April 3, 2009
CLOSING 40 DAYS THIS SUNDAY
During this Spring 09 campaign of 40 Days, we have been featuring a lot of stories about the sidewalk counselors. We are very excited to be able to announce that two of the counselors, Elizabeth Kane and John Hannigan, are going to speak at our closing this Sunday.
We hope you will be able to join us at the St. Augustine Home for the Aged, 2345 W. 86th St., Indianapolis from 2:00-3:00 PM this Sunday. After the program some will walk and others will drive to pray at Planned Parenthood, 8590 Georgetown Road, Indianapolis until 6:00 PM.
Praise God! We still have two days left to pray and we have one more save this campaign than we did in the fall. Thank God for the 13 saved lives and for the women and families who chose to accept God's blessing of life.
Friday's SAVE #13
Today's save was also at 1201 - maybe that's why they are preparing to erect a 7 foot fence around the property. Too bad they don't realize that prayers and grace penetrate fences.
Two cars came to the lot around 12:30 today and a young woman opened the door of one of the cars, put her leg out and then put her leg back in and shut the door. Bob Rust, the sidewalk counselor from Truth and Compassion, was there with his signs showing aborted babies and he could tell that the people in both cars were together and looking at the signs. They talked with each other and finally an older woman, who was pleasant to the counselors, walked in and Bob thought that she must be the one who had come for the abortion. But when she came out with the younger woman, she told Bob that the younger woman had changed her mind.
He went to the cars and offered help. There was some confusion because they thought he had misunderstood the situation. He explained that help was available for anyone walking away from abortion. Thank God for selfless sidewalk counselors who sacrifice their time to help women and families avoid the grief of abortion.
Thursday's SAVE #12
Yesterday a young woman, Susie (not her real name), pulled into the lot to go in for an abortion at "1201" and Bishop Joshua Beecham, a regular Thursday sidewalk counselor, spotted her and noticed that she looked depressed. Bishop Joshua has a gentle manner and you know he is a member of the clergy because he always wears his Roman colar with his dark suit. He is the pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Evangelical Orthodox church in Greenwood and has been devoting every Thursday for several years to praying and counseling women and families coming for abortions at the center owned by the doctor in Ohio who invented partial-birth abortion, Martin Haskell.
Bishop Joshua approached the woman, who looked like she was in her early twenties, and asked if he could help her. Susi told him that her doctor had advised her to have an abortion because he had diagnosed her to have cervical cancer. She was under the impression that her condition was life-threatening and that she had no choice but to abort the baby.
Bishop Joshua asked if she had any support from family or friends, but she had not even told anyone that she was pregnant. When he commented that she was carrying a very heavy burden all by herself, Susi burst into tears in agreement. He said that he first thought about calling the Gabriel Project helpline, which he knows from memory. Then he decided that it would be wiser in this case to take the woman to a Life Center where she could talk with someone in person.
He told her about the Life Center nearby and that they would do an ultrasound for her without charge and she agreed to go there. Bishop Beechman felt she needed someone with her until she was received at the center so he walked with her there and took her in to meet the counselors. When she came out and returned to her car, Bishop Joshua was still there praying and suggested that she might consider getting a second medical opinion about her condition. He also let her know that many people would gladly help her with the cost if that was a factor and he gave her his card and promised his prayers for her.
Today Bishop Beecham and his wife are celebrating their wedding anniversary as well as the SAVE. Please remember Susi and the Beechams in your prayers.
March 30, 2009
Save #11 Friday at 1201 N. Arlington!
Elizabeth Kane, sidewalk counselor, reported another "save" last Friday. Bob Rust, Truth and Compassion sidewalk counselor-coordinator, spoke with a couple from India last Friday before they went into the abortion center at 1201. When they came out a short time later, they looked for Bob. They wanted to tell him how much they appreciated the information he had shared with them and the beautiful way he had "served" them. As a result, the couple had reconsidered and had not had the abortion. Praise God and keep them in your prayers.
