Tuesday Vigil, 6/25
FROM BENTLEY
It was sad to say goodbye to Isa today as she won’t be joining us on Tuesdays anymore. She is going to school; she has a student Visa. She has done so well as a sidewalk counselor, going where she is needed, giving her all, and speaking with kindness and truth! We will miss you Isa!!! (Note: she has expressed interest in joining Dana on Friday mornings at All Women’s Health on 41.)
A lady named Amira joined us today, and plans to become a regular! She is energized to follow Christ, and help others not make the same mistake she made before she was a believer.
Today was a busy day at Planned Parenthood, unfortunately. Through the back driveway and side gate combined, I saw 12 couples and 2 single ladies (that were inside long enough for the abortion pill). Some of these couples were hesitant as they walked in, but several were defiant, cursing us and shouting that it was their choice.
One of the 12 couples parked, came in and out a few times, we spoke to them every time they were outside of the building. They left within a half hour of arriving, so not quite sure what happened there, but they were not there long enough for any abortion.
Another one of the 12 couples, 2 women, drove in and out without parking, stopping in the driveway on the way out. They rolled down the window an inch to take pamphlets, and I told them about the Pregnancy Clinic, to which the driver (laughing) replied, “No, I have to come back (to PP). I can’t take care of a baby. ” Amira was right there, and said “I’ll adopt your baby”. They then rolled the window up and raced away. Isa and Amira headed around the building as fast as they could, to see if they were driving to the other parking lot. They hadn’t. A little over an hour later, they came back, and parked this time, went in, were out within 10 minutes, and drove away. They didn’t have an abortion today, but pray that they won’t be back next Tuesday!
8 cars stopped for information, including a new PP worker, so I also gave her the abortion worker info card.
3 of the cars that stopped in the driveway, stayed longer than half a second, so right after they took info, I offered them the 12 week old fetal model. All 3 were disturbed, and didn’t take it. They didn’t even want to look at it.
I was going to leave, but headed to CPC (Community Pregnancy Clinics) first, to say hi, and to get more of their pamphlets. Kim, was right in front of CPC talking with a girl when I walked in. When I walked out, she was still talking with the girl (we’ll call her Polly), but they were slowly walking to the front entrance of PP. I didn’t want to jump in and mess up the conversation, but I had the first trimester fetal models in my backpack, so I handed the box to Kim, and she showed them to Polly. Kim invited me into the conversation, so we both talked to Polly for about 20 minutes at the front of PP, trying to persuade her to go to CPC first, and warning her about PP and how they’ll pressure her really hard to get the abortion today, all the free help that’s available, and how we can help her, etc… She said she really appreciates that we were trying to help her, but she wanted just to go inside of PP to see what her options were, and that she already had an appointment she was late for. I asked her if she had a faith, and she said she was Pentecostal but didn’t really read the Bible on her own when we mentioned verses that talk about babies in the womb. Kim and I gave her our contact info, and said we would be praying for her. She went inside and was out 5 minutes later, seconds after a group of us had just finished praying for her. When she walked out, she was silent and when Kim asked her if she was ready to go with us to CPC, she nodded. We walked with her, until Kim said she had to go back, so I walked with her the rest of the way to CPC.
When she came out, she was carrying a bag full of diapers and wipes for her 7 month old daughter, she said the ladies at CPC were really nice to give them to her, and that they gave more than they should have. I asked her how her appointment went, and she said that she felt so much better now, that she has hope, because there is so much help available. She said she is planning on keeping her baby now, but had been embarrassed that she got pregnant with the same jerk guy again, and didn’t want to have another child with him. But she kept saying that it’s not about him anymore, it’s not supposed to be about him.
I asked her if she got an ultrasound, and she said yes, and said the ladies at CPC said to keep it out of the sun, but she wanted to take it out of the place she had safely tucked it to show me anyway. She said she has everything she needs now, she just needs to tell her family that she is having another baby, and schedule doctors’ appointments. She thanked me and hugged me several times, and wanted to thank Kim too, but Kim had left by then.
All glory be to God! A baby was saved today!!!
Good work Kim, and everyone at CPC!
~Bentley
Kim also reports that earlier there was a couple that arrived at the 7th St. driveway. The man remained in the car as the woman went in. She was in for about an hour and a half, but came out smiling/joyful. When Kim offered her Project Rachel info, she declined, saying – I didn’t do that (have an abortion). Can’t be certain if she changed her mind or was inside for something else… but it is another possible save.
Dana reports that later in the afternoon at the 8th St. driveway he spoke with a woman who said she was there for an ultrasound. She took the brochures and was appreciative … but did not go over to the pregnancy clinic for a free ultrasound. Kim also called to her re the free ultrasound…
Want also to commend Frank and Catherine for stepping up to lead the sign holders in the absence of Jim and Rose. Frank has devised a thingamajig that holds the large signs in place, which is really helpful, especially for his wife who has been holding two signs at once (Spanish and English, see below)!
