Mondays - Karen 10/5/09 "Dear Karen, Another comment one new prayer volunteer made was that when she first saw someone drive into the clinic, it suddenly hit her as to what was actually about to happen within those walls. That's the stark realty of abortion. It's been going on for so long that people have become complacent, but when you stand there and see firsthand the people going in and out, it makes you realize the magnitude of what abortion is - the killing of innocent human children. That's why we're there - to defend those who cannot speak for themselves. It's hard to imagine that human beings have become so self-centered as to kill their own offspring because they are inconvenient. Lord, have mercy! A personal experience I encountered on Respect Life Sunday, of all days, was a bumper sticker “Keep your laws off my body”. I don't recall ever seeing a pro-abortion bumper sticker. I immediately shut off my CD to say a prayer for that person. Then I made sure she saw my bumper sticker which says “Save the baby humans”. A bumper sticker is small way to witness; you never know who may be challenged by it.
Since the clinic is closed on Mondays, we're basically there as a prayful presence and a witness to passers-by. The dedication of the vigil participants is amazing, some of whom put in multiple hours on multiple days. We were also blessed with several first-timers. Let me share some of their comments:
"Dear Karen,
The one thing that surprised me as Linda and I stood vigil, was the support of people walking and driving past us. Young, old, men and women made eye contact and gave a smile with a small nod. A few cars driving by rolled down their windows (even in the rain) and waved. It was not an hour spent in fear or sadness, but HOPE.
Love, peace, faith and hope"
Valerie
It seems when the weather is the worst I meet the nicest people and I'm sure that's no accident, but a blessing.
However, we had one lady that had a sign on the opposite side of the street that said "Save Abortion". I felt so sorry for her and I even offered this morning's prayers for her. I will never understand how people could support murder, it seems this world can be so cruel..."
David
Saturdays - Marty 10/3/09
Fridays, Margie 10/2/09
There were many prayers that reached heaven today on Main Street in Buffalo, NY—the vigil ended at 10:30 p.m.--our gratitude to all who prayed & fasted at home! We thank God for His strength and mercy, & for having us keep in mind that despite the trials we endure, He has already won the battle.
Thursdays, Shannon 10/01/09
Wednesdays, Dr. Stan 9/30/09
Sept 30 - Oct 6
Saturday vigil volunteers came down to 2500 Main St. at 6AM, before the sun even thought of rising, their prayers rising up to Heaven in the chilly darkness while the world around them rested in their warm beds. By 7:30AM the corner began to fill up with WLOF's Warriors of Love. Now some serious praying was going on. The 4 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary were harmoniously recited. The Divine Mercy Chaplet was recited the same way. Many voices , 1 heart. Until 9AM the group stormed the Heavens. What a blessing. The day continued with a steady stream of prayer from you, the many volunteers who came and went throughout the day, the voice of the voiceless. The seemingly endless road construction brought attention to our cause as the single lanes of traffic brought drivers closer to our pleading signs. Cars turning left into the building's driveway had to stop within feet of our people, waiting for traffic to clear, our signs unavoidable. Words were spoken with charity and love as help was offered to the confused mothers inside their cars. Several fathers were actually taking their daughters to have their own grandchildren killed. They didn't want to have their daughters "punished with a baby". Our prayers were offered for healing and forgiveness. Around 6PM the sky grew dark as thick, black clouds began to sail overhead. A sudden gust of wind sent our supply box and signs sliding downs the street. With them once again secured, cold rain began to fall almost horizontally. We held our post just around the corner of the building seeking a little shelter. The rain and the wind let up and the sun once again peeked out to greet us before it went down for the night. That night ended about 9:20 PM with John and Joe Glynn and Ken Hoffman praying to the end til Gene came and called it a night. Thanks to all who were there. Our prayers and fasting will make a difference. Marty
Today’s prayer vigil outside 2500 Main Street began at 6 a.m. It was still dark and chilly, but the prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours celebrating our angel protectors brought life and happiness to the day.
Sometime before 7 a.m., Stan noted that a large truck from Steri Cycle parked in front of the abortion facility, unable to enter the driveway to the back doors because of the road construction. The blocked driveway created an unusual situation for the driver. He would need to use the front doors today. The driver indicated that he didn’t really know what he came to pick up. For us, this was a gift from God because it was the first time we were able to view this weekly Friday morning pickup of “medical waste” which was usually done out of sight. Two large boxes were taken away. Can you imagine what they contained? We stood in prayerful silence…then asked God’s mercy on the driver & the others, begging the gift of the Holy Spirit for open hearts and minds to the truth of the terrible slaughter that goes on inside that building.
