQV5Mk887oTE73fDnG4gX04T4DJ3o/s400/Stella.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628551608089345378" /></a><br/>
<strong>Stella is a STAR – Memorized 29 Bible Verses!</strong>
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We like to celebrate our clients here at MWC. This dear lady, Stella (name and picture used with permission), has been working hard to learn Bible verses and do Bible studies to earn things for her baby. She was so proud to tell us 29 Bible verses today! Stella has earned a new car seat and a new Pack & Play for her baby through our HOPE program.
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<strong>Great job, Stella! We are so thankful for your openness to learn!</strong><br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-38948248598750886942011-07-11T17:42:00.002-05:002011-07-11T17:48:10.683-05:00Please help an adoptive family who were in a car crash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OQTX_S64j2vIVNDc-ZPHWO1pNQqCxShMt1AVgrArPnweuRM1zuEPpUFe-oNECEjZXKwm-vIVRznAU7o2RO1T_gdD4b5OKLeKj-s7meGmoIVvbwqi6Eh1H3Bxf5VEOz8RU61JkopUjPk/s1600/virtue+accident.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OQTX_S64j2vIVNDc-ZPHWO1pNQqCxShMt1AVgrArPnweuRM1zuEPpUFe-oNECEjZXKwm-vIVRznAU7o2RO1T_gdD4b5OKLeKj-s7meGmoIVvbwqi6Eh1H3Bxf5VEOz8RU61JkopUjPk/s400/virtue+accident.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628230275929348306" /></a>
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Paul Virtue, Sr. and Sheri (Paige) Virtue were moving their family through Kentucky when they were involved in a traffic accident on Saturday. The semi that caused the wreck did not stop. Read a short article <a href="http://www.lex18.com/news/at-least-one-person-hospitalized-following-i-75-crash/#.ThkxiMBjqKU.facebook"target=_blank>here</a>.
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Everyone had bumps and bruises; Sheri has a head wound. This family has adopted two children of a MWC client; they have six children total. They literally lost everything they owned in the wreck. For now they will be staying with Paul's brother Joel in Baudette, MN.
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The family is in tough spot, so if you can help out financially, we would thank you very much. Please send any help to: <br/>
Joel Virtue, 2579 Hay Creek Road SE, Baudette, MN 56632.
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Thank you for considering this need.<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-66535630904237868002011-07-06T16:11:00.001-05:002011-07-06T16:13:44.305-05:00Can anyone explain this to me?Does it strike anyone else as bizarre that we are so fixated on the trial for the murder of a little girl (tragic and awful) yet every year in Minnesota over 12,000 little boys and girls die through abortion?
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Many are upset that the mother in this recent case was not convicted (I have no opinion), yet every day women in our state sign on the dotted line to terminate the lives of their little boys and girls and we call it a RIGHT and a CHOICE.
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How are we mothers (and those who aided us in our decisions to choose abortion) any different than that little girl's killer, whomever it might be?
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-35875259451326275722011-06-26T10:09:00.001-05:002011-06-27T10:18:43.561-05:00Wonderful Day at Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook, MN and WAFFLES!4 a.m - I took off early this morning to head down to Shakopee to meet Dave and Jackie Sebald for our trip to <a href="http://ibcwestbrook.org/"target=_blank>Immanuel Baptist Church in Westbrook</a>. We drove through beautiful southern Minnesota, admiring the lush green landscape and wondering, "Will the water that is level with the sides of the highway stay off the road on our way back?" Then it started to rain -- just a cloudburst so we knew things would be ok.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRtTqIiK4Mr5sigwZ_O7tOXla6BibnTt5MTtrtzzy-89gQSWkHSv9A-5lyttUJN8lnvggExvS76-LWYSOXm_KTouJgarwXIIMPmohrD4CMLIJBllUk6kNmkON4ZoSplR3AytikM40cn4/s1600/Westbrook+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRtTqIiK4Mr5sigwZ_O7tOXla6BibnTt5MTtrtzzy-89gQSWkHSv9A-5lyttUJN8lnvggExvS76-LWYSOXm_KTouJgarwXIIMPmohrD4CMLIJBllUk6kNmkON4ZoSplR3AytikM40cn4/s400/Westbrook+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622919114095837954" /></a>
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Arriving at the church we were met by Pastor and Mrs. Adams and a group of friendly folks. We were able to present a ministry update during the Sunday school hour, and the church presented us with gifts for our client assistance program. There were diapers, wipes, cute clothing items, blankets, and a car seat. What a blessing! Thank you to the church for their generous love gifts to help MWC save babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlztU80QHpMfsv_307AOVYJOlihHt_AvV6S5JxBKtUI5cjRSnamZF-AC9GxVS_7iU7Qe2n0eSm5WBNEom8KVy5bM5TNqUX0-79fJzOMD4s06OSTkV4YgEBiiIGWNaGPkudId8kEfXlso/s1600/Westbrook+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlztU80QHpMfsv_307AOVYJOlihHt_AvV6S5JxBKtUI5cjRSnamZF-AC9GxVS_7iU7Qe2n0eSm5WBNEom8KVy5bM5TNqUX0-79fJzOMD4s06OSTkV4YgEBiiIGWNaGPkudId8kEfXlso/s400/Westbrook+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622919107881704338" /></a>
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After church we all went over to the community center and enjoyed a waffle lunch. It was yummy and the fellowship sweet! The pictures we took of the church group after lunch did not turn out, sorry!
