***
Thursday 28 February 2013
Day Sixteen
I wasn't sure about going out to the hospital today - it was raining so hard! I went anyway. One gentleman slowed down and said he hoped the son would come out soon. Even as it poured I knew the Son was there.
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Day Fifteen
Your body?
Your body does NOT have:
- 2 heads
- 4 hands
- 4 legs
- 2 bearing hearts
- 2 different DNA
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Why we don't use graphic abortion images
To read a great post that explains why we don't use graphic images of abortion at 40 Days for Life click HERE.
+++
Monday 25 February 2013
Sunday 24 February 2013
Day Twelve
I watched a TV show this afternoon about young women giving up their babies for adoption. The show doesn't gloss over the pain these girls feel giving up their children. In fact whenever I watch this show I always think the young mom is going to change her mind and keep the baby. So far the babies have all been adopted.
The show gives a little bit of background on the young moms. They come from all sorts of different situations and often the father of the baby is still in the picture. I wish they'd delve more deeply into why these girls felt adoption was the way to go. Perhaps some of them did schedule an abortion but when they got to the clinic there were Pro Life people there with offers of support and help (we can hope!)
A lot of times we hear about 'saves' during 40 Days for Life. This is our goal of course - to save the life of a baby and to keep the mom from having to suffer the trauma of abortion that can often last for years and years. But let's be honest and realize not all these moms are in situations where a baby can thrive. That doesn't mean the baby should be aborted - I am not suggesting this at all! But this is where adoption or foster care could offer a good alternative.
So why isn't adoption more common? For many women the thought of giving their child away is an impossible choice. So why would they abort if they care so much? From what I found out these women say it gives them 'closure'. Adoption would bring a lifetime of doubt, worry and wondering where there child is, did they choose the right adoptive parents, will they run into their child someday or will that child show up at an awkward time, especially if mom hasn't told subsequent younger siblings, her parents or husband. Understandable but shortsighted. Abortion is a 'quick fix' but with lifelong consequences.
While many women report relief after abortion (several post-abortive friends have told me this) I've also seen lives ruined by abortion. One case in particular has seen the abortive parents estranged from a number of family members. This couple believe they have kept their situation secret and the amount of energy they have devoted to staying in denial and keeping the family members that know at a 'safe' distance from them is taking its toll on their marriage and their physical health. It's absolutely heart breaking.
When I stand at Mills Memorial with my 40 Days sign around my neck I try to remember that every situation does not have a 'one size fits all' solution. However, where there is LIFE there is hope and there is no problem so difficult that we cannot overcome it with love and faith in God.
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Chronicles 28:30
The show gives a little bit of background on the young moms. They come from all sorts of different situations and often the father of the baby is still in the picture. I wish they'd delve more deeply into why these girls felt adoption was the way to go. Perhaps some of them did schedule an abortion but when they got to the clinic there were Pro Life people there with offers of support and help (we can hope!)
A lot of times we hear about 'saves' during 40 Days for Life. This is our goal of course - to save the life of a baby and to keep the mom from having to suffer the trauma of abortion that can often last for years and years. But let's be honest and realize not all these moms are in situations where a baby can thrive. That doesn't mean the baby should be aborted - I am not suggesting this at all! But this is where adoption or foster care could offer a good alternative.
So why isn't adoption more common? For many women the thought of giving their child away is an impossible choice. So why would they abort if they care so much? From what I found out these women say it gives them 'closure'. Adoption would bring a lifetime of doubt, worry and wondering where there child is, did they choose the right adoptive parents, will they run into their child someday or will that child show up at an awkward time, especially if mom hasn't told subsequent younger siblings, her parents or husband. Understandable but shortsighted. Abortion is a 'quick fix' but with lifelong consequences.
While many women report relief after abortion (several post-abortive friends have told me this) I've also seen lives ruined by abortion. One case in particular has seen the abortive parents estranged from a number of family members. This couple believe they have kept their situation secret and the amount of energy they have devoted to staying in denial and keeping the family members that know at a 'safe' distance from them is taking its toll on their marriage and their physical health. It's absolutely heart breaking.
When I stand at Mills Memorial with my 40 Days sign around my neck I try to remember that every situation does not have a 'one size fits all' solution. However, where there is LIFE there is hope and there is no problem so difficult that we cannot overcome it with love and faith in God.
***
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 Chronicles 28:30
Saturday 23 February 2013
Day Eleven
From Ireland comes this shocking report: click here to read.
