Sunday, April 5, 2009 -- DAY 40
Sunday, April 5, 2009 -- DAY 40
From Maribeth: Thank You Jesus for Your amazing blessings! Our final prayer hour for the Spring 2009 40 Days for Life campaign was attended by 20+ prayer warriors. They came armed with warm coats, umbrellas and God’s Hope and Faith in their hearts. The rain, sleet and snow did not keep us away from our commitment to the unborn. We offered up our final “official” hour for all the babies that would be discarded this week; for the moms and dads, that they would have a change in heart and know that the life inside the womb was a precious gift; for the abortion clinic staff, that they were go from death to life in their work; for the prayer warriors and their families, that they would continue to be blessed in their efforts for the unborn; for the public, that their hearts would be changed and realize that all life is precious and needs protection. Jenny led us in the Way of the Cross and then we prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. We then sang Immaculate Mary and God Bless America. Our final prayer of this campaign was very moving; our very own Colonel Tom sang his special song, in Latin, one that his mother would sing to him when he was little – a song honoring Mary, the Blessed Virgin. The tears welled up in our eyes and hearts – it was a precious lullaby for those babies whose ears would never hear those earthly words. I thank all of you, from the depths of my heart, for your prayerful commitment this campaign. Yes, God has richly blessed us in our efforts.
Saturday, April 4, 2009 -- DAY 39
Saturday, April 4, 2009 – DAY 39
From Maribeth: 8:00 a.m. was very cold. Ice crystals were forming on the puddle at the clinic. Very pretty, but VERY cold! There were five of us braving the elements – each being very thankful for the sunshine AND that the clinic was closed again this Saturday morning. As we were leaving, the next shift of prayer warriors was coming out to pray. Thank you Jesus for bringing us many prayer warriors this campaign to take the stand for life!
Friday, April 3, 2009 -- DAY 38
April 3, 2009 -- DAY 38
From Maribeth: I stopped by the clinic around 2:00 p.m. and said a few prayers. It was so nice to see Tim and Matt praying together in Tim’s car—with their signs in the window, witnessing to those who were in the clinic. While I was there, a young couple, looking confused, went upstairs and then left…still looking confused. After a little while they returned to the clinic. My heart sank as they walked up the stairs – I’m praying their confused look was not to choose between life and death. Oh, Heavenly Father….please send Your Holy Spirit to guide those two young kids on the path of LIFE. Amen.
April 2009 Front Line Happenings
From Sue K: The official closing vigil for the Spring 2009 Campaign was a deeply spiritual experience. It was a terrific combination: The 40th day of commitment and Palm Sunday. One of our dedicated prayer warriors (Len) shared a very powerful, moving and motivating meditation with Maribeth earlier that evening, so she shared some of it with us and promised to make it available in its entirety on our web site. As with many of the vigils this Lent we prayed the Way of the Cross; so appropriate because we had made the way of the cross through these days, being the object of ridicule and anger and sometimes hate. We, too, had taken up our cross. Then we prayed the Sorrowful mysteries of the rosary; the Cross and the Rosary being two weapons against evil and darkness. Then we closed with a prayer for the Unborn. The time passed quickly even though we (20+ prayer warriors) were braving a deluge of slushy snow. It didn't seem that wet or cold either because we were warmed by the presence of Jesus who promised to be in our midst because we had gathered in His Name.
