Calvary Chapel ABQ in New Mexico is stepping up in a big way. Pastor Eric Lamb shares his vision and motivation behind the Pro-Life Movement “9 Months.” This movement is bigger than Calvary Chapel ABQ and must be achieved by the Christian community standing together and utilizing our collective resources to oppose the injustice of abortion and minister to the women and couples in need.
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INSIDE THE HEART OF A PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST
(Image by: ~hellosunshine19)
This originally appeared on Tyler Ellis’ blog btylerellis.com
“Tyler Ellis is a College Minister at the University of Delaware and author of Question Everything. His blog is dedicated to exploring the challenge of knowing God and helping others do the same.”
Bud and I have been roommates, groomsmen, and friends for more than a decade now. We went to Bible College together years ago and later got to do ministry together in Arizona. It was in Arizona that Bud and his wife first got their feet wet volunteering in a pro-life ministry. Since then, they have become full-time missionaries. They currently live in Albuquerque, NM and work alongside Project Defending Life www.lateterm.com. Their mission is to end abortion in New Mexico and to minister to women and families in crisis.
TYLER: What is it that you do?
BUD:
Click here to read the full interview with Bud.This also appeared on www.lifenews.com Interview: Inside the Heart of a Pro-Life Activist
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God Empowers And Uses The Broken
By Bud Shaver
As we step out in faith onto a sidewalk outside an abortion clinic I am continually amazed and inspired. I am learning more about God’s ability to move through his body and his power that is exercised through prayer. This week on Wednesday, the first day of 40 Days For Life, there was a larger than usual presence of people united with a common love and urgency to minister to the women, babies, and families going into the late-term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO). My friend and faithful pro-life advocate Lorenzo reminds me every day that each day is new and that each person we encounter at the abortion clinic has their own unique set of trials.
A vehicle pulled up and an entire family of several people got out and walked into SWO. As they walked in a few people were able to offer kind words of hope and help, words of compassion, and words of urgency about the dangers posed at this specific clinic, how it is currently under investigation by the New Mexico Medical Board. The family had their heads down, and they did not stop to speak to anyone. A young man escorted a young woman dressed in sweats, he had head phones on and he obviously did not want to talk to anyone. After several minutes, he came back outside and he seemed visually upset. He suddenly ran across the street weeping and he fell prostrate on the ground in front of a house that has a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe on it. He stayed there for several minutes weeping and praying.
As we reach out each day, people respond in various ways to conviction. Some respond in anger, some with excuses. We desire them all to respond with brokenness. This young man responded in the appropriate way, he was truly broken. He spoke broken English, but he told us that it was his girlfriend there for an abortion, his child. He went back inside and neither he nor the family came back outside before we all left for the day.
There was one sidewalk counselor who was speaking to him in Spanish and very fervently praying for him, she mentioned how emotionally drained she was and she cried with another sidewalk counselor for several minutes before we all left.
I will always have the image of this young man in my mind when I think about what it means to be truly broken. However, this is not the end of this story! The next day, Thursday, instead of reaching out at late-term SWO, a group of us reach out at another local abortion clinic, UNMCRH. When I went back out to SWO on Friday, I was told that the young man came back out to SWO on Thursday to personally thank all of us and to share his joy that he was able to talk his girlfriend, and the entire family out of the abortion! He shared that he was a very proud papa!
He mentioned that he was Catholic but that he had not been taking his faith very seriously for quite a while. He was just going along with his girlfriend and family and did not really care that his girlfriend was going to have the abortion…That was until he encountered all of us and he was convicted and empowered to do all he could to save the life of his child.
When we step out in faith at the local abortion clinics in our community God uses even our mustard seed sized faith to move mountains! We even witness miracles! We are able to see that it is the Holy Spirit that convicts hearts as we make ourselves available to the lost and truly desperate! As the Holy Spirit convicts peoples hearts, they are not simply left in their brokenness. God is able to empower each one of us for the burden of responsibility that he awakens our hearts to. This young man stood up from his knees and then stepped out and God was able to use him to save a life…the life of his child!
This is how God can and wants to use each one of us!
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Welcome to, Eden
Tara, Tirzah, and I welcomed Eden Shaver into our family Friday, September 7, 2012 at 1:23am. He was 7lbs exactly and 20 5/8 inches long. He was born at home (our plan). Mom and baby are healthy and strong and doing well. We had wonderful help from a midwife and another doula/midwife in training. Thank you for your prayers, they were powerful and effective!
We have truly been blessed by this precious gift, sent from above! Our hope is that Eden will live his life to be a blessing in this world by advancing God’s kingdom and serving others. That is what Eden’s name represents. Eden was where God created humanity to dwell with Him in perfect relationship. This marred and broken world is not what God intends for humanity. Eden represents our prayer for this world, and our hope that our new son (and daughter) will one day experience that perfect reality. Until that day, our prayer is that he will be used by God as a mighty light for Him to push back and overcome the darkness. Join us as we say: “Welcome, to Eden.”
Another aspect of Eden’s birth to share is that our doula was able to have a glimpse of Eden two years ago thanks to the ministry of Project Defending Life (PDL) www.defendinglife.org. During a time in her life when she needed help, she was served by the Mom’s Ministry at PDL. God placed PDL in her life and when we stepped into ministry at PDL (two years ago), God placed her into our life. She was able to return the blessing of service God had provided her by being a blessing to our family. God used her to serve our family and share our joy of welcoming Eden into the world. God is already answering our prayer…Welcome to, Eden!
We were created for Eden…
“We were never meant for this, somewhere it all went wrong…
We are not the cause of this, these things were broke before.”– Ever Stays Red (lyrics from their song Run) Click here to listen to it.Welcome to, Eden:
Tirzah Meet’s Eden for the First Time!
Welcome to, Eden…
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Sept. 2012 Newsletter: Ignorant & Idiotic…Modern Day Fools For Christ
This month we learned that as we step out in faith, God can use us to Light Up the Darkness and deal with people’s brokenness, those who are carrying heavy burdens. We can represent Jesus to them as he says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) As we lead them to Jesus…He will do the rest!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support! Prayers can move mountains, so please continue to keep us in your prayers…and let us know how we can pray for you!
The Calvary has arrived…Literally Calvary Chapel, ABQ!
Simply Being Present Is All It Takes To Save A Life…
This month the largest Christian Church in New Mexico, Calvary ABQ offered a second round of Pro-Life apologetics training “A Case For Life: Stand To Answer.” This has produced much fruit already as we have had many new people join us as we stand for life out at local abortion clinics in Albuquerque! Praise God for answered prayers!
Also, because Calvary ABQ is becoming active and equipping the body of Christ for works of service, Tara led a training course for those interested in volunteering at Project Defending Life. The training consisted of pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and sidewalk counseling. Around twenty women went through the training! Project Defending Life has two locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico one located 20 feet from Planned Parenthood and the other located across the street from the UNM abortion mill UNMCRH!
Please visit: www.lateterm.com and share this information with others!
This month while out at Late-Term mill SWO sidewalk counselor Bobby, was able to talk to a young girl (still in high school) after she went in and came back out. He asked her if she was there for an abortion and she said “Yes” and burst into tears. We were able to share with her all the help PDL offers. Bobby shared with her mom about his church and a new food ministry they have just started, she left with a flier about the ministry. The young girl left with her baby! This is how Christ’s love is lived out! This was the third late-term Tuesday in a row with a confirmed baby saved. Bobby and I joked that the new people coming out (thanks to the Calvary ABQ class “Stand To Answer”) would think all these babies being saved was normal…Welcome to the new normal!
