Metro News

MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration & Silent Auction Thursday, November 3rd

2011-10-27T17:09:00.002-05:00

We are getting really excited for our annual ministry celebration and silent auction! You can sign up to come to this free event at www.metrowomenscenter.org (click on '21st annual ministry celebration').

You can see pictures of all the silent auction items here. Funds from the auction will go to the Amazing Grace maternity home fund.

Adoption Council of Minnesota Needs Your Stories

2011-10-27T17:03:00.003-05:00

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.

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.

You can read more about the 30/30 effort by visiting minnesotalovesadoption.org.

Annual Report and Calendar Available

2011-10-27T17:01:00.001-05:00

You can view MWC's 2010-2011 annual report and calendar here.

To order hard copies, email info@metrowomenscenter.org and include your mailing address. A limited number of copies are available.

Common Scenario:

2011-10-27T16:52:00.002-05:00

Man (to pregnant woman): If you get an abortion, I will
A) get out of your life and never bother you again
or
B) never leave you.

In this scenario, these are helpful things (along with scripture) to point out to the pregnant woman:

1. You can always get another boyfriend, but you can never have this particular baby again.

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.

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!

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!

When Salt and Light Meet Fear and Selfishness

2011-10-10T17:13:00.001-05:00

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. Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

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?

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."

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.

It is possible; I have lived it.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

2011-10-07T20:16:00.002-05:00

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!

Ambassador Baptist Church, Pastor Bruce Henry, Shoreview, MN
Berean Baptist Church, Pastor Cary Flinck, Brooklyn Park, MN
Bible Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas Yauch, Farmington, MN
Boy River Log Chapel, Pastor Dennis Gonczy, Boy River, MN
Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Randy Charlton, Chatfield, MN
Chisago Lakes Baptist Church, Pastor Kraig Keck, Chisago City, MN
Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN
Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor David Rogers, Willmar, MN
Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Julian L. Suarez, Saint Paul, MN
Fellowship Baptist Church, Pastor Keith Hedges, Brooklyn Center, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Brower, Saint Francis, MN
First Baptist Church, Pastor Gene Witte, Waterville, MN
Fourth Baptist Church, Pastor Matt Morrell, Plymouth, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Shadrak Vork, Stillwater, MN
Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Clarke Poorman, Waseca, MN
Liberty Baptist Church, Pastor Don Odens, Eden Prairie, MN
Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor Loren Bjokne, Cottage Grove, MN
Normandale Baptist Church, Pastor Chuck Raichert, Bloomington, MN
Oakdale First Baptist Church, Pastor V. Richard Jensen, Saint Paul, MN
Oakwood Church, Pastor David Sheppard, Saint Paul, MN
Parkers Lake Baptist Church, Pastor Craig Muri, Plymouth, MN
Pine River Baptist Church, Pastor St. Michael, Pine River, MN
Southview Baptist Church, Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Richfield, MN
Sunrise Bible Church, Pastor David Stertz, North Branch, MN
Victory Baptist Church, Pastor Wayne Maupin, Osseo, MN
West River Road Baptist Church, Pastor Floyd Lunde, Brooklyn Park, MN
Woodcrest Baptist Church, Pastor Mark Poorman, Fridley, MN

MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration

2011-09-27T11:04:00.003-05:00

MWC's 21st Annual Ministry Celebration is Thursday, November 3rd!

Register online at www.metrowomenscenter.org for our annual dessert buffet, silent auction, and ministry update by clicking on '21st Annual Celebration' on our home page.

Hope to see you there!

September Newsletter

2011-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

Check out MWC's September newsletter: http://www.scribd.com/doc/66061840/Newsletter-Sept-2011

Teens are a Blessing for LIFE!

2011-09-25T16:39:00.002-05:00

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!

September 11 - One Time Human Tragedy; Abortion - Ongoing Human Tragedy

2011-09-12T15:31:00.002-05:00

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.

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.

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.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." Dueteronomy 30:19

Blooming Good Summer!

2011-08-12T15:23:00.003-05:00

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

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!

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!

Memorial for the Unborn

2011-08-12T15:13:00.002-05:00

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.

Mike Adams: Killing Six Birds with One Stone

2011-07-14T13:07:00.003-05:00

Author's Note: Every summer at Summit Ministries (see www.Summit.org) 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.

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 "Are the unborn human?"

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).

1. "It's my body, my choice". 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.

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."

2. "Back alley abortions will increase if abortion is illegal." 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!

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 Roe v. Wade (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.

3. "It is wrong to force a woman to bring an unwanted baby into the world." 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.

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.

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?

4. "It is wrong for a woman to be forced to bring a handicapped baby into the world." 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:

"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."

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.

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."

Mike Adams is a criminology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and author of Feminists Say the Darndest Things: A Politically Incorrect Professor Confronts "Womyn" On Campus.

Fake Grass or Real Housing?

2011-07-14T08:54:00.002-05:00

First the disclaimer: I think that sports are a wonderful thing.

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.

So, it got me thinking, hmmmm . . . fake grass or real housing? What do you think?

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 . . .

I Just Got Totally Blessed!

2011-07-13T16:29:00.001-05:00

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.

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)

We love our clients!

2011-07-12T14:32:00.003-05:00

Stella is a STAR – Memorized 29 Bible Verses!

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.

Great job, Stella! We are so thankful for your openness to learn!

Please help an adoptive family who were in a car crash

2011-07-11T17:42:00.002-05:00

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 here.

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.

The family is in tough spot, so if you can help out financially, we would thank you very much. Please send any help to:
Joel Virtue, 2579 Hay Creek Road SE, Baudette, MN 56632.

Thank you for considering this need.

Can anyone explain this to me?

2011-07-06T16:11:00.001-05:00

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?

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.

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?

Wonderful Day at Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook, MN and WAFFLES!

2011-06-26T10:09:00.001-05:00

4 a.m - I took off early this morning to head down to Shakopee to meet Dave and Jackie Sebald for our trip to Immanuel Baptist Church in Westbrook. 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.

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.

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!

Travail

2011-06-24T16:31:00.004-05:00

travail:
a noun meaning "painful or laborious effort" or a verb meaning "to engage in painful or laborious effort."

I have been pondering this word a lot lately. The Word speaks of travail in Galatians4:19-20 where Paul says, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” 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.

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.

Regions Hospital to Close Abortion Facility?

2011-06-24T16:14:00.003-05:00

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.

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.

From Brian:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This summer, please do three things to help us push hard to get Regions to close the abortion facility:

Take time to pray at Regions through the summer. 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.

Pray daily for the closing of this abortuary. Encourage others to pray as well. Pray in groups or at worship services.

Tell Regions Hospital officials to close the abortion facility. 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.

Help us follow through with our prayerful efforts and, by God's grace, close Regions Hospital's abortuary.

11 years later . . .

2011-06-20T16:04:00.004-05:00

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.

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):

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.

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.

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 www.fathers.com 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!

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!

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Thanks for praying and we will keep on looking . . .

2011-06-20T09:38:00.005-05:00

Well, we put in offer on a house for the Amazing Grace Home and were outbid, so please keep praying. There is a home for us somewhere out there.

Thanks to our board and realtor and our great God for His specific answer about this house. We will carry on!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

There was GOOD news this weekend - a baby was born [whose adorable feet are pictured below] who had been a risk of abortion. Reminds us of why we do what we do: for the moms and dads and babies - we are thankful!

Obstacles of Potential

2011-06-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Well, here we go! We are on our way!

MWC’s board met, and we agreed to put in a bid on a home for the Amazing Grace Home.

This has been an incredible journey of prayer, faith, tears, learning, hoping dreaming, planning, doubting . . . just take all those things and repeat them over and over since 2003 and you get the picture. We hope to be able to share good news with you soon.

Our next prayer need is for house parents to live in the home and minister to the women. More details to come. Thanks for praying!

This came just at the right time from my friend Heather.

OBSTACLES OF POTENTIAL by Heather Berndt

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you not harm you … to give you a hope and a future.”

Several weeks ago, while planning my summer devotionals, I chose to share this verse this particular week. I had no idea that my week was going to be so heavy. I cannot help but smile at the fact that God knew what I would be dealing with and that I would need this verse this week to encourage me!

It can tend to be easy to share the “obstacles” in our every day life ... the stresses ... aches and pains ... financial worries. But we need to see these as opportunities, not barriers. We need to keep our focus on the warm face of our heavenly Father and remember that His word is truth and that what He says He will do. We can lean on that very solid foundation even when we feel helpless.

I realized that I need to focus on the fact that somewhere in the midst of my obstacles God is working for my personal good. So---Praise God for being in the midst of your storms! Praise Him for never leaving your side! Praise Him for His patience and compassion!

I am so thankful for a God who is becoming so very real to me through the obstacles in this life. Today as you evaluate your life and your situations ... praise Him! He is truly faithful and can be trusted. So hang in there, He is not finished yet!

It shouldn't take a brick, but sometimes it does . . .

2011-06-15T14:28:00.002-05:00

I received the story below via email this morning and loved the message it gave about slowing down and paying attention to people. It reminded me of a situation we had at the office yesterday. We were crazy busy, but there was one woman who just needed to sit with us and talk. She needed us to just be there, not for us to talk, but for us to listen. Because we listened, we gained an opportunity to have ongoing contact with her and share more from the Word of God that will help her with her problems. I am thankful that she did not have to throw a brick at our car (see the story below) for us to pay attention to her issues. I heard someone say once that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. I think that person is correct!

The Brick
(author unknown)

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid, and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? That's a new car, and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'

The young boy was apologetic.'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' he pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother,' he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair, and I can't lift him up.' Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you, and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Are we ready to put action behind our rhetoric?

2011-06-13T11:33:00.004-05:00

I would like to respond to this blog post by Kinsey Thurlow.