From Maribeth: I joined Jenny at the 7:00 p.m. prayer hour. Jenny set up her table of information which was adorned with her crystal cross and beautiful angel. A few minutes into our prayer time and gentleman rode up on his bike (very friendly) and asked what we were doing. We explained our purpose and Jenny gave him the Prayer for the Helpless Unborn card. He gladly took it and promised to say that prayer every day. A little while later two young teens approached us. At first they were on the opposing side – until our sweet gentle Jenny set them straight with LOVE! One of the teens took the prayer card and also agreed to say the prayer. They had a new outlook on what abortion is and what our purpose is in being at the clinic to pray for the babies and moms/dads. A short while later, two young girls (in their 20s) screamed some very vulgar words at us and pulled into 7-11. We prayed that they would come back to talk; to listen to the “why we are here.” But, alas, they didn’t – they just sped off quickly. We prayed for them and their families. A few minutes later, a truck drove by with a couple young guys. They were on our side and held out their hands for a high-five and encouraged us. (We usually are offered water or hot chocolate – but these young men offered us beer…and a case to boot! We politely declined but thanked them for their prayers; they smiled and thanked us. God has a sense of humor!) Our prayerful presence this night definitely affected many people – and we garnered a few more prayers for those precious babies. Thank You Jesus!
Saturday, April 4, 2009 – DAY 39
From Maribeth: About 20 of us gathered for the 1:00 p.m. Vigil with Gary Pace, the Music Minister from St. Sylvester Parish. We opened our prayer time with the song Here I Am. Our hearts cried out to the Lord, asking Him to use us in this fight for our endangered brothers and sisters. Gary read scripture and reflected on how we are all made in God’s image, and created by Him for His purpose. (Again, our reason for being out here to pray was confirmed.) We proudly displayed our banner LIFE IS PRECIOUS during our prayer time and silently prayed for the few who drove by with less than positive remarks. But, as our merciful God cannot be outdone, for every negative comment yelled at us, we received about three positive comments. Thank You God, for Your goodness. We ended the prayer service with the song They’ll Know We Are Christians…one of the stanzas reads: We will work side by side. And, we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride. Yes, throughout these 40 days we have done just that. Thank you to every prayer warrior for the giving of your time. We finished our prayer hour with the Rosary; meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries for the Unborn. Thank you, Gary, for taking the time to come and lead us in prayer and encourage all prayer warriors as we stand shoulder to shoulder on the front-lines in this battle.
Friday, April 3, 2009 – DAY 38
From Maribeth: It was very chilly and windy with the occasional spitty rain at 7:00 p.m. Jenny, Tim and I gathered for prayer but stayed in Tim’s car. We had signs, candles and a cross in the window – so everyone who went by knew why we were there. We prayed the Rosary and then prayed the Way of the Cross – pondering each Station and thinking what part we played in our Lord’s walk. We lifted our prayers to our most gracious God for the unborn, for the mom’s contemplating abortion, for the abortion staff, for the diligent prayer warriors of the 40 Days campaign, for the clergy, for this country, and for our political leaders. It truly was a peaceful, prayful hour.
From Jenny P: As I approached the abortion clinic today at 12:10 I could see what looked like a mom and her teenaged daughter and son, all holding their pro-life signs. It was REALLY WINDY & REALLY COLD! It was in the low 40's but with the wind, it must have been "a kabillion" degrees colder than 41. I pulled in, parked my car, grabbed my last two Prayer For The Precious Unborn prayer cards and walked up to them, introduced myself and said God bless you three for being out here in this freezing weather. I asked them if they had the prayer card, "Prayer For The Precious Unborn"... they did not... so I gave them my two and said I have another pack, but they must be in my other coat, so the next time I see them, I'll give them another one. We huddled together and prayed that beautiful prayer... the four of us proud Prayer Warriors withstanding the Michigan weather which almost knocked us down while we were praying for our precious unborn brothers and sisters. I told them I pray daily from 7-8 p.m. and would definitely dress WARM tonight. I had to get back on the road to start work... but what a beautiful "alka-seltzer" feeling in my heart to be able to thank those darling Prayer Warriors for being there in this awful weather. It is always such a blessing to get encouragement from those passing by and I was honored to let those three know that they are sooo very much appreciated for being the hands, feet, eyes, mouth... of our dear Lord in witness to LIFE!!!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009 – DAY 37
