Day 7
“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
We are in a spiritual battle for the lives of little ones and hearts of men. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. God continues in this passage to tell us to put on the weapons of our warfare, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:18
“We simply must create in ourselves and in our people a wartime mentality. Otherwise the Biblical teaching about the urgency of prayer and the vigilance of prayer, the watching in prayer, and the perseverance in prayer, and the danger of abandoning prayer will make no sense and find no resonance in our hearts.” John Piper; Prayer, the Work of Missions
God is at work in Indianapolis in response to his people’s prayers. As I prayed for the conviction of sin for those who were working at the Planned Parenthood’s abortion mill yesterday, God reminded me of the woman who had come up to look at the Teens for Life display at the Back to School Fun Fair. As I began to explain the development of the child represented by the fetal models and she stopped me and said “Oh, I know it is a child at this stage (12 weeks). At 9 weeks I saw their little fingers and little legs and toes, because I worked at an abortion clinic and was in charge of checking to see if we got the entire baby out of the mother. I went home each night and could not sleep. You see I had had an abortion and I did not know. I had to quit I could not live with myself. “
We do not always get to see the answers to our prayers, but God allowed me to see an answer to mine. I have been praying for years for those who are doing these killings to be convicted of sin and to repent and find healing. God was gracious to show me His work and to encourage my prayers.
God also encouraged me yesterday with 10 people to pray with me at the 3:00 p.m. hour. It was a miracle because I was the only person signed up at that hour and none of my friends or church members had responded to my mass emails to join me. Monday evening I asked God to bring his faithful prayer warriors and by 3:15 p.m. God had brought 10 people to pray. A friend who had her work cancelled, a dear woman from Franklin who did not know where PP was located and asked the Lord to direct her, a young woman with baby and several others who just showed up and prayed. Almost all had never participated in the prayer vigil before. Praise God for rising up his faithful.
Cathy Price
Teens for Life of Indianapolis
Right to Life of Indianapolis
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My first time at planned parenthood
Day 6
Even though I have prayed in front of an abortion clinic, I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood a bit daunting. I arrived a bit late due to traffic, but there was a lovely few people already there praying. As I said my rosary, I couldn’t help but just stare at the building. I couldn’t fathom that such horrific events as abortion could occur within those walls of the purple decorated building. I looked up into they sky, hoping for something from God to remind me that He was truly present, despite the place that stood before me. I saw rays of sunshine beaming through the clouds onto the center and recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall be light. I can imagine the guardian angels of all the mothers and little lives inside dancing around nearby, ready and willing to hold their hands to heaven. I thank God for the chance to be a witness of His love for life and pray that the mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn child.
Melanie Rosswurm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Even though I have prayed in front of an abortion clinic, I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood a bit daunting. I arrived a bit late due to traffic, but there was a lovely few people already there praying. As I said my rosary, I couldn’t help but just stare at the building. I couldn’t fathom that such horrific events as abortion could occur within those walls of the purple decorated building. I looked up into they sky, hoping for something from God to remind me that He was truly present, despite the place that stood before me. I saw rays of sunshine beaming through the clouds onto the center and recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall be light. I can imagine the guardian angels of all the mothers and little lives inside dancing around nearby, ready and willing to hold their hands to heaven. I thank God for the chance to be a witness of His love for life and pray that the mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn child.
Melanie Rosswurm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Regret of Lost Fatherhood
This morning as I read the "DAY 7: Not just moms & babies; TV special" email from David Bereit I was struck. David shared the story of a young man in Houston, Texas during the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility. The young man's girl friend, the mother of their pre-born baby and the baby's grandmother had determined that the baby was to be killed through abortion.
While his story is different from my own one thing remains the same. Neither he or I had any say in the ultimate outcome of the situation. Neither he or I could do anything to save the life of our child. But it was the last part of the story that struck me most painfully.
"All I could tell him was what I truly believed -- that today, his child knows that his/her father fought for it. That to his child, he is a hero and that someday he would know that also."
I did not try to save my baby. I did not speak up for her. I actually paid someone to end her life. Not until recently have I come to understand that my baby has forgiven me. That she knows her mother and I did not understand who she was. That she was a child of God. That she IS alive and loves us.
