SPRING 2014 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Day 5 - March 9

3:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil

It was a wonderful gathering of 12 prayer warriors this afternoon.  After several beautiful opening prayers, we recited the Rosary, sang beautiful songs before each decade and then closed the hour with the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  While we were praying a young mother drove up to give us encouragement and thank us for being there to pray for an end to abortion.  She told us that she was the proud adoptive mother of a little girl (who was busy in the back seat with her flower pinwheel! how beautiful!).  We chatted for a bit and our hearts were definitely filled with the warmth of that encounter.  Praying at the clinic always brings some type of blessing -- please come join us; we want to share all the blessings we can with everyone!  (Maribeth)  (....and the mounds of snow don't intimidate us -- each day they get smaller and smaller and the public sees more of us!)

"We've only just begun!!!!!" As all of you have experienced, going to the clinic stirs the hearts of drivers and passing people in different ways. Not always in support of the cause. If anything, this should encourage in each of us, to pray even harder for that person(s) for their heart is hardened in some way. This past Sunday, with 12 prayer warriors united in prayer, a middle aged man drove into the parking lot. He rolled down his window and smugly said,"Judge not, that ye be judged>" (Matthew 7). It's amazing how others can twist a scripture reading to their own twisted understanding. Yes,  God does judge peaceful prayer warriors and we know that through our continued efforts, those precious innocent souls will be praying for us.  (Mike)

 

  

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6:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil

Chilly & breezy last night, glad I was dressed in layers. I faced WomanCare abortion mill, blest myself with holy water, sprinkled a bit on the ground around me & said my opening prayers.  My Pray To End Abortion sign was hanging from my right arm, so folks driving by could see it, with my 3 pro-life balloons tied to it bouncing every now & then with the gusts of wind. Prayer Warriors Eleanor & Ed pulled up & prayed from their car~so good to see them!!! 

For all involved with abortion in any way, especially for those women who are in depression from this act against their little ones & so in need of Our Lords merciful healing, I began saying/singing the Holy Rosary, reading a brief Glorious Mystery before each Hail Mary.  Happy honks of approval were heard throughout the prayer hour. 

A young woman pulled up to me offering to buy me a coffee but I said "no thank you, all I need is ice water, which I have in my car to quench my thirst after my prayer hour." She told me she was a convert to the Catholic faith in 2008 ~ we high-fived each other with big smiles. On that very day!!! she drove by this abortion mill & there was a large group of PW's out here, so she stopped & joined them. God was definitely sending her a message welcoming her into His precious, Catholic Church. We got on the subject of baby animals. As we are both dog lovers, we talked about if these drs were dismembering baby animals there would be "a kabillion" folks out here in the streets totally against such a horrid act ~ but tiny helpless, precious, innocent babies are being killed this way & we can't even fill 7a.m. to 7p.m. with PW's. Where are our Catholic/Christain PW's?!?!? The apathy in our world is so said, but we each just do the best we can & our faith will spread. Also, we can see from the website VIEW of our PW schedule that more & more folks are stepping out of their comfort zone & joining us on-site. We still have many uncovered hours but folks know that we will never stop being out in front of these killing mills. I gave her a Baby Jesus prayer card & she plans to call Sue or I to get on our email list. Hoping she will be moved to consider being a PW here.

I continued walking finishing the Holy Rosary & sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for abortionists to leave the culture of death & become pro-life doctors as well as for the closing of this abortion mill. I said the Prayer for the Conversion of Abortioinists & their Staffs from our 40 Days for Life booklet & the Pledge of Allegiance.  On the way home, I remembered how during Mass Sunday morning, Fr. Joe stood under the Tenth Station of the Cross ~ Jesus is stripped of His garments ~ & gave a very moving homily about how that was the last humiliation toward Jesus before they nailed him to the Cross, totally exposed,  but Jesus being perfect as He is did not feel ashamed for Himself, He did this for us!!! for every sin against the flesh that would ever be commited against Him. After Mass, Fr & I shook hands & he said, "when we are at the abortion mills, we are exposed to the world." I said, "what a perfect homily, Fr!!!"  Yes, we are exposed to the world as PRO-LIFERS!!! & more & more folks are letting us know that they are as well. We are standing up & telling the truth to the world about the evil going on in these abortion mills right in our own neighborhoods. 

