New Years Resolution #4- Eradicating Late-Term Abortions

Okay, just so we are clear, I don’t think any abortions should be legal- no matter what stage they occur. As soon as the sperm joins with the egg and conception takes place, a unique person exists created by God for an express purpose. Man has no right to destroy that new life.

Unfortunately, the laws of this nation have built a pretty solid wall of protection around abortion. I will continue to fight until my last breath for all abortions to end. However, I am convinced that making late-term abortions (past 20 weeks) illegal is an achievable goal.

Obviously, these are the most abhorrent of all the abortions. At 20-weeks, couples flock to their physician to find out whether their baby will be a boy or a girl.  On the ultrasound screen, there is no denying that it is a child in the womb, fully formed and  just needing a little more time to grow.  The biggest argument used to defend abortions after this point is that the baby is deformed or would not live long out of the womb, so it would be more merciful to kill it before any attachment takes place. I know that sounds cold- but that is essentially what it boils down to. Not that I blame the parents- most of the time they have been sold a bill of goods from the medical community. If these late abortions were illegal, they would never be placed in a situation where they could be manipulated to make such a horrible choice.

I heard of a story over the weekend that horrified me so much that it took until today to force myself to look it up. It was the story of a woman who chose to have a healthy twin aborted because having two children at once would disturb her lifestyle. I didn’t want to believe, even after all I’ve seen and heard over the years, that someone could be so callused. Or, that a doctor would perform such a procedure. However, it is true.

In fact, it turns out that this is becoming quite a common practice. It is called “a reduction.” Until recently, it had been primarily done on pregnancies with 3 or more babies, where not all would be expected to survive (which I still find horrible!) However, the doctor who performed this abortion does several of these “healthy twin killings” (my term) a month. 

This mother was not bothered at all by her choice. She said, “I do believe people should have the choice, given the cost of raising children today. You want to be able to provide for your children.. to give them the things they need to become the best adults they can become.” I wonder if she will ever tell her surviving child about his or her twin? I also wonder if they would wish to have their sibling rather than the few extra toys at Christmas?

The point I am making is that these kinds of decisions should not even be allowed.  It is the worst kind of science fiction. I have seen quite a few women who did not discover they were pregnant until after 20 weeks and were still asking about abortion. And, I’m positive that even though the baby was obviously healthy, they would not have had a problem finding someone to kill that child for a price. Don’t be deceived! Most late-term abortions are not for health reasons.

I really think that where the battle against late-term abortions lies within the states. Here in Nebraska, abortions can no longer be done after 20 weeks. More states have been emboldened by our law to attempt to do the same. I will keep you posted on the states where the battle for life is being waged so that you can pray. Right now, our focus should be on Iowa, where they are attempting to pass a law like Nebraska’s.

Just like with the elderly, the pressure is going to increase against bringing children with health problems into the world. Parents will be told horror stories and made to feel guilty about “selfishly” bringing their child into a life of pain and suffering. However, they will not be told about the anguish their baby will undergo during the abortion. We need to protect vulnerable men and women against this horror. This is not a decision anyone should ever have the right to make. Please join me in praying that it will end.

Keeping it true!  Barb

New Years Resolution #3- Refocus Funding from Embryonic to Adult Stem Cell Research

 A 16-month old boy smiles when he hears his mother’s voice. Now, for a normal child that would not be considered remarkable. However, this little boy has been in a “vegetative” unresponsive state since he was born because of a rare brain condition.  For the last six months he has been receiving cell transplants in his brain taken from his own cord blood. As a result, he is now more responsive and  his seizures have been reduced by 50%.

There have also been exciting developments with the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with the use of adult stem cells. With the use of cells taken from the patient, repair has been seen in damaged areas in the brain. Right now the testing is only with rats. However, they expect to begin testing with humans in the next few years.

I scoured the internet today looking for stories on “Stem Cell Research.” All I found were exciting developments with Adult Stem Cells. Of course, I had to dig to find out it was adult cells, because it was just listed as “stem cells.” However, I could find nothing concerning embryonic research.