If those 27 years ago someone had been praying outside would we have changed our minds? Would we have choosen life for our baby? Would I have had the courage to speak? The courage to shed tears.
On the day of the opening rally for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, as we processed along 86th Street I saw for the first time a billboard which read, "I regret lost fatherhood." I couldn't believe it. A billboard as big as a cloud in the sky saying what I feel. Saying something that nobody wants to hear about, nobody wants to talk about. Even with the healing I have come through to this point another layer was released, because the truth was right there for everyone to see. I thank God for the people who paid for that billboard to be there, to witness to the truth of abortion.
After all these many years, I have accepted the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord, and now I have the couarge to shed those tears in thanksgiving for the assurance and the hope that my little girl is with Jesus waiting for me to hold her in my arms for all eternity.
While his story is different from my own one thing remains the same. Neither he or I had any say in the ultimate outcome of the situation. Neither he or I could do anything to save the life of our child. But it was the last part of the story that struck me most painfully.
"All I could tell him was what I truly believed -- that today, his child knows that his/her father fought for it. That to his child, he is a hero and that someday he would know that also."
I did not try to save my baby. I did not speak up for her. I actually paid someone to end her life. Not until recently have I come to understand that my baby has forgiven me. That she knows her mother and I did not understand who she was. That she was a child of God. That she IS alive and loves us.
If those 27 years ago someone had been praying outside would we have changed our minds? Would we have choosen life for our baby? Would I have had the courage to speak? The courage to shed tears.
On the day of the opening rally for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, as we processed along 86th Street I saw for the first time a billboard which read, "I regret lost fatherhood." I couldn't believe it. A billboard as big as a cloud in the sky saying what I feel. Saying something that nobody wants to hear about, nobody wants to talk about. Even with the healing I have come through to this point another layer was released, because the truth was right there for everyone to see. I thank God for the people who paid for that billboard to be there, to witness to the truth of abortion.
After all these many years, I have accepted the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord, and now I have the couarge to shed those tears in thanksgiving for the assurance and the hope that my little girl is with Jesus waiting for me to hold her in my arms for all eternity.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
The Archangels
Although originally only dedicated to St. Michael, today is the feast day of the named Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. All three Archangels are especially appropriate to 40 Days for Life and it is a blessing that this feast falls when it does!
St. Michael lead the heavenly host against Lucifer (and the angels rebelling with him), banishing them from Paradise. The cry of Lucifer was: “I will be like the Most High!” This sentiment seems to lurk behind many modern activities such as embryonic stem cell research, cloning, abortion, and euthanasia. All of these actions assume powers rightly held by the creator. “I will be like the Most High!”
St Michael's name in Hebrew comes from his cry: “Who is like unto God?” And because of his victory over Lucifer, he was given the highest place among the angels.
St. Gabriel brought the message to the Virgin about God becoming a man (recall this was why Lucifer rebelled- he said “I will not serve” once God revealed He had taken on humanity). Gabriel, along with all creation, held his breath awaiting Our Lady's answer.
St. Raphael helped Tobiah marry Rachel, and brought sight to Tobit. His name means “God Heals” and we pray that St. Raphael can intercede to help everyone see the truth of a tiny humans, and heal everyone who has been hurt by abortion.
Pope Leo XIII had a vision in 1886 and immediately wrote a long prayer in response. He stipulated that a portion of the prayer be said after every Low Mass from then on. Although this practice was stopped in 1965, the prayer has remained in use:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
St. Michael lead the heavenly host against Lucifer (and the angels rebelling with him), banishing them from Paradise. The cry of Lucifer was: “I will be like the Most High!” This sentiment seems to lurk behind many modern activities such as embryonic stem cell research, cloning, abortion, and euthanasia. All of these actions assume powers rightly held by the creator. “I will be like the Most High!”
St Michael's name in Hebrew comes from his cry: “Who is like unto God?” And because of his victory over Lucifer, he was given the highest place among the angels.
St. Gabriel brought the message to the Virgin about God becoming a man (recall this was why Lucifer rebelled- he said “I will not serve” once God revealed He had taken on humanity). Gabriel, along with all creation, held his breath awaiting Our Lady's answer.
St. Raphael helped Tobiah marry Rachel, and brought sight to Tobit. His name means “God Heals” and we pray that St. Raphael can intercede to help everyone see the truth of a tiny humans, and heal everyone who has been hurt by abortion.