Our God is Mighty to Save…as we step out in faith to be used by Him! We are ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time…and to God be the Glory!
God is obviously blessing the faithfulness of his Body as they step out in faith…some for the first time: There were 10 turnarounds/babies saved this month…that we know about! To God Be The Glory!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)Ignorant & Idiotic…Modern Day Fools For Christ (Click title to read the entire article)
When we step out in faith and publicly Stand For Life, the world may deem us foolish, but we are making a difference…”Making Friends With Our Enemies”…and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
Showing Christ’s Love Saves The Unborn And Comforts Those In Need
By Monte Harms of Stand For Life– Read the rest of this article and others at www.standforlife.netHaving Christ’s love flow through those on the sidewalk have saved lives and comforted those after they had their abortions. Bud Shaver shares recent encounters from the sidewalk of Southwestern Women’s Options in Albuquerque, NM:
Everyone has a picture, concept…stereotype of what a public presence at a abortion clinic is. Let me share with you what I witnessed and experienced today out at late-term mill SWO. A woman came out of the abortion clinic after she had her abortion. Also, a college student from UNM was waiting while his girlfriend was inside having an abortion (his child). Jennifer and others were able to wave them over to talk with them…they didn’t just talk to these people, they were able to hug, weep, minister to, pray and love them! This is more than a snap-shot of pro-life ministry…This is what grace, mercy, love…Christ looks like. We have an opportunity to live out Christ’s love and share Him with those who desperately need to find Him! We love because He first loved us…We have been lost and broken until we found the healer! I witnessed what Christianity is…I witnessed Christ being lifted up and drawing the lost to Him! I was also able to talk to the abortion clinic manager. Orae gave her our latest handout (from HLA) so she would know what help and information the women received from us. (A UPS driver told us that they have a sign posted inside the clinic stating “Pray to end sidewalk harassment!”) I was able to tell her we cared and were praying for her too. She told us they were “Having a hard time keeping up”…with us! We have had several turnarounds and saves this month…that we know about! We have the opportunity to be His hands, feet, body…and heart to these men and women!
Many who go in to have an abortion know what they are destroying, but they often feel that abortion is the only alternative for them. Unfortunately, the outside pressure from others to abort is tremendous. But when an alternative is displayed that shows Christ’s love for them and help for their situation, their eyes are sometimes opened. Project Defending Life (PDL) in Albuquerque, NM and other organizations throughout the country give sidewalk counselors the necessary tools to assist the needy. PDL offers all types of assistance to those that feel backed into a corner with no way out. Often when the woman and man involved sees an ultrasound of their baby at PDL or another pregnancy center, they feel there isn’t any reason for them to destroy that life. Also, if they know there is someone there to assist them financially and with moral or spiritual support, they can see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Thousands of sidewalk counselors and pregnancy centers across America are that beacon of light for the unborn and those who want to abort.
Please Pray :
~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.We are full-time Pro-Life Missionaries and raise our own support from individuals who have a heart for our life saving work!
All donations made out to Project Defending Life, earmarked for “Bud or Tara Shaver” are tax deductible and can be mailed to:
Bud and Tara Shaver
P.O. Box 50351
Albuquerque, NM 87181You can also make a tax deductible donation on-line by Clicking Here: Prayer and a Pro-Life Witness
(Cornerstone is a Pro-Life alternative to PayPal)
Your generous support makes our work possible!
Please visit our blog: prayerandaprolifewitness.blogspot.com for news interviews, news articles, and for our latest updates throughout the month.
Here are some of the highlights of our ministry from this past month…(Click on the highlighted links to read the articles)
Pro-Life Missionaries are Pushing Back the Abortion Cartel in New Mexico (Operation Rescue sent this out to help us continue our life saving work in NM!)
MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR ENEMIES!In Light of the Empty Sidewalks, History Will be the Final Arbiter!(This is an article that Bud wrote for Stand For Life)
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In Light of the Empty Sidewalks, History Will be the Final Arbiter!
By Bud Shaver – Prayer and a Pro-Life Witness
(This post originally appeared on www.standforlife.net)Injustice taints and forever mars the ability to play the moral card. History records and reveals to the world what was done on behalf of those forever scarred.
When you think of a father convicted of a heinous sexual crime that he did to his child, we don’t really care if he provided food, shelter, a good education, or even brought that child to church. One act of injustice forever mars his ability to claim that he was a good father.
When you think of Christians who lived in the deep South in America during the time of slavery who owned slaves, we don’t really care if they fed the poor, did other acts of service, or attended church regularly and tithed. One act of injustice forever taints their legacy.
When you think of church leaders who lived in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, we don’t really care how many gospel presentations they proclaimed, how many baptisms they did; we care about what they did or did not do on behalf of the Jews being led to the slaughter. One leader’s heroic actions and words of opposition to the injustice during that generation live on and history remembers Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
In the light of injustice we get clarity. All that matters is our participation with our generation’s injustice and whether we are striving to end that injustice. History is the ultimate arbiter.
The greatest injustice of our generation is abortion! 54 million (+) children have been legally slaughtered in the name of “choice.” 65% of those obtaining abortions claim to be Christian/Catholic[i]! Whatever is being said or done from our churches and church leaders is not producing much of a difference for the children being led to the slaughter!
In light of the empty sidewalks, deafening silence from the pulpits, and pews filled with post-abortive women and men (1/3rd of American women over 45 have had at least one abortion[ii]), history is already documenting the American church of the 21st century! In the light of injustice the legacy we leave behind will be forever tainted and determined by what we do and have done to end this barbaric killing!
Posterity will not ask you about your giving, how many times you read through the Bible in a year, how many missionaries you sent around the globe, or how many soup kitchens you started. You will be asked what you did to end the open genocide being perpetrated across the street from our churches and in the midst of our communities!
How to Start a Pro-Life Ministry at Your Church
Start a prayer group at your church. Seek to build a core group of people who are pro-life to pray about the direction of a ministry to the pre-born and their mothers within your church.
Educate. Host a pro-life presentation/training with local organizations and/or pastors who are already involved in local pro-life ministry to find out what is taking place with regard to abortion in your community.
a. These presentations could be tailored to a midweek Bible study, men’s or women’s Bible studies, or a Sunday or midweek whole church service.
b. If there are no local organizations start one! If your pastors are not involved pray for them and meet with them to encourage their involvement and support!Become Active. Decide how active you want your church to be and what types of events/activities you want to participate in. There are many opportunities to get involved such as:
a. Praying at an abortion clinic once a week or once a month or more.
b. Volunteering at or open a local pregnancy resource center.
c. Hosting a series of pro-life “apologetics/sidewalk ministry” training classes.
d. Post-abortion healing training.
e. Donate to local pregnancy centers. Host a clothing/diaper/formula drive.
f. Outreach at local universities or other outside venues.
g. Come up with your own ideas to reach out, educate, and serve the pregnant women in your community.Find out about other local/national Pro-life organizations.
a. Sign up for e-mails and newsletters to stay informed about their events.
b. 40 Days for LifeThe main reason to start a pro-life group in your church is to make a difference in your community. There are many ways to get involved. Together we can end abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time! The end to abortion begins with the churches in America!
www.prayerandaprolifewitness.blogspot.com
Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Proverbs 24:11-12[i] http://www.guttmacher.org/presentations/abort_slides.pdf
[ii] Henshaw SK, Unintended pregnancy in the United States, Family Planning Perspectives, 1998, 30(1):24–29 & 46.