Bizarre behaviour such as this is often a sign of desperation. Depraved tactics such as these only serve to alienate many potential sympathizers and indicate the realization they are failing. Our prayers are working. Many pro abortion believers have changed how they feel and now support pro-life. The ones who refuse still need our prayers.
Bizarre behaviour such as this is often a sign of desperation. Depraved tactics such as these only serve to alienate many potential sympathizers and indicate the realization they are failing. Our prayers are working. Many pro abortion believers have changed how they feel and now support pro-life. The ones who refuse still need our prayers.
Friday 22 February 2013
Day Ten
Today is abortion day at the hospital. We have no way of knowing how many babies lost their lives, we don't see the moms go in or leave, and we don't experience 'saves' like they do at many dedicated abortion clinics. The hospital hasn't called the police to get rid of us or sent the administrator out to ask us to leave.
So why do we do it? How do we know our presence has any effect? What if we don't see 'results'?
Mother Teresa said, "We're not called to be successful; we're called to be faithful." Hebrews 11:1 tells us - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see," and 2 Chronicles 30:27 says - "And God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place." And like a fellow 40DayforLifer told me today - it's just the right thing to do.
Thank you to Kitimat ProLifers for coming out to pray at Mills Memorial today and thank you to those that welcomed them.
So why do we do it? How do we know our presence has any effect? What if we don't see 'results'?
Mother Teresa said, "We're not called to be successful; we're called to be faithful." Hebrews 11:1 tells us - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see," and 2 Chronicles 30:27 says - "And God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place." And like a fellow 40DayforLifer told me today - it's just the right thing to do.
Thank you to Kitimat ProLifers for coming out to pray at Mills Memorial today and thank you to those that welcomed them.
Thursday 21 February 2013
Day Nine
Just made a quick vigil at the hospital today over lunch. Nobody stopped to talk but a few people waved. One of my coworkers drove by but I'm not sure she recognized me. When I realized it was her I felt very strange. Not embarrassed but exposed, like she had seen me half dressed. I felt ashamed for wishing she hadn't seen me. It's just easier to talk about abortion to a stranger. They usually stick around for a minute and then you never see them again. Some of my coworkers I see more often than my spouse! The feeling soon passed. When I got back to work I checked my email and she had written me a message but it had nothing to do with what she'd seen at the hospital. Some people are terrified to stand in public with a large sign around their neck but that doesn't bother me in the least - funny how different things affect people in different ways.
Kitimat ProLife will be at the hospital at 3 PM tomorrow - if you can join them and help them feel welcome I know they'd appreciate it. Also, Friday is Abortion Day at Mills Memorial so the more people we can get praying, the better. Thanks!
Kitimat ProLife will be at the hospital at 3 PM tomorrow - if you can join them and help them feel welcome I know they'd appreciate it. Also, Friday is Abortion Day at Mills Memorial so the more people we can get praying, the better. Thanks!
Wednesday 20 February 2013
Day Eight
The weather was a bit colder today and quite damp but the rain held off. I got to the hospital about 12:15 and things were pretty quiet. The bus driver I see every day waved at me, the young white girls with stony expressions drive by maintaining their cool, people I know from church wave and a few others look puzzled as they read my sign.
Just as I was preparing to leave an older lady crossed the street to come and talk to me. She said my sign piqued her curiosity. I told her 40 DFL was an international prayer campaign and we were praying for an end to abortion. She told me she doesn't like it when people use abortion as birth control. She also told me she thinks abortion for medical reasons (baby is sick or physically challenged) are OK. I reminded her that doctors are wrong sometimes. She didn't acknowledge this but the longer she talked the more Pro Life she sounded. Then she said goodbye and walked back to the hospital.
I thought I'd wait five more minutes and then head back to work. Glad I did - a well dressed man and woman walked around the corner (I'm guessing they were returning from lunch) and they kept looking at me. I think they must be some sort of hospital administrators/management because most men do not wear suits around here. The woman kept looking so I waved at her even though my personal policy is to wait until passersby acknowledge me first. She did not wave back.
I am excited that our Pro Life friends from Kitimat will be joining us on the front lines at 3:00 PM this Friday! Hope to see you there!
Just as I was preparing to leave an older lady crossed the street to come and talk to me. She said my sign piqued her curiosity. I told her 40 DFL was an international prayer campaign and we were praying for an end to abortion. She told me she doesn't like it when people use abortion as birth control. She also told me she thinks abortion for medical reasons (baby is sick or physically challenged) are OK. I reminded her that doctors are wrong sometimes. She didn't acknowledge this but the longer she talked the more Pro Life she sounded. Then she said goodbye and walked back to the hospital.
