God Gave Me a Vision

I have been praying lately about coordinating another 40 Days for Life campaign here in Indy this spring. The folks who coordinated it last fall and this fall aren't planning on doing it again for the spring, but I felt that it would be a good idea. I wanted to see if it could be a way to help Protestant churches get involved. I have my reservations, but I know the Lord will see me through each and every one of them.

Well, up until today, it has just been an idea and not a final decision. But, while I was standing outside of a nearby abortion facility, the Lord gave me a vision. It's a small building (in comparison to the one we prayed outside of for the fall campaign). Instead of being set apart by a large grassy right-of-way and parking lot, we would be able to be right there in front of the building (next to and in front of a small parking lot) or behind the building and rear parking lot. I thought a smaller place might be a better 'target' so that it would be alright if we didn't have a huge crowd (not that I would ever turn one away, lol). So, I was standing there and looking at the ground and thinking about all of this and praying for the women inside as well as the doctor performing the abortions when God sent me a vision of people surrounding the front area (in a big U shape). I know that this is a sign that I NEED to be doing this. I am nervous and even somewhat afraid, but God is in control and I will let Him guide me instead of giving in to my fears.

Please pray with me and for me during this time of planning.

Thank you all for your support. I couldn't do any of this without your prayers.

One Woman Left, One Woman Came Back

As I arrived at the abortion facility on Friday to pray, I was told that we 'had a save' just before I arrived. She didn't want to speak to anyone, just wanted to get out of there. So, that's what the Sidewalk Counselors let her do. They did not speak to her other than to ask her if she had changed her mind and she nodded.

Then, a little whle later, the same girl came back in a different car and accompanied by what we thought had to be her mother. But, when we tried talking to the older woman, she said she had no children. So, we don't know who she was or what kind of influence she had over this girl, but it seemed to be working. Unfortunatel, I had left by the time the girl came out of the facility, so I don't know if she went through with the abortion or if she left again with her baby still in her womb.

But, I was finally able actually get someone to stop and speak to me. I was standing with another counselor when she left her vehicle. He spoke to her and she paused, turned around and walked toward us and received a brochure. We informed her of the increased risk of breast cancer as well as the increased risk of infertility in the future. That's all she heard us say. We never really know if what we have said reaches these women or not until they come out of the facility.

This time, we had a pretty good idea what happened in a fairly short amount of time. She came out of the front door and walked quickly to her car. The gentleman I was standing with had walked towards the front of the parking lot and spoke to her very briefly. He was able to get from her that she had changed her mind. He immediately called me over to him and asked me to approach her vehicle to see if there was anything we could do to help her. So, I did just that. I had done that with others, but they just sped off. Not this time. She actually rolled down her window and spoke to me through sobs. We were both crying. I let her know that I had been praying for her from the moment she stepped from her car until she came back out. I asked if there was anything I could do to help her (including walking her to a pregnancy center down the street). She said that she didn't want to go there. She just needed to leave so she could sort some things out. I was able to get her name and told her we would be praying for her.

She may come back. We don't know. But, for now, she turned around, child still in her womb. And, that, is a success. And, should she choose to follow through with the abortion, I believe she knows we are not there to judge her but to offer her support in healing. Those initial words spoken to a woman can set the foundation to open communication and a trusting relationship so that even if we do not reach them and help them to choose life for their children, we do reach them in letting them know that someone genuinely cares for them and wants to help them heal.

God is certainly good. I very much needed that encouragement after this election.

Bring On the Rain

On Friday mornings, I try to make my way to the nearest abortion facility to pray as soon as I get up. I have mised a few, but do my best to be there.

Well, last Friday (not Halloween, the week before), I decided to make my way there. I woke up and heard rain hitting the bedroom window. It occurred to me how simple it would be to just roll over and go back to sleep. But, that's not what I did.

I got up and got dressed and had my mind set on making the mile walk to the facility. I like having that time to talk to the Lord and just be by myself for a while. It takes me about 45 minutes or so to walk that far. But, it took me a bit longer on this gloomy day.

I wore a long (and wide) scarf over my head and shoulders to keep myself somewhat warm. It worked all the way there, but I should have thought to wear boots or my husband's rain gear as well. Because, you see, when it rains like that, there are puddles all over. Including on the sidewalks and between them. By the time I made it to the facility, I was soaked half way up to my knees. Oh, I was wet everywhere else, but I stepped in puddles deep enough to go completely over my feet. But, I kept on.

Instead of turning around and giving in to being completely cold and soaked, I stood outside of that place for nearly 4 hours.I took 2 momentary breaks at a nearby fast food establishment to warm up, but aside from that, I stood outside as a witness to those driving by and those coming and going from the building. It's one thing to go to an abortion facility when the weather is nice, but it is a true display of character when someone endures the cold and wet (and windy, by the way) environment in order to make a stand for life. I believe it is all part of what we are called to do as Christians. It is a privilege to suffer even a minute fraction of what Christ went through for us.