Jones RK and Kavanaugh ML, Changes in abortion rates between 2000 and 2008 and lifetime incidence of abortion, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2011, 117(6):pp-pp. -
We Are At War…Not Against Individuals, But Against Pretensions!
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God!” Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 10:5
(No audio, If you doubt we are in a battle for hearts and minds…Check this out!)
“We see [Jesus] who abhors both passivity and violence and teaches us a new way forward that is neither submission nor assault, neither fight nor flight. He shows us a way to oppose evil without mirroring it, where oppressors can be resisted without being emulated and neutralized without being destroyed.” ~Shane Claiborne
(You can watch portions of our actual conversation and see how we eventually found common ground…and became friends!)
This video footage was taken on August 8, 2012 out at Late-Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options (www.lateterm.com) This was this woman’s (and children’s) first time peacefully witnessing and offering help out at SWO! What an introduction to the hostility intolerance, and hatred from the “Pro-Choice” community!
This guy admitted to being post-abortive. He was carrying around all this baggage, abortion does not just effect women and children…it also effects men! We eventually found common ground and we actually became…friends! (This is just some excerpts the actual conversation was over an hour long!)
Also, there were two babies and two women saved from the horror called abortion this day! One of the women was able to receive help from Project Defending Life! (www.defendinglife.org)
We are making friend’s with God-Haters, and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
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Showing Christ’s Love Saves The Unborn And Comforts Those In Need
By Monte Harms- standforlife.net
This originally appeared on Stand For Life
I am standing in front of an abortion facility to be a defender of the unborn. A woman goes in to have an abortion and totally ignores those standing on the sidewalk. Sometimes her boyfriend, father, mother, or friend who brought her will be verbally combative with the defenders. It’s spiritual warfare at its core.
Part of my human nature urges me (unsuccessfully, I might add) to say or even yell:
“You do know you’re killing your own baby.”
“Are you out of your mind?”
“Who in the world would kill their own baby?”… or tell the boyfriend or whoever brought her:
“Do you know you are an accessory to this killing?”
“You are having your own baby (or grandbaby) killed!”
“You call yourself a friend by helping her kill her own baby!”… or after an abortion my human nature tells me that I shouldn’t have anything nice to say to her or those who brought her. I should ignore them because they just had a fellow human killed.
A few have used the human nature methods, but what has been effective at the late-term abortion facility in Albuquerque and across the country is not using your human nature, but Christ’s nature.
Having Christ’s love flow through those on the sidewalk have saved lives and comforted those after they had their abortions. Bud Shaver shares recent encounters from the sidewalk of Southwestern Women’s Options in Albuquerque, NM:
Everyone has a picture, concept…stereotype of what a public presence at a abortion clinic is. Let me share with you what I witnessed and experienced today out at late-term mill SWO. A woman came out of the abortion clinic after she had her abortion. Also, a college student from UNM was waiting while his girlfriend was inside having an abortion (his child). Jennifer and others were able to wave them over to talk with them…they didn’t just talk to these people, they were able to hug, weep, minister to, pray and love them! This is more than a snap-shot of pro-life ministry…This is what grace, mercy, love…Christ looks like. We have an opportunity to live out Christ’s love and share Him with those who desperately need to find Him! We love because He first loved us…We have been lost and broken until we found the healer! I witnessed what Christianity is…I witnessed Christ being lifted up and drawing the lost to Him! I was also able to talk to the abortion clinic manager. Orae gave her our latest handout (from HLA) so she would know what help and information the women received from us. (A UPS driver told us that they have a sign posted inside the clinic stating “Pray to end sidewalk harassment!”) I was able to tell her we cared and were praying for her too. She told us they were “Having a hard time keeping up with us!” We have had several turnarounds and saves this month…that we know about! We have the opportunity to be His hands, feet, body…and heart to these men and women!
Bud shares other interactions:
Pretty intense spiritual battle today out at Late-Term mill SWO (learn more at www.lateterm.com)! A woman got out of a taxi with all her luggage and as she headed into SWO. I told her that we cared about her and were willing to help her with whatever she needed. She stopped and asked if I had $3,000…I told her Yes, if that’s what it would take to save her baby, I would come up with the 3 grand! Bobby Coffman Jr and Collette Pacheco-Coffman spoke with her for 5 minutes as she had the door to SWO open. She eventually went inside. After 10-15 minutes she came back out to talk with us and see if we really were willing to help her. She told us that she was from Washington, and her husband left her and she was all alone…We told her that she was not alone…We were here for her! She did not believe us, so I told her to put us to the test! After a lot of tears, talking with the executive director of Project Defending Life (PDL) who arranged a couple of days in a hotel so she could just think more about everything, trying to get her husband on the phone…she went back inside SWO. A half hour later she came back out with all her luggage and left SWO with Jennifer Jacobson Bresett and headed up to PDL…the battle still rages! She would not give us her name, but please keep her and this situation in your prayers!
Another young girl pulled up in her car and had her young son with her. She was headed into SWO but came over to talk to us as we offered her help. She too left following another sidewalk counselor (today was her first time praying and offering help out at an abortion mill) heading up to PDL for an ultrasound and resources! The battle is raging, but in the midst of the storm, there is hope for the hopeless. We are lighting up the darkness…We are ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time…and to God be the Glory!
Many who go in to have an abortion know what they are destroying, but they often feel that abortion is the only alternative for them. Unfortunately, the outside pressure from others to abort is tremendous. But when an alternative is displayed that shows Christ’s love for them and help for their situation, their eyes are sometimes opened. Project Defending Life in Albuquerque and other organizations throughout the country give sidewalk counselors the necessary tools to assist the needy. PDL offers all types of assistance to those that feel backed into a corner with no way out. Often when the woman and man involved sees an ultrasound of their baby at PDL or another pregnancy center, they feel there isn’t any reason for them to destroy that life. Also, if they know there is someone there to assist them financially and with moral or spiritual support, they can see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Thousands of sidewalk counselors and pregnancy centers across America are that beacon of light for the unborn and those who want to abort.
Christ’s love wins out while human nature often destroys the chance to save or comfort the most vulnerable unborn and born humans.
Read more of Bud Shaver’s encounters from the sidewalk at Prayer and a Pro-Life Witness.
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Ignorant & Idiotic…Modern Day Fool’s For Christ
By Bud ShaverToday (August 23, 2012) out at UNM abortion mill UNMCRH, a guy came over to state how ignorant, idiotic, down right evil it was for us to be out in front of an abortion clinic. I asked him “Why?” He went on to say how hypocritical Christians are and he had his list of course! I told him “How about I concede everything you just stated about Christians, and allow me to ask you…How is it, that you are anti-war, anti-death penalty, anti-violence, pro-social justice, but you support the most brutal form of violence…abortion? Abortion has killed more people in our country than all the wars, violence, people executed by the death penalty, and all the other social injustices of our past…combined!” His response was, “The unborn aren’t sentient, and therefore not persons.”I asked him, “Just suppose the unborn were equally human persons as you or I, then would you concede your own hypocrisy?” He said he could see my point…but then he went on another rant about Christians and their different interpretations of the Bible, “You just believe what you want to believe!” I replied “How about I concede that frustration with you…But why do you look at the empirical scientific data which unanimously and clearly states that the unborn are alive, biologically distinct from their mothers, and human, but through some philosophical leap (about sentience) come up with your own interpretation of the data and arbitrarily conclude that the unborn aren’t persons…”You just believe what you want to believe!” He said he saw my point.