I thought I'd wait five more minutes and then head back to work. Glad I did - a well dressed man and woman walked around the corner (I'm guessing they were returning from lunch) and they kept looking at me. I think they must be some sort of hospital administrators/management because most men do not wear suits around here. The woman kept looking so I waved at her even though my personal policy is to wait until passersby acknowledge me first. She did not wave back.
I am excited that our Pro Life friends from Kitimat will be joining us on the front lines at 3:00 PM this Friday! Hope to see you there!
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Day Seven
Even though I wasn't scheduled to pray at the hospital today I decided to spend my lunch hour there. The weather was nice as the wind has died down. There's a fair amount of traffic over lunch so 40 DFL is getting good exposure.
A woman I know was making a delivery to the hospital when I arrived. She asked me what I was doing and I told her I was praying for an end to abortion. Her response was fairly typical - first she sort of smiled and nodded and then when it sunk in she sort of went blank. In any case I am sure I gave her something to think about this afternoon.
Two young men walked toward the hospital. One of them asked me if I was going to be there for 40 days. I said yes but the fact is that nobody has to be at the hospital every single day for the entire campaign. The most I've ever been out there is 3 hours a week but that was only during the first year we did this. When the young men left one asked how many more days I had to go - it's 33. Seems like a lot now but it will go fast, especially the last 2 weeks. He wished me well and said he'd pray for me.
Just before I left a young woman stopped her car to ask what I was doing. That's the beauty of the 40 Days signs - they tweak your curiosity. Our signs only have the official website and logo on them. I've actually seen passengers in cars mouth the words "40 days for life dot com" and then look down, presumably at the screen of their handheld device. I am glad 40DFL does not encourage holding signs of mutilated fetuses or bearing messages like 'abortion is murder.' Our signs invite dialogue and that is what the community outreach aspect of 40DFL is all about. We are never there to protest, condemn, degrade, blame or hate anyone.
As for the other people going by today I'd say 95% ignored me (especially young white women and white women in the 60+ range) so all in all a typical day on the front lines.
A woman I know was making a delivery to the hospital when I arrived. She asked me what I was doing and I told her I was praying for an end to abortion. Her response was fairly typical - first she sort of smiled and nodded and then when it sunk in she sort of went blank. In any case I am sure I gave her something to think about this afternoon.
Two young men walked toward the hospital. One of them asked me if I was going to be there for 40 days. I said yes but the fact is that nobody has to be at the hospital every single day for the entire campaign. The most I've ever been out there is 3 hours a week but that was only during the first year we did this. When the young men left one asked how many more days I had to go - it's 33. Seems like a lot now but it will go fast, especially the last 2 weeks. He wished me well and said he'd pray for me.
Just before I left a young woman stopped her car to ask what I was doing. That's the beauty of the 40 Days signs - they tweak your curiosity. Our signs only have the official website and logo on them. I've actually seen passengers in cars mouth the words "40 days for life dot com" and then look down, presumably at the screen of their handheld device. I am glad 40DFL does not encourage holding signs of mutilated fetuses or bearing messages like 'abortion is murder.' Our signs invite dialogue and that is what the community outreach aspect of 40DFL is all about. We are never there to protest, condemn, degrade, blame or hate anyone.
As for the other people going by today I'd say 95% ignored me (especially young white women and white women in the 60+ range) so all in all a typical day on the front lines.
Monday 18 February 2013
Day Six
I went for a walk past the hospital on Sunday afternoon. I prayed as I walked. I decided to cut through the school field on the way back so I could take a little rest on one of the slopes overlooking the field. As I sat there I looked southwards as the sun was trying to break through the clouds. The sun became brighter and brighter and I could barely look in its direction anymore.
I think this is what 40 Days for Life is like for many of the people that drive by us at the hospital. We represent the Light and it's too much for them to take in. It's like when you're asleep in a dark room and somebody walks in and snaps on the light - it's bright but you can't see because it's too much to take in all at once and you have to close your eyes and open them slowly.
As the days and weeks go by I pray that those that ignore us will slowly come to open their eyes. Luckily there are few, if any, people who oppose us with rude gestures but if there are then let's pray for them too.
I think this is what 40 Days for Life is like for many of the people that drive by us at the hospital. We represent the Light and it's too much for them to take in. It's like when you're asleep in a dark room and somebody walks in and snaps on the light - it's bright but you can't see because it's too much to take in all at once and you have to close your eyes and open them slowly.
As the days and weeks go by I pray that those that ignore us will slowly come to open their eyes. Luckily there are few, if any, people who oppose us with rude gestures but if there are then let's pray for them too.