Some might say that is because a judge cut off federal funding for testing with embryos. However, I think there are plenty of private labs carrying on with it. I tried to discover if any federal funding went to research for adult stem cells, but could not find any information.

Like I have mentioned before, the biggest argument (in fact, the only argument I could find) to justify embryonic stem cell research over adult stem cell was the theory that embryonic cells could be manipulated to replicate any cell in the body. Cells such as this are called pluripotent cells. However, as I told you in previous blogs, in the last few months researchers have discovered adult stem cells which are pluripotent- a fact which, in my opinion,  should close down the whole argument. Why doesn’t it?

Well, it goes back to the point I made yesterday. Satan, who holds so much sway over this world right now, has come to “kill, steal and destroy.” He particularly loves it when new life is destroyed. Of course, I can’t imagine he wants to see many life-saving developments with stem cell research. He would rather lead us down a dead-end path strewn with tiny embryonic bodies.

Our government is continuing their legal battle to reinstate funding for embryonic research.  Again, as with so many other things, we need to make our voices heard and let our representatives know that adult stem cells are the only pathway to breakthrough for healing, whereas  embryonic research will only lead to more death.

The Whitehead Institute in Massachusetts has reported having success with Parkinson’s patients through the use of stem cells found in skin tissue. They have great hope for a successful treatment in the not too distant future. It could come so much quicker if all the researchers and funds were withdrawn from embryonic research and was poured into adult. If it happened in 2011, it might even be in time to treat my mother and give her a greater quality of life, along with thousands more just like her.  Please join me in praying that this will be the year!

Keeping it true!  Barb

New Years Resolution #2- Protecting the Elderly

One of my favorite Christmas movies is “A Christmas Carol” based on the book by Charles Dickens (who just happens to also be one of my favorite authors!) Anyway, the movie starts out with a shot of a horse-drawn hearse with a casket inside. The voice-over says, “Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail,” and, then something to the effect that this fact must be clearly understood for the rest of the story to be believed.

We all base our belief systems upon a core foundation. People who believe in God look at things totally differently from those who do not. Because of my relationship with Jesus, I see His hand in all of creation. However, for those who deny His  existence and hold fast to science, evolution has to be true, even if it takes a lot of faith to hold firm to some of its unseen and unproven tenets.

The same is true with the recent debate about “death panels.” Many in Congress last year scoffed at the concerns about doctors advising elderly patients on end-of-life treatment options. These were for the “welfare of these patients, so that they would not need to suffer needlessly,” they said. However, many, including myself, immediately recognized their inherent danger.

To understand the differences between us, we have to take a look at our world (or spiritual) views. For myself, and many Christians, our view is based on scriptures such as John 10:10, which states that our enemy (Satan) has come to “steal, kill and destroy,” as well as I Peter 5:8, which points out that he is a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” At present, Satan holds great sway over our world. His aim is to destroy as many as he can, particularly before they can come to salvation and gain eternal life. Since he is also a coward, he is directing his wrath at those in our society who are the most vulnerable: the elderly and the unborn.

Have you noticed that those who are proponents of abortion and “death with dignity” always frame the debate in terms of “choice” and “compassion”? We all want to be seen as the good guys. I truly believe that some of these individuals are well-intentioned, but they have also been duped. Untimely death is never compassionate. Since the true author of this type of legislation is the enemy of our souls, all that will be reaped by them is cruelty, manipulation and destruction.

So, what is so wrong about doctors meeting yearly with elderly patients to help them design an end-of-life treatment plan? Well, if the patient is of a sound mind, and the doctor and the patient’s family are caring people with integrity, then probably not much. In those cases, everyone will have the best interest of the patient in mind and the elderly person will not be pressured to do anything they don’t really want to do.

However, that will not always be the case. As I have pointed out in past blogs, in other countries which have legalized assisted suicide, it has been proven that many elderly people have been pressured and coerced into death against their will. Their families have convinced them that they are old and worthless. The medical community became increasingly aggressive due to the skyrocketing cost of caring for the elderly. In the United States in the next few years it is expected the number of those on social security will steeply rise as the number of those in the work force rapidly decreases. Can we honestly say those same pressures will not be a factor for us as well?