Please check our website (www.40daysforlife.com/sterlingheights) & see if your schedule allows you to fill an uncovered prayer hour. Jesus is asking us to "watch with Him for an hour." During Lent, what a perfect way to honor Him & the great sacrifice He gave for all our sins. JESUS, PROTECT & SAVE THE UNBORN & HEAL OUR SINFUL WORLD!!! AMEN!!!  (Jenny)

SPRING 2014 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Day 4 - March 8

7:00 am - Shortly before 8:00 am E.B an "auto prayer warrior" came to pray.  Then a couple came to pray.  It is so much easier to leave when there are prayer warriors for the changing of the guard.  Remember, the evil one never slumbers or sleeps so we must persist in faithful prayer.  (Sue K)

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6:00 p.m. Vigil

I faced WomanCare abortion mill, blest myself with holy water & sprinkled a bit on the ground around me & said my opening prayers.  My Pray To End Abortion sign was hanging from my right arm with 3 balloons tied to it, a big yellow LIFE balloon, a pink "It's a Girl" &  blue "It's a Boy."  Folks waved & smiled as they drove by & two young women stopped their car, rolled down the window with thumbs up to shout out a loud  WOOOOO & took a picture of my sign & "bundled-up me."  We exchanged smiles & I said "God bless you girls." They were most definitely pro-lifers!!! Good to see the young ones so on fire for LIFE!!!    For all involved in abortion in any way & for healing of women who have had abortions I said/sang the Holy Rosary reading a brief Joyful Mystery meditation before each Hail Mary. I then began walking as the chill was getting to me a bit as I sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the changing of the hearts of abortionists & the closing of this abortion mill. I then said the Prayer for the Conversion of Abortioinists & their Staffs from our 40 Days for Life booklet & the Pledge of Alliegence. We are getting more PW's out there, little by little. JUST ONE HOUR of peaceful prayer "on-site" for the precious, helpless unborn is what we ask that everyone will try to do this Lent. Jesus will bless you for giving of yourself in such a beautiful way. I had a quick stop at Meijers on my way home & just inside the door was a young mom & her darling little baby boy in a cute gray sweat suit with grey socks on his teensy feet. I told her that I had just prayed an hour at an abortion mill with all positive reactions from folks & now seeing her precious little baby boy just made my night. :o)  I asked her if I could touch his teensy feet & she laughed & said sure & that darling little baby boy just smiled & smiled as I smiled at hime & talked baby talk to him holding on to his teensy toes ~ too cute!!! She saw my "I Pray To End Abortion" pin & smiled again.  Man, what a special treat to end a beautiful prayer hour.  (Jenny)

SPRING 2014 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Day 3 - March 7

7:00 am - the radiant heat from the sun melted much snow and many hearts;  12:00 noon - thank you Lord, for the many prayer warriors who took the time today to plead for mercy on the unborn and forgiveness and healing for those who do not choose life.  One man passed by slowly and raised up the cross of Jesus Christ wanting us to be certain to know  that he was with us!  Lord, give us the fortitude to witness in the sunshine, rain, snow, whatever you send. We don't want to be fair weather friends.  (Sue K)

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Well, after mass this morning, my wife Kathy and I came home and started to eat breakfast, We started to think and decided that maybe we should fast before we went to the abortion clinic so we put our breakfast in the frig and left. No sooner than we arrived, an elderly woman joined us and was praying with us. She left after she prayed because she volunteers to feed the mentally/physically handicapped at a school. It was her 74th birthday. She left, and a young woman showed up. She had a sign on her that said,"SILENT NO MORE." She had had an abortion. She said she is so grateful for God's forgiveness and that she wanted to stop others from the pain she went through. What a witness!!!! Soon after, 4 more people came and there were 7 of us. One lady came all the way from Richmond. What a consolation this was to me because this doesn't always happen. Sometimes, I'm alone as are many others. It used to bother me, but not anymore. I feel the presence of Jesus and the angels around. I know this is hard to understand for some. We all felt such a sense of hope and peace and felt so many positive responses from others. Again, this doesn't always happen either. There was a jeer from a young person who screamed from her car. We just calmly prayed for her and listened (probably some great pain in her life or someone she knows).  The downside to this is that a minimum of 10 women went into the mill. They were from the ages of approximately 18 to about the late 30's. Some went in alone, some accompanied by a man and others by an older woman (???? their mothers.) They seemed to have come from all economic backgrounds judging by their cars (from a hummer down to the bare wheels). I want to thank all of you who have been praying and giving of your time. Our short term goal is to close this clinic; long term goal is to put an end to abortion. God would not use an evil means to solve anyone's dilemma and yet, for those who have suffered through this, His mercy and forgiveness is there. (Mike)