From Maribeth: At 7:00 p.m. Jenny, Carol and I gathered for prayer. The weather was cooperative – not too chilly or windy. We had several happy toots and thumbs up. After a bit, a young woman drove close by and yelled “GET A JOB AND FEED THE HOMELESS.” It made me think how people must have thought our Lord, Jesus Christ, was wasting His time in preaching and teaching the public. If these lost souls who shout at us only understood that we are here to help the helpless babies and try to preserve their lives. I’m praying that our next generation gets it right and realizes that LIFE IS PRECIOUS and is a GIFT; and, that we need to do all we can to protect those who are being led to the slaughter. So, I say to that young woman, “We do have a job; one that our Lord has given us – to take a stand for those who have no voice AND since unwanted children are homeless, we are here to feed them with our prayers and to help their moms/dads (along with the public) realize there is hope and to CHOOSE LIFE.”A little while after that incident, a gentleman (David) came walking towards us. He and his brother were there for a carryout. To our surprise, his first words to us were… “Ladies, I just want to commend you for your courage and thank you for being out here. Not many people will share their faith so willingly and stand up in public like this.” That was definitely a gift from the Holy Spirit – hearing such nice words and getting encouragement. We never looked at our prayer commitment as being “courageous” – just something that needs to be done. David’s brother, Walt, came over and we talked for a little bit about the 40 Days Campaign and its purpose. David and Walt were very interested. They told us they were Ministers at a small church in Detroit and would try to be involved in our Fall 2009 campaign. Jenny gave them flyers and the prayer card for the Prayer for the Helpless Unborn and they said they would pray that each day. David also told us he is in a Motorcycle Club and that it might be a possibility to have his group out for prayer one day. That would be awesome! Bikers for Babies!! God truly blessed the end of our prayer hour. We finished with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy – yes, JESUS, WE TRUST IN YOU! Our hearts were filled with joy and we thanked our Heavenly Father for His protection and encouragement.
Thursday, April 2, 2009 – DAY 37
From Maribeth: I was able to stop by the clinic for a few minutes this morning and share a heartfelt hello and thank you with Jun, Ellen and Janie. They told me that earlier in the day there were about a dozen prayer warriors taking the stand for those precious babies. Thank You Jesus! They also mentioned that a lady, who was getting her nails done at the moment, came over with a less than pleasant attitude. She didn’t appreciate her children seeing us out there with our signs (signs which said: Pray To End Abortion; Pray for the Precious Babies; Life is Precious; and Choose Life). She said her children were beginning to read and could understand what those words said. Boy, was I dumbfounded! How could a mother not want her children to know how precious life is and to see the dedication of many prayer warriors??? I’m praying that this woman has a revelation and comes to the light of Truth. Thank you to the many prayer warriors who take the stand day after day and receive the many persecutions from passersby. Your example of giving your other cheek speaks volumes to so many!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 – DAY 36
From Maribeth: There were five of us during the 7:00 p.m. prayer hour (Ray, Harold, Jenny, Nick and myself). We were blessed with such nice weather…a little windy, but not cold. Thank You Jesus. When I arrived, Ray was there and two other young men…whom I thought were on our side. They were jumping and screaming….(again, I thought they just had a lot of enthusiasm-I was wrong). When I noticed their sign, it was one of ours, but they HAD blackened out the words TO END and added FOR; so theirs read PRAY FOR ABORTION. So sad. As I approached with a camera, they jumped in their truck and quickly drove away – hollering all the while. Just the other evening, young boys on bikes took one of Jenny’s signs. I’m guessing these older teens are in stride with the young bike riders. Meanwhile the rest of the prayer warriors gathered and we prayed the Rosary (with the intentions for the unborn, the moms/dads who are confused, the doctors/staff to choose life, the protection of all prayer warriors, the conviction of the public, and for the change in heart of that bunch of boys who are taunting us at the clinic); we prayed the Chaplet; and, we sang wonderful America and Holy songs. It was such a blessing to be with one another…praising our God and seeking His Counsel and protection for the unborn.