My dear friend Pastor Max Day of Brainerd once said, "A conviction without action is just a personal preference, but does nothing to change anything." I don't know if it is original to him or not, but it has been a constant reminder to me to let my "walk match my squawk" in regards to the life issues.

Even if Roe is overturned, the decisions about abortion laws will be returned to each individual state. While abortion may someday lose its nation-wide sanction, it will always be an ugly part of our society and culture. And one that demands a response from those of us who care about the lives of women experiencing challenging pregnancy situations.

Notice that I did NOT say "those of us who care about the lives of the unborn." We must remember that if we don't CARE about the woman - not the mother, but the woman - carrying that pregnancy, we don't get an opportunity to rescue the life of the unborn baby that is the pregnancy.

Those who love to portray life-preserving people as "fetus lovers" or "misogynists" (haters of women) must never be proven right by our failure to care for the woman.

Streams of Serenity

2011-06-10T22:59:00.002-05:00

by Heather Berndt

Psalm 23

The Lord is MY shepherd;
*What an honor!*

I shall not want.
*He takes care of all my wants and needs.*

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
*I will only grow healthy with green grass.*

He leads me beside still waters.
*Still waters because sheep are afraid of water with any movement.*

He restores my soul.
*He gives me the grace I need for each thing I face in my life.*

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
*He knows my future.*

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
*My Father promised to always protect me.*

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
*The rod was designed to destroy any threat to the sheep.
The staff had a hook that could carefully lift the sheep out of danger.*

You've prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
*You are always watching to make sure I can safely eat.*

You anoint my head with oil,
*Oil was once used for wounds to help them heal.*

My cup runs over.
*I cannot help but be overjoyed with Who is Sovereign!*

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
*He will continue to bless me in the good times and bad.*

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
*The job He asked me to do is complete, and I am heaven bound.*

Welcome, Oliver Ross Moreau!

2011-06-06T16:56:00.000-05:00

We're rejoicing with our board vice-president, Jennifer Moreau, on the arrival of her son Oliver Ross. Oliver was born Friday (his due date!) at 8:50pm. He weighed in at 8lb 5oz and is 20" long. You might remember our post about his big sister.

Fulfilled

2011-06-06T10:45:00.001-05:00

From my friend Heather:

Are you having a day of accomplishment? Or is it a day of persistent tugging on your spirit, finding yourself being pulled in many directions?

Philippians 4:11
"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content...I have learned the secret..."

No matter the circumstances, I am learning I need to be content by being completely fulfilled in my God whom I breathe in all day. Knowing that while I am listening to His gentle voice, He only has the best of intentions for my life. I am discovering that God allows daily living to grow us into His image--Holy.

Fulfillment is defined as satisfaction, contentment, even success. We need to remember to thank God for giving us a life to live, and to exercise gratitude that He chose us to accomplish a job that only we can do.

As you go through your days, remain loyal to our God no matter what you are facing. Be the one that is satisfied and content. Be the one that God knows He can count on any time, anywhere. What a awe-inspiring honor to feel the breathe of God as He speaks to you on your daily walk with Him.

Joy!

2011-05-13T16:22:00.004-05:00

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

I am so grateful for the joy of the Lord. I spend time digging in the dirt this week, planting the plants I got at the Amazing Grace Walk. I was so happy getting dirty, even though it was a little chilly and the forecast was not all that great.

Planting makes me optimistic. In theory, you stick something in the ground, and it rewards you with foliage or produce after a time of waiting and waiting . . . I have been blessed to watch the Amazing Grace fund grow; but even more than that, I have been able to watch our team of volunteers and board members grow in their walk with the Lord during their time at MWC. Watching our clients blossom has been pretty exciting, too! Thanks, everyone, for being a Garden of Blessings to MWC!

We had the Amazing Grace Walk last Saturday, and it feels like it was a month ago already! The turnout for the walk was good, and the weather was tremendous. People were coming back from the walk in the woods with actual sweat on their brows! The Sauerkraut String Band did not have to wear gloves this year, and blankets were not needed! So far it appears that over $8,000 was raised for the Amazing Grace Home via the walk. Thank you everyone who participated!

You can still give at www.firstgiving.com/metrowomenscenter if you would like to do so. Nearly $600 was raised through the sale of plants and garden items. Thanks to the Calcamuggio family, Beth Stoll, and Phil Holmquist for your generosity with these items. Pictures of the walk are posted at www.facebook.com/metrowomenscenter on our fan page.

Keep praying

2011-05-05T10:45:00.005-05:00

. . . for abortion clinics to close and for post-abortive men and women who are suffering

Let's keep praying for the new Planned Parenthood facility that is being built in St. Paul to be closed, even before it opens in December. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the babies who we have not been able to rescue over the course of this ministry. Those babies have been aborted at clinics such as the one being built in St. Paul. But as Mother's Day and Father's Day approach, I am also reminded of individuals who are facing either of these special days without their children, due to abortion.

Thousands of individuals suffer silently due to a past abortion. Many sit in the pews next to you in churches across our nation. Some post-abortive individuals justify their "choice" and become very involved in supporting the abortion rights of women. Others try to "self-medicate" the guilt away through chemical use, self-harm, or by having lots of babies to "atone" for the child they aborted. Sadly, a number of men and women have chosen to end their lives by suicide due to their overwhelming guilt. For many, when abortion is chosen, it eats away at their peace of mind causing questions such as: Just how I could have done it? What kind of a person am I if I chose to kill my own child? And, what can I do now to escape the reality of my choice? As a post-abortive woman I have wrestled with each of those questions and even for a time became rabidly "pro-choice". I didn't realize that choosing abortion would haunt me for years and that even my best attempts to continue to rationalize and justify my "choice" would be futile.

I pray that those who are suffering due to a past abortion will come to know, as I have, that there is forgiveness and restoration in the Lord. Psalm 86:5 tells us, "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Jesus gave His life for us so we might be forgiven. Even if someone had an abortion as a Christian I John 1:9 encourages us that, "If you confess your sin, God is faithful and just to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness."

My heart aches for those who are suffering. I want them to discover that they don't have to suffer anymore. The Lord's forgiveness is a free gift (Romans 5:18) and is available anyone who asks with a sincere and contrite heart. Ps. 34:18 promises that "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Our hope is to turn individuals from abortion before the act but we also want to minister to them with hope and help after the choice has been made.

Blankets and Bottles and Blessings – Oh, MY!

2011-04-24T00:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Grace Baptist Church in Waseca for your gift of $171.00 for the Amazing Grace Home through your ongoing "Baby Bottle" campaign! We appreciate you!

Thank you to the "Bright Lights" girls and Normandale Baptist Church leaders for making these great polar fleece blankets for our babies. Thanks for sharing and giving for life. You are all blessings to us!

Thanks to the Ambassador Baptist Church Sparkies and leader Jon Ekblad for contributing to our Amazing Grace Home fund - over $65.00 in change was given!

Thanks for encouraging us and loving on our moms and babies!

Calling All Pro-Life Twin Cities Women

2011-04-23T23:38:00.003-05:00

... anyone, for that matter!

Join us for the Mother’s Mourning of Prayer at the site of the new Planned Parenthood clinic being built in St Paul. Through prayer, song and by pushing empty baby strollers, we want to appeal to the construction workers’ natural instinct to protect women and children.

God Transforms Lives, Abortion Destroys Them

2011-04-23T23:22:00.003-05:00

Last week I went to St. Paul and took pictures of the new Planned Parenthood facility that is being built. I am posting one here as a reminder for us to keep praying that this facility will be closed, even before it opens in December. As I looked at the “skeleton” of the building going up, I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I grieved for the unborn babies whose delicately forming skeletons will be destroyed inside that building. I prayed for individuals whose lives will be changed forever by entering that building and laying on an abortion table or taking abortion pills. And, I thought about the dads who will lose their opportunity to be fathers due to an abortion.

Then I considered Easter. The empty tomb signals Christ’s resurrection and victory over sin and death for all who will choose Him. As a post-abortive woman and now the mother of three grown sons, I have always been amazed that the Lord allowed me to bear children after aborting three times. After I repented of my sin of abortion in particular and of sin in general, God graciously welcomed me to Himself. He allowed life to emerge from a place where death had previously reigned, not only from my womb, but from my heart. For me, the empty tomb represents redemption and restoration. I trust that someday, all abortion clinics will be transformed into places of life, not death.

As I pondered Easter, I was filled with thankfulness to the Lord and for a moment I was peaceful. Then I became overwhelmed and even angry as it occurred to me: “Why is a large ‘tomb for babies’ being constructed right in the middle of our state’s capital city? What is wrong with us?” They are building a death camp, and we are allowing it!

Just as the stone in front of Jesus’ tomb was rolled away supernaturally, Planned Parenthood’s abortion “tomb” can be supernaturally changed from a place of death to a place of life. Transformations like this have happened before; consider the story of “72 Ransom” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Click here to read the story and watch the video about how God turned the largest abortion clinic in that city into a place of life and hope.

It is interesting to note that the building was originally built in 1882 as a Jewish temple, Congregation Emmanuel, at a cost of $15,000. A place, purposely built for the worship of the Creator of Life, became a place where death and the god of ‘choice’ reigned for 10 years. I have personally visited 72 Ransom since its transformation from a place of darkness to one of light. It was overwhelming to be in a place where 20,000 children had been aborted. Though the building now houses the offices of LIFE International, the lower level has one room preserved just as it was: the abortion table and instruments standing undisturbed as a testament of the great evil that occurred there.

God transforms lives, Planned Parenthood destroys them.

More States Restrict Abortions

2011-04-14T21:36:00.003-05:00

Lately we have been fascinated watching baby eaglets hatch and the birth of bear cubs via remote cameras on the internet. It is very exciting!