In addition, a recent report from The Physician’s Foundation showed that 74% of doctors polled were considering cutting back on their practice due to the recently passed healthcare legislation. Up to 40% were thinking about dropping out of private practice altogether. And, less and less young people are considering taking up medicine.  With fewer doctors, healthcare will be harder to get. As the huge Baby Boomer generation slides into old age and increasing health demands, will there also be growing pressure to cut off certain procedures past a certain age? And, then, will that slide into legalized assisted suicide, as it has in so many countries? Do you see now why “death panels” are an issue?

Now is the time to step forward and let our voices be heard! When people spoke out during the healthcare debate last year, Congress backed off and dropped the “end-of-life consultations” from the bill. However, very quietly, it has come back as a Medicare regulation. Beginning January 1, doctors will be paid by the government to provide these yearly sessions. Right now, it is rather benign (maybe) and voluntary. However, if we don’t speak out, I can guarantee it won’t remain that way.

One of the movers and shakers of this regulation is Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. He represents a pro-euthanasia group from his state. Representative Blumenauer praised the rule as “a step in the right direction.” A Step. Towards what? Obviously we can see where he would like it to go.

If we don’t protect the elderly, who will? Plus, no matter how much we like to fool ourselves, we will all be there someday. Things may progress slowly or they may move very fast, but unless we do something, they will slide towards death and destruction.  Call your elected representatives and tell them you are watching and that you want this regulation removed from Medicare! Then, together we need to keep an eye on things. Our enemy won’t back away and neither should we!

Keeping it true!  Barb

New Year’s Resolution #1: Stop Planned Parenthood!

Tis the season to begin a list of New Year’s Resolutions. I have a few for my personal life, but I thought it might be great to make a list for my blog as well. So, that is what I will be doing this week. The first one on my list (which will not necessarily be in order) is to do all I can this year to stop Planned Parenthood!

Now, what does that even mean? And, what can little old me, just one person in the vast sea of humanity, hope to do against the huge conglomeration known as Planned Parenthood? Well, maybe not much, but if we all did our part maybe we could bring this ugly giant down! However, you will have to wait until the end of the blog to hear my plan.

First, I wanted to inform you about Planned Parenthood’s plans for 2011. Not long ago, the national organization, officially known as “The Planned Parenthood Federation of America”, (wasn’t the evil empire in Star Wars known as “The Federation?”)  informed their affiliates all around the country that each of them needed to open up at least one abortion clinic. This is all part of their plan to expand the number of abortions that are performed by them every year. (They already provide 26% of the slaughter of the unborn as it is.) This is all called their “new patient services initiative.”

Disturbingly, this was announced right after their annual report was released. It turns out that last year Planned Parenthood received $365 million dollars in grants and funds from federal, state and local governments. In addition, they made $1 billion in profit (mostly from abortion!) They claim that they do not use government funds for abortion purposes. However, even if they don’t, what does it matter? If a building is used to kill unborn children, any funds that keep the lights on, or pays rent or even provides salaries for employees contributes to their deaths.  It is ridiculous to claim otherwise.

According to Senior Vice President of Heath Support Services for Planned Parenthood, Lisa David, they are also going to be stepping up their contraceptive services. Among their new “core preventative services” (against this so-called disease called pregnancy) they will also be offering sexual assault exams. Considering that  Planned Parenthood has been caught on tape many times telling young girls (14 or 15) to deny their age, along with the age of their much older sexual partners, and are even being sued in Ohio for not reporting a fifteen year old who was brought in for an abortion by her twenty-something soccer coach who had impregnated her, this just does not seem like a good idea.

I never thought I would ever say a good word about a Planned Parenthood affiliate. However, the South Texas branch has resigned their Planned Parenthood name rather than succumb to doing abortions. I’m not sure of their reasoning, but we can only hope that there will be more.

So, what can any of us do to Stop Planned Parenthood in 2011? Well, here is my list:

1. Write and call my Congressman and Senators and request that not one dollar of funding go to Planned Parenthood. I will point out the fallacies in logic that money can go to them and be kept seperate from abortion. My tax-payer money needs to stop going to this evil organization!

