Day 14: “My daughter was killed by an abortionist”
“My daughter was killed by an abortionist.”
That is the shocking testimony of Eileen Smith, whose daughter Laura died as the result of an abortion this past September 13.
Laura was raised in a pro-life Christian home. Her mother knew nothing was amiss until she received a chilling phone call with the stunning news. “To say my world was rocked to its core is an understatement.”
Eileen e-mailed me during this 40 Days for Life to share her tragic story and to say that she had always been pro-life in her heart, but “I am sorry to say, that is where it stayed. I believed if I lived my Christian life, preached the gospel, raised my children with Christian principles that not only would abortion not touch my home, but we could make converts to Christianity and thereby lower the numbers. I was wrong on all counts.”
Eileen says she now realizes that God “is the head of the pro-life movement and He will guide and direct and empower us if we but hear His voice and follow His heart.”
She has committed the rest of her life to this vital battle, and challenges all “Christian leaders make life a major priority in their mission and pulpits.”
Hank Balch, a seminarian participating in 40 Days for Life in LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — and a key participant from the first-ever 40 days for Life in Texas in 2004 — has accepted that challenge.
“I myself have seen three mothers change their minds about killing their children,” Hank writes in his blog.
“I know many of you who will read this have never set foot near an abortion clinic, yet still firmly believe that God abhors this practice of abortion, and you know that the only hope for these children and their parents is the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. You know that there is power in prayer. You know that there is power in fasting,” he said.
“But brothers and sisters, simply knowing these things are true has absolutely no effect on the Kingdom of Christ around us,” said Hank. “If we do not engage in battle, all the armor in the world is but vanity upon vanity.”
Please accept the challenge! If you — like Eileen Smith and Hank Balch — have already committed to participate in this crucial struggle, please invite others to join you.
“I believe the Lord will continue to inspire you,” said Eileen, “and give you the wisdom you need to continue and be victorious in this enormous fight against this horrific evil. I believe we shall see abortion be outlawed in our lifetimes. God bless you in all you do.”
Eileen agreed to record a short phone interview with me to share her experiences with you.
During this *MUST HEAR* audio, you can listen to Eileen’s powerful story of tragedy — and overcoming — in her own words.
Listen online (click “Play” button):
Download MP3 (right-click to save to your computer):
http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/eileen.mp3
Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life…
DAY 14 INTENTION:
Pray that we will have faith to realize that even now our Lord can bring an end to abortion.
SCRIPTURE:
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
– John 11:17-22
REFLECTION:
Martha was right. Jesus is Lord of life and death.
She knew that, which is why she was able to make this statement, yet at the same time she had to wrestle with the fact that Lazarus died anyway.
Jesus indeed is Lord over life and death, but here the power of death was still displayed right in front of her.
Yet in this clash between the conviction of faith and the evidence of human experience, Martha allowed hope to shine through. “Even now, God will give you whatever you ask.”
Even now. Those words show the power of hope, born of faith. Even now, when death has already done its work, life can be victorious.
Even now, when the last word seems to have been spoken, we can hope that a word will be spoken again to restore life.
Even now, when Lazarus has already been laid in the tomb and it seems impossible to do anything about it, things can change. And things did change. The Lord raised Lazarus from the dead.
We live in a society where many believe the abortion issue has been settled, and its practice so deeply ingrained in our policies and attitudes that it is unrealistic to think we can stop it.
Yet we are the people who say to Jesus, “Even now…”
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, even now, you are master of life and death.
I come before you as Martha did after Lazarus has died. I come before you after countless brothers and sisters of mine have died from abortion.
And I pray to you: even now, you can stop the forces of death.
Even now, you can bring us into a culture of life.
Come, Lord Jesus. Speak your word yet again, and free our nation from the shackles of death. Amen.
As Eileen challenged us, let’s “continue and be victorious in this enormous fight against this horrific evil.”
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Eileen Smith is committed to share her story — and the importance of ending abortion –anywhere and with anyone she can. To contact her about helping to get her story out, e-mail her at: eileen@smith.net
February 19th, 2008 at 3:20 am
God’s grace and mercy spared me from breast cancer and possibly death.
