Tuesdays - Deb 10/13/09 The dedication of the vigil participants never ceases to amaze me. Since a couple of the regulars were out of town due to the holiday, there were several time slots needing to be filled. I asked the Lord to provide the necessary people and he answered my prayer. Beth, who drives in from Batavia, called to see if her help was needed and took 2 consecutive morning hours! Mary Lou and Kelly checked the schedule and saw that there was a need in the afternoon and drove in from Niagara County. We ran into a couple of cancellations in the evening and were scrambling to get the hours covered on very short notice. Dr. Stan was planning to make phone calls, but ended up at the emergency room with his father. (He is doing well, thanks be to God.) One participant who was sick, called friends of hers to cover her time slot only an hour beforehand. In the meantime, others who were called at the last minute were willing to spring into action if needed. It's a blessing to work with great people like you.
Thanks be to God no killing on Tuesdays! What is amazing is the people who come to pray. We have young and old alike. My grand niece is so sweet at 22 mos. She sits in her stroller waving at all the passer-bys. St Gualbert’s parish in Cheektowaga has an active pro-life ministry they have picked Tuesdays for there day to come to the street to pray for the end to abortion. Eight members through out the day and the coordinators, Bob and Barb bring their 6 children with them. There are a couple of people that come and spend numerous hours praying. Now these people are true witnesses to Life. With all the prayers I am confident that God is working the hearts of all those that pass by and especially those that seem to be bothered by our presence. Thank you to all who participate on Tuesdays and everyday. God bless!
Mondays -Karen 10/12/09
Although the clinic is usually closed on Mondays, it appeared that something was going on there, perhaps because it was Columbus Day. As a worker exited about 2:30 p.m., after crossing the side street, she turned around to see the vigil participants. Another worker left the following hour. About 8:30 p.m., as 5 of us were praying aloud, a young man who was walking by behind them, affirmed them with a loud "Amen!". There were also many positive expressions from cars passing by.
It was cold this morning! Forty degrees with a breeze...cold even for Buffalonians this time of year! Sunday churchgoers were out driving to services before 8 a.m. They saw our witness; we hope they thought about it when they prayed in church.
There are some churches that have been pro-life all along. But many have not. So many are still silent about the unborn. Some even condone "choice".
Yet we have been blessed this year! We have had many churches embrace the cause of LIFE with us.... announcing it in the bulletin, announcing it from the pulpit, and yes, signing up people to pray and fast and sending vigil witnesses!
Praise God!
And praise God that, on His day, the abortion facility is closed. No babies dead, no women wounded. Our prayer vigil takes on a quieter theme. There is less traffic; we can pray more softly aloud and still be heard. There is no construction noise assaulting our ears. No cars carrying the complicit, the deceived, and the condemned turn into the facility driveway. It is easier to listen for God with His still, small, voice calling us to rest in Him.
The prayer volunteers will have a quiet day with their witness, standing in turn as the cars pass to and from church, speed home for the televised football game, and carry family to Sunday dinner with loved ones, finally going home after dark.
We are re-created on the seventh day, as we contemplate with God all that He created in six.
Peace,
Stan
Saturday is busy, as usual, at the abortion facility. Young women arrive by car and on foot. We count about 12 cars and a couple of clients on foot for the first session. Today, no one is willing to accept any literature or to accept our offer of help...
Some come with a friend.... From now on that friend will remember the fear and worry of the young mom as they created a dark, shameful secret. How will that friend feel when they both realize what happened this day? When some day years from now they cuddle or play with the mom's other children (or the friend's)? Will they even speak about it?
Some come with a parent.... We watch in disbelief as suburban dads bring their teenage daughters in late model SUV's ... to kill their first grandchild! Conceived "too soon" and "without a marri age" and therefore too embarrassing to be allowed to live?
Some come with a boyfriend.... The statistic is that this abortion will destroy the relationship along with the child. They fear their child, because the child inconveniences their plans for job or school or more sadly, their current romance. Regarding this last reason, one wonders, "How can love give an ultimatum, 'The baby or me' "?
Some come with a husband, or as a single mom, with children at home...They are overwhelmed by the prospect of another child to care for. Yet, they decline our help. What will they tell their other children, those whom they chose to survive? Or will they carry this secret burden to the grave? Help is available.
Commit to do more to help women in need. Commit to advocate for more societal support. But do not be deceived: regardless of the amount of help available, the decision to end a child's life is always one of despair at its core. Pray for them, their families, and for all of us. Persevere in your fasting. God pours His hope and grace into the world through these!
And come out to the vigil, especially if you have not done so yet. There are only a=2 0few weeks left! The women, the men, the babies all need YOU! Go to www.40daysforlife.com/buffalo and click on the link to Vigil Schedule. Or call a scheduler:
Thank you, in Jesus ' Name.
Stan
We thank God for the many people who are praying and fasting during these 40 Days for Life, not only here in the Buffalo area, but all over the U.S., Canada and elsewhere! There are also new vigil participants and people joining us spiritually even as we continue through our third week. People of faith continue to "step up to the plate" after they have thought, prayed and been invited to take action to stop the culture of death right in our midst!
Thursdays - Shannon 10/8/09
Today at the clinic seemed uneventful for a Thursday. We saw women going in and out, but it seemed a bit slower than usual for the noontime hour. What a great witness that during this hour there were five women and seven children, from infant to three years, including two pregnant women, standing and praying. We all prayed together, and hopefully just the sight of all the children there changed some hearts and minds.
Wednesdays - Ann Marie 10/7/09
Today's weather, with it's 50 mile per hour gusts and wind-chill effect temperatures, did not prevent the mighty prayer warriors from coming out. I marvel at each and everyone of you. Your prayers and "sacrificing" will benefit this mission. I spoke to an active member today, Liz Keane, who described several wonderful incidents, that I wanted to share with everyone. The first was a man came by and offered her a 20 dollar bill for the "movement", as he was so moved by the witness of the vigil participants. Of course, she refused it. The next was a young man in his twenties, he parked his car, approached the prayers and said he passes by everyday and is so impressed by the witness for life. He admitted to straying away from church, but was inspired and encouraged to return. The last was an example of the effect of small children at the vigil. A mother with 4 small children was present, all praying. This provoked many positive comments from passersby. We don't know all the good that our prayers and actions may bring, but we are planting seeds and with God' grace, we will see more positive outcomes.