2. I plan to scour the websites and newspaper and expose Planned Parenthood whenever I can. I will certainly write about it in my blog- but I hope to submit articles to the newspaper as well.

3. I would like to set up a regular schedule to be a prayerful presence outside their abortion clinic on 93rd and Maple. Hopefully we can speak to women going in and turn some away. At the very least, prayer has the power to break down strongholds and turn away demonic forces.

The Bible has a long history of little guys bringing down giants. As believers, we have God to fight our battles for us. Again, if we each were obedient to what God told us to do, huge battles would be won for His glory!

Keeping it true!  Barb

Stopping Abortion Through Changing the Hearts of Abortion Providers

Just over a year ago, Abby Johnson was the director of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility.  This week, the following quote was posted on her blog, “During the Christmas season, it seems appropriate that we pray continuously for all those involved in the abortion industry; physicians and clinic workers alike.  Please pray that their hearts will be opened to the truth of God’s love and His redemptive power.  Pray that they will be open to receive the most incredible Christmas present ever…the healing power of Jesus Christ!  Please pray for everyone involved in the abortion industry every day for next 7 days.”  What in the world happened between then and now?

One day in September of 2009, an event happened which changed Abby completely. She had been asked to assist with an abortion. For some reason, the abortionist chose to do the procedure guided by the image on the ultrasound screen.  Abby was holding the ultrasound probe in place on the woman’s stomach.

When Abby looked at the screen, she was amazed to see a fully formed 13-week-old baby. The profile of the face was perfectly formed. Then she watched in horror as the instruments of abortion entered the womb. The baby began to jerk, like it was frantically trying to evade death. All too quickly it was over. However, for Abby, it was just the beginning.

She was unable to escape from what she had just witnessed. For her, abortion now had a face. As quickly as she could, she resigned her position. Now she works with pro-life groups to try to shut down the industry that once employed her.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to find out if she was a believer when she worked for Planned Parenthood.   All I know is that her blog is now covered with requests for prayer for those still in the abortion industry and a certainty that only Jesus can change their hearts. I would bet you anything that there were pro-lifers praying diligently for her. It was definitely the Holy Spirit that switched on the light of truth for Abby Johnson during that abortion, revealing that it was a child that was being destroyed.

I don’t know about you, but Abby’s story encourages me to pray like never before for those who work for Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics. I confess that I have never really prayed for Leroy Carhart or the others who destroy little children everyday. However, there is no one that God cannot change! And, like Abby, it only takes a moment of revelation to change a person’s life.

Laws would not matter if there were no men or women left to perform abortions. From what I’ve heard, there are fewer and fewer individuals who are willing to do them as it is. I am making a commitment to daily pray for their conversion. How about you? Will you join me?

By the way, I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas!  It is an amazing time to celebrate the birth of a child who came to save the world. I owe Him everything and I am very grateful for all He has done!

Keeping it true!  Barb

2011: A Year of Light?

 You’ll have to excuse me if I have babies on the brain today. My grandson (pictured on the left in both pictures) was born yesterday. His name is Gabriel Matthew Malek, and I think he is perfect in every way. Of course, as his grandmother, that is my job. I plan on continuing to be his (as well as his older brother, Brayden’s) biggest cheerleader all his life!

I was privileged to be invited to Gabriel’s ultrasound when he was about 32 weeks. I actually began to bond with both boys from the moment I found out their mother was pregnant. However, when I saw Gabriel’s ultrasound, it was love at first sight! He was squirming around, and kept putting his thumb near his mouth. I was amazed at how clearly he could be seen. In the ultrasound above, you can see exactly what he looked like at that stage.  And, if I had an ultrasound photo of him at the moment when the egg met the sperm, that would be him as well. Just as special- just as divinely created! (I even put the ultrasound picture of Gabriel on our Christmas card!)

Life is such an amazing miracle! If the world was like a huge ultrasound machine and we could see into the womb whenever we wanted to, I know that abortion would be a very rare thing. Instead, like most sin, it is a deed done in darkness. That is why the abortion industry hates ultrasound laws, because under the bright lights the truth is revealed: where a “clump of tissue” was supposed to be there is a beating heart and a little person hidden away.