<br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-77943688843005202892011-06-24T16:31:00.004-05:002011-06-24T16:46:10.418-05:00Travail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu5FLbsqb_jKGD3Pj1W9u6usnGIKF_OzcKWAYd0uqcPS4R4UBwEJnYONaOViXcaUKKMClJ3LyP7i5D_AeoQuJpYA54ThhO4B-_R5b1AOPj1hGS1I0Bjn8h7h6iEbo60hEFcRFkIrcEDo/s1600/Labor+picture.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu5FLbsqb_jKGD3Pj1W9u6usnGIKF_OzcKWAYd0uqcPS4R4UBwEJnYONaOViXcaUKKMClJ3LyP7i5D_AeoQuJpYA54ThhO4B-_R5b1AOPj1hGS1I0Bjn8h7h6iEbo60hEFcRFkIrcEDo/s320/Labor+picture.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621904833699398594" /></a>
<strong>travail</strong>:<br/>
a noun meaning "painful or laborious effort" or a verb meaning "to engage in painful or laborious effort."<br/><br/>
I have been pondering this word a lot lately. The Word speaks of travail in Galatians4:19-20 where Paul says, “<em>My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you</em>.” Matthew Henry’s commentary says in part that Paul is expressing affection and concern for the welfare of the Galatians. Not a passing concern but a “sincere concern for their truest advantage.” They thought he was their enemy, but he tries to reassure them that “he had the bowels of a parent towards them.” He expresses his earnest thoughts for them not only physically but spiritually using the travailing (birthing) woman idea. He was in pain for them that Christ might be formed in them, so they would become real Christians indeed, and grow in their faith. <br/><br/>
There are many travailing moments in this ministry, whether it is the travail over making the decision to have the baby or abort; to parent or make an adoption plan; to marry or single parent; to choose abstinence or continue with sexual activity; to choose Christ or reject Him; to obey the Word or not. Through it all I know that GOD’s WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID and that is where I can rest. God continues to give us evidence of this truth, through little “splashes of joy.” This week one of our volunteers was able to pray with a woman to receive the Lord; a client worked through trusting God during a time of grieving; and we even saw glimmers of change in the life of another woman.
<br/> <br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-11633456814038002042011-06-24T16:14:00.003-05:002011-06-24T16:30:36.063-05:00Regions Hospital to Close Abortion Facility?I and others [pictured throughout this post] participated in the 40 Days for Life this past spring, and as a result there seems to be movement to close the abortion facility at Regions Hospital.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd74swJMqC-fecNaAnOTbs0XDVn0yv9huWlBSTqMEZ5_JCN6OJcTmf_ObTGRhhqfCJxNCv4HNpHQ8j9WZavBIAYqndBYWHHwPC6318OliG3g_8zvnMAAuhkK_pILDy1gNR0jJOJpGVPmE/s1600/2011_03_25+Nadia%252C+Cheryl%252C+Elianna%252C+Karen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd74swJMqC-fecNaAnOTbs0XDVn0yv9huWlBSTqMEZ5_JCN6OJcTmf_ObTGRhhqfCJxNCv4HNpHQ8j9WZavBIAYqndBYWHHwPC6318OliG3g_8zvnMAAuhkK_pILDy1gNR0jJOJpGVPmE/s400/2011_03_25+Nadia%252C+Cheryl%252C+Elianna%252C+Karen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621901455138334210" /></a>
Here is a note from Brian Gibson, Pro-Life Action Ministries Director, cautioning us not to believe rumors or to allow the rumors to let down our efforts to save babies lives and protect women from the aftermath of abortion.
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From Brian:
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In the middle of this past Lenten 40 Days for Life we began to hear rumors from within HealthPartners' Regions Hospital that the abortion facility may be closing. The very thing that we have been praying and fasting for and working so long and hard for was now talk within the hospital.
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I don't like rumors. They can be dangerous. The rumors that Regions is closing its abortion facility can lead to our belief that it indeed is closing. That simply is not verified. And by mistakenly believing that it is closing, we let down our efforts while unborn babies continue to be killed there.
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We also have the lesson from the past. In 1988, Regions Hospital was Ramsey Hospital and run under the authority of Ramsey County. That hospital board voted to close the abortion facility. This was not a rumor, but a fact that was publically acknowledged. But the hospital board succumbed to pressure from the abortion movement, reversing its decision almost as quickly as it had made it in the first place.