Three of the four Indianapolis abortion centers were busy aborting babies on Saturday. At Planned Parenthood there might have been a save, but we are not sure. As a car pulled into the driveway at 8590 Georgetown Drive, the couple in the car stopped to listen intently to Dan Dashour and Fran Ardonato. The couple revealed that they were coming on their first visit for counseling. They accepted a pamphlet from Dan, pulled onto the property, went to the back and drove back out immediatedly. Pray that they will not return.
Welcome and Thank You Terre Haute!
If you live in Terre Haute and come to pray at 40 Days for Life in Indianapolis and if the weather and traffic are cooperative, it will still take you at least three hours of windshield time according to Tom McBroom, Development Chairman and a member of the Central Planning Committee for 40 Days for Life-Indy. When Tom drove to Indy on Saturday, he did not know how many of his friends and neighbors would sacrifice the time necessary to join him. Tom stayed for most of the day so that he could welcome and pray with anyone who came from Terre Haute.
Throughout the day Tom spotted 30 friends from Terre Haute! Several of the friends were members of the Knights of Columbus - our Partners for Life. For most of Prayer partners from Terre Haute, it was the first time they had come to pray at a surgical abortion center. They were interested in watching the sidewalk counselors in action and noted the police car parked near the building with an officer in it.
The first experience at 40 Days for Life can be traumatic and difficult if you think about what is happening inside the building. Tom McBroom and a few others even saw the staff leaving and commented that they seemed like they wanted to get away quickly - so quickly that they pulled out into traffic at some risk as they left the property. The new Prayer Partners wondered if they were anxious to leave their horrid jobs or if the presence of so many people peacfully praying made them uncomfortable. Former abortionists often report that their worst days at the abortion centers were the days when groups of people were praying outside.
Answering the Gabriel Project Helpline
Thank you to the generous souls who have already volunteered to help answer the Gabriel Project Helpline. You will be personally contacted this week. We are still looking for a few more women and men to answer the Gabriel Project Helpline during the day from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM. You may work in 4, 8 or 12 hour weekly shifts, l day or a half day from your own home or cell phone. We will train you and you should expect two to five calls per day. Most of the calls are for help with material resources and are re-directed toward one of the Area Coordinators throughout the state. The main phone is in the Gabriel Project office on a land-line in Columbus, Indiana. Contact us now at projectgabriel@comcast.net or call Eileen Hartman at (812) 342-9550.
Indiana Gabriel Project Celebrates 10 Years!
The Gabriel Project will celebrate 10 years of service to women and families in difficult or unplanned pregnancies on Thursday, April 30. A Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul followed by a reception at 7:00 PM at the Catholic Center. All "Angels," auxiliary angels and supporters of the Gabriel Project are invited.
March 27, 2009
Save #10 Today at 1201 N. Arlington!
Elizabeth Kane, sidewalk counselor, reported a "save" today from 1201. Praise God. Bob Rust, sidewalk counselor coordinator, comforted Tanya (not her real name) on the sidewalk as she sobbed after coming out of the abortion center. She was disturbed because she had come so close to having an abortion. Bob assured her that the Gabriel Project would help her with any of her needs and gave her the contact information. Tanya felt that she did not need the project at this time, but took the informtion for future reference.
Earlier this week the Gabriel Project heard about a 14 year old that had been taken to one of the Indianapolis abortion centers by her parents. The young girl was obviously frightened and insisted that she did not want the aboriton. In this case "my body - my choice" worked against the abortionist and for life. This "save" will not be documented, since it was not reported to one of the sidewalk counselors by the girl or her family. Someone who knows the family told us about it. Please pray for this young girl, her family and for Tanya and thank God that two more little Hoosiers survived abortion this week in Indianapolis and two more women will not know the everlasting pain of abortion.
March 23, 2009
E-mail Your State Representative Today
What happens when an abortion is botched at one of the abortion centers in Indiana? If the woman needs hospital care, it would make sense for the attending physician at the abortion to go with her to the hospital to oversee her care - right? What if the attending physican does not have hospital privileges? State Senate Bill 89 supporters say a woman who has an abortion deserves to be able to follow up with that physician at a local hospital when complications arise.
Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis, authored the bill, which passed the Senate by a 44-6 vote last week. Last year the House did not take steps to vote on similar legislation, but last Wednesday the House Public Policy Committee heard testimony on the issue and delayed action on the bill until this week.
Your State Representative needs to hear from you and know that you expect better medical standards for women who have an abortion in Indiana. Abortion physicians should be required to have privileges at a nearby local hospital. To learn who your representative is and to e-mail your request, go to http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/.
Save #9 Thursday at 1201 N. Arlington!
Elizabeth Kane reported a "save" late Thursday afternoon. It involved an Hispanic woman who told Elizabeth "I changed my mind." Elizabeth had finished her assignment at W. 16th St. and decided to help out at 1201. She stayed later than usual and knew when the woman came out that there had not been enough time for her to have had an abortion - even at 1201. The owner of this center is Dr. Martin Haskel of Ohio. Dr. Haskel is the inventor of partial-birth abortion and is proud of the quick turn-around time at 1201.
You might wonder how we determine a "save." First of all, "we" do not determine it - the sidewalk counselors do. Truth and Compassion Ministries sets the criteria and Bob Rust makes the final decision and informs us. Secondly, God makes the "saves" and we get to help by praying. Praying is the most powerful and effective thing we can do to bring an end to abortion and to help local women make the choice for life.
Some women call the Gabriel Project before making an appointment for an abortion to talk to someone about their decision. We encourage you to prayerfully decide if God is calling you to help with this ministry.
March 20, 2009
Save #8 Thursday at Planned Parenthood!
Yesterday morning Bob Rust, Coordinator of the sidewalk counselors in Indy, asked Kathy Stadler and Fran Adornato to cover Planned Parenthood in prayer. Yesterday Marian Leahy drove to Planned Parenthood from Columbus - this has been her routine every Thursday during the spring campaign of 40 Days for Life. Marian devotes her day off to praying at Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion.
Kathy, Fran and Marian had each noticed the unusual number of young women going into the abortion center yesterday. Most of them looked like they were in their teens and many of them seemed to be brought to the center by their mothers. It was so sad - Kathy counted 25 cars.
One of the cars pulling out had to stop for traffic and Kathy approach the car drawn by the look of trauma of the face of the girl who seemed about 14 years of age. Kathy tried to comfort her by saying "Jesus loves you and He will heal the pain of your abortion." The presumed mother looked tired and sad, but reacted when she realized what Kathy had said. The mother countered with "There was no abortion! She didn't have the abortion." By now Marian could hear what was happening and approached the car with joyful assurance that they would not regret their decision.
The women were offered help from the Gabriel Project, but have not called the helpline yet. Please remember this family and all the women who struggle with the temptation to take the life of their child through abortion.
Hear Sr. Diane Carollo on the Radio
Sr. Diane Carollo SGL, director of the Office for Pro-Life Ministry, Indianapolis Archdiocese, will be on the radio tomorrow, March 21 at 2:00 PM. The show is hosted by Barbara McGuigan and is a live call-in format. The show is part of EWTN radio. Sr. Diane also runs Birthline, a Catholic pregnancy resource center, which services 2,000 women a year and is open on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian.
March 17, 2009
Save # 7 Saturday at Planned Parenthood
Last Saturday Eric Slaughter called the 40 Days Infoline to report Save #7 during the Spring 09 campaign. Later Bob Rust confirmed the save and told us that Maureen McHugh, sidewalk counselor, noticed "Sara" leaving Planned Parenthood with a bog smile. She stopped and told Maureen that she did not have the aboriton. Maureen offered Sara help, which she declined saying she was fine and did not need it. Maureen then told her that we would pray for her. Sara said "That's ok - I'm not religious." Maureen told her "That's ok - we'll pray for you anyway."