Please pardon my self-indulgence today! I guess with Gabriel’s birth and Christmas on Saturday, I didn’t have the heart to dig around on the internet for news of death and destruction. It seemed like a day for dreaming and praying for my new little one that he will be set apart by God for great things! He was created for a purpose and I will pray everyday that he will give his life to Jesus at an early age and see that purpose achieved to the fullest. 

I know it seems like I’ve been beating the same drum all week. However, I think that if somehow the light could come on and people would clearly see that life in the womb is the same as life outside,  just as valuable and worthy of respect, the debate would be over! Would you join me in praying that 2011 would  be the year that the light of truth would begin to outshine the darkness? Please, Lord, let 2011 be the year that abortion ends!

Keeping it true!  Barb

Mary’s Ultrasound- A Holy Reality In Human Form

 In our day and age, we seem to have a disconnect with reality. When a baby is wanted, an ultrasound is seen as an amazing thing. People put pictures of their pre-born child into baby books and pass them around at work or at church. That is “their baby!”

However, when a child is not wanted it is like the humanity is removed. I read a story recently about a couple who gave birth to a baby with a condition that prohibited the child from living more than a few months. Tragically, the baby died after only a few months and the parents and grandparents were heart-broken. But, there was one comment that was made that has stuck with me. Someone, I think it was one of the grandmother’s, said that she wished they could have found this out during the pregnancy so they never would have had to face all the heartache.

Believe me, I am not judging these grieving people. I have no idea what it is like to lose a child, especially an infant. The difficultly I am having is in people thinking that the child in the womb was not the same person as the child they held and loved so much. And, after knowing that child, how they could have wished for his or her earlier destruction. Perhaps they think it would not have hurt as much because they would not have known the child as well. Or, maybe it was just the unthinking words of a grieving grandmother.  However, someday I hope they will see that the days they had with their precious baby were a gift and not a curse.

The billboard shown above has been appearing all over England and in areas of Wisconsin.  Called “Mary’s Ultrasound” it has been causing quite a stir. In England, Terry Sanderson, director of the National Secular Society, stated, “The image is too specifically associated with pro-lifers to be seen in a benign context. They should go back to angels and cribs.” I can guarantee you that Church Ads, the British Non-Profit who came up with the billboard, did not intend for it to be “benign.” Showing the divine, yet human, Jesus as a baby in the womb brings home the fact that each unique life begins not at birth but at the moment of conception. And, that is stirring up a lot of controversy!

One fact is perfectly clear: if the unborn Christ had been somehow been aborted we would have lost the Savior of the World. For, at the moment that God touched Mary’s womb the Son of God entered our world. All the same divine DNA was present at that first second that was there at His death on the cross. All our lives are a God-created continuum, from conception to the grave. Somehow we need to make that truth  to our world before millions of others are condemned to an untimely death!

Lord, use this billboard to show your truth!

Keeping it true!  Barb

Are We Sleeping Through Christmas?

 One of my favorite books is called, “Two From Galilee.” In fact, I read it so many times that it fell apart. I really would like to find another copy, because it brought to life the story of Mary and Joseph better than any book I’ve ever read.

I love to read about people who stand up against the odds and find courage to do what is right. “Two From Galilee” was written from Mary’s point of view. In it, the image came alive of her as a mere girl who had an encounter with an angel and was impregnated by God. Does that blow your mind? Then she found herself unmarried and pregnant in an age when that was a very serious thing. If Joseph, her fiance, had pressed for it she could have been stoned. Fortunately, God sent an angel to him as well and he was able to understand that she had not betrayed him. The rest of the book is filled with the courage of this young couple as they quietly walked in obedience to God in spite of the nasty rumors and innuendos around them.

I want so badly to be a person of courage. I pray that God will make me into the type of person who would face torture or a firing squad for him. Or, as is most likely, a person who can face each new day with faith and perseverance, standing up for what is right and true, even if I lose everything for it.