But I am still amazed when efforts to protect human babies from abortion are viewed as "hostility" to abortion. Isn’t it the abortion that is hostile to the child?

We use animal births as "teachable moments," but we still fund human abortions and keep the carnage of abortion under cover. One of the bear cubs that was recently born “on camera” died yesterday, and it was all over the news. But in Minnesota 35 babies are aborted daily, 13,000 yearly by the latest numbers, and yet there are continuing efforts to keep abortion legal. Baffling, but not surprising.

Check out this CNN article to see that is happening around the country as states move to restrict abortion access.

Update: 40 Days for Life

2011-04-11T17:13:00.002-05:00

from Shawn Carney:

One week to go in the spring campaign of 40 Days for Life. So far 346 mothers have turned away from abortion -- that we know of! Follow the stories of babies saved that I have received from local 40 Days for Life teams in 247 locations worldwide.

Click here to read the rest of the post.

ACTION: Ask the Senate to De-Fund Planned Parenthood!

2011-04-11T17:02:00.003-05:00

Late Friday night the next step in the battle to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business came when pro-life House Speaker John Boehner forced pro-abortion Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid to do something he swore he wouldn't do: allow a vote on de-funding Planned Parenthood.

House Republicans have already approved the Pence Amendment to yank tens of millions of dollars from the abortion business that it receives under Title X. Now, it's the Senate's turn, and we desperately need your help!

Contact your two U.S. senators and ask them to vote to de-fund Planned Parenthood.

If you have written to them already, contact them again. If your senators are pro-life, they still need to hear from you because pro-abortion stalwarts will pull out all the stops to flood them with calls and emails telling them to vote no. If your senators are pro-abortion, they need an avalanche of calls and emails demanding that Planned Parenthood not receive your tax money.

When you write, here are some useful LifeNews.com news stories you can draw from to make your points to your elected officials:

Parenthood Report: Record Abortions Done in 2009
Videos Show Planned Parenthood Helping Sex Traffickers
Planned Parenthood Misleads on Offering Mammograms
Planned Parenthood Advises Man With STD to Donate Blood

If you want the best source for Pro-Life News sign up at www.lifenews.com.

Birthmother Dinner

2011-04-08T22:35:00.003-05:00

I would like to invite any birthmothers to a special dinner on Friday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. in Roseville, MN.

If you would like to come, please call me at 763-533-8642 ext. 2, and I can give you more details. This dinner is my treat for any birthmothers, no matter how long ago you made an adoption plan for your child. Space is limited, so please let me know by this Thursday, April 14th.

Thanks! I hope you can come!

The Goal of Legalizing Abortion

2011-04-08T22:27:00.002-05:00

The goal of legalizing abortion in the US was to make abortion safe, legal, and rare. Only the legal part has been fulfilled as abortion is 100% deadly for the baby and often dangerous for the mother, as indicated in this article about a botched abortion in Washington state. The staffer at the abortion clinic called 911 and told the dispatcher, “We just did an abortion on her.” She confirmed the patient was “not yet” in shock but asked the emergency responders to use the "side door of the facility to not draw as much attention."

As for abortion being rare, over 13,000 abortions in Minnesota alone in the last reported year makes 250 abortions a week. At an average price of $400 per abortion that adds up to $100,000 a week for those doing the killing. Abortion is not rare, but it is profitable. What a waste of our human resources!

Read the rest of the article here.

We need adoption stories!

2011-03-28T13:36:00.002-05:00

“Minnesota Loves Adoption”

living scrapbook of adoption love stories in Minnesota

In celebration of adoption, the Adoption Option Council of Minnesota* (AOCM) is creating an online, living scrapbook that will capture those life-changing stories of love that define adoption in our state. This special project will help all Minnesotans better understand adoption as an act of love.

The “Minnesota Loves Adoption” scrapbook will open on Mother’s Day 2011 and will be recognized in many ways throughout the year. Please help AOCM celebrate adoption by encouraging people to share their adoption love stories. Specifically, the scrapbook stories will:

 Capture adoption journeys -- in stories, letters, poems and photos -- of Minnesotans.

 Celebrate domestic adoption stories (children born in the United States).

 Share stories of birth families, grandparents, adopted persons, adoptive families, friends and supporters.

 Reflect on how adoption has had a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities. To submit a story, please keep in mind:

 Each adoption story is unique and emotionally powerful, including joy, pain, delight and grief. Please share your story honestly, in your own words, keeping a focus on the loving outcomes and the positive impression you want to share with others who may consider adoption in the future.

 Keep your story to about 300 words long and include photos and/or a short video clip. Only your first name will be used unless otherwise requested.

 Submit your information to jenny@aoci.org. It will be reviewed and formatted to fit the scrapbook.

 You will be asked to sign a consent form, giving AOCM permission to share your story.

*Formerly known as the Adoption Option Committee Inc.

Announcing the new T-shirt design for the 2nd Annual Amazing Grace Walk

2011-03-26T13:55:00.005-05:00

This design is a combination of two designs - one from Glorianne Ensminger and one from Brittany Ledgerwood.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Save the Date

2011-03-26T13:53:00.003-05:00

Here is information for our 2nd Annual Amazing Grace Walk:

3rd Day at Regions Hospital – 40 Days for Life

2011-03-26T13:39:00.007-05:00

What a blessing to be out again in front of Regions Hospital praying for the end of abortion at that location and around the world!

We were joined yesterday by new warriors, Nadia, Ellianna, Cheryl, two ladies from Stillwater, and many others!

It was cold, but sweet fellowship and a SmashBurger on the way home made everything better!

Refining Fire

2011-03-26T13:06:00.002-05:00

A dear friend recently shared this with me, and I was moved by it. Maybe it will be a blessing to you, too!

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

God LIGHTs Up This Electrician’s Path

2011-03-22T13:09:00.002-05:00

Anybody have a job for this guy? He lives in Fairbault, took a stand to not work at new Planned Parenthood clinic being built in St. Paul. God bless him for his conviction!

Read his story here.

Thanks to the Lord for Great Gifts!

2011-03-21T12:35:00.009-05:00

The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes,
but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.
~Helen Keller

Thanks so much to all of our donors who share their resources with us to help women in crisis! Today is only Monday, and already my heart been encouraged by three different events!

First, we received two cases of Bibles from the Gideons today. This organization gives Bibles free of charge to anyone who would like to give the Word out. If you would like to donate to the Gideons, go to www.gideonsinternational.org. Our Bibles come from the Coon Rapids office.

Secondly, Naomi Pietenpol, Ambassador Baptist, sewed some double-flannel receiving blankets for our new moms as a high school project. Thanks so much for the blankets! That was a very sweet gesture!

And finally, we received a wonderful gift of $475 from Brist Chiropractic & Naturopathic Nutrition Center. Dr. Brist and his staff sponsored a spinal health day at their clinic where patients received spinal health care in exchange for a donation to Metro Women’s Center’s Acacia Fund. The Acacia Fund is MWC's fund to provide items for our clients that we cannot get elsewhere such as car seats, bus cards, utility bills, special formula emergencies, ultrasounds, or other client needs related to their pregnancies. The fund was set up in honor of the Brist’s daughter, Acacia, who passed away as an infant. Thank you so much for providing for our clients in this special way!

THANKS FOR THESE BLESSINGS!

On the Road: Southview Baptist

2011-03-14T16:45:00.004-05:00

Southview Baptist - Thanks for the great day of fellowship and encouragement!

Sunday we were able to present a ministry update at Southview Baptist Church in Richfield. Pastor Jeremy Stephens invited Jim McLeish and I to come and give a report to the church about Baptists for Life and MWC.

We were blessed to have one of our clients come and share her testimony of God’s transforming power in her life. She was very honest about her struggles to remain yielded to the Lord and about how the Word of God has been a great source of strength to her in her walk with the Lord. She shared Jeremiah 29:11 in her testimony: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” She shared that she now recognizes that with the Lord there is hope and peace when she yields herself to Him, and that apart from Him there is no hope.

Here are some pictures of the church members and us enjoying a lovely lunch together. Thanks, ladies, for all your good cooking!

A Dear Lady Joins the Lord in Heaven

2011-03-14T16:37:00.003-05:00

This week we said goodbye to a dear friend, Patricia Carlson. She was one of the ladies from First Baptist Church in Hibbing who made quilts for our moms and babies. Pat was also the mother of our MWC Board Treasurer, Diane Eliason. Pat was a believer in Jesus Christ whose walk with the Lord really modeled grace and unconditional love to all who knew her. The picture above is of Pat and one of our clients with her new baby on a day when Pat got to personally deliver one of the quilts the ladies made for us. The following verses remind me of Pat. We will miss Pat’s sweet smile and her hugs, but we know she is with the Lord.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

40 Days for Life – Minneapolis

2011-03-11T22:26:00.005-06:00

This year I decided to participate in the 40 Days for Life campaign in Minneapolis. On Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. I am going to Regions Hospital with my “I Regret My Abortion” sign to pray and ask God to end abortion in our world. I know, we could pray anywhere, but there is something about being in front of a place where abortions are being committed that makes the carnage so real.

Today I was so blessed to be joined by two long time friends, Nancy H. and Karen M. who got up early and joined me on the sidewalk. We prayed and sang and asked God to change the hearts and the minds of those considering abortion; the doctors, nurses, staff and others involved in doing abortions; and the authorities that operate the clinic inside this major hospital. There were other prayers, but you get the idea.

At MWC we try to save babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time through direct client contact, but being on the sidewalk, praying to our God, is another expression of our commitment to LIFE. We must not stop loving and reaching out the those on the other side of this issue. As one person said, “Until abortion is gone out of our world, we must out-love and out-last the enemies of LIFE.”