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6:00 p.m. Vigil

I faced WomanCare abortion mill, blest myself with holy water & sprinkled a bit on the ground around me & began my opening prayers.  My Pray To End Abortion sign was hanging from my right arm with 3 balloons tied to it, a big yellow LIFE balloon, a pink one that says "It's a Girl" & a blue one that says "It's a Boy."  Folks waved & smiled as they drove by/walked by/jogged by.  I read a brief Sorrow Mystery before singing each Hail Mary of the Holy Rosary. Then for the abortionists I sang The Chaplet of Divine Mercy reading Saint Faustina's meditations on The Passion. My heart hurt as I thought about what was in the "red medical waste" bucket up there & I prayed for healing of any women who had their babies killed this morning as well as the fathers, if they encouraged this to be done to their child. Fridays are always sad for me because I know that unborn babies get slaughtered that day ~ the day our Lord was slaughtered. We PW's MUST never stop being out there as long as precious, helpless little ones in the womb are in danger of being killed.   It was good to be able to stand outside the entire prayer hour. Is it possible that winter is over... dare I say it? Well good night, God bless you all.  Remember, we are asking that everyone we know, who is able to do so, offer up ONE HOUR in peaceful prayer this Lent at WomanCare abortion mill. As Christ asks us, "could you not watch with Me one hour?  (Jenny)

SPRING 2014 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Day 2 - March 6

7:00 am two prayer warriors; 12 noon one prayer warrior joined by two prayer warriors on their way to an appointment. Dianne from Sts. Cyril and Methodius and grandson Cody from Austin Catholic.
So we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet. They were reminded that our chapel has no walls and that the doors are always open! They will hopefully be back soon. It was so great to see a grandmother passing on the faith in practice to her ever so receptive grandson.  Like the salt in ancient ovens increased the radiance of heat, sidewalk prayer warriors radiate a peaceful, prayerful presence. They may be called picketers: but they do not let others define who they are. Sidewalk prayer warriors bring Christ's loving presence to the world about them. (Sue K)

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6:00 p.m. Vigil

As I was facing WomanCare abortion mill getting ready to start the opening prayers, Connie walked over to join me...yeah!!! Then Maribeth arrived... yeah again!!! I started the prayers & after a very short time we three could feel the chill (22 even with the sun out) so we started walking to help keep warm. After all the opening prayers, we took turns leading the Holy Rosary giving a brief Luminous Mystery meditation before the decade we would be leading. At the end of the Rosary, we faced our beautiful American flag & said the Pledge of Alligience. Then Maribeth had to leave. To warm up, Connie & I sat in my car & prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, especially for enlightenment of all abortionists. We had our pro-life signs in my front window so folks driving by would see "Pray To End Abortion."  This evening we could hear happy honks throughout our prayer time walking back & forth along the mounds of snow, some areas over our heads. Connie said she would be back praying when her schedule allows ~ that is excellent. We coordinators are praying that our family members & friends try to offer ONE HOUR in peaceful prayer this Lent at WomanCare abortion mill. (Jenny)

SPRING 2014 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Day 1 - March 5

7:00 a.m. Prayer Vigil

We had a beautiful, but chilly, beginning to our Spring 2014 Sterling Heights 40 Days for Life journey!  12 of us gathered at the clinic at 7:00 a.m. to lift up our gratitude and heartfelt prayers for life to our Heavenly Father.  The sunrise was spectacular--emerging from its sleep with amazing yellows and oranges, as if to welcome our prayers of hope to that sidewalk of tears.  Then another blessing came in the form of Father Joe from St. Malachy.  He joined our opening prayer and, to our surprise, blessed us with Ashes – we were so moved with gratefulness –Father Joe is such a diligent prayer warrior in the battle for LIFE.  Sue lead us in amazing prayers and readings – placing each of us at the side of those pre-born children who have no one to fight for them because, sadly, the lies of this world have filled and hardened the hearts of their mothers, fathers, doctors, etc.  We fervently prayed for a change in hearts and attitude towards LIFE.  The scripture from Isaiah 49:15-16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb?  Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands…” was part of our focus. Thank You God for not forgetting anyone!  God is so merciful and gracious and we pray that all who have been swept into the tentacles of abortion find their way to Jesus, Who will redeem them and clothe them with His love and mercy. What a blessing it is to be a part of our 40 Days for Life family! If you have time these next 40 days of Lent, come to the sidewalk and talk with our Savior—He will give you focus and honor your heartfelt prayers.  (Maribeth)  

