IMPORTANT EVENTS COMING UP THIS WEEK IN FRESNO, BAKERSFIELD, AND SANTA MARIA SEE DETAILS BELOW

An unknown abortionist committed abortions at "Family Planning Associates" in Bakersfield on Tuesday, January 2. It was a relatively slow day at both the abortion chamber and the LifeHouse pregnancy help center across the street. (Abortionist Kenneth Wright had committed abortions on December 26, which was also a somewhat slow day at both the killing center and the pro-life center.) Here are a few selected reports from recent ministry activities:

Because of fears of a "deformed" baby, "Kimber" had decided to abort, even though she had been hoping to give birth to a baby boy. A local doctor had conducted a genetic screening test on her 18-week preborn child which showed high levels of alpha feto-protein (AFP). The doctor told her that the test results could indicate that the baby has Down syndrome. "My greatest fear had always been having a Down syndrome baby; I don't even like being around them," Kimber later confessed. Kimber called an organization which helps parents of Down syndrome babies, and was told that the baby could be a financial drain on the family because he might need several surgeries.

After their telephone conversation ended, Terri asked Tim* to research information on the internet about genetic testing for Down syndrome. Tim found that AFP test results can be inaccurate, and that if an ultrasound shows normal measurements for a baby who tested high for AFP, there is less than a 0.1 percent chance that the baby will have one of the four most common birth defects. Terri also contacted several women who want to adopt babies, and talked to a woman who has adopted several babies with "birth defects." The woman told Terri that she would be willing to adopt this baby too, whether or not he has Down syndrome.

When Terri called her back, Kimber said she already felt better. Kimber had talked to her husband, who said "I felt like you just wanted to get rid of it," but he told her he would prefer that she didn't abort the baby. Terri prayed with Kimber, asking God to protect her against Satan's influence. Afterwards, Kimber said, "Terri, you can rest easy--Satan's not going to be able to influence me."

On Friday, Kimber had an ultrasound which revealed a normally developing baby boy. "He's waving at you," the doctor exclaimed.

Kimber is still waiting for amniocentisis test results, but she is no longer planning to abort her baby. "This experience showed me that I really need to get right with God," Kimber said.

"Penelope," 34, came from Arvin to the LifeHouse on December 26 for a pregnancy test, which was positive. Even though she has attended a local Catholic church for 28 years, she initially said that she intended to abort. But after Terri showed her a video about abortion, Penelope changed her mind.

"Bea," 25, came to the LifeHouse for a pregnancy test on January 2. She has a brain disease and has been told that pregnancy could take her life, but Bea was very happy to find out she is pregnant.

"Andie," 19, came to the LifeHouse for a pregnancy test on January 2. When she found out that she is pregnant, she said that she will give the baby up for adoption. Andie said that the LifeHouse is a "nice place, a very comfortable setting. I would recommend it to someone else in need."

Tim and Terri brought Christmas gifts to "Roderica" (see Weekly Ministry Focus Vol. 1 No. 6) and her baby boy. Roderica and her children were extremely proud of the baby, and even though their hopes to move out of their small house in Arvin have not yet been realized, they were all very happy.

"As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.'"