So, if you would like to join me and others on the sidewalk on Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., please come, prayerfully and peacefully. If you would like to meet at our office in Crystal and ride over together, call the office at 763-533-8642 or email me at colleen@metrowomenscenter.org.

Diaper Drive ... Done!

2011-03-10T22:34:00.002-06:00

We reached our goal - 500 bags donated!

Seven-11

2011-03-09T16:38:00.010-06:00

This season has been interesting and stressful at the Center and personally.

Actually, since before Thanksgiving when my father-in-law passed away, things have seemed a bit “off”. There have been clear moments, and then CRASH! Everything seems to happen at once: my car went haywire, my parents were ill, my dear friend Diane’s mother passed away, one of our volunteers is in hospice care, another on dialysis for kidney trouble. Another volunteer had her knee replaced, so we miss her smiley face around the office. Abortion foes are plentiful, and some clients decided to “fall (leap) off the spiritual wagon” by making some not-so-wise choices, and the snow continues to fall ...

But in the midst of it all the LORD has been holding us up. I have been thinking about “Where can we go to get all of our needs met, if not to the LORD?”

My dear husband shared this passage of scripture with me that seemed to be just the ticket! Psalm 27:11-14

“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of my enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.“

I often have a hard time remembering the address of Bible passages, but this one I will remember because I am linking it to a 7-Eleven store--you know, the place where you can get just about anything you need! Just like with the Lord, who gives us everything we need! We don’t have to faint because we know the goodness of the LORD and can go to Him at any time for help in times of trial!

Well, so as not to leave you thinking that all is tragic, here is some great news! This week two women prayed with us to receive the LORD as personal Savior! Chisago Lakes Baptist Church did a diaper drive, providing 29 more bags of diapers! Volunteer Rose Seymour (pictured below) headed up the drive! A long-time client has been making beautiful progress and plans to be baptized, and during this season, two babies lives were spared from abortion.

So, when you get discouraged, think 7-11, Psalm 27:11-14 to be exact. Thanks, God, for encouraging us!

Adoption Option: Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2011-02-25T16:34:00.002-06:00

On Thursday we spoke to two classes at Cooper High School regarding the Adoption Option. The students had great questions for our speakers; there were four birth moms and one adoptive mom who shared their stories. We usually get two questions from the students after we speak:

The first is, "Once you make an adoption plan, can you ever get your baby back if you regret your decision?"

Our answer: "No, we can't get our babies back because adoption is a legal severing of the parental rights of the biological parents from the child. Our hearts are always going to be connected to our children but we would be harming the child if, after a few years, we decided we wanted the child back and tried to remove him or her from the only family they had ever known. That WOULD be selfish! What many of us regret is the choices we made that got us pregnant before we were prepared for the responsibility of raising a child."

The second question is, "Don't you think you were selfish for making an adoption plan?"

To this question we respond: "Adoption is an unselfish act by loving birthparents who sacrificially put the needs of the child above their own desire to 'keep' the baby. As a birth parent, the 'easy' thing to do emotionally is to take the baby home with you; the hard thing to do is to walk out of the hospital without your baby, knowing that someone else will be enjoying your child. No birthparent leaves the hospital without tears, but because we love our babies and want what is best for them, we choose to take the emotional and often societal 'beating' that comes with it. All parenting choices require sacrifice whether you are actively parenting or whether you choose to have someone else parent your child through adoption. The only 'selfish' choice would be to parent the child and not put your life in order so the child has the best future possible. Babies are not possessions to be owned; they are responsibilities to be cared for in the best way possible. As one of our speakers says, "I did not give my baby away; I gave her more."

When possible, I point out that Christ died on the cross, sacrificially, so that we could be 'adopted' by God. When Christ willingly went to the cross, He experienced great pain on our behalf and for our good. While birth parents are not saviors, the pain we experience is both chosen and experienced for the good of our children.

There is more to be said, but those are the short answers!

Expose Planned Parenthood

2011-02-14T08:26:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,

I am posting this information because it is our mission to educate the community about life-affirming alternatives that allow both mom and baby to live. It is well documented that Planned Parenthood makes money from abortions, and it now is being exposed in other areas such as educating pimps on how to run their sex slave businesses using minor girls.

Please check out http://exposeplannedparenthood.com/vigil for more information and to educate yourselves about the true nature of Planned Parenthood. Pay close attention to the right hand side bar and visit each of the pages indicated. The information is well documented, and the numbers don't lie. Planned Parenthood makes money when clients (minors and adults) have abortions - somebody does not get to live - that is a problem.

Regions/HealthPartners and a prayer request

2011-02-11T19:44:00.003-06:00

I have been asked what people can do if they want to directly respond to the Regions/HealthPartners issue. Here is a site for information on responding individually: http://savehealthpartners.com/.

Also, please send out special prayer for us because we have a new neighbor in our MWC building. Right down the hall, a Psychic, Palmreader, and Tarot Card office just opened up this week.

Enemy moving in and warfare abounds, but God is greater!

Peaceful Vigil at Regions Hospital: 40 Days for Life Twin Cities

2011-02-09T10:47:00.003-06:00

Please join me. I plan to be at Regions Hospital on Friday mornings from March 11 through April 25 from 9 am to 11 am. If you would like to meet me at MWC at 8 am and ride over together, that would be fine. Just email me at info@metrowomenscenter.org.

This event is about prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil, community outreach (petition drive).

Why Regions?
Facts about HealthPartners and Regions Hospital [from http://savehealthpartners.com/facts.html]
· HealthPartners owns Regions Hospital, located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.
· Regions Hospital committed 733 abortions in 2005.
· Regions Hospital trains doctors to do abortions.
· HealthPartners doesn’t want the consumer to know about its abortion practices.
· HealthPartners insurance pays for abortion.
· Regions Hospital’s “GYN Special Services” abortion center commits late-term abortions up to almost the fifth month of pregnancy (20 weeks gestation).

Where:
HealthPartners' Regions Hospital is located just north of downtown Saint Paul, MN across I-94 at 640 Jackson Street, Saint Paul MN 55101. You can participate in peaceful vigil on the public sidewalk, in front of the main entrance on the Jackson Street side.

Link to HealthPartners' Regions Hospital website for directions and parking: www.regionshospital.com/Regions/Menu/1,1640,3129,00.html.

This information is for parking in the hospital decks only. If you park in the hospital deck, leave your signs and literature on the public sidewalk with your prayer partner. The parking decks and driveways are private property, and no solicitation is allowed.

New street-level pay parking!
There is a new pay parking lot on the street level on Jackson Street across from Regions Hospital at the intersection of Jackson and 13th Streets.

On the Road: Bible Baptist Church

2011-02-08T22:28:00.003-06:00

Farmington, MN

Bible Baptist Church has been a pro-life partner of MWC for many years. We enjoy visiting with the folks there and updating them on activities at the Center.

Pastor Tom Yauch is the senior pastor there and sadly, his mother passed on the Saturday before our visit. He still preached a pro-life message, and we had a good time of fellowship with the church.

They are rejoicing that they now have their church building paid off!

Some of the members brought diapers, snowsuits, and formula for the Center, and two full baby bottles were returned to us!

PPH representative helping 'pimp' use underage girls?

2011-02-01T15:39:00.003-06:00

This story is . . . interesting. It appears that this representative of Planned Parenthood is helping the 'pimp' use underage women for profit.

Read the article here.

Fetal Lethal Injection Center

2011-02-01T15:36:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Baptists for Life's PCC List for information about this “center.”

Post: Unlicensed Abortionist Pendergraft Operating Secret Late-term “Fetal Lethal Injection Center” in DC area

Judge Rules Health Care Law Is Unconstitutional

2011-02-01T13:52:00.001-06:00

Thanks to our friend, Brian Gibson, Pro Life Action Ministries, for pointing out this new development. Brian writes that U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson of Florida found the new health care law unconstitutional. Focusing on the mandate to purchase health insurance as the reason for the law's violation of our rights, the judge invalidated the entirety of the law. The health care law would be the greatest expansion of abortion in U.S. history, funding abortion and organizations that commit abortions, such as Planned Parenthood, with outrageous amounts of federal money. This law also sets up the future for rationing and denial of care based on age or usefulness to society. More on the story here.

Keep Praying!

On the Road: Family Baptist

2011-02-01T10:51:00.006-06:00

We had a great time with Family Baptist Church on Sunday morning. I was able to share a PURITY message with the ladies and teens in Sunday School and also our powerpoint presentation [here] about the lies of abortion and the truth of God’s Word. Thanks to my friend, Joshua MacLeod at Watermelon Ministries for the inspiration for this presentation. He gave me permission to take off on his hopebooklet.com using our own pictures.

Please pray for Family Baptist. They are located in the heart of north Minneapolis, seeking to have an impact for the Lord. Pastor Ormiston preached a message on Ambition (The Right Kind). You can listen to the message here. It should be posted soon, and there are lots of other great messages there for you to be encouraged by. What a blessing!

PURITY – The Will of God

2011-01-25T10:33:00.004-06:00

Originally from Jim Phillips, Biblical Counseling Center, Arlington Heights, IL

Patient Wait on God’s timing – it is always perfect (Isaiah 40:31)
Understand God’s purpose/place (Gen. 2:18-24; John 10:10; Heb. 13:4)
Run from lust and temptation (Psalm 101:3; Rom. 13:14; 2 Timothy 2:22)
Intimacy with God first (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:28-30)
Trust GOD! (Psalm 56:11; 118: 8-9; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Yield thoughts, plans, actions to God (Jer.29:11; Rom.6:12-13; 12:1)

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 clearly says that God wants us to pursue moral purity in our lives: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” For those who are unmarried, it means saving your intimacy for your spouse. For those who are married, it means enjoying God’s gift of intimacy with your spouse alone. Sadly, many people blindly accept the culture’s unprincipled attitudes in this crucial area.

