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Stormy weather did not prevent sidewalk counselors from ministering last Monday and Tuesday outside the Bakersfield abortion chamber. Here are a few selected reports from last week's ministry:
"Margaret," 20, came to the LifeHouse for information
on adoption. She is pregnant with her third child, but she
said that she is unable to properly care for another child.
She is hoping to find a couple ("preferably white and
Baptist") interested in open adoption. Terri gave her
the names and phone numbers of several couples seeking a baby,
and Tim helped her research some adoption facilitators on the
internet.
"Lourdes," 32, came to the abortion chamber for a
pregnancy test, intending to abort her baby if she was pregnant
(even though her pastor had counseled her against it). She
has had some mental health problems in the past. Mary Ann
brought her to the LifeHouse for the test, which was
positive. Mary Ann then provided her with literature about
fetal development and the risks of abortion, and showed her the
"Harder Truth" video about abortion.
"Lourdes" couldn't even watch all of it.
She decided not to abort her baby.
"Martina" and her boyfriend came to the abortion
chamber for an abortion. She is from Shafter, and has
three-month old twins (who are sick) and an 18-month old.
As "Martina" walked to the waiting room, Terri told her
that she would be praying for her, and gave her literature on
fetal development. Five minutes later, she came out, and
said she was too late. Terri gave her a baby gift, and
brought her to the LifeHouse. Terri is continuing to follow
up with her, because she does not
yet seem to be determined to give birth to her baby.
(As of Sunday night, she has not rescheduled the abortion.
However, she said that she may be
miscarrying, so she will contact a doctor on Monday.)
Update:
"Sharon" (see Weekly Ministry Focus #2) is keeping her
baby. Her pastor contacted her to help (after Terri called
him), instead of reacting defensively about his church's pro-life
stand, as some churches have done in the past.
Express your trust and hope to the Lord in prayer, in spite of the circumstances which might cause you to despair. Whenever your mind wanders, and you are tempted to engage in idle conversation, please direct your mind back to meditating upon this scripture.
Inga Barks
, host of the "Inga Barks Show" on KERN (1410 AM) likes to talk. Although KERN is not a Christian radio station, Inga is an outspoken Christian. Even as she discusses various political issues, Inga often stresses the primary importance of the gospel.A mother of three children, Inga regularly focuses on protecting children, especially the unborn. As she emphasizes the gospel, Inga sometimes find it necessary to explain to her listeners that the methods of some Christians are not Biblical. She has sometimes even criticized pro-life activists.
In spite of their differences with Inga, Terri and Tim Palmquist, leaders of LifeSavers Ministries, encourage all pro-life Christians to continue to support her radio program.
To share your views on the air during her show, call 326-1410 or 1-800-640-KERN. In the meantime, please be praying that God will continue to help Inga to know what He wants her to say, and that she will continue to have the courage to stand for the truth, even if it may be frowned upon by the management of KERN.
If you are unable to be physically involved in this ministry, please use this schedule to help you pray for those who are on the front lines.