The Importance of Fathers…
Women carrying a child, approaching PP, are the primary focus of our prayers and the pleadings of the sidewalk counselors. This is how it should be, but it’s also important that, if a man is with her, he be approached, too. Studies show that the father of the child is the biggest influence on the woman as to whether she chooses Life for her baby. Many men who become fathers unexpectedly don’t want the responsibilities of fatherhood – to love and support their child and the mother of their child. When a man says to the mother of his child, “It’s your choice” or “I’ll support whatever decision you make”, he’s a coward. He is not willing to stand up and support them. He wants sex without consequences.
Studies show that one of the primary reasons a woman decides to have an abortion is that her partner and/or family will not support her if she wants to keep the child. Men need to have the courage and moral conviction to stand up for the right of their child to see the light of day, to offer their unconditional love and support for the woman and their child.
Next time you’re praying downtown, and you see a man accompanying a woman into PP, please pray that he will find the courage to tell her, “I want you to keep our baby and I will support you going forward.”
We pray that all fathers have mercy on their child!
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
“Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” Psalm 27:14
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
-Chris
Keep reading for today’s sidewalk reports…
Joe & Greg
Kim, Karen & Meredith
(from Kim) Lots of lovely ladies at the 9-11 shift …Karen, Meredith,Marie and Mary.
Not a lot of women going into PP during this shift , praise God
I had 2 interesting encounters. First couple said they were going in to meet a couple already in there., she accepted a brochure to “give” to her friend.
I asked another woman if she knew anyone who needed some pregnancy help. She answered “I do!” I gave her a brochure and Mary and I answered her questions. As of now she is not 100 percent sure she’s pregnant but said she would visit WCN if she is. So I guess that’s a good thing!! Thank you Jesus(from Meredith) My friend Karen and I were moved seeing so many Muslim families on their way to pray together at the end of Ramadan. Hundreds of men, women, and children passed the baby models on their way to the convention center. Garb and physical attributes represented people from many parts of the world.
We couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if Christians copied their example of welcoming children and laying down their differences to come together to pray.
Pat, Seamus & Mary
(From Seamus) -Mary, Pat and I heard it was slow before our shift but sadly, many young ladies and couples entered between 11:00am-1:00pm and none accepted offers for help except one young lady who accepted a brochure from Mary when she exited.
We were truly blessed with many Prayer Warriors: Jim, Sandi, Barb and Debbie from Holy Sepulcher Butler and Gretchen and Rick from St Mark Butler and dedicated regulars Donna S and Donna G.
I often wonder: How can we prepare for our sidewalk shift? My noisy, clickety-clack ride on the streetcar to downtown Pittsburgh to offer hope and love at the abortion mill is always the worst half hour of my day. The hustle-bustle and noise are distracting but I try to read His Word and meditate. Inevitably, despite my best efforts, I am flooded with feelings of fear, anxiety, and doubt as the evil one hints, “You will fail. You are wasting your time. They do not want or need your help.” Yes, satan has power. His weapons are lies and deceit and his “…wickedness and snares…” are his attempt to take advantage of our doubts and fears. If I may opine, our doubts and fears are not innate. The devil and his fallen angels are the source of our sidewalk doubts and fears.
But the devil’s limited power is obliterated by the Cross, Resurrection and gift of the Word of God.
In John 14:1, our guidance is: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in Me.”
In Philippians 4:6, we are told: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”
Yes Lord Jesus, in Your name we rebuke satan and we ask Your Archangel, Michael to stand guard, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
My fellow warriors, without doubt and fear, put on the armor of God and stand in the breach. From 1 Corinthians 15:57-58: “…thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Remain strong and steadfast, Victory comes through Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Susan, Dan & Joanne
(From Dan & Joanne) – Beth , Donna . Along with Susan , and parishioners from Holy Sepulcher Church. A light rain fell as we prayed The Sorrowful Mysteries Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplets. It was not a busy day at PP as only one couple walked out . One man standing in front of the DMV was hollering at the top of his lungs and pointing our way , the only word i could make out of what he was screaming was “ fools” could have been referring to us or maybe it was directed at PP . Another lady dancing around in front of us stop and said we shouldn’t be judging, and that the world would be a better place without people judging. ( I didn’t have the heart to tell her she was the one judging!).
Val & Mike
(From Val & Mike) – We were so blessed to have our beautiful, faithful prayer warriors from the Weirton Catholic Churches on this dreary, rainy day.
Not many at PP today. However, many drunk/drug addicts stopping and passing by.
One very positive comment: A young gentleman told us to keep doing what we’re doing. PP will be closed one day. Let’s keep praying!!
Uplifting report from Seamus. Thanks to all who stood in the rain and endured the sights and sounds and yes smells of Downtown to pray for the precious babies. God bless you for standing witness to the sanctity of life.