There is a Christmas song by Casting Crowns called, “While You Were Sleeping,” which has gripped my heart. Here is how it begins:

“Oh little town of Bethlehem, looks like another silent night. Above your deep and dreamless sleep a giant star lights up the sky. And while you’re lying in the dark there shines an everlasting light, for the King has left his throne and is sleeping in a manger tonight. O Bethlehem what you have missed while you were sleeping?  For God became a man and stepped into your world today. Oh Bethlehem, will you go down in history as a city with no room for its king, while you were sleeping?”

The song continues:

“United States of America, looks like another silent night. As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children.”

I don’t know about you, but that struck me like a dagger in the heart. I don’t want to be lulled to sleep by all the wealth and abundance and entertainment of the season. And yet, it is so easy to do. I am off work this week. The temptation is to surround myself with baking and music and Christmas movies. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Believe me, I will do my share of it. However, in the midst, I want to be inspired by that little girl from long ago who bravely surrendered everything to give birth to our Savior.

Speaking of Jesus, this time of year I love to read Philippians 2:5-7, which says of Jesus: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  The very Son of God became a helpless baby and was birthed in pain and blood into a filthy stable. Just for us.

As if the first part was not enough, the song continues:

“And while we’re lying in the dark there’s a shout from the eastern sky, for the Bridegroom has returned and has carried his bride away in the night.  America, what will we miss while we are sleeping? Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay?”

Lord, Jesus, wake me up! Give me your eyes to see the world! I don’t want to miss what you have for me. Deep down I fear that I don’t have the courage for the tasks that lie ahead, but I want to. Please test me and teach me what courage is.  Even at Christmas, please wake me up from my slumber. For Yours is the honor and the glory and the power, forever and ever. Amen!

Keeping it true!  Barb

A Christmas Miracle: Have You Had One Yet?

I am a very fortunate and blessed person! I work in an amazing place where miracles happen all the time. I even get to play a part in them sometimes. Of course, I truly believe that if we would start looking we would see opportunities for miracles all the time. I confess that I don’t do that nearly enough, do you?

Of course, it all depends on how you define a miracle. I’m going to define it, at least for the sake of this blog, as when a life is totally transformed because the impossible (at least in their mind) becomes possible. Most importantly of all, miracles come from the hand of God. He does all the work- our part is to be obedient and available for Him to work through us. Prayer plays a crucial part as well.

At the AAA Center for Pregnancy Counseling, we see miracles unfold when women see their unborn child for the first time on the ultrasound screen. Up to that time the only thought that has consumed many of them is that they can’t be pregnant because their life will be ruined! However, suddenly, there is another person to consider: tiny and helpless, but with a beating heart and perfectly formed little body. For most, bonding begins right at that magic moment. Abortion is no longer a “simple solution.”  When a tiny life is spared and, instead, a new family is created, it is a great miracle!

However, we have also discovered the truth found in James 2: “Suppose you see a brother or a sister who needs food or clothing (or is pregnant with no one to help them) and you say, ‘Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well.’- but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing (or help or support.) What good does that do?” In an attempt to stay true to Scripture, we have a program where new or expectant parents can take classes to teach them parenting skills, as well as providing them with clothing and items they need for their baby. However, sometimes a situation occurs where it is obvious that God is calling us to go far beyond the normal in order to meet the need.

Just this week a woman came through our doors. Her young son was with her.  In spite of the bitter cold, neither one of them had more than a light jacket. The little boy’s shoes were far too big and didn’t look they were his.  We knew from the phone conversation our helpliner had with her earlier that she wanted to get an abortion but was willing to have an ultrasound to see how far along she was. For some reason, she also had no phone.

It turned out that they had recently fled from an abusive husband and father with just the clothes on their backs. They were living in a shelter for battered women. He had not even allowed her to take her son’s Christmas presents, and now she had nothing for him. With big, sad eyes, the little boy told us that he had to leave his police car behind. Did we have a car here that he could play with?

Now, our office is full of grandmothers who have little grandsons that love their toy cars! And, a determined search was carried out for some trucks or cars that this homeless little boy could take with him (I admit, even a few prayers went up!) Amazingly, a set of 6 brand new little Matchbox cars were found in the basement! Hearts melted as he received the gift and with a quiet voice said, “Thank you!”