Hi David:
In 1999, the Lord spoke to me during a church service. A couple was speaking to us regarding abortion healing classes. They were involved in a healing ministry for those that had gone through abortions.
I heard the Holy Spirit clearly “If you take that class – I will heal you”. Some people don’t like it when I give the testimony of God’s healing, I think because it scares people. But when I heard the Lord speak those words I didn’t hesitate – I signed up and went through their classes. Upon finishing the classes that were one night a week for 6 weeks, I kneeled down at my bedside and prayed “God, if there is anything going on in my body that is not of you – please heal me yourself.”
That night, just as I was falling asleep the Lord came into my bedroom and held my hand and sent his healing throughout my breasts. Shortly after that I went to a healing meeting and when I went up to get prayer for healing the pastor said “God is healing you of cancer – right now”.
I couldn’t talk about the experiences for a while but later realized that God had supernaturally healed me of “undiagnosed” breast cancer. By his grace and mercy I didn’t have to go through any kind of treatment. God knows all things and I thank God for his mercy.
There have been many studies that show that there are links between abortion and breast cancer. I do realize that all breast cancer patients have not gone through abortions but God knows those that have. I believe He wants everybody healed from the pain and denial of abortion.
There is quite a bit of information on the website http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com.
There is healing for those that have had abortions. I was date-raped and really scared when I made the decision to have an abortion. I thought because it was legal that it was okay. I denied having the abortion and don’t even remember the date.
After I finished the healing classes the Lord gave me a vision of my daughter in heaven. She is beautiful – and she is in heaven. The pain of abortion never really goes away for some reason. But I am thankful that God allowed me to have the experience of healing in those classes, at least I can talk about the experience.
There are some very good Bible based healing places for abortion both for men and women. Abortion is a sin that God will forgive, when we ask, but it grieves him when His children go through them. God sent His only son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life in heaven.
I believe the last time I looked at the number of babies that have been aborted since 1973 when it became legal, is around 50,000,000. We probably all know someone that needs healing from having or being part of an abortion.
God loves it when His children walk in truth.
Thank you for allowing me to write what is on my heart. I appreciate your ministry.
Julie Hartigan
February 19th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I am overwhelmed listening to Eileen Smith’s testimony. I have 3 girls, ages 13, 9 and 6. I don’t think my 9 or 6 year old have ever heard the word abortion.
I myself have never heard the phrase “abortion industry”.
I have been taking a very sloppy role in this 40 days for life. I need to force my pastor to listen to this.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I just wrote a letter to the editor of our local papers, I thought I’d share it with you:
In the footsteps of my heroes
Dear Editor,
Did you see me as I walked in the footsteps of my heroes yesterday? In the footsteps of those people who practiced non-violent solidarity by simply standing in the face of injustice. I participated in the national 40 Days for Life vigil outside Spokane’s Planned Parenthood. Just like the movements led by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., I stood. Yes, in my lifetime there is such a cause to stand for. In India it was independence, in the US 50 years ago it was the civil rights struggle. Here, in our day and our time, we stand for the fundamental right to life. Isn’t that in the Preamble to the Constitution? One’s unalienable right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?” It is here that our current laws have strayed from the original rule of our land. We have placed our want of comfort above the first in this hierarchy of rights, the right to life.
I am not unaware of the circumstances that would cause my sisters to want to terminate a pregnancy, but I also know that there are ways that we can cope; there are reasons for hope. To my sisters in such a circumstance, please consider these months of sacrifice for this child—wouldn’t you bear the burden for a friend if you could save her life? When you consider the option for life, like adoption, and choose it, your child will cry out, “alive at last, alive at last, thank God almighty I’m alive at last!” Will you join us in standing for the unborn? Will you follow the footsteps of these heroes for this injustice in our land? In our town? Wake up, America! Wake up and stand for life and walk with your heroes.
Sincerely,
Alisa Kostecka, Chewelah
February 19th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Eileen,
My deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your daughter. I too, was a victim of the devil; I had three abortions in my life — the last one affected me tremendously. For the past 13 years — my daughter would have been 13 this July — I have struggled with the loss of my child; a child I wanted so desperately and did not fight to keep. I did not know how sacred life was, because I was away from the Church (I am Catholic) and did not really know the doctrines. I have suffered, time and time again; though I have been forgiven numerous times (my pain is so bad, I continue to confess), through Penance, Healing Retreats and March for Life.