Pope Leo XIII had a vision in 1886 and immediately wrote a long prayer in response. He stipulated that a portion of the prayer be said after every Low Mass from then on. Although this practice was stopped in 1965, the prayer has remained in use:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Hispanic Catholic Movement
Day 5
On Sundays, Luis Agayo and his wife spend from 1pm to 7pm in front of planned parenthood praying for the end to abortion. During this time, friends of Luis come and go and sometimes as many as 30 people will be there praying! Most of them belong to a movement called the Hispanic Catholic Movement. They pray the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and sing pro life songs.
The vigil takes place only from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays because of church schedules. There are not enough people to cover the morning hours.
Join Luis and his wife on Sundays by bringing your whole family to pray to end abortion.
On Sundays, Luis Agayo and his wife spend from 1pm to 7pm in front of planned parenthood praying for the end to abortion. During this time, friends of Luis come and go and sometimes as many as 30 people will be there praying! Most of them belong to a movement called the Hispanic Catholic Movement. They pray the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and sing pro life songs.
The vigil takes place only from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays because of church schedules. There are not enough people to cover the morning hours.
Join Luis and his wife on Sundays by bringing your whole family to pray to end abortion.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Waiting for the Rain
Day 4
It was 3:12 and I was late getting to Planned Parenthood. Donna had called to say she had just left the prayer vigil site and there were other people there. Thank you, Lord! It doesn't look good for the coordinator to be late, but that is what happened Saturday. As I drove up there were seven people praying. I honked my horn in response to the sign held by a child saying, "Honk if You're Pro-life." During the next three hours there would be many honks and a few blaring horns from those who disagree with our understanding of life, and that's okay because I prayed for them too.
I arrived to see our new welcome box, nicely made by Joseph. Funny, I seem to remember a story about a carpenter named Joseph. The box has some drawers containing prayers that can be read and a bible. There is also information about abortion and resources where mothers considering life for their baby can get help. This was useful when a woman came with her daughter to pray. She wanted some information about what abortion is, and how it affects the mother. I gave her a brochure and directed her to the "Helpful Links" on our website: http://40daysforlife.com/indianapolis/index.cfm?load=page&page=7
In addition to abortion there is information about Project Gabriel and Life Centers where a mother can find help and love from people who care about her and her baby.
Then something special happened when Amanda came. Amanda was celebrating her fifteenth birthday and what she wanted to do on her birthday was to come keep the prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood. It was truly inspiring to see this family, Amanda, her brother Adam and their mom and dad on Amanda's birthday spending an hour praying for an end to abortion.
At around 5:00 a few dark clouds started to appear. The temperature cooled and my prayer partner, Jerry, commented that rain was coming. Rain had been in the forecast, but so far things had been dry. We decided to pray a rosary for the change of the hearts and minds of abortion minded men and women. We also asked for the rain to hold off until 8:00.
At around 6:00 with my shift ended I headed home leaving Jerry and two others to finish up the vigil for the day, not a drop of rain to be seen. I do believe in miracles and I do believe that our prayers are answered every day. It may be a coincidence, but at about 8:05 it began to rain.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
It was 3:12 and I was late getting to Planned Parenthood. Donna had called to say she had just left the prayer vigil site and there were other people there. Thank you, Lord! It doesn't look good for the coordinator to be late, but that is what happened Saturday. As I drove up there were seven people praying. I honked my horn in response to the sign held by a child saying, "Honk if You're Pro-life." During the next three hours there would be many honks and a few blaring horns from those who disagree with our understanding of life, and that's okay because I prayed for them too.
I arrived to see our new welcome box, nicely made by Joseph. Funny, I seem to remember a story about a carpenter named Joseph. The box has some drawers containing prayers that can be read and a bible. There is also information about abortion and resources where mothers considering life for their baby can get help. This was useful when a woman came with her daughter to pray. She wanted some information about what abortion is, and how it affects the mother. I gave her a brochure and directed her to the "Helpful Links" on our website: http://40daysforlife.com/indianapolis/index.cfm?load=page&page=7
In addition to abortion there is information about Project Gabriel and Life Centers where a mother can find help and love from people who care about her and her baby.