He then went on to say how useless it was to be out at the abortion clinics and that we were wasting our time and embarrassing ourselves. I said, “Really…? Just this week we were able to reach out to a young (High School) girl and because of our presence, she did not kill her child! Last week we were able to help a woman from Washington, who was 7 months pregnant and I know she did not kill her child either…because my wife Tara Shaver spoke to her today and is keeping in contact with her in case she needs more help! In fact, just this month alone…I know that our presence out at local abortion clinics saved 10 children from a violent and brutal death!” He said “Wow…! Of all of my talk and all that I have protested, I can’t say that it has resulted in saving…one person!”
We talked about a few other things, but I then went on to tell him that we have documented and publicized how dangerous abortion clinics are including the one we were standing out in front of, in fact it is currently under investigation by the New Mexico medical board, based on our research and subsequent complaints! He said, “You should make some signs up about that and have those signs out here.” I said, “How about you make some signs up and join us out here! He laughed and we shook hands and hugged!
What seemed idiotic, meaningless, foolish to him earlier was now…Commendable!
When we step out in faith and publicly Stand For Life, the world may deem us foolish, but we are making a difference…“Making Friends With Our Enemies”…and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
To God be the Glory!
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MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR ENEMIES!
In the widely-viewed film 180, there is a young man named Steve with a Mohawk, tattoos, and piercings. He is also very fouled-mouth, anti-God and anti-Jewish. The first reaction to him might be is that he is a kook or “those atheists are so weird and rude.” By the end of the interaction with 180’s creator Ray Comfort, it is obvious Steve’s heart has been softened and he states that he will think about reading his Bible.
Pro-life activist Bud Shaver demonstrates often how to respond to someone who states they are pro-abortion, anti-God, or just does not want Bud to be in front of the abortion facility. He has made friends with his enemies by not shunning them but engaging in productive positive conversation. Read Monte’s entire article here: The Exception and Worst-Case Scenario Approaches To Issues
As we step out in faith, God can use us to Light Up the Darkness, and deal with people’s brokenness, those who are carrying heavy burdens. We can represent Jesus to them as he says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) As we lead them to Jesus..He will do the rest!
MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR ENEMIES!
I was reaching out to abortion-minded women at the late-term abortion mill, Southwestern Women’s Options (www.lateterm.com), I was confronted by a young man who was very angry! I was as close as you get to being violently assaulted. He cursed me and asked me what I had to say about it. I told him God Bless You and if you want to talk rationally about the situation we could. He left just as quickly as he came, cursing and flipping me off as he left!
This does not happen as often as one may think, but it does occasionally happen. The difference today was that this guy returned about an hour later…this time very apologetic! He was genuinely sorry for how he treated me.
When we ended our conversation, he did not fall on his knees and profess Christ as his Lord and he was still “Pro-Choice” when he left but he did shake my hand…What seemed impossible just one hour earlier with him being my enemy, was possible for the God that we serve…We ended our (rational) conversation as friends!
Read the full article, by clicking here.
MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR HARSHEST CRITICS…FELLOW CHRISTIANS!
Sometimes our harshest critics are fellow Christians! We are not here to make friends (even though we sometimes do!), but to save lives! Our ministry is Christ centered and Grace Filled! Please be gracious to us! We do save lives and change minds…everyday! We are always effective…Each and every-time we step out in Faith! Yes, we have seen the “Mountains Move!”
MAKING FRIENDS WITH GOD-HATERS!
This video footage was taken on August 8, 2012 out at Late-Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options www.lateterm.com This was this woman’s (and children’s) first time peacefully witnessing and offering help out at SWO! What an introduction to the hostility intolerance, and hatred from the “Pro-Choice” community! This guy admitted to being post-abortive. He was carrying around all this baggage, abortion does not just effect women and children…it also effects men! We eventually found common ground and we actually became…friends! (This is just some excerpts the actual conversation was over an hour long!) Also, there were two babies and two women saved from the horror called abortion this day! One of the women was able to receive help from Project Defending Life! www.defendinglife.org We are making friend’s with God-Haters, and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
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Pro-Life Missionaries are Pushing Back the Abortion Cartel in New Mexico
By, Cheryl Sullenger- Senior Policy Advisor for Operation Rescue
Bud and Tara Shaver need our support to continue their life-saving work in the Late Term Abortion Capital of the Southwest
Albuquerque, NM — Bud and Tara Shaver are full time pro-life missionaries in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their ministry encompasses its name, “Prayer and a Pro-life Witness.” As former Operation Rescue interns they have learned proven strategies to close down abortion clinics. Since arriving in Albuquerque in July 2010 they have begun to implement those strategies by stripping away the layers of the abortion industry and by educating the public with the truth about abortion. When the Shaver’s arrived in New Mexico there were seven abortion clinics, as of January 1, 2012 there are only five! The retirement of abortionists Lucia Cies in Santa Fe and Bruce Ferguson in Albuquerque at the end of 2011 is proof that when pressure and exposure is applied through peaceful legal means abortionists aren’t willing to continue killing babies!
Why Albuquerque, New Mexico?
The Shaver’s have researched and uncovered, that the injustice of abortion is deeply entrenched in New Mexico. New Mexico is one of 15 states in the country that force tax payers to foot the bill for abortion! The state also has virtually no laws protecting the pre-born and those who are in positions of authority have proven to be apathetic and unwilling to act. Abortion clinics are running amok in New Mexico, with virtually no oversight from the Health Department or other state agencies to ensure unsuspecting women’s safety!
Albuquerque is also home to the notorious Late Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) run by abortionist Curtis Boyd. Curtis Boyd was an illegal abortionist who harmed women before Roe vs. Wade and continues to put women at risk in his Albuquerque clinic. SWO performs abortions through all nine months of pregnancy unashamedly. Albuquerque is also home to the University of New Mexico which operates a free standing abortion clinic (UNM Center for Reproductive Health) which performs abortions through 22 weeks of pregnancy. The University of New Mexico is attempting to train the next generation of abortionists through a residency training program and has medical students performing abortions. Using the research training they received as interns, the Shavers have begun to uncover and expose a deep seated abortion culture and agenda at the University of New Mexico.
Accomplishments this farIn June 2011 Tara obtained fourteen 911 calls stemming fromboth SWO and The University of New Mexico’s abortion clinics through a public records request. While most pro-abortion individuals believe that legal abortion is safe, the Shaver’s have debunked that myth by uncovering the 911 calls. These calls revealed serious abortion complications including uncontrollable bleeding after a punctured uterus, seizures and a ruptured uterus. Once these calls were obtained, Medical Board complaints were then filed by Tara and Operation Rescue. Filing Medical Board complaints in other states has proven to be extremely successful in closing down clinics by the stripping of doctors licenses. Once light is shed on how women are being needlessly injured behind abortion clinic doors the Medical Board is then compelled to act.
Bud and Tara have also been diligently working to mobilize the Christian community through education to become actively pro-life. They are also striving to organize and maintain a constant prayerful presence at the abortion clinics in Albuquerque. As a result of their efforts countless lives of women and babies have been saved and Churches are getting involved.
They have endured persecution and assault as they boldly confront evil every day in order to light up the darkness! The Shaver’s have also helped Project Defending Life open and run their second pregnancy resource center directly across the street from UNM Center for Reproductive Health abortion mill.
The Shaver’s collaborate with established Pro-Life organizations in New Mexico, and are directly working alongside Project Defending Life. With the leadership of Father Stephen Imbarrato the Shaver’s have met with several state senators, representatives, other public officials, and the Governor of New Mexico Susana Martinez numerous times delivering the information they have uncovered into the hands of those who can act. They are working to develop a relevant strategy to address the pertinent Life Issues that face New Mexico. Bud and Tara recognized the abortion crisis and urgent need for outreach in New Mexico and have made New Mexico their mission field.