March 13, 2009
Other "Saves" Count Also
More than 100 people came Tuesday to Indiana's largest abortion center, Planned Parenthood, to listen and witness to Dr. Alveda King and several local men and women, including a couple, who are speaking out to spare others from the grief they carry as victims of abortion. The women carried signs saying "I Regret My Abortion."
Eric Slaughter (right), of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Indianapolis, listens to other speakers and holds his Silent No More sign proclaiming his lost fatherhood. Eric encouraged fathers of unborn babies to be real men and defend the lives of their babies - even if the mother asks the father to support her in her abortion.
Most of the speakers at the rally on Tuesday mentioned "deception" as part of their abortion story. Some called abortion a "lie" which is promoted and used to twist reality and make those considering abortion see it as a good.
Those men and women who are experiencing a difficult pregnancy and who still chose life are counter-cultural heros in our modern world.
Yesterday we talked about counting "saves" at the abortion center and keeping track throughout the year online. Go to www.goangels.org to see the counter and to learn more about the Gabriel Project.
Some women and men chose life before they get to the abortion center. They look in their yellow pages for a place to have an abortion. They discover that the first section of the yellow pages is "Abortion Alternatives." If they notice the word "alternatives" they interpret it to mean various places that provide abortions. Birthline, pregnancy resource centers such as the Life Centers in Indianapolis and even the Gabriel Project is listed in this section of the phone book.
When a man or woman calls the number, they often start by asking how much an abortion will cost. The person answering might be Margaret Stapleton or Lianne Iacoli of Birthline. Before they answer the phone, Margaret and Lianne say a prayer to the Holy Spirit. They might be engaged in conversation for over an hour - listening and gently leading the caller to think clearly and make a good choice. Sometimes they refer the women to the Gabriel Project or a pregnancy resource center. When the caller choses life, the counselor rejoices and writes a report for Sr. Diane, who keeps the count of "saves" for Birthline. These numbers are not included in the number of saves at the abortion centers. Birthline also operates a pregnancy resource center on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Catholic Center and it services approximately 2,000 women each year.
The Gabriel Project receives calls requiring "intervention" and also calls from women and families who have already chosen life, but need some support. If you are interested in learning to answer these calls one morning or afternoon each week from your home, please contact Elaine Alvarez, Assistant Director of the Gabriel Project at elainer@40days-indy.org. You will be trained, you can use your own phone in the comfort of your own home or you can use your cell phone and you will feel fulfilled helping someone learn about the beauty of life and trusting God. Of course before you can teach someone else to trust God, you will have to trust Him yourself. Please prayfully consider this invitation to do what Pope John Paul II called "the most important work on earth."
March 12, 2009
Both Prayer & Sacrifice Are Required
Zach & Owen Duckett of St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg walked over 2 miles and stood to pray in front of Planned Parenthood at Georgetown Rd south of 86th St. at our Kickoff on Feb. 22.
Zach & Owen know what prayer and sacrifice means.
How We Count "Saves" for 40 Days-Indy
Gerry Zeunik (left), of St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg prays as she walks the 2+ miles from the St. Augustine Home for the Aged to Planned Parenthood on Georgetown Rd. south of 86th St. during our Kickoff of 40 Days for Life-Indy, Spring 2009.
This is the third campaign of 40 Days for Life-Indy, which is sponsored by the Gabriel Project in Indiana. GPI works on a regular basis with the sidewalk counselors in Indianapolis to offer help to women and families about to abort their babies.
The sidewalk counselors are trained to provide "intervention" by persuading the women going into the abortion facility - and sometimes other friends and relatives as well - that God will provide the support they need to continue their pregnancy. The sidewalk counselors work all year round - not just for 40 days and we lift these faithful servants up in prayer all year round.
The counselors also offer help from the Gabriel Project and sometimes even call the helpline on the spot so the women - or the person accompanying her - can talk directly to someone at the Gabriel helpline.