1 Thessalonians 4:5 tells us not to live in “lustful passion” like unbelievers, but in “sanctification and honor.” Paul’s words in verse eight make it clear that this is not a matter of man’s opinion or changing social norms.

When we reject moral purity, we are rejecting God’s loving and protective guidelines for healthy and fulfilling relationships. When we choose to yield to the cravings of our flesh we make ourselves servants of sin unto death (Romans 6:16). When we reject moral purity and buy into the message expounded over the airwaves, we reject God’s good will. When we make our feelings and our pleasure our gods, we assure ourselves of heartbreaking consequences (Proverbs 5:15-23).

Do you want God’s best? Our decision to honor God in this area contributes to a lifetime of enjoying sexual love in marriage as God planned, if He chooses to bring you into a marriage relationship. Sexual purity before and during marriage is the will of God; therefore, it should be the desire and will of every believer.

Ultimately, it is about ownership and worship.
Who owns you? Who are you worshipping?

On the Road: 1st Calvary Baptist

2011-01-25T10:17:00.006-06:00

Sunday brought us to 1st Calvary Baptist in Inver Grove Heights. We had a wonderful day sharing a purity message [here] with the moms and teen girls and sharing the ministry. The teens and whole church provided 20 bags of diapers for the Center. Thanks so much for being a blessing!

A family from the church shared their story of parenting 3 children with disabilities and also raising a daughter who had been conceived after a sexual assault. The daughter has been a blessing to the family and a “protector” for her brothers. What a testimony to God’s grace for each moment and situation! Truly a story of taking your challenging circumstances to the Lord in prayer and watching Him work EVERYTHING out for good!

Watch the March for Life in Washington DC right now!

2011-01-24T14:19:00.002-06:00

You can watch the March for Life in Washington DC right now!
Click here.

March for Life - St. Paul, MN - January 22, 2011

2011-01-24T13:59:00.007-06:00

What a great day! Praise the Lord for opporunities to share the Gospel with people! God allowed some wonderful interactions today, and I was so encouraged that churches sent buses of marchers to the rally.

Silent No More men and women shared our testimonies about how abortion did not help us, but harmed us. Praise the Lord for two new women who spoke out about their past abortions. There are men who also speak out about how abortion has affected them. No matter who you are, it takes courage to share, but the Lord gives grace! We speak out so that others who are hurting in silence will have courage to come forward and receive spiritual help.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a past abortion, man or woman, below are links to helpful, first step Bible studies by Linda Cochrane. If they are helpful to you, I would encourge you to find a good Bible teaching church and connect with people who can encourage you and support you in your spiritual walk.

Forgiven Set Free Post-Abortion Bible
Healing Father Heart Post-Abortion Bible

As the legislative session in Minnesota continues, please be in prayer that our representatives and congressmen and ALL public servants would affirm a culture of life in the legislation they put forward. [Congressman John Kline pictured above.]

For the first time since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision, the Minnesota House and Senate are controlled by pro-life legislators. They have already introduced a bill that would bar public funding for abortions. This bill would directly challenge Doe vs. Gomez, a 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that said the state must provide abortion services for low-income women.

MN man accused of trying to kill wife's baby

2011-01-19T16:26:00.003-06:00

Information from The Brainerd Daily Dispatch
AITKIN, Minn. -- A 24-year-old northern Minnesota man is charged with attempted murder of an unborn child after he allegedly kicked and punched his pregnant wife in the stomach. Rory Northrup was arrested at his rural Aitkin home last Thursday. He is charged with first-degree premeditated attempted murder of an unborn child and third-degree assault.

The 29-year-old woman reported that Northrup had beaten her. Investigators learned that the woman was pregnant and that Northrup allegedly had threatened to kill her fetus. The woman was taken to a Brainerd hospital.

Aitkin County Sheriff Scott Turner tells the Brained Dispatch he has heard that both the woman and her unborn child are going to recover. Bail for Northrup is set at $500,000 with no conditions or $100,000 with conditions. He remained in jail Tuesday.

Web post: MN man accused of trying to kill wife's fetus

Comment:

Wait a minute! It’s ok for a pregnant woman to pay to have someone terminate her fetus via abortion, but if she is assaulted by someone else, there is a charge of first-degree premeditated attempted murder of an unborn child? When a woman makes an abortion decision, both she and the abortionist “premeditate” (plan to make an appointment, pay money) and “murder” (terminate the life of the fetus). What is the difference?

This is similar to the pregnant woman in Fargo (1992) who was facing “reckless endangerment” charges because she was addicted to smelling paint fumes. Read the New York Times article here. After she was arrested and jailed, she chose to have an abortion (paid for by the state, mind you). After the abortion, the charges of “reckless endangerment” had to be dropped because there was no longer a child in danger.

Are we really foolish enough to not see the hypocrisy in this situation? Neither women or their children deserve to be assaulted by anyone, be it the father of the baby or the abortionist.

2011-01-17T13:26:00.004-06:00

Mark your calendars now
for the
2nd Annual Amazing Grace Walk
Saturday, May 7th
Clifton E. French Park
9:00 a.m. - noon

More details to follow!

Great Day at Normandale Baptist!

2011-01-17T12:41:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful time sharing the MWC ministry at Normandale Baptist Church in Bloomington on Sunday. We thank the Lord for churches that speak the truth about life in the womb from the pulpit, openly welcome those who are recovering from the devastation of abortion in their lives, and that also support ministries like MWC which provide peaceful, life-affirming services to individuals in the larger community.

Thanks, Normandale Baptist, for being a pro-life partner! And thanks for giving us Dave Sebald, MWC Board President, and new board member Pastor Chuck Raichert, your pastor!

Praise the Lord – Minnesota Gets a C+ Rating!

2011-01-17T12:34:00.003-06:00

Check out this LifeNews.com article that reports on NARAL’s ranking system for each state in the US. Thankfully Minnesota did not get a A+ from them. Instead we received a C+ indicating that we are in the middle on laws protecting the unborn and their parents! We should be thanking our legislators and those organizations in the state who make it their mission to work on the legislative side of pro-life issues.

At MWC we work on the people (or direct services) side, and we are thankful to others who defend the unborn by encouraging legistlative restrictions on abortion in our state. It takes many different organizations, working together through peaceful avenues, to protect the unborn and to insure that individuals considering abortion are fully informed of life-affirming options.

Are We Ready?

2011-01-14T16:57:00.004-06:00

Check out this great blog post from Jill Stanek about unPLANNED.

As I think about Jill's post, I think it's important to know that American Life League’s Stop Planned Parenthood project (STOPP) reports, in part, that a 2009 survey of PP facilities revealed the following:

· A total of 38 PP facilities closed in 2009 and the number of PP surgical abortion facilities has decreased. Over a two-year period, six surgical abortion facilities were closed.

· In the last four years, PP has increased the number of facilities that commit medical abortions by 74. Drugs administered by doctors for this deadly purpose include mifepristone (RU-486) and methotrexate.

The large increase in medical abortion facilities is due to the fact that medical abortions are more profitable for PP, since the first drug dose (which kills the preborn baby) is taken at a PP facility, and the second dose (which causes contractions) can be taken at home (where the mother then gives birth to her dead baby). PP spends less to commit those abortions, but charges as much as it charges for surgical abortions. By providing chemical abortions, PP can schedule abortions every day of the week, whereas surgical abortions are limited to the days that an on-site abortionist is available.

Barbara Ellis, at a 1996 National Abortion Federation Annual Meeting said, “The right to abortion doesn’t mean a thing if you can’t access it.” I pray that she is right and that there will be help available for women who choose life.

Here in Minnesota, there are seven clinics providing abortion services for women. Additionally, Regions Hospital houses a HealthPartners clinic that performs over 700 abortions each year. This fall, Planned Parenthood began preparing the site where they plan to build a new “mega-abortion clinic” at the corner of Charles and Vandalia in the Midway area of St. Paul.

So, even as clinics are closing in some cities, others may rise up to fill the void. As more abortion clinics close, abortion doctors age, clinic workers leave the business and access to abortion becomes more challenging, that we will be ready to help those women who choose life. As the need for REAL practical help grows, I pray that we will be ready.

“I have noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.”
--Ronald Reagan

March for Life - MN State Capitol - January 22

2011-01-13T16:02:00.003-06:00

The January 22nd MCCL March for Life at the State Capitol in St. Paul will commemorate the 52 million unborn children killed since abortion on demand was legalized in the United States on January 22, 1973.

In Minnesota, more than 555,000 unborn babies have been killed in that time.

What is the March for Life? Watch the video.

Make plans now to be among the thousands of Minnesotans marching at the Capitol to support pregnant women and the rights of unborn children.

Invite others to join you!

The MCCL March for Life begins at noon on Saturday, January 22, followed by a brief program at 12:30 on the Capitol steps. In addition, an ecumenical prayer service will be held at the nearby St. Paul Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.

Help promote the march by making copies of MCCL's flier and posting them in your church and around your community. In addition, please forward this blog post to all of the pro-lifers you know.

Thank you for your commitment to the equal dignity of all human beings, including unborn children and their mothers. See you at the Capitol!

Right to Abortion?

2011-01-13T12:28:00.004-06:00

This is a great post by Ric Schnekenburger. I couldn’t have said it better so will repost it here!

Modern technology has given us the awesome ability to gaze into the womb and spy on growing unborn children. We can see them suck their thumbs and smile, cry and kick. We can count every delicate rib and make sure their developing hearts have all four chambers. We can count the toes of tiny feet that are not yet one inch long.

The blessings of ultrasound and modern 3-D imaging have enabled us to see that human embryos are miniature human beings just months away from life in the outside world. They have enabled doctors to see potential birth defects and problems in advance, and have given parents the chance to have surgeons operate on their unborn children before the tots have even blinked in the light of day.

