"An evening of HOPE!" and this was just one of the many positive comments from the audience for this evening's event. We were invited to come speak on behalf of our ministry and pro-life at Holy Childhood Church and School where a large gathering of parents, children, and youth was underway. Monsignor Hartlien and committee members welcomed us as we were seated at the head table. We were treated to festive surroundings and a delicious Christmas potluck dinner. AWESOME! It was hot and I didn't have to cook! We quickly set up our ultrasound van for small group tours and eventually after our speech, we planned on viewing an ultrasound on an expectant mother for all to see. We brought some of our children and our most recent saved and adopted baby. "Ooohhs" and "ahhs" could be heard. We handed out literature, factual stats, and took many questions after our talk. Many were unknowledgeable on abortion, let alone the abortion mill in Granite City. We spoke in detail about our dedication, what got us involved, and that, "In order to save lives you can't just say you're pro-life; you have to do pro-life. We go to where children are being murdered daily. We are the frontlines on the battle and the last lines of defense. We are the Red Cross in a war zone."
We spoke of our successes, victories, and adoptions. Many did not know that the only prerequisite in gaining employment at Hope Clinic is that you had to of undergone an abortion at least once. Also that in Illinois, "We are known as the dumping ground for underage abortion and a child predator's paradise, as no parental consent is needed as long as the pregnant girl has a ride home. We have witnessed girls as young as nine years old undergo an abortion in Granite City. Many parents' rights have been trumped due to the lack of enforcement of parental notification. It's the law; it has been on the books since 1995. Hope Clinic thinks it makes better parents than you, the ones footing the bills for your underage minor."
After our Q&A session, we were whisked out into the ultrasound van where we performed an ultrasound on a willing participant. Small groups of the audience kept coming inside to view. "WOW! That's amazing! Thank you for your inspiring ministry," were more complimentary comments. We gave God the glory in all this. Fr. Abraham came inside the van and was so impressed with our work. He kept saying, "This is amazing! I've never seen anything like this." I asked where he was originally from and he replied, "Nigeria." I then told Fr. Abraham that in his native country, if a woman tried to get an abortion or killed her child, the village leaders and officials would, "Stone her to death." He agreed whole heartedly. "Yes, abortion is not allowed in our country," he added.
After the last group of participants visited the womb service van, we returned back inside the hall to a reception line where we were hugged and thanked by a lot of attendees, and where the committee leaders blessed our ministry with generous financial donations and baby supplies. Several asked for our contact information to speak at other pro-life events and churches and we obliged. This evening's celebration of LIFE was well received and good seed was sown. "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15