All of this process depends on God's grace touching the hearts of those headed for an abortion and them accepting the grace. By praying, fasting, sacrificing and standing as a public witness, 40 Days for Life is asking God to increase those graces. We can only succeed with God's help.
The sidewalk counselors report their "saves" to Bob Rust who makes the final decision as to whether each one will be documented and counted. The Gabriel Project gets the count from Bob and posts it on our website so that you can see how many "saves" have occured since Jan. 1, 2009 and how many of those have occurred during 40 Days for Life-Indy, Spring 2009.
Since the 11-3 count more has happened. Last Friday a "save" was confirmed at 1201 N. Arlington and 40 Days for Life-Indy volunteers reported a save to us at Planned Parenthood on the same day. We are very grateful that the 40 Days people contacted us and we contacted Bob for verification. One of his sidewalk counselors, John Stutz from Greenfield, had come out for an hour to pray and was able to minister to a woman and help her chose life. There was a third "save" yesterday at 1201.
March 11, 2009
We Are Silent No More!
Bernadette Roy delivers her testimony about her abortion immediately after Eric Slaughter delivered his testimony about his lost fatherhood. They were among six women (including Dr. Alveda King) and three men who proclaimed yesterday on the right-of-way area of the largest abortion center in Indiana - Planned Parenthood, 8590 Georgetown Rd., Indianapolis - that they would be "Silent No More!"
Silent No More at 40 Days for Life-Indy
Dr. Alveda King, niece of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a pastoral associate of Priests for Life, led 100+ participants as we prayed, sang and listened with compassion to three men and six women, including Dr. Alveda King, as they gave their personal testimonies about the effects of abortion in their lives.
Two rape victims and a married couple were among the testimonies presented.
Video productions of each testimony will be available soon online thanks to the generosity of several individuals who supported the effort with donations two professional video companies headed by Sean Belby and Scott Jones. We will announce the viewing site for the videos.
Right to Life of Indianapolis and 40 Days for Life-Indy collaborated yesterday to give voice to members of the local Silent No More Awareness Campaign headed locally by Elizabeth Kane.
Nationwide, the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, (SNMAC), the world's largest network of women and men harmed by abortion, joined the 40 Days for Life campaigns yesterday to raise awareness about the pain and anguish from previous abortions suffered by many women and men.
One More Indy Save Yesterday
As Dr. Alveda King was flying from her home in Atlanta to Indianapolis for our Silent No More - 40 Days for Life-Indy event, Kathy Stadler, sidewalk counselor, was heading for 1201 N. Arlington for her weekly assignment of prayer and interaction with women scheduled for abortions.
Kathy was remembering the words of Fr. Jonathan Meyer when he spoke at the Catholic Life Network dinner last Saturday evening. Fr. Meyer reminded us that all the sidewalk counselors, billboards, newsletters, 40 Day for Life events, dinners, etc. for pro-life causes are only effective if done with prayer. His extort was to pray, pray, pray because only God can change hearts. So when Kathy arrived, she gathered two other counselors, Debbie and Fran, and they started praying intently while Michelle was praying at Mass during this same timeframe. Kathy recalls feeling the presence of God and remembering the bible verse that tells us where two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus, he will be there with them.
A couple, Karen and Charles (not their real names), were walking into the center for their scheduled abortion when Kathy approached them and asked if they were aware that "this place targets African Americans to destroy in particular the African American race." Kathy continued by saying "you have a precious Creation from God" and then she asked if they could pray together.
After the prayer, they agreed to go to a Life Center with her. In the meantime, Kathy called the Gabriel Helpline and Charles talked to them at length and asked for help for Karen and specifically for him. They were counseled at the Life Center and they came out smiling with a gift of diapers and said "Yes! We're having a Baby!"
The Gabriel Project Ministry at St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel has been assigned to follow up with help for Karen and Charles.
March 9, 2009
Help by Making 6 Phone Calls and/or Donating
Want to help us prepare for the visit of Dr. Alveda King? If you have time to make 6 phone calls today or tomorrow morning, please contact Eileen Hartman at projectgabriel@comcast.net and you will receive instructions.
