In April we were blessed to see more people getting involved in the pro-life movement in ABQ. One day we were joined by Rev. Alvin Spears in front of late term abortion clinic, SWO. We were able to pray with, weep with, encourage, restore, and preach the Gospel to people who were simply passing by. Thankfully the 3 hours we were at the clinic there were no abortion patients! This is how we do ministry, maintain unity, fulfill the “Great Commission,” and end abortion all at the same time!
There was also an excellent turnout to the Sidewalk Counseling Information Session this month at Project Defending Life…24 people and a lot of new faces!
In April Bud was also invited to speak in Durango, CO at a conference hosted by Students for Life of America. His topic to speak about for an hour was…Activism! Oh yeah, he was really exited and honored by this great opportunity!
Students For Life UNM Presentation
Tara was invited to speak to the newly formed SFL group at UNM as well. We are super excited that a presence for life will is present at UNM and are so blessed to have an opportunity to equip them with knowledge that is vital to changing hearts and minds on campus.
Survivors Pro-Life training Camp in NM
In case you missed it in our last newsletter we are gearing up for the first ever pro-life training camp in NM. This camp changed our lives and we know it will change those who attend camp from August 2-10, 2013.
The Early Bird Registration ends June 2nd so, if you know a young person who might like to come to camp please have them visit here. If you would like one of us to promote the camp at your church to the youth group please contact us. If you would like to sponsor a young person to come to camp go to the donate page and be sure to put 2013 camp in the message box with any donation amount. We want this camp to reach it’s full capacity so please help us spread the word and make this camp a huge success.
“Seek the well being of the city to which I have sent you. Pray for it to the Lord. For in seeking its well being you shall find your own.“ Jeremiah 29:7
Sidewalk Testimony
The first place we stopped at when we got back into town was Project Defending Life. Tara literally walked into PDL and Jennifer (one of our sidewalk volunteers) had just arrived herself, with an entire family that she intercepted from Late-Term abortion clinic SWO! It was a great way to be welcomed back to Albuquerque after some much needed R&R. Here are Tara and Jennifer’s testimonies:
“Victory at the late term clinic today!! A young girl, 16 or 17, arrived with her whole family (7 total) with the intent of aborting her 3 month child. We were unsuccessful in reaching this young lady, her mother and her aunt as they walked in the clinic BUT we were able to reach the 11 year old sister who was waiting in the van with her father & other siblings. I gave the 11 year old a gift resource bag and explained to her that we were there to help and that abortion would hurt her sister and the baby. This brave girl must have shared the information with her father because after a few minutes, the dad got out of the van and went into the clinic. Minutes later, they ALL came out and approached us wanting the help!! The young girl who was seeking the abortion told us that she was a senior in high school and was scared about having a baby. She was scared about the finances. She didn’t see any other way. We assured her and her family that she made the right choice of choosing life for her baby! The whole family then followed me to Project Defending Life where they were ready to do an ultrasound and offer help in any way necessary. God used an 11 year old girl to save this baby’s life today! So amazed by His ways and faithfulness!”
“What an awesome way to return home! A young mom was intercepted from SWO and chose life for her 9 week old baby after I was able to counsel her and witness with her the beating heart of her precious child via ultrasound! Thank you God for your conviction in her life and thank you Jennifer for your faithfulness on the street:-) So blessed to be a part of how God is moving and using us to save lives in this city.” Tara Shaver
Reflection from the Street
Sidewalk ministry outside of a Late-Term abortion clinic, Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO), in Albuquerque, NM has its highs and lows; victories and defeats. While we reach out with love, grace, and compassion, that is not always reciprocated or received. Simply being present for these families in their darkest hour is all that we can control, we have no control over the choice they make in response to the outpouring of our love. Most responses are to ignore or tune us out, some even lash out with anger and profanity, a lot of “birds,” and many tears. Occasionally we are able to pass on life affirming resources and post-abortion healing information and pray with these women, drivers, boyfriends, husbands, friends, and family members. Sometimes we witness turnarounds, and these women and children spared from abortion. We are then able to direct them to Project Defending Life for life supporting care and assistance. We direct them there, personally give them rides, or jump in our cars and lead them there as they follow behind. Four days in a row this month out at SWO we have witnessed and experienced all of this…this is rarer than rare, but possible when you step out in faith and allow God to use you to be His hands and feet! We have experienced lives being forever saved and had the opportunity to not simply share the love of Christ, but to witness it being received!
A pro-life activism poem written by Bud was featured on the award winning Pro-Life blog www.standforlife.net
If I accomplish nothing else, I will succeed in protesting the evil of our generation…Abortion!
“Even though I stand alone, and my cry not heeded, I will ever protest the evil of our generation! When my pleas to Christians and the pro-life community are ignored and yet I stand alone, I will stand with the trees they will hold the signs I bring; together we will protest the evil of this generation. Even though my love be considered hate and my compassion construed as hypocritical judgment, ever will I protest! When the birds fly and the stones are hurled my way and despite the mother’s and father’s who walk the other way, when my voice fails I will lift my sign high in protest. If I accomplish nothing else, I will succeed in protesting the evil of our generation…Abortion!” – Bud Shaver
Please Pray :
~Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to be advocates for the women and children of New Mexico.
~For an end to abortion in New Mexico.
~For the conversion of every abortion doctor and clinic worker.
~For softened hearts of the women we speak to each day at abortion clinics.
~For the moms who have already chosen life and for the means to continue to serve them.
~For a continued grace filled and Christ centered ministry focus.
~For more opportunities to share the truth about abortion and it’s effects with the Christian community.
~For the Christian community to rise up out of apathy and a spiritual awakening.
~For more workers for this ripe harvest.
~For our safety in this spiritual battle.