Know that I too, pray that someday, abortion will end and people will realize that only God can take a life; HE is the only one that can give and take away.
We ask you Heavenly Father, that you heal those who have gone through the awful process of taking lives away without your permission; we ask you Heavenly Father, that you administer your love and mercy upon those who are seeking to end life and for those who are helping to do so…in the name of Jesus, I pray…AMEN.
Eileen,
May your testimony find its way towards the many who do not know, and comfort all those who have been victims.
Love & Peace,
Jada
February 19th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Thank you for sharing. You gave me the courage to speak out more, as I am beginning to think my fight against abortion is mostly in my heart even though I am very active in the pro-life movement. I will be sharing your story with others. God bless you and you are in my prayers. Again, thank you. JDBurich
February 19th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I, too, thank you for sharing this moving story. This morning on my way home from the airport after droping my husband off (5:15 am), I went to pray at the killing center on Southfield Rd. here in Michigan. It is the first time I have ever done something like this. My thoughts all the way up I275 from the airport were: “Just go hme, It’s too cold and you are not dressed for the weather, praying at home will be good enough. What if there is no one there and you are all alone in the cold and dark?” I suddenly realized that for me at this time, Praying at home was not “good enough”. I need to go and stand up to be counted no matter the cost (cold & snow). Then afterward, coming home and listening to this story I feel that my actions have been confirmed. My Pro-Life convictions can’t just stay in my heart. I can no longer be a B.T.N.A. (Big Talk No Action) I need to be a MALT (More Action Less Talk) and bring God’s sweetness to this sour world. I will continue to pray at home but I will also be more active. God Bless!
February 19th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Your daughter death touch my heart. I have young nieces, and my
sister does not belive that abortion is wrong. I will share your story
with her. I will keep your daughter in my prayers as well as you.
God Bless you for sharing. We will keep up the fight to end abortion.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Eileen,
I have just finished listening to your audio at 40-Days-for- life. My heart is grieved by your loss. I can not imagine the pain you have endured. I want you to know that your testimony has given me further confirmation from God that I am moving in the direction of His leading.
My child was also murdered by an abortionist, while it was still in the womb. It happened when I was 25 years old. Abortion was not a legal procedure at that time.
It did not happen in an approved abortion clinic and I was not given a choice!
I had gone to a Hospital GYN clinic because I was experiencing problems with continued bleeding caused by an IUD.
I had seen another doctor previously and was informed that if he removed the IUD and I was pregnant, I would abort the baby, but he said that it was possible that the bleeding would stop and I could carry the baby full term without problems. I chose not to have the IUD removed and risk a miscarriage.
I was forced to return to the clinic because the spotting continued. I was seen by another doctor who examined me and gave me a shot. I was told only that the bleeding would stop in a few days. When I sat up on the table to get dressed I saw the IUD in the garbage can. I became upset and demanded to know why he had removed the IUD without asking me. I told him what the previous doctor had said. I will never forget his cold, unfeeling remark, “It had to be done.” That was all, end of story!
I left the clinic with my husband who was trying to calm my hysteria. Within 15 minutes of leaving the clinic I began to hemorrage profusely. I passed a hugh clot that I now know was my baby. We returned to the clinic and explained that it was urgent that I see the doctor again. I was told that he was busy with another patient and couldn’t see me. I ignored the nurse and started back to the examining room to confront the doctor, but he met me in the hallway entrance. I was yelling hysterically that he had killed my baby. In a very calm and flippant manner he said “I thought there might have been a little pregnancy up there”. “A little pregancy”!
By that time my husband had me by the arm and was trying to pull me away to get me out of the clinic before I caused more of a scene. The doctor never offered to examine me, offered no follow up advice, NOTHING, not even “take an aspirin and call me in the morning”, just take her home!
I continued to bleed for days or weeks, possibly a month I am not sure how long. A friend of mine who was an RPN insisted I go back in to the clinic. Reluctantly, I returned and was examined again by the first doctor. He explained that I still had tissue that had not been properly removed and that I could have gotten an infection that could have resulted in my death.
