An unknown abortionist committed abortions in Bakersfield on Monday (Jan. 15), but Kenneth Wright returned to Bakersfield on Tuesday (Jan. 16) to abort many children. A few children (possibly three or more) were saved from abortion through the "pregnancy evangelism" ministry on the sidewalks outside the abortion chamber and at the LifeHouse pregnancy help center across the street.

Last February, "Roderica," 33, had been a "turnaround" at the LifeHouse: she intended to abort her baby, but changed her mind (see Weekly Ministry Focus Vol. 1 No. 6). Recently, Roderica found out that her friend "Francine" was pregnant, and intended to abort her baby. Roderica encouraged Francine to give birth to her baby, and told Francine how she had been helped by LifeSavers Ministries. Roderica also asked Rosa (an independent volunteer who had helped to convince Roderica to keep her baby) to talk to Francine, and eventually Francine decided against abortion.

"Lanae," 19, came to the abortion chamber on Monday to abort her baby. She told Debbie (an independent volunteer) that she already has two children, and her boyfriend doesn't want her to keep the baby. Debbie provided her with literature on fetal development and the risks of abortion, and shared the gospel with her. Lanae left without aborting her baby, but she still wasn't sure what she was going to do. Terri* talked to Lanae's sister on Tuesday, saying "we're praying for Lanae, so please call if she needs any help." Lanae's sister thanked Terri for the help and prayers.

Irene* brought a man to the LifeHouse on Monday to watch a video about abortion while his wife was waiting to abort her baby. After watching the video, he sadly shook his head and said "it's probably already done." Terri said "well, now you know what she went through." He thanked Terri, and went back to the abortion chamber. Later, the abortion chamber security guard told Terri that he and his wife left without aborting. (The guard also said another couple left without aborting, but the pro-lifers on the sidewalk hadn't noticed either couple leaving.)

"Lucie," 18, returned to the LifeHouse for a pregnancy test on Tuesday. She has been pregnant three times; her first two pregnancies ended in abortion, but the third time she became pregnant, she decided (to her family's disgust) to keep the baby. Sadly, the pregnancy ended in miscarriage. While she was waiting for her pregnancy test, she wrote the following comment on the information sheet: "I really appreciate the service you provide. I was against your practice during my first two pregnancies when I wished to abort because you reinforced my guilty conscience, but I understand now, why. Thank you." Her test was negative. Terri gave her post-abortion and abstinence literature. Lucie now attends a local Mennonite Brethren Bible church.

"Miranda," 21, and her brother drove by the abortion chamber on Tuesday and saw a picture of an aborted baby. They stopped and asked Beth (an independent volunteer) for information on the development of a preborn baby at 8 weeks. When Beth gave them literature, Miranda started to cry, saying "I had an abortion one year ago, and now I know what the baby looked like." Beth gave her post-abortion literature. (Beth also handed out post-abortion pamphlets to about five other women leaving the abortion chamber.)

"Kimber," who had planned to abort her baby after an AFP test indicated that her baby could have Down syndome (see Weekly Ministry Focus Vol. 2 No. 1), received the amniocentisis results this week, which indicated no genetic abnormalities.

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men. See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.

Selah

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths-- they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, "Who can hear us?" But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations. O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.