We have hired a professional to videotape and edit the presetations of Dr. Alveda King and the Silent No More representatives. If you can make a tax-deductible donation to help us cover the costs, please follow the directions at the bottom of this newsletter. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
March 6, 2009
3rd Save for 40 Days-Indy!
Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. -- Job 12:9-10
Yesterday we asked for prayers for the couple whose "disagreement" caused Planned Parenthood to contact local police for "domestic disturbance." Both county and city police came and left, but no one was arrested. The couple who had argued agreed to leave and not have an abortion. Please keep them in your prayers.
March 5, 2009
Police Called to Planned Parenthood Today
Planned Parenthood always has a private duty policeman acting as a guard sitting in a marked car and visible to anyone praying or pulling in for an abortion. This morning Marian Leahy and Judy York were praying at Planned Parenthood and Marian was meditating on the wedding feast at Cana and praying to St. Joseph. They had noticed how many vehicles were driven by men taking women into the abortion facility this morning. One of these men displayed anger toward the sidewalk counselors offering informational brochures as people pulled in.
A little later Marian and Judy noticed a white city police car pulling in and parking at the left side of the building - near the private duty guard. Soon a brown-colored county car came and then they noticed a large brown police van enter and pull around to the parking area in the back. Marian reported the strange events to our 40 Days central office and we placed a conference call to the local city police station with Marian and Judy on the phone with us. By now all but the private duty officer had left Planned Parenthood.
We learned that the police had been called for a "domestic issue" at Planned Parenthood. That phrase brought to mind the many couples - married and not married - who argue about abortion. Some of them call Birthline or the Gabriel Project for help. We were told that no arrests were made and we later learned that the couple involved left without having an abortion - praise God!
We ask you to pray for this couple and all other couples torn apart by considering taking the life of their child, whom they consider an inconvenience for them.
March 4, 2009
You Can't Make This Stuff Up
When we learned that Alveda King was coming to Indiana to speak at Purdue on March 10, we were excited to hear that she wanted to pray at a 40 Days for Life site because 40 Days is not taking place in Atlanta where she lives.
Now we've learned that March 10 is "Thank Your Abortion Provider Day!" The abortion industry asks women to actually send "thank you" notes to their abortion provider. Can you imagine wanting to return to the place where your child was killed and your heart was broken to thank the people who made money for causing your misery?
We don't know if anyone is planning to come to Planned Parenthood to thank their abortion provider on March 10, but we will certainly welcome men and women of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign as they join us.
The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is a project of Priests for Life and Anglicans for Life and members make the public aware of the devastation abortion brings to women and men. The campaign seeks to expose and heal the secrecy and silence surrounding the emotional and physical pain of abortion.
Come next Tuesday and pray and sing with Alveda King and listen with compassion to members of Silent No More as they share their testimonies about their abortions. As always the gathering will be peaceful and prayerful.
Continue to Send Pictures and Stories
We need the inspiration of true stories and pictures from the vigil at Planned Parenthood. Please share special moments by calling Eileen Hartman at (812) 342-9550 or email projectgabriel40@comcast.net.
40 Days for Life-Indy
The campaign runs from Wednesday, February 25 daily through Sunday, April 5. Mondays-Saturdays are covered from 8am-6pm. Sundays will only be officially covered in prayer from 1-5 pm even though the scheduling tool indicates 8am - 6pm. We ask Perpetual Adoration Chapels and Prayer Partners at home to cover Planned Parenthood in prayer during the hours that we are not present at the site.
This Lent come to the modern-day Calvary and pray for an end to abortion.
40 Days for Life-Indy is sponsored by The Gabriel Project in Indiana. Your financial support is needed and tax-deductible. Make a credit card donation online or send a check to The Gabriel Project, P.O. Box 1612, Columbus, IN 47202 and write "40 Days" or "Project Gabriel" on the memo line. Your generosity is appreciated.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Proverbs 31:8