Sunday 17 February 2013
Saturday 16 February 2013
Day Four
Excellent article by Vincent M. Rue, Ph.D. titled "The Hollow Men": Male Grief and Trauma Following Abortion can be read by clicking this link.
Friday 15 February 2013
Day Three
Wow, was it ever windy today! Thankfully the wind wasn't blowing across a school field covered in snow! It's been green here for weeks. Thank you, Lord, for small mercies!
I started my shift just after noon today. For a short time I watched a bald eagle fly over and around the hospital.
There wasn't a whole lot of traffic but some people waved and honked at me. One lady parked her car across the street and said hello and commented on how windy it was. More than half the people that drove by ignored me. This is pretty typical for a day at Mills Memorial.
Sadly, today is the day abortions are done at Mills Memorial Hospital by Dr. Lani Almas. Let us pray for her to experience a change of heart.
I started my shift just after noon today. For a short time I watched a bald eagle fly over and around the hospital.
There wasn't a whole lot of traffic but some people waved and honked at me. One lady parked her car across the street and said hello and commented on how windy it was. More than half the people that drove by ignored me. This is pretty typical for a day at Mills Memorial.
Sadly, today is the day abortions are done at Mills Memorial Hospital by Dr. Lani Almas. Let us pray for her to experience a change of heart.
Thursday 14 February 2013
Day Two
For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned them and manipulated them in their time of temptation.
During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. Source
***
I have several friends who aborted their babies. For the most part this was only mentioned once in conversation and from then on it was an unspoken fact that it would not be brought up again. I don't know if it's because they were not affected by it, or experienced delayed grief long after we lost touch, or it was simply too painful to ever discuss again. I am sure as we hold vigil at Mills Memorial some women (and men) will drive by and perhaps remember their own experience with abortion. When we hold vigil at Mills Memorial we are not there to condemn them. We are there to hold out our hand in friendship. Sometimes it's easier to tell a stranger about your involvement with abortion than to tell a trusted friend or family member. Or perhaps our signs will lead them to the 40 Days for Life website or to Rachel's Vineyard. Maybe this vigil is Step One in a 10 or 15 or 100 step plan to healing. This is why our visible presence at Mills Memorial is so important.
Behold, I make all things new. Rev. 21:5
Wednesday 13 February 2013
Day One - Part II
I went to my first shift for the Spring 2013 40 Days for Life campaign today. The weather was so nice! Two years ago I remember standing in freezing rain that was blowing in sideways. This was a welcome change!
I was at the hospital during my lunch hour and there was a fair bit of traffic but most people just ignored me even though I was wearing my 40DFL sign. A few people did wave.
A police car drove by, made a U-turn and parked. I wasn't sure if he was going to come and speak to me but he just went into the hospital. That was a relief. I wasn't afraid to speak with him but I would have been sad if he told me we were too close to the hospital.
And basically that was it for today.
Don't forget to fast during 40DFL. It doesn't have to be food either - you can fast from time on the internet, time watching TV, your favorite specialty coffee, or even sleeping in that extra 10 minutes.
I was at the hospital during my lunch hour and there was a fair bit of traffic but most people just ignored me even though I was wearing my 40DFL sign. A few people did wave.
A police car drove by, made a U-turn and parked. I wasn't sure if he was going to come and speak to me but he just went into the hospital. That was a relief. I wasn't afraid to speak with him but I would have been sad if he told me we were too close to the hospital.
And basically that was it for today.
Don't forget to fast during 40DFL. It doesn't have to be food either - you can fast from time on the internet, time watching TV, your favorite specialty coffee, or even sleeping in that extra 10 minutes.
Day One
40 Days for Life is merely an invitation. This campaign cannot happen without a response from people like you; and that leaves just one question:
What will God do over these next 40 days in your community … and will you be part of it?
It is our hope that you will join hundreds of thousands of others who have taken this journey of prayer and fasting … peaceful vigil … and community outreach.
See you at Mills Memorial!
What will God do over these next 40 days in your community … and will you be part of it?
It is our hope that you will join hundreds of thousands of others who have taken this journey of prayer and fasting … peaceful vigil … and community outreach.
See you at Mills Memorial!
Sunday 3 February 2013
FAQ about 40 Days for Life
Question: What is 40 Days for Life?
Answer: A peaceful, prayerful prolife vigil that is taking place at 261 hospitals and abortion clinics around the world from Feb. 13, 2013 to March 24, 2013. The on-site vigil at Mills Memorial is the centre point of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Terrace. A steady presence of pro-lifers at the hospital expresses our level of commitment to ending abortion.