For the remainder of the morning hours many prayer witnesses came to hold signs and join together in prayer. During the 10 o’clock hour there was what we believe was at least one “save”, and possibly a second. The vigil participants were lined up all along Main Street on the east side facing the abortion facility—all the way past the railroad bridge near Greenfield Street. The single lane of on-going traffic couldn’t help but have a full and continuous view of signs, Rosaries and peaceful witnesses to life.
Gene and Tom were on the sidewalk of the service station parking lot next to the abortion facility when a car with two young women pulled in. They sat there for a while having just seen the signs and many prayer witnesses across the street. Then they started to leave the lot, and the two men approached the car, talked to them & gave them some pro-life literature. The car drove back past our prayer witnesses and never returned. We believe one of those women decided against having an abortion, and we thank God for this!
Shortly afterwards, Sherry, who was holding a sign that read “God knew you before He formed you in the womb,” observed an older woman with a teenage girl walking down Greenfield St. As they headed toward the facility, Sherry walked in unison with them (but from across the street) with her sign. The traffic and construction prevented her from going over to them. One of the two women acknowledged her as they walked down the driveway to the back door of the facility, then just 5 minutes later, they returned to Main St. and retraced their steps from where they had come. We don’t know what happened but we pray that their short visit was their last visit.
The weather turned into a rainy, uncomfortable day, giving the vigil participants a lot to offer up to God, and they just kept arriving. The evening schedule was touch ‘n go for a bit because of a few last minute changes, but the prayer witnesses were great—some staying extra hours to cover a shortage, and at the same time, some unscheduled people arrived. The evening was peaceful but damp & breezy.
Indeed, thank you to all those who participate in this great effort, whether publicly or behind the scenes. Every child saved is YOUR spiritual child and every child lost is also YOUR spiritual child, for you pray and fast for them all. We trust in God that the children who die at that place are safe in his loving arms. And we pray that God quickly change the hearts of the women and men who in any way participate in or allow this grievous wrong. May He bring them to repentance and may they ask his forgiveness. He will always grant it. May He quickly change our entire culture to a culture of LIFE!
Yesterday at the Abortion Clinic…what to say? It was sad, discouraging, encouraging, and hope-filled all at the same time.
The day stared off with three men at 6 a.m., and the men finished the day well after dark. I was one of many young moms who brought our young children to witness and pray. We all bundled them up in warm clothes, gave them cheerios to munch on and toys to play with. I was constantly praying that these precious little ones will touch hearts just by their presence.
I was encouraged to hear of the door-to-door campaign that went on throughout the neighborhood near the clinic. Dr. Stan Bukowski and Pastor Beverly Kazmierczak went door to door, asking for people to join together in prayer and fasting during the 40 days. They received many positive responses, as well as negative ones, but God can touch all people’s hearts, and hopefully seeds were planted.
Thursday is a tragically big day for abortions at 2500 Main St. The number of cars going in, women being dropped off, and taxi cabs pulling up (how alone these women must be!) is appalling and just plain sad. There was a young couple that the prayer volunteers tried to help. They were clearly torn apart by this and kept going in and out, arguing, clearly distraught with a decision they both must have known in their hearts is wrong. But the woman went in anyway and the man left. I just pray for this woman who will have to live with this forever; I pray for Jesus to wrap her with his healing love, that he will heal his broken daughter.
We saw a mother leaving with her teenage daughter and a father dropping his daughter off before going to work. Sad and discouraging. The security guard who walked around sipping his coffee, the workers who left with their lunch bags: just another day at work for them.
The many people who stand out in witness and prayer lend encouragement. We handed out lawn signs to participants and we still have more. If you want one, just contact Dr. Stan. We don’t know the full impact our presence will have, but I know it is not us, but God who will win this battle. We must pray, pray pray.
Wow! We are already starting the second week of the campaign! It has been exhilarating….we have had up to fifteen or more prayer witnesses present at 2500 Main St. at one time. And we have been there with literally dozens of middle school/high school students from Life on the Line, a score of people brought out by radio station WLOF 101.7, and the veteran pro-lifers of Last Call Ministries, plus other pro-life groups.
The weather turned wet and colder a couple of days ago, but God’s people simply dressed warmer and brought out their raincoats, boots, and umbrellas. No known saved babies yet, but often the results of our labors are hidden from us; it is all our Father’s wisdom, much as we fail to understand it. We have met new pro-lifers every day, both in our group and on the street, in cars and buses. The road construction continues all around us. Despite the noise and dust and traffic, we know God sees our witness to his children and their mothers, hears our prayers LOUD AND CLEAR, and blesses His people, if we only remain faithful!
A special word of thanks to the men who show up early and come out late to the vigil, fitting in time for public prayer with their jobs and family responsibilities. And thank you to their wives, who keep things together at home while the men stand up in witness! May God richly bless your families and reward you.