Meanwhile, his mother was talking with our volunteers. She told them that she didn’t believe in abortion but that she had to get away from her husband! She couldn’t bring another of his children into the world. Plus, she was living in a shelter and had no idea what the future would bring.

In the midst of their conversation, our nurse discovered that this mother and child had no winter coats or warm clothing. An immediate decision was made to take them out and buy them some. Money had been donated for just such a purpose! The woman seemed overwhelmed by the suggestion. Why would we do such a thing? She was told that it was because of Jesus and His love for us. The advocate shared with her that it was not God’s desire for her to be in the horrible, abusive situation that she was. He had used a volunteer at the shelter to lead her to us and this was His way for loving and caring for her. We were simply being His arms to reach out to her.

Later, when she went to get her ultrasound, the screen showed a beautiful 9 week old child, wiggling and waving its little arms. Immediately she became troubled. Clearly she hadn’t bargained for this. Now she was unsure now what to do. However, her situation still loomed large and she was unable yet to commit to life.

As soon as the appointment was finished, one of the employees in our office took the woman and little boy shopping. They purchased warm winter coats, hats, gloves and boots. Undergarments and even Toy Story pajamas went into their shopping bag. It was followed up with dinner and loving conversation, where Val was able to share her story of God’s miracles in her own life with the woman.

We don’t know the end of the story yet. Since they live in the shelter, we cannot contact them by phone. However, they are expected to return soon for some Christmas gifts which have been purchased for them. We will continue to help them in any way we can.

Please pray for this little family. Here at the Center, we are expecting a miracle. God has already done so much. He provided the volunteer at the shelter who sent them our way. Two years ago, He led one of our employees to bring six little Matchbox cars, which sat in our basement until they were needed for a lonely little boy. And, He inspired someone out there to give the funds so that warm winter garments could be purchased. However, salvation for this family and life for the unborn child would be the greatest miracles of all!

Keeping it true!  Barb

Adult Stem Cells Do It Again: This Time With AIDS!

You know, there is one positive thing you can say about the press. They are consistent. When I saw an article entitled, “Doctors Claim HIV-Positive Man Cured by Stem Cell Transplant,” my immediate thought was, “Embryonic or Adult?” And, it took until the second paragraph to find out. Of course, by now I should know that if it had been embryonic it would have been listed in the title. It is only with adult stem cells that the waters are allowed to remain muddy. (Watch for it- you’ll see that I’m right!)

Well, anyway, it turns out that Timothy Ray Brown, a man who is HIV-positive, also had leukemia. He received a transplant of adult stem cells from a donor. However, this donor was special: he was carrying a rare gene mutation that made him immune to the HIV infection. After receiving his cells, it turns out that Mr. Brown is now free from HIV as well.

Of course, since only 1 percent of the Caucasian population (and zero percent of blacks) have this mutation, the chance of finding perfect donor matches with this immunity for other AID’s patients is incredibly slim. In fact, this one almost falls into the category of a miracle. However, I would imagine that it has opened the door to possibilities. Who knows? Perhaps in the future this type of gene can be engineered in the lab so that actual donors are not necessary.

The important factor to me with all this is that Adult Stem Cell Research was once again the hero! This is one more brick to be placed in the growing wall of evidence to support the reallotment of funds and manpower away from embryonic research towards that which has been proven to work. No other lives had to be destroyed for Timothy Ray Brown to live. The pathway to a cure for AIDS is not strewn with the dead. Life came from life, which is the way it should be.

Mr. Brown has been without therapy for three years and appears to be free of the virus.  Scientists disagree on the future for such treatment. Some call it a fluke which will never happen again. Others say that it gives hope to people infected with HIV. Having read about several miraculous breakthroughs with adult stem cell research in the last few years, I find great hope with this. Now, if we can only keep abortion politics out of the debate, perhaps the scientific community will abandon dead-end embryonic research and go full steam ahead to finding other life-changing cures. Please join me in praying that they do!

Keeping it true!  Barb