Then something special happened when Amanda came. Amanda was celebrating her fifteenth birthday and what she wanted to do on her birthday was to come keep the prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood. It was truly inspiring to see this family, Amanda, her brother Adam and their mom and dad on Amanda's birthday spending an hour praying for an end to abortion.
At around 5:00 a few dark clouds started to appear. The temperature cooled and my prayer partner, Jerry, commented that rain was coming. Rain had been in the forecast, but so far things had been dry. We decided to pray a rosary for the change of the hearts and minds of abortion minded men and women. We also asked for the rain to hold off until 8:00.
At around 6:00 with my shift ended I headed home leaving Jerry and two others to finish up the vigil for the day, not a drop of rain to be seen. I do believe in miracles and I do believe that our prayers are answered every day. It may be a coincidence, but at about 8:05 it began to rain.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Evangelium Vitae/ The Gospel of Life
The Indianapolis 40 Days for Life prayer vigil will include a prayerful reading/proclamation of Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life......For those not familiar - Evangelium Vitae, the Gospel of Life, was written by Pope John Paul II and published in 1995 to all people of good will. It explains without ambiguity the lies we are being taught by the world and the unchanging biblical truth/standard that we are all accountable to accept and obey concerning the dignity & inviolability of human life.
It will take approximately 6 hours total to prayerfully read the encyclical. Each series will be conducted outside Planned Parenthood on Georgetown Rd. at 86th St. Please come for one or all sessions. You can download Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, using this link:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/documents/evangelium_vitae.pdf
One reading/proclamation series will be on four consecutive Tuesday evenings on October 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 5:00PM to 6:30PM.
Another reading/proclamation series will be on consecutive Saturday mornings on October 10, 17, 24, & 31 from 7AM to 8:30AM.
Day 1 will cover the INTRODUCTION and CHAPTER I THE VOICE OF YOUR BROTHER'S BLOOD CRIES TO ME FROM THE GROUND PRESENT-DAY THREATS TO HUMAN LIFE
Day 2 will cover CHAPTER II I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE CONCERNING LIFE
Day 3 will cover CHAPTER III YOU SHALL NOT KILL GOD'S HOLY LAW
Day 4 will cover CHAPTER IV YOU DID IT TO ME FOR A NEW CULTURE OF HUMAN LIFE and the CONCLUSION
For me personally, reading / proclaiming Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, at the abortion mill is:
1) a labor of love that will have eternal benefits
2) a powerful prayer (for an end to abortion, euthanasia, and treating one another like objects)
3) the least I can do for those that do not have a voice and for the deceived
4) an honor and a privilege
5) walking humbly and obediently with God
Sharing these words with one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be a joyful blessing for all. If you would like to participate, but need a ride please call Ron & Mary Kramer, 317-527-9531.
Ron Kramer
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
It will take approximately 6 hours total to prayerfully read the encyclical. Each series will be conducted outside Planned Parenthood on Georgetown Rd. at 86th St. Please come for one or all sessions. You can download Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, using this link:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/documents/evangelium_vitae.pdf
One reading/proclamation series will be on four consecutive Tuesday evenings on October 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 5:00PM to 6:30PM.
Another reading/proclamation series will be on consecutive Saturday mornings on October 10, 17, 24, & 31 from 7AM to 8:30AM.
Day 1 will cover the INTRODUCTION and CHAPTER I THE VOICE OF YOUR BROTHER'S BLOOD CRIES TO ME FROM THE GROUND PRESENT-DAY THREATS TO HUMAN LIFE
Day 2 will cover CHAPTER II I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE CONCERNING LIFE
Day 3 will cover CHAPTER III YOU SHALL NOT KILL GOD'S HOLY LAW
Day 4 will cover CHAPTER IV YOU DID IT TO ME FOR A NEW CULTURE OF HUMAN LIFE and the CONCLUSION
For me personally, reading / proclaiming Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, at the abortion mill is:
1) a labor of love that will have eternal benefits
2) a powerful prayer (for an end to abortion, euthanasia, and treating one another like objects)
3) the least I can do for those that do not have a voice and for the deceived
4) an honor and a privilege
5) walking humbly and obediently with God
Sharing these words with one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be a joyful blessing for all. If you would like to participate, but need a ride please call Ron & Mary Kramer, 317-527-9531.
Ron Kramer
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
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