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So why am I telling you these rumors? There is a serious significance to them. For all the years that we have worked to get HealthPartners to close the abortion facility within Regions Hospital, never before has there been this type of talk. The statements that have been shared with us are from employees within the hospital. These statements have come from various departments and levels of employees. And the statements have not diminished over time, but have continued.
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But we cannot allow these rumors to cause us to let up in our efforts. In fact, we need to let these rumors cause us to increase those efforts and, through prayer and action, attempt to bring these rumors to fruition.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_VzPnYmSqmXKfYhPL2yZMdfRXukuZ9pOJyo2-HMlezkU44oqxHHXS78sNgtOt6UQmpDxuqvpQAgNtN2rHRW234qe7-r4e05CEJhrj2OPE9VXcKqG1BoLvucVZDAaLhmkuU3fVt7Ov2E/s1600/Forty+Days+for+Life+prayer+warriors+2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_VzPnYmSqmXKfYhPL2yZMdfRXukuZ9pOJyo2-HMlezkU44oqxHHXS78sNgtOt6UQmpDxuqvpQAgNtN2rHRW234qe7-r4e05CEJhrj2OPE9VXcKqG1BoLvucVZDAaLhmkuU3fVt7Ov2E/s400/Forty+Days+for+Life+prayer+warriors+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621901439427280914" /></a>
<strong>This summer, please do three things to help us push hard to get Regions to close the abortion facility:</strong><br/><br/>
<strong>Take time to pray at Regions through the summer.</strong> Come once a week, come every other week, come every day, however often you can be there in witness and prayer. Let Brian Walker know you are going out by calling him at (651) 771-1500, ext. 211. (If you live too far away to come to Regions Hospital, do 2 and 3.) Signs and literature are available at our office which is near Regions.
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<strong>Pray daily for the closing of this abortuary. </strong>Encourage others to pray as well. Pray in groups or at worship services.
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<strong>Tell Regions Hospital officials to close the abortion facility.</strong> Call Regions at (651) 254-2191 and politely, but firmly, ask them to close the abortion facility. Write a note to Brock Nelson, Regions Hospital CEO, at 640 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101. Handwritten notes have the greatest impact.
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Help us follow through with our prayerful efforts and, by God's grace, close Regions Hospital's abortuary.
<br/> <br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4260068907226592198.post-51617624333116537292011-06-20T16:04:00.004-05:002011-06-20T16:16:24.948-05:0011 years later . . .Mondays for me can go either way: completely bad or tremendously good. Today was one of those tremendously good, even fantastic days! I have been in the office by myself today, and things have been humming along nicely. Clients have been coming in, the phone has been ringing, and I have even had opportunity to catch up on email and paperwork.<br/>
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Then, something wonderful happened! No, let me rephrase that, SOMEONE WONDERFUL walked in my door. Actually, 2 wonderful SOMEONES walked in my door! A former client and her 11-year-old daughter, Yvonne, stopped by to surprise us! She shared the following with me (and I'm sharing it with you with her permission):<br/>
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<em>I wanted to come by and say thank you. I was in a bad situation over 11 years ago, and I came here for help. You were all such an encouragement to me. I was a new immigrant to this country and was pregnant with my daughter. I was going through a bad time, and you ladies were so kind to me. I got all my baby stuff through your center. <br/><br/>
You made a difference in my life, so we wanted to say thank you and please don’t get discouraged when it doesn’t seem like anyone is listening to you or when finances are low. The service you are doing was so helpful to me back then.<br/>
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I wanted you to see my daughter today and to let you know about a special award she just received. She entered the 2011 Minnesota Twins Father of the Year contest through <a href="http://www.fathers.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=84"target=_blank>www.fathers.com</a> and yesterday she was presented with her award at the Twins game. Today, my family is back together, and we wanted you to know that you made a difference. Keep on doing what you are doing!</em> <br/><br/>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ0ekEl9oCjk3IMyEKTFEfvKdYAFWcJK7cQa51JIMA8bGRcX0FJ2BiMGUPY1U-rTKB7h7bbXkw7QzXr7bBY-Bmkgr1uW_GGWCZZYU_Go7hV6Q-xOrCdPO48KZMGNe8-uTT4jLjVZqrUs/s1600/DSCN0284.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ0ekEl9oCjk3IMyEKTFEfvKdYAFWcJK7cQa51JIMA8bGRcX0FJ2BiMGUPY1U-rTKB7h7bbXkw7QzXr7bBY-Bmkgr1uW_GGWCZZYU_Go7hV6Q-xOrCdPO48KZMGNe8-uTT4jLjVZqrUs/s400/DSCN0284.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620413098804782610" /></a>
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By this time, I was bawling because I was so moved that she would take the time to share this story with us. This story is another reminder about why we do what we do!
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<strong>Galatians 6:9<br/>
<em>And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart</em>.</strong><br/><br/>Metro Women's Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421851990058206401noreply@blogger.com0