Operation Rescue recently launched the Pro-Life Nation project, and the Shaver’s are an example of what the Pro-Life Nation is, and what it takes to achieve it! The Shaver’s are working to end abortion in New Mexico by implementing proven strategies they learned during their time with Operation Rescue and they are ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
The Shaver’s are full-time Pro-Life Missionaries and raise our own support from individuals who have a heart for their life saving work! Please prayerfully consider supporting this family so they can continue their effort to end abortion in New Mexico!
All donations made out to Project Defending Life, earmarked for “Bud or Tara Shaver” are tax deductible. Your donation can be mailed to:
Bud and Tara Shaver
P.O. Box 50351
Albuquerque, NM 87181Also, tax-deductible donations can be made on-line here: Prayer and a Pro-Life Witness
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About Operation Rescue®
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Operation Rescue is now headquartered in a former abortion clinic that it bought and closed in 2006. From there, Operation Rescue launches its innovative new strategies across the nation, exposing and closing abortion clinics through peaceful, legal means. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to stop abortion and ultimately restore legal personhood to the pre-born in obedience to biblical mandates.About Pro-Life Nation
Pro-Life Nation is an initiative of Operation Rescue that offers a goal-oriented strategy to end abortion. For more visit ProLifeNation.org and read our new booklet that details our strategy.
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Web site: www.operationrescue.org
E-mail: info.operationrescue@gmail.comThis also appered on LifeNews.com
Pro-Life Advocates in New Mexico Keep Fighting Abortion Industry
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LifeNews.com is an independent news agency devoted to reporting news that affects the pro-life community. With a team of experienced journalists and bloggers, LifeNews.com reaches more than 500,000 pro-life advocates each week via its web site, email news reports, social networking outreach and weekday radio program.LifeNews.com also acts as a service provider to furnish news content to media that share the pro-life perspective. The topics covered by LifeNews.com include abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia, bioethics issues such as human cloning and stem cell research, campaigns and elections, and legal and legislative issues.
Formerly the Pro-Life Infonet, LifeNews.com has been harnessing the power of the Internet since 1992 to bring pro-life news to the pro-life community. We’ve developed a reputation for fairness, accuracy and timeliness in our nearly two decades of service.
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MAKING FRIENDS WITH GOD-HATERS!
This video footage was taken on August 8, 2012 out at Late-Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options www.lateterm.com This was this woman’s (and children’s) first time peacefully witnessing and offering help out at SWO! What an introduction to the hostility intolerance, and hatred from the “Pro-Choice” community! This guy admitted to being post-abortive. He was carrying around all this baggage, abortion does not just effect women and children…it also effects men! We eventually found common ground and we actually became…friends! (This is just some excerpts the actual conversation was over an hour long!) Also, there were two babies and two women saved from the horror called abortion this day! One of the women was able to receive help from Project Defending Life! www.defendinglife.org We are making friend’s with God-Haters, and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
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August 2012 Newsletter: We Are Ending Abortion, One Woman, One Child, One Day At A Time!
Simply Being Present Is All It Takes To Save A Life…
This month God used our prayerful pro-life witness at the abortion mill’s and
as a result, there were several turnaround’s and we were able to speak with/help numerous people. It always amazes me how we can light up the darkness by being present at the abortion clinic for women in their darkest hour and share with them life-affirming alternatives! How else will they know?! While we wait and pray for the Supreme Court and for our own state legislators to end to abortion…we are ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time by serving and by simply being there! Thank you for your continued prayers and support…together we are lighting up the darkness!
If you want to know how you can Stand
For Life, here is a great place to start…on
your knees!
This month, we had a great turnout
from the largest local church,
Calvary Chapel ABQ
This woman was walking by, saw our presence
and stopped to share her abortion
testimony and how she turned to Christ
and was forgiven….now Christ is using her
to witness and minister to others! This is
the power of the God we serve!
We do interact with both local law enforcement
and the FBI. We are appreciative
of their public service, and it allows
us opportunities to build bridges with
them. They understand that our public
presence is legal and always peaceful!
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this
dark world!” ~Ephesians 6:12
The Mainstream Media Publicizes The Truth About Abortion
This month a local news station KOAT Channel 7 interviewed Bud out at Late-Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options. (You can visit our blog by clicking here, to read KOAT’s coverage.) While we always have our critique of the media, we are encouraged that our talking points are getting aired about Albuquerque being the Late-Term Abortion Capital of the country, and the media is focusing on the truth about abortion. This is vital, because as our dear friend and Director of Project Defending Life Fr. Stephen Imbarrato stated, “I truly believe that publicity helps us, not them”…when people do talk about the reality of abortion and are educated…we always win, because lives are saved and minds are changed! The next day after KOAT aired the story, New Mexico’s most listened to talk radio station ,KKOB interviewed Bud and opened up the phone lines for peoples comments and reaction’s to the brutality of abortion, and the public use of graphic images to reveal the truth about abortion. My good friend Mon-te Harms of Stand For Life listened to the show that day and he wrote up a wonderful summary:
By, Monte Harms- Stand For Life
In the last week a truck with photos of the truth has been getting a fair amount of publicity in Albuquerque. Local ABC affiliate KOAT-TV aired a story about the “truth truck” that has abortion photos on its side. Pro-life activist Bud Shaver drives the truck around town and parks it across the street from the late-term abortion facility, Southwestern Women’s Options, while he is peacefully counseling women and men at SWO…
Read the rest of the article by clicking here: The Mainstream Media Publicizes The Truth About Abortion
Please Pray :
~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.Please visit our blog throughout the month, for the most recent updates:
Prayerandaprolifewitness.blogspot.comWe are full-time Pro-Life Missionaries and raise our own support from individuals
who have a heart for our life saving work!All donations made out to Project Defending Life, earmarked for “Bud or
Tara Shaver” are tax deductible and can be mailed to:Bud and Tara Shaver
P.O. Box 50351
Albuquerque, NM 87181Your generous support makes our work possible!
“The harvest is plentiful, but the
workers are few. Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out
workers into his harvest field. “
Luke 10:2 -
The Mainstream Media Publicizes The Truth About Abortion
By, Monte Harms- Stand For Life
(This originally appeared on www.standforlife.net)In the last week a truck with photos of the truth has been getting a fair amount of publicity in Albuquerque. Local ABC affiliate KOAT-TV aired a story about the “truth truck” that has abortion photos on its side. Pro-life activist Bud Shaver drives the truck around town and parks it across the street from the late-term abortion facility, Southwestern Women’s Options, while he is peacefully counseling women and men at SWO.
The story prompted radio talk show host Scott Stiegler to devote two hours of his show the following day to listener’s reactions to the truck and the use of graphic photos. KKOB with its 50,000 watts is the most listened to station in New Mexico, so there was a huge audience and plenty of comments from the public. Scott Stiegler moderated the two hours by stating it was not going to be about the abortion debate, but he wanted the audience’s opinions about the appropriateness of having abortion images on the side of the truck. Stiegler’s approach was one of the fairest I have seen by the mainstream news media on an abortion-related subject. He started off by saying how we use graphic images for stop-smoking campaigns, driver training videos, and other examples, so why is this any different? Bud Shaver spoke for the first 10-15 minutes about why he uses the truck and the reactions he has received.