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Mike told our prayer group, "God was talking to us"  ~ 12 PW's showed up ~ 12 Apostles ~  & that was true. When a PW had to leave for work, another PW showed up ~ awesome. Sue talked about how during 911, the New York abortion mills were open. How horrid is that!?!?! The evil one has taken over so many souls so we MUST be on-site at these killing mills in peaceful prayer. We MUST be the voices for the precious, helpless unborn babies in such danger. Please pray & think about offering ONE HOUR in peaceful prayer this Lent. (Jenny)  

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Upon returning home from that prayerful vigil, on the radio was the song, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.  Pause to remember-  Nothing happens that is not in God's plan; all is for our best. The sufferings of Christ, how treacherous, scandalous that an innocent man should endure, without a word of complaint. He endured all out of love for us and our salvation. God's ways are not our ways, nor
the ways of the world. May we joyfully take up the cross, without complaint, being assured that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory to come.  What a powerful way to begin Lent, praying with 12 dedicated prayer warriors.  (Sue k)

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6:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil

Dressed in layers, with my Pray To End Abortion sign hanging from my right arm, I faced WomanCare abortion mill, blest myself with holy water & sprinkled a bit on the ground around me. It was light long enough for me to say all the opening prayers. A young woman slowed down to give me "thumbs up" before she made her turn into traffic. Another young woman stopped & gave me a great big smile & waved hello. A man drove by & nodded in approval. It was 22 with a slight breeze & I could feel the chill already, so I started walking toward the traffic light saying/singing the Holy Rosary meditating on the Glorious Mysteries. Maribeth arrived ~ yeah!!! & she took over leading. After we finished, we hugged good bye & I went to my car to get out of the cold & she went to attend the 40 Days for Life Kick-Off Mass at St. Thecla. Be sure to check out our blog, I'm sure there will be some thoughts posted from various PW's about this evenings Mass. I wish I could have been there, but had to finish up a bit of work right after my prayer vigil & get it emailed into the office.  In my car, I placed my pro-life sign in the front window then sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. My prayers this evening were for all involved in abortion in any way, that Our Lord's light & truth would break through their hardened hearts & they would realize how evil killing a baby in the womb is.  (Jenny)



7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday - 40 Days for Life Kick-Off Mass

There was a nice gathering at St. Thecla for Ash Wednesday and many people stopped by the 40 Days for Life table to pick up information or to sign up for prayer hours.  Thank you!  We look forward to seeing you on the sidewalk!

January 1, 2014 -- HAPPY NEW YEAR

May God continue to bless this new year with His amazing grace, mercy, and love. 

May all hearts be open to the gift of LIFE.

May the hardened hearts be softened and welcomed into our pro-life fold with open arms.

Amen.

December 26, 2013 - Thursday Vigil

Another calm night, 36 degrees.  I walked to the traffic light & onto the grass area between the trees where the snow was only inches deep & made a nice path for myself after only a few trips down to the abortion mill & back. Snow was piled up along the edge of entire sidewalk but no problem between the trees where I was walking. I faced WomanCare abortion mill, blest myself with holy water, sprinkled a bit on the ground & said the Prayer for the Helpless Unborn & for all PW's the Prayer to St. Michal the Archangel. I  held my pro-life sign toward traffic.  I said/sang the Holy Rosary for all involved in abortion in any way and prayed most especially for those babies scheduled to be killed tomorrow  morning ~ that there mom's would change their minds & give their babies life. As Christmas was yesterday, I again meditated on the Joyful Mysteries then sang the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the conversion of all abortion doctors. I closed with the Pledge of Allegiance. At the start of my prayer hour, an elderly man drove by & waved & nodded hello.  I heard happy honks now & then as I prayed this evening. It was a nice, peaceful hour but I must say that it was so good to get into my car to warm up my fingers & toes at the end of my prayer hour. Good night, Baby Jesus blessing to all!  (Jenny)