January 22 will mark the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and prayer vigils and march events are planned to commemorate the 1973 US Supreme Court decision. Those 38 years represent 58 million abortions, 58 million faces gone from our classrooms and streets, our businesses and our homes.

According to a recent Guttmacher Institute report, the abortion rate dropped each year in America for 15 years straight from 1990 to 2005, after which it has basically leveled out. The US abortion rate in 1981 was its highest at 29.3 abortions per 1000 women, and was 27.4 per 1000 women in 1990, the year that marked the highest number of abortions at 1.609 million. By 2005 the abortion rate had reached a low of 19.4 abortions per 1000 women. Since then, however, it has waffled just a little. It rose to 19.9 in 2006, dropped to 19.5 in 2007 and rose a little to 19.6 in 2008. There were 1.206 million abortions in 2005 and 1.212 million in 2008.

The numbers vary greatly between the states, however. Wyoming had the lowest abortion rate in 2008 with less than one abortion per 1000 women, and Washington DC's abortion rate decreased from 54 to 30 per 1000 between 2005 and 2008, leaving Delaware with the highest abortion rate at 40 per 1000.

On January 24, the annual March for Life rally will begin at the National Mall and 4th Street in Washington DC and will proceed down Constitution until the march ends at the US Supreme Court. At least four of the Supreme Court justices are believed to be willing to overturn Roe v. Wade if it came up.

For his part, Justice Antonin Scalia has blatantly called Roe v. Wade is a constitutional "absurdity."

"You want a right to abortion? There’s nothing in the Constitution about that. But that doesn’t mean you cannot prohibit it," he said in an interview with California Lawyer. "If people wanted abortion to be legal, they didn't have to find a non-existent right to it in the Constitution," he said.

"If indeed the current society has come to different views, that’s fine. You do not need the Constitution to reflect the wishes of the current society," he said. "If the current society wants to outlaw discrimination by sex, hey, we have things called legislatures, and they enact things called laws. You don’t need a constitution to keep things up-to-date. All you need is a legislature and a ballot box."

Heart Matters:
While abortion numbers are still high in many parts of the country, crisis pregnancy centers outnumber abortion clinics three-fold in America. After 38 years, America has grown to realize that "choice" can cause grief and heartbreak that few women in 1973 truly understood.

Mothers are known for their protective instinct. Woe to the person who hurts their kids. It's a painful decision for the vast majority of women who choose abortion, going against all the nurturing, mothering nature in a woman's heart. Telling women they have a right to abortion is rather like telling them they have a right to saw off their legs. Most would rather not have to make that choice, and the more we can find ways to support and care for scared, agonizing pregnant women, the better they and their children will be in the end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

National Hypocrisy!

2011-01-13T12:17:00.005-06:00

Sorry to be a downer this week, but I have to address our national hypocrisy about life.

In his address to the nation at the memorial service for the victims of the senseless shooting in Arizona this past week, our President stated in that he wants everyone to “sharpen our instincts for empathy” towards others.

A great idea, but it seems to me that as a nation we have succeeded in dulling our empathy for the unborn and their parents over the past 38 years through legalized abortion with the full ascent of the government. Because we kill over 4,500 pre-born citizens each day, our nation needs to take the “log out of its own eye” [Matthew 7] before we start searching for and casting blame at one group or the other.

The 9-year-old little girl (and others) who died in that senseless act of violence were given the chance to live and someone took it away – what a waste of the natural resource of lives created in the image of God! This week all eyes were focused on the carnage in Arizona, while the carnage of governmentally sanctioned abortion continues across the country, day in and day out! These humans are destroyed not by chance with stray bullets, but by choice with surgically accuracy! Abortion deaths continue, hidden and discounted.

When will be wake up and realize that ALL human life is sacred!? Our hearts should ache, not only for those already-born humans who die in horrendously public and reprehensible ways, but for every life lost!

Spontaneous Abortion and Miscarriage are Not Justification for Targeted Terminations!

2011-01-09T13:10:00.002-06:00

a response to the Star Tribune letter of the day: ending unwanted pregnancy is legitimate but never easy
by Colleen Tronson

I am stunned that Rev. Kendyl Gibbons (Letter of the Day, January 9, 2011) attempts to validate the use of elective abortion because a pregnancy is “unintended” by pointing out the large numbers of natural pregnancy losses in our nation. As a woman who aborted three pregnancies, I have never experienced a “spontaneous abortion” (prior to 20 weeks gestation) or miscarriage (after 20 weeks), and I would be mortified to compare my deliberate choices with the losses other women experience due to spontaneous abortions/miscarriages.

Women who experience natural pregnancy disruptions do not intentionally choose this outcome, while other women like myself deliberately choose to terminate via elective abortion. Yes, there are some women who are coerced into abortion against their will, but most of us are mistresses of our own choices. It is wrong to equate targeted termination (elective abortion) with natural pregnancy loss when one is primarily about choice and the other is clearly about chance.

The failure of conception to result in a live birth is in no way comparable to the human carnage of abortion on demand in our state. According to the 2009 Report to the State Legislature on Induced Abortion in Minnesota, more than 13,000 targeted terminations occurred in 2009. The main reasons stated for these terminations were that the mother did not want more children or for economic reasons.

If natural miscarriage or early pregnancy loss does not allow a live birth, that is one thing, but let’s not use those numbers to justify the intentional targeting of over 13,000 pregnancies that overwhelmingly, could have been brought to term. According to the above mentioned report less then 1,400 of the 2009 terminations were done due to physical health or impairment of bodily functions of the mother or due to fetal anomalies (which may or may not have been life threatening for the child).

Rev. Gibbons says there is no reason why “human aspiration and necessity shouldn't be a factor in determining whether or not a particular pregnancy is brought to term.” I strongly disagree because neither of those reasons--human aspiration or human necessity--considers the fate of the one being targeted: the preborn human child.

unPLANNED

2011-01-05T16:46:00.006-06:00

Breaking News:
Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life, releasing book titled unPLANNED

On January 11, 2011, former Planned Parenthood director and 2008 "employee of the year" Abby Johnson will FINALLY be able to reveal all the secrets from behind the closed doors of the abortion business ... and why she left to join the pro-life movement!

Abby was the director of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Bryan/College Station, Texas. Yes -- her clinic was the site of the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign back in 2004.

Six 40 Days for Life campaigns were conducted outside her workplace before Abby experienced a profound conversion during the Fall 2009 campaign ... with deep remorse and a deep desire to get out of the abortion business.

Planned Parenthood immediately filed a massive lawsuit and restraining order against Abby with the intent to silence her.

But she finally WON that legal battle, and Abby is now able to blow the whistle on her former employer and reveal ALL the shocking details of her experiences inside the abortion industry ... and her conversion.

Abby's story has never been fully revealed publicly ... UNTIL NOW!

On Tuesday, January 11, Abby's story will be released to the world in a landmark book titled unPLANNED, which is being published jointly by Tyndale House, Focus on the Family, and Ignatius Press.

One night before -- on Monday, January 10, at 9 PM Eastern (8 PM Central, 7 PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific) -- join a live webcast sneak preview of the no-holds-barred revelations which fill the pages of unPLANNED.

Register for the FREE event at: www.UnplannedWebcast.com.

During the webcast, you will discover ...

* What initially attracted Abby to volunteer and then work for Planned Parenthood -- America's largest abortion chain -- even after being raised in a faithful Christian home

* The hidden personal secret that Abby had kept buried for years

* The shocking discovery that suddenly caused Abby to question everything Planned Parenthood had told her over eight years

* Planned Parenthood's confidential plans to expand its biggest money-maker -- abortion -- all across America

* The abortion industry's furious reaction when Abby decided to quit her job and join local and national pro-life efforts

* What Abby's court battle brought to light about Planned Parenthood's REAL agenda

* The single most effective way to reduce Planned Parenthood's abortion business and change the hearts and minds of clinic workers

P.S.- When you register for the webcast, you can get the first chapter of Abby's breakthrough book -- for FREE! You'll be among the very first to peek inside the pages of the book the abortion industry tried to stop. Get chapter one now at: www.UnplannedWebcast.com.

NYTimes.com: The Unborn Paradox

2011-01-04T15:43:00.003-06:00

I have often thought, "What would happen if all the babies aborted each day were placed in a large pile and shown on the nightly news in the city where they were aborted?"

This will never happen because we are not “comfortable” seeing what the result of our “choice” does to unborn children. We want the choice, but we must continue to dehumanize the “object” of that choice in order to legitimize it. We publicize other tragedies that result in loss of life, why keep this one under wraps? We see the results of child abuse and cringe. We cry, "Foul!" when animals are harmed by their owners. Yet we don’t want to look at the “unseen” aborted children who are terminated--not just scarred or emotionally damaged-- but TERMINATED!

Today, women who are older and want to start families struggle with infertility for many reasons. Who knows how many of them aborted pregnancies earlier in their lives thinking that there would always be another chance! Some may have never aborted, but due to the use of chemical birth control or other factors, they are now on a quest for that elusive child.

Sadly, as Ross Douthat, author of the attached NYTimes.com article points out, only 1% of babies are available for adoption and one in five pregnancies ends in abortion. Babies that are a “throw-away” burden for one group are now a hot commodity for another.

I wish that the “self-preserving” act of abortion would be relegated to a cultural taboo and that the “selfless” act of adoption would be elevated to cultural heroism! It will never happen, but one can dream. The law of supply and demand needs to apply here: those who don’t want to be parents need to connect with those who do. Problem solved!

Thank You, Adoption Panel Speakers!

2011-01-04T13:02:00.002-06:00

“We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I Thessalonians 1:2-3

We spoke at Totino Grace High School, Fridley, this a.m about the option of adoption. I am thankful for our speakers who share from their hearts about building their families through adoption.