My husband and I did nothing, because we thought there was noting we could do. This doctor was my husband’s superior. We were 25 and 27. What could we do?
That was over 37 years ago, and after years of destruction in my life I am just now finding my voice to stand up against this holocaust.
Our nation has passed laws to legalize a vile and evil practice that was already taking place on unsuspecting females.
Abortion was unsafe before the legalization and abortion is unsafe now. It kills women and children. It ruins the lives of those that survive death. It is highly profitable for the abortionist!
My tragedy began over 37 years ago. I have been on a life destroying downhill ride ever since until I determined to let God lead me out. If ever there was a poster child for Post Abortion Syndrome I could fill the bill.
I like you am committed to speaking out where ever and when ever God calls me to do so.
I believe as more women come forward with their stories of how abortions have devastated their lives we will see this nation turn away from the culture of death.
Eileen, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Also, I thank God for David and the 40-days-for-Life campaign that has helped give me courage and direction.
May God continue to bless you!
Your Sister In Christ,
Anna
WE must continue to pray in ALL places and in ALL ways until this holocaust is ended in our nation!
February 19th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Dear Eileen,
You are a very courageous woman in making your daughter’s story known and Laura’s life is now sending a powerful pro-life message to others through you. I want to thank you for the gift of your sharing and to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers.
I understand your sorrow, as I too have known the loss of an adult child, albeit the circumstances were different. I have always been a part of the silent pro-life majority, being active in what was comfortable only. My daughter taught me that just isn’t enough, as she stood up for life, even when she was not well.
I am thankful for the 40 Days for Life venue, as it has a much broader appeal to those people who are pro-life, but cannot handle the style of the more radical way of being active in this cause. I could say that most of the people who signed-up from my parish, would not have participated if we were carrying graphic signs or shouting at the clients of the abortion clinic.
Please continue to follow your heart, as God is showing you the way. I am trying to do the same.
God bless you,
Judie
February 19th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Precious Eileen, Anna and all those that have suffered great tragedies from the deception from our enemy who has come to steal, kill and destroy. But PTL that HE has come to give us LIFE and that life more abundantly (Jn.10:10)
I am Brenda Rogers an intercessor who like Mary of Bethany suffered from the loss of her brother Lazereth and now have learned to come to sit at the feet of Jesus (Ps.27:4) to behold His beauty.
It is a strategy I have learned through my own tragedies that HE has turned to triumphs. HE is the Prince of Peace.
My heart breaks and I cry with you as Jesus did when HE wept with His friends at the grave sight of Lazereth just before He raised him from the dead. The pain is unbearable without revelation of eternity. All life even if it continues past 100 years is like an hour compared to eternity.
I pray to our Abba Father, the Righteous Judge that He would grace us His children with the Spirit of the Fear Of The Lord that we would walk in forgiveness and deliverance with one another, forgiving those, who do not know what they are doing and praying for those that spitefully use us.
“Grace, Grace” I speak that we might walk in His love for the unlovely.
The LORD bless you and keep you my friends. The LORD has blessed you to know that every time you read the WORD of GOD your faith is strengthened; the greater your faith in HIM the more HE can accomplish in and through your life; and that your faith in HIM should strengthen and educate your whole house about the MASTER. Amen.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And HE shall put HIS name upon you, grant you access to HIS WORD and delight in your faith in GOD as you bring others to the MASTER. Amen. (Romans 8:38-39)
I will continue to pray for Divine Might and Intimacy Col.1:9-11
For this reason we also do not cease to pray for you. I ask, that you and your families would be “Filled” with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
That they would walk worthy of the Lord, Fully pleasing Him. Being fruitful in every good work. Increasing in the intimate knowledge of God. Strengthened with divine might, according to the glory of God’s power.
Resulting in patience, in long suffering, with the joy of God even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
I as for them to be filled with the knowledge of Your will. They would understand Your heart and the strategies of outreach, they would know the knowledge of Your will and the building, of the people of God in prayer, intercession and fasting.
They would be filled with Your precise understanding of how to establish the people in their community, and how to meet not only their needs but all those everywhere in their sphere of influence.
God Fill them with spiritual wisdom and understanding. Grant them spiritual wisdom, grant them the application of that which You have given them. Give them the interpretation of spiritual understanding, Give them the specific wise application of that which you reveal to them.