Although KKOB’s audience leans conservative or libertarian, it was still surprising how few people disagreed with this method of showing graphic images. Approximately 75% agreed with what he was doing and stated how the world needs to see what abortion is. The other 25% believed it was too “in your face” and not a good way to communicate the pro-life issue.
Hopefully, these reports and the use of the truth truck will wake up the public to the horror of abortion and the issue will be in the news more often. If nothing else, the public that was exposed to these reports now realize that late-term babies are being aborted in their hometown. It’s been obvious that the pro-life view of abortion has been off limits by the mainstream press, but every time a story such as this is aired, the wall comes down a little. In the future the press may be a little more willing to cover the truth about abortion.
Check out Bud and Tara Shaver’s site, Prayer and a Pro-Life Witness, and also go to lateterm.com for more information.
Thanks to KOAT-TV and Scott Stiegler of KKOB radio.
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Billboard Calls Albuquerque the Late-Term Abortion Capital
Graphic anti-abortion billboard drives around town.
Report originally appeared at koat.com (Complete report including video footage!)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -Report by By Anna Velasquez koat.com
An anti-abortion activist has taken his message to the streets and highways of Albuquerque with a rolling billboard that displays graphic pictures.
Bud Shaver drives around a truck with huge, larger-than-life pictures of dead fetuses from what he said are late-term abortions.
“This just shows what abortion is,” Shaver said. “It shows the reality of what abortion is. It also restores meaning to the word abortion.”
The billboard also declares Albuquerque as the nation’s late-term abortion capital.
“As far as late-term abortion is concerned, Albuquerque is the capital for the United States just because it’s drawing people from all over the country,” he said.
Shaver keeps his truck near the Southwestern Women’s Options abortion clinic at Lomas Boulevard and Interstate 25. He is part of the daily protest there, and knows these pictures drive some people over the edge.
Last summer, a woman attacked Shaver for holding graphic pictures. She was arrested.
While there were no attacks Wednesday, some admit, they had to leave the area because they found it so offensive.
“I looked up and I saw that truck,” said Kathy Foy, who was looking for a nice place to sit in her car and have lunch. “It needs to stay between a woman and her doctor. It shouldn’t be on a van on the street in a public place like this.”
In New Mexico, late-term abortion is legal if the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life.
(End of Report)
Actually Late-Term abortion’s can be done for any reason up to the day of birth in New Mexico and is funded 100% by YOU and ME the taxpayer thanks to Medicaid! Read the following report by Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life: New Mexico forced taxpayers to fund 1,786 abortions in 2011.
Women obtaining Late-Term abortions are not doing so to save their own life, because the late-term procedure is such that, they still have to go through the pain and process of delivery! The only difference is that they give birth to a dead child…The baby was killed two-three days earlier! Read the entire late-term procedure here: Late-Term.com
The truth is, women can obtain abortion’s for any reason up to the day of birth here in New Mexico! Generally, abortion’s are done in the later stages of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities…such as Down Sydrome! In fact 90% of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome, do not survive the womb…They are aborted.
Here are two undercover video’s revealing the shocking truth about tax funded Late-Term abortion’s at Southwestern Women’s Options!
Call Reveals Medicaid Paying $16,000 to Abort 30-Week Down Syndrome Baby
Undercover Calls Reveal Medicaid Pays For $9,000 Late-term Abortions With Our Tax Dollars
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In The Midst Of Chaos…A Moment To Hope!
By Bud ShaverToday (July 3rd, 2012) after spending several hours at Late-Term abortion mill (SWO) in Albuquerque, NM reaching out to abortion minded couples and just being ignored or angrily “flipped off!” I drove the Truth Truck back to where it is stored and then headed to Project Defending Life (PDL). After being there for a while taking care of business and speaking with volunteers I headed out the door. As I was leaving I just glanced over and saw a couple being helped by our Gabriel Project volunteer and I sort of recognized the couple but in the moment, couldn’t remember where I had seen them before…That is until I walked outside and saw a very unique bright yellow truck! All of a sudden I realized where I recognized the couple from. Over a year ago, I had spoken with the boyfriend and given him information about PDL when he had dropped off his girlfriend for an abortion. He had told me that it was too late and that his girlfriend had already gone back for the abortion.
Due to confidentiality policies at PDL I will never know for sure, but just the possibility stopped me in my tracks for a moment to hope that even though we were not able to spare his girlfriend and previous child from the tragedy of abortion… That our presence and faithful commitment to be present at the abortion mill over a year ago, saved this child and spared them from the tragic mistake of another abortion!
The number one question I am asked is “Are you really effective in your ministry?” I always emphatically respond…”Yes we are always effective when we step out in faith and publicly stand against injustice even if we never know if we ever saved even one baby, just being present is enough!”…And you never know, possibly more babies are being saved then we will ever know! One thing is for sure, God knows what we are doing to rescue those being led away to death, the lives being saved, and He will repay everyone according to what they have done!
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Making Friends With Our Harshest Critics…Fellow Christians!
Sometimes our harshest critics are fellow Christians! We are not here to make friends, but to save lives! Our ministry is Christ centered and Grace Filled! Please be gracious to us! We do save lives and change minds…everyday! We are always effective…Each and every-time we step out in Faith! Yes, we have seen the “Mountains Move!”
Also, check out this post: Making Friends With Our Enemies!
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Simply Being Present Is All It Takes To Save A Life…
By Bud ShaverToday (June 27th, 2012) I was able to talk to a woman who had pulled up in another car, but was sitting in a car that was parked at late-term abortion mill Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO). She told me that her daughter was inside, but that she had changed her mind and was not going to have the abortion. I shared with her about the resources we provide at Project Defending Life (PDL) and encouraged them to go to PDL. She asked me to wait and share this information with her daughter and she went inside (SWO) to get her.
They both came out and the daughter was holding a clipboard and talking to a guy who was the driver of the car parked in the parking lot. The mother came over and whispered that the driver was her daughter’s boyfriend and that he was upset that she had changed her mind and was trying to pressure her to go through with the abortion. I waved the young woman over and she immediately stated that she had come there for an abortion, but that we had changed her mind. She pointed at our signs and mentioned that they had penetrated her heart as she was going inside and once inside she felt conviction and a burden on her heart. She stated that she was Catholic and that once she felt this conviction she knew that she could not have the abortion! She thanked us for being there for her and told us that our presence there today had changed her mind. She told her mom that she could not go back inside so her mom went in and returned the clipboard. Her mom returned a few minutes later and told us that the staff at SWO were very upset that she had changed her mind about having the abortion…so much for a woman’s right to choose and I guess they should change their name to Southwestern Women’s Option (instead of Option’s)!
I called PDL and asked a volunteer with the Gabriel Project to share with the young woman all the help PDL could offer her. While she was on the phone I spoke with her mother and she was very thankful for us being there for her daughter and she told me that she had gotten pregnant with her at 15 and considered abortion and was so glad that she didn’t…now she was even more happy that her daughter did not go through with her abortion!
The boyfriend drove away and the young woman finished talking with the Gabriel Project volunteer and she reassured me that she would be in contact with PDL. Her mom was on her way to cancer treatments when her daughter had called her from inside SWO. They left together both very appreciative for us simply being there. Our presence alone, had made all the difference!
God can use us as we step out in faith and out of obedience to “Rescue those being led away to death.” (Proverb 24:11) Simply being present for women in crisis can make the difference between life and death! Having the opportunity to share how much God loves them, and all the ways we can serve them is…”Icing on the cake”!
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Baby Saved Twice In One Day At Two ABQ Abortion Mills!