Little Voices for Life

2010-12-24T11:28:00.004-06:00

from WorldMag.com
by Janie B. Cheaney

The longtime host of Weekend Edition on NPR, Scott Simon, occasionally pens an editorial for The Wall Street Journal. His latest, published Dec. 17, addresses a timeless issue: “The Case for Adoption.”

“This is the season that begins with the story of a couple who wanted a baby,” Simon writes. His opening sentence earns no points for biblical insight, but Simon’s personal experience of wanting a baby is deeply felt. He married late, and he and his wife discovered quickly that they were not able to conceive. They considered assisted fertilization, but as well-traveled individuals they knew first-hand that there are plenty of orphans needing homes. They adopted Elise from Nanchang, China, when she was 11 months old. Six years later they returned for Lina. While he faults no couples or pregnant women for the personal choices they make, he wants to promote an option that has been deeply satisfying for him, his wife, and their daughters. That’s the reason for his latest book, Baby We Were Meant For Each Other: In Praise of Adoption.

I’m very glad the Simons made their decision—but not just because it was so fulfilling for them. Without saying a word, the two little girls make a powerful statement. Their story reminds me of another adoption story I heard several years ago at a fund-raising dinner for the local crisis pregnancy center.

Read the rest of the article here.

More Photos from our Annual Event

2010-12-16T14:08:00.001-06:00

Click on on MWC photo album on our facebook page to see pictures of our 20th Annual Ministry Celebration: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34172&id=110397839005293.

Merry Christmas?

2010-12-10T10:08:00.006-06:00

Just when you thought “pro-choice” Christmas cards were the final frontier, some Planned Parenthood affiliates are now offering gift certificates. Gift certificates offered by PP cannot be used for abortions, only for birth control, educational materials, etc. Read more here.

Here is Metro Women’s Center’s Christmas card – affirming life, not destroying it!

In the News ...

2010-12-06T10:28:00.003-06:00

Closed Abortion Centers
According to Operation Rescue, 31 abortion businesses closed in the last 12 months while 9 new abortion facilities opened. A total of 689 surgical abortion clinics remain in the U.S., down from a high of almost 2,200 in 1991, which means more than two-thirds of abortion centers have closed that were operating nearly 20 years ago. [LifeNews.com]

Comment:
First, we need to be in prayer that the 7 abortion facilities in Minnesota will stop providing abortion services to women in our state. Second, be in prayer that Regions Hospital will stop providing abortions at its HealthPartners clinic located in the hospital. Additionally, Planned Parenthood is preparing to build its new mega-abortion center at the corner of Charles and Vandalia. It appears that some of the workers who are helping ready the site are unaware that they are building an abortuary (killing center).

Pro-Life Nurse Denied Legal Recourse
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a pro-life employee has no legal recourse if forced by an employer to assist in an abortion. Catherina Cenzon-DeCarlo, a former nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, said she was forced to participate in an abortion against her will and threatened with disciplinary action if she did not assist in the "emergency late-term abortion." The Alliance Defense Fund, representing DeCarlo, later learned that the abortion was not an emergency and that the patient was not in crisis at the time of the procedure. When she attempted to sue the hospital, alleging it had violated the federal "Church Amendment," a lower court ruled that the law does not provide recourse for individuals who experience discrimination. The amendment was intended to protect health care workers of federally funded businesses from being discriminated against when refusing to participate in abortions on religious grounds. [CitizenLink.com]

Comment: There may come a time when we are ordered to disobey the Lord regarding life issues. Here are some examples we can meditate on for encouragement:

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
Genesis 39:7-12
And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Hebrew Midwives
Exodus 1:15-17
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

Birth of Moses
Exodus 1:22; 2:1-3
And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.

Peter
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Yet ANOTHER clinic -- CLOSED!

2010-11-21T21:54:00.002-06:00

In Seattle the first and second 40 Days campaigns took place in front of the Planned Parenthood facility nearest the University of Washington," said Aaron, who led those campaigns in Seattle.

During the second campaign, that center stopped doing surgical abortions. Planned Parenthood then put the facility up for rent -- and now their web site confirms this location is permanently CLOSED!

"God is good," said Aaron, "and He honors prayer!"

The abortion facility in Sacramento, California that was the site of a 40 Days for Life campaign this fall is also struggling right now ...

The clinic manager and two other clinic employees were just laid off by the clinic owner due to "dwindling finances" at the clinic.

"Their client numbers were dropping," said Wynette, the 40 Days for Life leader in Sacramento, "so budget cuts had to be made."

Wynette added, "The clinic manager did tell me that only three employees remain and that they are open for business, but that business is REALLY down."

Members of the 40 Days for Life team have offered to assist the three former workers, knowing it isn't easy to be without a job as Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching.

Wynette also said, "we continue to pray for conversion of hearts and minds, so that this employment layoff becomes a life-long detachment from the abortion industry."

Those are just two more breaking news stories that show why it is so important for the work of 40 Days for Life to keep growing.

To hear a short, inspiring audio recording of three more of this fall's local 40 Days for Life campaigns sharing the blessings they experienced (including another abortion facility closing) go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1436

Over $2,000 Raised through GiveMN

2010-11-17T10:19:00.003-06:00

Correction:
Our total for GiveMN for 2010 is $2,510 and for 2009 $4,100 for a grand total of $6,610. All the donations are in one list on the site, and I neglected to separate them out by year. SO we have $4,100 less for the home than previously reported. Sorry for the confusion.

– Thanks to everyone who participated!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our GiveMN Give to the MAX DAY! We are so grateful for your help . These funds bring us closer to our goal of $400,000 for the Amazing Grace Home. Additionally we received another $2,000 directly to our office. These gifts bring the fund to more than $235,000. Praise the Lord, and thanks for your sacrificial giving!

Give to the Max Day is tomorrow!

2010-11-15T11:15:00.005-06:00

Set your alarm for midnight tonight and Give to the Max!

Give to the Max Day begins at midnight - kick off the giving and be one of the first 10 donors to win special recognition for MWC!

The Great Minnesota Give Together is just hours away. Please plan to support Metro Women's Center by donating on GiveMN.org. Every donation you make gives MWC the chance to win even more money.

You can help MWC win one of the prize grants just by donating $10 or more. A $20,000 and $10,000 prize grant will be awarded to the top two nonprofits in the Twin Cities and the top two nonprofits in Greater Minnesota that attract the largest number of individual donors on Give to the Max Day.

You could also be one of the 24 hourly "Golden Ticket" winners chosen randomly to have $1,000 added to your donation. So, give at any hour or all hours to help your nonprofit! We encourage you to give at 20 minutes past the hour in celebration of MWC's 20 years of saving babies in Minnesota, one woman at a time!

So, please plan to give tomorrow, and tell your friends and family to give. Give to the Max Day is about all of us coming together to support nonprofits who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life in Minnesota.

Check out today's article about Give to the Max Day in the Star Tribune: Minnesota nonprofits rev up for give-a-thon.

Battle for baby’s life won by ADF-allied attorneys

2010-11-15T08:19:00.001-06:00

AUSTIN, Texas — The parents of a 16-year-old girl represented by Alliance Defense Fund allied attorneys signed a court order Wednesday agreeing to not force their daughter to have an abortion against her will. This came about slightly more than a week after the ADF-allied attorneys secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from a Texas court to block the parents from making their daughter go to an abortion facility to terminate the life of their pre-born grandchild.

The teenager’s mother forcefully brought her on two occasions to local abortion facilities, demanding that her daughter terminate the life of her child. Though she refused, and the child’s father also does not want an abortion, her parents insisted that she have the abortion. The TRO granted last week prevented the parents from such coercion before they agreed to sign a long-term court order prohibiting them from forcing their daughter to have an abortion for the duration of her pregnancy.

“No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life--especially one that belongs to someone else--is worthless,” said Stephen Casey of Round Rock, one of more than 1,800 attorneys in the ADF alliance. Gregory R. Terra of Georgetown, the other ADF-allied attorney involved in the case, agreed, “The parents made the right decision, one which they, their daughter, the baby’s father, and especially their grandchild, will appreciate.” Casey and Terra, along with Allan E. Parker of The Justice Foundation in San Antonio, secured the parents’ signatures on the latest order before having it signed and validated Thursday by a district judge.

Read the rest of the article here.

MWC 20th Annual Event a BIG Blessing

2010-11-12T17:25:00.006-06:00

November 4th was an evening of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His provision for MWC over the past 20 years!

More than 260 guests attended the dessert buffet, silent auction, and ministry celebration. Over $14,000 was raised for the Amazing Grace Maternity Home fund, and another $4,000 was raised for MWC's general fund.

The Sauerkraut String Band and Josh Bauder shared their music with us, and Pastor Max Day reminded us that a baby is a baby, murder is wrong, and God will hold us accountable for doing nothing to stop abortion in our land.

Clients and volunteers shared testimonies of God’s grace and mercy their lives and how rewarding it is to help others who are in need.

Thanks to all who participated, prayed, and donated items for the auction and/or funds for the ministry!

Great Christmas Gift Idea!

2010-11-12T17:22:00.002-06:00

Life Gems Ultrasound Photo Jewelry - www.necklacesforlife.info/order.htm

Please check out our friend Ron McConico’s new website offering necklaces, key chains, and magnets with your very own ultrasound photos embedded in them. This is a great way to show the truth about life in the womb and also to help MWC raise funds. 10% of every sale from an MWC supporter will be donated back to the Center. Thanks, Ron, for this great idea!