We ask Oh God for divine might, make them a people of Might… Cause them to rise up in power and in fullness. Let these people walk in the fullness of all of Your ways.
I ask that this might would be established though intimacy with Your Son. Cause them to be fruitful in every ministry endeavor.
We ask You to prune back, to cut off those activities, Oh God, that distract from the life of God n them. Keep them focused with clear direction and no deception.
We ask for them to be fruitful in every good work. Above all things, the outworking of their ministry, we ask for the release of the knowledge of God.
Our spirits long to know the fresh touch of intimacy with Jesus when we labor to do Your will. We ask for the increase of the knowledge of Jesus in our inner man.
Father I ask that You would protect these family’s from burnout, but rather they would find Jesus in the outworking of the ministry. They would minister Jesus, they would experience Jesus. they would communicate Jesus. Release the knowledge of Jesus, with might, strengthening them that are established in the will of God with wisdom and understanding.
We ask for an abundance of fruit, we ask that we would be strengthened with patience and long suffering.
Crown them with joy as they labor in love to bring the will of God to fruition in their midst.
I pray that their hearts will we romanced, their hearts will be strengthened and their hearts would be made glad in the knowledge of Your Son… In Jesus name Amen
Change. You are experiencing the beginning of a major change in your life. It is the time and season of change because you are coming into the time and season that has been appointed for you.
At first there may be some discomfort as you adjust to the new things coming your way. Get into the flow of His Spirit as His river begins to overpower your will and take you into places of destiny. Into the deep;
The river is generated by His Spirit and has power of its own. Stay in that flow and you will be safe. You will receive new energy and your youth will begin to be restored like as with Caleb when He was given the mountain of his dreams and promise. The Lord gave Caleb the energy and body of a man half his age. So it will be with you if you can believe and walk in it. (1 Samuel 10:6 )
Because HE is my help I sing under the shadow of His wings
~Brenda Rogers~
February 19th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. I experienced an abortion at the age of 16 at a Planned Parenthood facility. I encourage you to continue speaking out on your daughter’s abortion which led to her death. Satan thrives on keeping our mouths closed due to shame. It is time people, such as yourself, speak up concerning these horrific killing procedures.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
My Dearest Beloved Eileen,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and your daughter’s story.
The good news is that we will all meet in Heaven. That this world
is not our home.
The story of your daughter dying on an abortionist table brought tears
to my eyes. I am so sorry to hear about it.
As the Satan, the death angel entered into your daughter’s life, know
that God redeemed her forever. Satan is a defeated foe. May we
all continue to march forward to Zion. (I am a Christian out of the church)
Your testimony is powerful. Keep telling it. Why don’t you contact
those groups and let them know that their reason for legalizing
abortion to “make it safe” is a profound untruth. I encourage you
to do it when you are ready, or when God directs you to do it.
Actually, go only when God takes you there, but know that when
you are on God’s mission, that a pillar of fire will protect you.
Blessings
Patricia Marseglia
February 19th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
May God grant you the courage to continue your story for others and the grace to accept it. You have been a great inspiration to many of us who are supporting the Pro-Life cause. I am going to do more to try and convince our legislators that “safe abortions” are truly not safe.
Thank you and God bless you and your family. Irene Gifford
February 20th, 2008 at 12:47 am
[...] « Day 14: “My daughter was killed by an abortionist” [...]
February 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I pray that this message finds its way back to Eileen Smith although my server has thrown me off trying to respond directly to her… Eileen, I, too, believe so very strongly that we need to get the message out to our young people through education. I am an 8th grade teacher in a Catholic school in NYC, and for the past 5 years my students have been studying and praying over the horrors of abortion in its many “disguises”. Thank you for your sharing, and I will share your audio message with my class when we return from mid-winter break. May God continue to bless you and to pour grace into your heart.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Eileen,
My prayers are with you. I agree with everything you said. We can’t give up. Our kids need to SEE what abortion really is before it’s too late for them. We must get the truth out.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:9
God bless you.
February 21st, 2008 at 12:31 am
[...] P.S.- If you didn’t hear Eileen’s recorded audio interview where she shared her powerful story, it is posted online for you to listen at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=65 [...]