By Bud Shaver
Truth is stranger than fiction! Today at Southwestern Women’s Option’s (SWO) lateterm.com in Albuquerque, NM sidewalk counselor Bobby Coffman Jr. was able to speak with a young father whose girlfriend was already inside the abortion center. Bobby was able to share his own testimony of losing two children and was able to connect with this father in a personal way. Bobby asked me to share all the resources available at Project Defending Life (PDL) which I was able to do. This couple was from Ohio and had only been given information about the Late-Term abortion mill…thanks to Bobby and his wife Collette’s faithfulness God was able to provide a way out! The young man was very appreciative and went inside to get his girlfriend and they both left headed up to PDL. God was able to transform a place of darkness and death into a beacon of light and hope because He was present through His people! (I guess we really are His Body!)
But wait thats not all…This couple headed to PDL which is located directly across from Planned Parenthood (literally 50 feet!) Instead of going into PDL they headed into Planned Parenthood! God was prepared and had already provided a divine appointment for this couple with Lorenzo! Lorenzo was not (so he thought) supposed to be at Planned Parenthood…he is usually at the UNM abortion mill UNMCRH on Tuesday’s or with me out at SWO! But Lorenzo had a divine appointment with this couple scheduled today! As this couple was heading into Planned Parenthood, Lorenzo was there as a sidewalk counselor and spoke with them, he realized that they had been at SWO and were supposed to be going to PDL not Planned Parenthood and walked them across the street to the right place! Talk about life and death stuff!!! It literally is!!! Praise God and Praise God for His Body…We were called out of darkness into light for a reason…to Light Up the Darkness!
It is vitally important for us to be present at ALL of the abortion mills in our community! It is vitally important for us to step out in faith and allow ourselves to be used by God…when we do we can see the divine appointments that God has for us! Lives will be saved and the love of Christ will reach those who desperately need Him! A baby was saved twice in one day…that was the Mountain that I saw God move today!
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Making Friends With Our Enemies!
By Bud Shaver (This article originally appeared on Standforlife.net)
Today (Friday, June 1, 2012) as I was reaching out to abortion-minded women at the late-term abortion mill, Southwestern Women’s Options (www.lateterm.com), I was confronted by a young man who was very angry! I was as close as you get to being violently assaulted. He cursed me and asked me what I had to say about it. I told him God Bless You and if you want to talk rationally about the situation we could. He left just as quickly as he came, cursing and flipping me off as he left!
This does not happen as often as one may think, but it does occasionally happen. The difference today was that this guy returned about an hour later…this time very apologetic! He was genuinely sorry for how he treated me. He shared with me his view on abortion. He shared with me that he was upset with my graphic signs and that he thought they did more harm than good. He also stated that he did not like the fact that we “harassed” women by speaking to them. He told me that he calls the cops several times every day and that he was just fed up with my “spectacle”.
I told him that I appreciated the fact that he was sincerely sorry for how he treated me and that he was not the only one who shared similar sentiments…I told him that I receive a lot of opposition and that most of the opposition I receive…ironically…is from the Pro-Life community! Everyone has their own personal opinion about what is effective, but no one ever stops to ask me: “Hey Bud why do you persist on using graphic images and reach out to abortion-minded women at abortion clinics? Is it effective? Why do you risk assault, illegal arrest, and deal with people defaming your reputation?”
This is what I told him…“I am not out here to make friends! I am not out here to get a notch in my Pro-life belt! I am not here to win a popularity contest! I am not out here to check off a box on my Pro-Life check list….I am out here for these women and babies whose lives are in imminent danger TODAY due to the violent act called Abortion! Every aspect of my presence here is proven to be effective in changing minds and saving lives! I am effective in saving lives and educating the community to the brutal violence and danger of abortion! My signs are constitutionally protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution and perfectly legal! I do not harass anyone! You can keep calling the police and as you clearly see by the fact that I am not arrested…I am not doing anything illegal! In fact if the police did arrest me based on your complaints or tried to force me off the sidewalk or try and prevent me from using my graphic signs revealing abortion violence…then they would be the ones breaking the law! There is a very good reason why I create such a “spectacle” each day…The Constitution does not just give me the right to present a message publically, the Constitution primarily guarantees that the public will be able to receive a (controversial) message that they would not be able to receive otherwise! I told him I am not the problem…Abortion is the problem!”
He did not fall on his knees and profess Christ as his Lord and he was still “Pro-Choice” when he left but he did shake my hand…What seemed impossible just one hour earlier with him being my enemy, was possible for the God that we serve…We ended our (rational) conversation as friends!
Today that was the mountain that I witnessed God move…and it all started with me taking a stand against the injustice of abortion in the public square and making myself available to abortion-minded women…and the public at large who support and will defend with force…A woman’s right to kill her own child!
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MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR ENEMIES!
In the widely-viewed film 180, there is a young man named Steve with a Mohawk, tattoos, and piercings. He is also very fouled-mouth, anti-God and anti-Jewish. The first reaction to him might be is that he is a kook or “those atheists are so weird and rude.” By the end of the interaction with 180’s creator Ray Comfort, it is obvious Steve’s heart has been softened and he states that he will think about reading his Bible.
Pro-life activist Bud Shaver demonstrates often how to respond to someone who states they are pro-abortion, anti-God, or just does not want Bud to be in front of the abortion facility. He has made friends with his enemies by not shunning them but engaging in productive positive conversation. Read Monte’s entire article here: The Exception and Worst-Case Scenario Approaches To Issues
As we step out in faith, God can use us to Light Up the Darkness, and deal with people’s brokenness, those who are carrying heavy burdens. We can represent Jesus to them as he says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) As we lead them to Jesus..He will do the rest!
MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR ENEMIES!
I was reaching out to abortion-minded women at the late-term abortion mill, Southwestern Women’s Options. I was confronted by a young man who was very angry! I was as close as you get to being violently assaulted. He cursed me and asked me what I had to say about it. I told him God Bless You and if you want to talk rationally about the situation we could. He left just as quickly as he came, cursing and flipping me off as he left!
This does not happen as often as one may think, but it does occasionally happen. The difference today was that this guy returned about an hour later…this time very apologetic! He was genuinely sorry for how he treated me.
When we ended our conversation, he did not fall on his knees and profess Christ as his Lord and he was still “Pro-Choice” when he left but he did shake my hand…What seemed impossible just one hour earlier with him being my enemy, was possible for the God that we serve…We ended our (rational) conversation as friends!
Read the full article, by clicking here.
MAKING FRIENDS WITH OUR HARSHEST CRITICS…FELLOW CHRISTIANS!
Sometimes our harshest critics are fellow Christians! We are not here to make friends (even though we sometimes do!), but to save lives! Our ministry is Christ centered and Grace Filled! Please be gracious to us! We do save lives and change minds…everyday! We are always effective…Each and every-time we step out in Faith! Yes, we have seen the “Mountains Move!”
MAKING FRIENDS WITH GOD-HATERS!
This video footage was taken on August 8, 2012 out at Late-Term abortion clinic Southwestern Women’s Options. This was this woman’s (and children’s) first time peacefully witnessing and offering help out at SWO! What an introduction to the hostility intolerance, and hatred from the “Pro-Choice” community! This guy admitted to being post-abortive. He was carrying around all this baggage, abortion does not just effect women and children…it also effects men! We eventually found common ground and we actually became…friends! (This is just some excerpts the actual conversation was over an hour long!) Also, there were two babies and two women saved from the horror called abortion this day! One of the women was able to receive help from Project Defending Life!
We are making friend’s with God-Haters, and ending abortion one woman, one child, one day at a time!