U.S. Teens Lose in Obama Administration’s Sex Education Agenda

2010-11-12T17:19:00.001-06:00

U.S. Teens Lose in Obama Administration’s Sex Education Agenda

The truth is that if you don’t have sex, you don’t have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection. Why can’t we give that message to young people with as much vigor as we give out the "no drugs," "no smoking," and "no alcohol" messages? Don’t be afraid, speak up, because young people deserve the truth. Even though they might reject it, they still deserve it!

Please Close These Abortion Clinics!

2010-11-12T17:15:00.001-06:00

Here is some interesting information about “who” the abortionists in our country are: Operation Rescue’s investigation reveals Brigham’s AWS abortion chain is a haven for rapist, other criminals.

Please pray that women are able to see that many abortion doctors are not the “cream of the crop” and that women will put their health and safely above the "need" to have an abortion.

A Word from the Word: Life

2010-11-05T18:31:00.004-05:00

Received a precious note from our friend, Jim White, about the event last evening:

Last evening Barbara and I attended the 20th Annual Meeting of the Metro Women’s Center in northwest Minneapolis. It was an evening of rejoicing in God’s hand of direction on this oasis of life in the midst of the horror of abortion.

We heard testimonies of changed lives as ladies recounted the blessings of choosing life over death. Pastor Max Day, who did the preaching, gave five bedrock statements that must never be forgotten in this struggle.

1. An unborn baby is a baby.
2. God is the giver of life.
3. Man is made in God’s image.
4. The taking of any life is still murder.
5. God will hold us accountable for doing nothing.

Barbara and I are giving an additional 10% to the Center from our website barbarasbasketsandbears.com through the end of the year. Or, if you would like to go to their website, you may give directly to the ministry.

Or if there is a biblical “Crisis Pregnancy Center” in your area, I would encourage you to get involved with prayer or financial help to these frontline warriors for life.

New Film 'Blood Money' Reveals the Business Behind Abortion

2010-10-20T22:12:00.003-05:00

BloodMoney is a documentary film narrated by Dr. Alveda King, which exposes the truth behind the Abortion Industry from the Pro Life perspective.

The film examines the history of abortion in America. From the inception of Planned Parenthood and the profitability of abortion clinics, to Roe v. Wade, to the denial of when life begins, the fight to save the lives of innocent babies, and the devastating effects it has had on the women that have exercised this "choice".

Read more here and here.

Sharing the Message of Adoption

2010-10-12T22:19:00.002-05:00

Great time speaking at Edina High School about adoption on Monday, and doing Cooper High School on Thursday, so with all the classes reaching over 140 students with the positive message of adoption! Praise the Lord, and thanks to my team that willingly shares their stories with the students. Getting excited about our annual event and auction on Thursday, Nov. 4th. Remember to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, and come to celebrate life with us on Thursday evening. You can register online at www.metrowomensenter.org - click on 20th Annual Ministry Celebration on the start page.

Standing Together So No One Stands Alone!

2010-10-04T21:41:00.001-05:00

Saturday was a beautiful day in Mankato at the City Wide Respect Life Event. Three of us traveled to the Ray Erlandson Park and participated in a prayer service where we shared our testimonies about the devastating effects abortion had on our lives and about the mercy of the Lord to forgive us of taking the lives of our children through abortion. More than 30 people, young and old, then joined us for a march around to park with our “I Regret My Abortion” and “Women Deserve Better Than Abortion” signs. It was a wonderful day to share the truth with the young people and to be a public witness to the after-effects of abortion. The two other speakers - who both aborted in their early twenties - have never been able to conceive another child. So much for the lie that “you can have another baby someday.”

40 Days for Life Blog

2010-09-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

Check out the 40 Days for Life blog. It's very encouraging!

Pro-Life Outreach -- It's not just for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, it's for every day!

Amazing Grace Home donation

2010-09-29T22:03:00.002-05:00

We were the recipient of a $6,835 from a donor whose relative had passed away. The gift was undesignated, so I put $3,000 towards the Amazing Grace Home and the rest for general fund.

What a way to end the year! We have been so blessed this year, and I am overwhelmed by all that the Lord has allowed us to experience.

40 Days for Life Twin Cities

2010-09-22T10:48:00.005-05:00

Wednesday, September 22 - Sunday, October 31

Coordinated by Pro-Life Action Ministries at HealthPartners' Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson Street, Saint Paul MN 55101. HealthPartners' Regions Hospital committed almost 700 abortions last year in its "GYN Special Services" unit. Regions is unusual because it has a self-contained abortion unit within the hospital. That's why many individuals, churches, and community organizations have committed to pray and fast at the hospital in peaceful vigil for the end of abortion at Regions and the Twin Cities region. Join Pro-Life Action Ministries and be a part of the world-wide 40 Days for Life movement along with over 307 cities, in all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark for the world's largest coordinated movement to pray for the end of abortion. This is not a Catholic issue; this is a LIFE ISSUE! Please pray and do what you can to help end abortion in our communities.

View video: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=975

For more information and directions, visit www.plam.org, and click on the 40 Days for Life picture.

Pro-Life Movement on Fire in the States

2010-08-28T15:05:00.001-05:00

from The Washington Flyer

While the abortion debate seems to be fading from the national platform, several states have taken on the fight to protect the unborn. Alaska made history this past week after voters passed a parental notification law, mandating a minor notify her parents before an abortion is administered. This marked the first time in history a parental notification law was passed by voters and not by the state’s legislature. The measure passed with 55% of the vote.

Alaska is not the only state turning to voters rather than its legislature to ensure protections for life. Colorado has also begun a massive campaign to urge voters to support a personhood amendment to the state’s constitution. The amendment defines a “person” as any human being beginning at conception through natural death. In order to garner support, a website dedicated to the ballot initiative MyCampaignTracker.org was created and designed to “encourage the grassroots personhood movement in Colorado” and “to reach local communities across our state with our campaign message of ‘Persons not Property,’ through November’s election.” The campaign has seen overwhelming support from pro-lifers in the state as well as from many candidates seeking election.

South Carolina and Virginia have also been supportive of the pro-life movement. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed into law H3245, a bill that would require a 24-hour waiting period for a woman seeking an abortion and would require that the doctor offer the woman an opportunity to look at an ultrasound of the child before an abortion. In Virginia, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli stated this week that abortion clinics will now be legally regulated just as any other medical establishment. Brian J. Gottstein, a spokesman for Mr. Cuccinelli stated, “The state has long regulated outpatient surgical facilities and personnel to ensure a certain level of protection for patients. There is no reason to hold facilities providing abortion services to any lesser standard for their patients. Even pharmacies, funeral homes and veterinary clinics are regulated by the state.”

While the economy and jobs have dominated the federal debate, the pro-life movement continues to gain support among constituents at the state level, winning major victories throughout the nation.

Fraudulent Billing by Planned Parenthood

2010-08-20T11:59:00.004-05:00

On Friday, the New Jersey Right to Life released three separate audits conducted by the U.S. Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, which show that state Planned Parenthood providers have been over-billing the federal government. The audits, conducted between 2001 and 2005, found that nearly $3 million should have been refunded to the government. Clinics improperly billed everything from prescription medications to outpatient services. [CitizenLink.com, 8-19-2010]

Comment:

I find it so interesting that when Planned Parenthood “serves” women that they charge them, their insurance, or the government for their services. MWC and hundreds of pregnancy care centers around the country serve women and their families for FREE. There is no “profit motive” at pregnancy care centers. We are motivated by a love for those we serve, a sense of urgency to protect the lives of the unborn, and a passion to see individuals come to know the Lord in a personal way. Check out www.frc.org to see the first ever report that attempts to assess the good work that is being done by hundreds of pregnancy resource centers in the US and around the world.

This report can also be useful in correcting the attacks on PRCs by organizations like NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), as they attempt to create negative impressions about pregnancy resource centers. See http://www.fwhc.org/abortion/fake.htm.

I am sure that not every Center is perfect but serving women and men in crisis with integrity and love is at the heart of Metro Women’s Center and other centers like ours.

Liberty Baptist Kids Donate Birthday Funds

2010-08-16T11:44:00.003-05:00

Liberty Baptist Church Children’s Choir recently donated over $50 to MWC from their birthday funds. Every month when one of the children has a birthday, they put some funds in a container for missions. MWC was blessed to receive these funds! Thanks, kids, for sacrificing for others!

FDA Approves Ella Drug; Pro-Life Groups Say It's Untested, Causes Abortions

2010-08-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

Read about another way to experiment on women and terminate early pregnancies by the release of the new drug, ellaOne:
http://www.lifenews.com/nat6632b.html.

Blessings at Waterville!

2010-08-10T10:43:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at First Baptist Church in Waterville on Sunday, August 8th, even though it was a sweltering hot day!

I had the opportunity to share a message on purity with the women and girls in the church, about 60 ladies all together. We had a great time around God’s Word.

One of my clients came and shared her testimony with the church folks about choosing open adoption for her son and about her experiences in one of our shepherding homes. I am always encouraged when our clients are willing to publically share their stories because it can be an encouragement to others who may be privately struggling with the same issues or who may need to “see” the reality of someone’s life being changed by God. Many of our clients are “works in process,” (aren’t we all?) and this young lady has made some great changes in her life but has not yet yielded to the Lord. Please pray for her salvation.

Above is a picture of my client when she was still pregnant. She was able to balance her cup on her tummy, something that is not hard when you are 10 months pregnant (she was 2 weeks overdue!). Below is a picture of her and her adoptive family -- what a blessing to see love extended through open adoption!

I was able to thank the folks at the church for their ongoing support and to give them a report of the goings on at the Center. When a missionary comes to speak, they have a practice at the church that after the presentation, members of the church come to the platform and pray for the ministry represented. Pastor Gene Witte is the pastor there, and his prayer is that the Lord would raise up more godly men for leadership positions in the church so that those coming to the church could be ministered to individually. First Baptist Church is celebrating 150 years of ministry this year!