Answer: A peaceful, prayerful prolife vigil that is taking place at 261 hospitals and abortion clinics around the world from Feb. 13, 2013 to March 24, 2013. The on-site vigil at Mills Memorial is the centre point of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Terrace. A steady presence of pro-lifers at the hospital expresses our level of commitment to ending abortion.
Q: How did 40 Days for Life start?
A: 40 Days for Life emerged in 2004 when a multi-denominational prolife group in College Station, Texas sought to invigorate their prolife endeavours at the local abortion facility. This dynamic movement has spread rapidly over the past seven years to encompass most Canadian provinces, the USA, Australia, England, Ireland, Spain and Poland.
Q: Why 40 days?
A: It's a number of biblical significance - Noah was transformed by 40 days in the flood, Moses by 40 days on the mountain, Jesus by 40 days in the dessert and the Disciples by the 40 days following the resurrection.
A: It's a number of biblical significance - Noah was transformed by 40 days in the flood, Moses by 40 days on the mountain, Jesus by 40 days in the dessert and the Disciples by the 40 days following the resurrection.
Q. Does someone have to pray at the hospital every day for 40 days?
A: We aim for a presence at the hospital every day but that does not mean any one individual has to be there every single day. Some people come out for an hour or two each week. Some are there more often.
Q: The 40 Days for Life campaign has a 3 pronged approach of prayer, fasting and community outreach, defined as follows:
A: We aim for a presence at the hospital every day but that does not mean any one individual has to be there every single day. Some people come out for an hour or two each week. Some are there more often.
Q: The 40 Days for Life campaign has a 3 pronged approach of prayer, fasting and community outreach, defined as follows:
Prayer keeps us rooted in the fact that it is our desire to carry out God's will. We can pray formal prayers, spontaneous prayers, or meditate on the daily devotionals that are published at www.40daysforlife.com
Fasting is a sacrifice that helps us reach beyond our own limitations with God's help. Fasting is not a Christian diet; it is a form of physical prayer. You can fast from food, TV, alcohol - anything that separates you from God.
Community outreach is accomplished by our constant vigil. It's the most visible component of 40 Days for Life. It is prayerful witness to the hospital's patients and employees, and to the community, that evil is in our midst and that with God's help, it will be defeated. All people of faith and good conscience are given the opportunity to visibly show their support throughout this transforming event.
Q: How does one sign up?
A: You may email terrace40daysforlife@gmail.com and we will contact you.
Q: Does a participant need to bring a sign?
A: There are 10 signs available bearing the 40 Days for Life logo and website address. If a person is not comfortable displaying a sign they are encouraged to join us regardless – we need their prayers!
Community outreach is accomplished by our constant vigil. It's the most visible component of 40 Days for Life. It is prayerful witness to the hospital's patients and employees, and to the community, that evil is in our midst and that with God's help, it will be defeated. All people of faith and good conscience are given the opportunity to visibly show their support throughout this transforming event.
Q: How does one sign up?
A: You may email terrace40daysforlife@gmail.com and we will contact you.
Q: Does a participant need to bring a sign?
A: There are 10 signs available bearing the 40 Days for Life logo and website address. If a person is not comfortable displaying a sign they are encouraged to join us regardless – we need their prayers!
Q: What is the code of conduct?
A: We are not permitted to park on the hospital grounds or keep vigil there – we must stay on the sidewalks.
A person acting in a violent or harmful manner immediately and completely disassociates themselves from the 40 Days for Life campaign. We will not threaten, physically contact, or abuse any hospital employees or patients. We will not obstruct sidewalks. 40 Days for Life discourages the use of graphic images.
We are there to pray. If passersby or motorists wish to approach us we will be happy to answer questions and speak with them.
Q: Do you really think this campaign is helpful?
A: YES. While we may never witness any women leaving the hospital after cancelling their abortions our presence there is still crucial. For instance a woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy may be considering abortion and happens to drive by the 40 Days for Life vigil. It's unlikely she will stop to talk to us but she'll probably read one of our signs and hopefully be inspired to visit www.40daysforlife.com
A: YES. While we may never witness any women leaving the hospital after cancelling their abortions our presence there is still crucial. For instance a woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy may be considering abortion and happens to drive by the 40 Days for Life vigil. It's unlikely she will stop to talk to us but she'll probably read one of our signs and hopefully be inspired to visit www.40daysforlife.com
The information she reads there may help her choose life for her baby. Last year many people expressed their thanks that we were there - perhaps we are strengthening their own pro-life beliefs which in turn helps them to help others who are unexpectedly pregnant.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at terrace40daysforlife@gmail.com
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