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New Mexico Forces Tax Payers to Fund 1,786 Abortions in 2011
By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life
The State of New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates. Money that could go to alleviate poverty has instead been dished out to abortion providers to the tune of over 1.1 million state tax dollars in 2011 to fund abortions through Medicaid.
Medicaid first began to cover abortion services in 1976, but only for cases when the life of the mother was endangered, as per the Federal Hyde Amendment. In 1977, the Hyde Amendment wording was changed to allow federal funding for abortions to also include cases of rape or incest in addition to life endangerment of the mother.
In New Mexico, Medicaid coverage was extended to “medically necessary” abortions, to be funded out of state funds without any federal financial participation. “Medically necessary” includes physical or mental health issues, but not to the extent of endangering the life of the mother. These policies have not changed in New Mexico since 1998.
“In 2011, New Mexico tax payers paid for 1,786 abortions which amounted to $1,127,557.26. This really brings new meaning to the concept of forced abortions, only now the coercion is foisted upon New Mexico tax payers to fund abortions,” stated Bud Shaver of Project Defending Life.
Abortion Injuries Cause Further Concern
Last June, fourteen 911 calls were obtained through a public records request, prompting even more concern about New Mexico tax funds paying for abortions. At least 14 women were seriously injured by abortions that were potentially paid for by tax payers. Women suffered from uncontrolled bleeding, a ruptured uterus, seizures, and near life threatening complications after and during the abortions.
Tax payers should not be forced to fund a failing industry that harms women and kills their children.
Abortion Clinics Lack Oversight
As Albuquerque attracts women from all over the country seeking abortions, it is also of great concern that the surgical portion of the clinics are never inspected. Abortion clinics nationwide are commonly under regulated, but in a state where tax payers foot the bill for abortions there is almost no oversight. The New Mexico Department of Health currently claims to lack jurisdiction over abortion clinics because they are not classified properly to come under its oversight. This partly explains the abortion injuries we continue to see here in Albuquerque.
Authorities and Public Officials Notified, Action Anticipated
Complaints were filed with the New Mexico Medical Board shortly after the fourteen 911 tapes were obtained. It is unclear as to what extent an investigation in the interest of public safety is underway. Our concerns and all pertinent information have been given to Governor Martinez’s office. Project Defending Life has just recently met with the Governor’s staff and brought the crisis of forced taxpayer-funded abortions to the Governor’s attention.
It is truly unfortunate that there have been years of neglect regarding the safety of women entering unregulated and dangerous abortion clinics in Albuquerque. The 1.1 million dollars currently paying for abortions could certainly be used more effectively to help those in need in the state of New Mexico.
We have been assured by the Governor’s office that steps are being taken to turnaround this deep seated abortion culture that has caused New Mexico to be labeled the Abortion Capital of the Southwest. It is our hope that the New Mexico Department of Health will begin inspections of these abortion facilities and that the New Mexico Medical Board will fully investigate the 14 botched abortions and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“In our discussions with the Governor’s office, we understand that a lot of work needs to be done to change this culture of innocent deaths and wounding of women. It has gotten so bad that the New Mexico abortion industry has publicly bragged about unrestricted abortion access in New Mexico, abortions performed on girls as young as 11, and people coming from surrounding states to have abortions here in New Mexico,” stated Fr. Stephen Imbarrato of Project Defending Life, after meeting with the Governor’s Chief of Staff. “It is our hope and expectation that the Governor will explore every option at her disposal to end what has become a shameful and unacceptable situation here in New Mexico.”
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Let’s End Abortion As We FulFill The Great Commission!
By Bud Shaver (This article originally appeared on Standforlife.net)
I am coming up on 5 years of full-time Pro-Life ministry, during this time reaching out to Church leaders, Pastors, and the Christian community in general…Christian’s for the most part think that you have to choose between fulfilling the “Great Commission” and doing anything remotely effective in engaging the abortion injustice in America. Resulting in Church budgets and resources maxed out to fulfill the “Great Commission” overseas…while neglecting to deal with the abortion Holocaust in their own communities!
While we can say that we have done a great job fulfilling the “Great Commission” overseas, we have to be honest and realize that we have failed to go into our own communities to reach the lost and dying for Christ…in doing so, are we neglecting to fulfill the “Great Commission” in America? We do not need to think that we have to choose between fulfilling the “Great Commission” and engaging the issue of abortion…We need to think about fulfilling the “Great Commission” in America by going to the “Least of These” scheduled for death in our communities and bring the Gospel of Life to the dying and bring the Gospel of hope to the desperate!
This is a false dichotomy…that needs to be dealt with! “The fallacy of a false dichotomy is committed when the arguer claims that his conclusion is one of only two options, when in fact there are other possibilities.” There is another possibility…and that is…both should be a unified whole! Church, we need to deal with the reality that we have dropped the ball in America…resulting in 54 million dead children and counting…73% of the women who had these abortions in America claim to be Christian/Catholic Christians! We have failed to teach and disciple a complete Christian worldview…which includes obeying all that is commanded of us!
As an activist…and not a Pastor, I have to add… Talking about abortion is only the first step, the fruit of which should produce action! Instead of meeting behind four walls on Sunday morning in a building, If Church leaders and Pastors took the Church to the streets in front of abortion clinics in public opposition to the killing of innocent children, prayed there, reached out with the gospel there…women and couples would repent (change their mind, turn 180 degrees), babies would be saved, the lost…Who need Christ, would find and receive Him, and the Church would be relevant to a lost and dying… America. Multiply this for churches and cities in America… and you can get the picture! We would fulfill the “Great Commission” and end the greatest injustice of our generation…Abortion!
Stand Up and join me in fulfilling the “Great Commission” in our mission field…America!
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May 2012 Newsletter: We Saw Mountains Move!
On UNM Campus with Survivors!The Survivors Campus Life Tour visited ABQ and brought their displays out to UNM. It was great being at a college campus again (We spent our 1st year of pro-life ministry with Survivors and visited over 180 schools!), however, the students at UNM can be very aggressive. A male student even pushed over one of the displays, but some really nice Muslim girls rushed over to help put it back together and stayed and talked for quite a while. This gave us an opportunity to speak with students we may never have been able to connect with otherwise. The best thing I heard a passerby say was, “I was totally pro-choice before I saw that sign…now there is no way I can be!”
“Massive Pro-Life Event With ‘180’ & Ray Comfort”
We are so encouraged by answered prayers. One of our prayers has consistently been more workers for the harvest and for churches to become actively pro-life. Calvary of ABQ is doing just that and we are excited to see how God is going to use those who are willing to further His kingdom and save lives. On April 4th, there was a packed house of several thousand at Calvary of ABQ who watched the incredible movie “180” followed by an interview with its creator Ray Comfort. A table was set up for several ministries including 9 months, Pro-Life Movement, which was founded by Pastor Eric Lamb and his wife Cherita. Eric and Cherita are dear friends of ours and we plan to work together with them to bring awareness to the public and hope to women in ABQ.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2
Sidewalk Conversation’s & A Glimpse Outside SWO Abortion Clinic…One morning this month my friend and a faithful volunteer, Lorenzo and I pulled up in the Truth Truck and got all our signs set up out at the ABQ Late-Term abortion mill Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO). Almost immediately a couple of young women pulled into the SWO parking lot. They literally just drove right to the exit where we were and the young woman in the passenger side was balling her eyes out and thanked us for being there, she said that she had come for an abortion but changed her mind! We gave her Project Defending Life’s (PDL) information and all the local resources. Praise God! We have seen cars drive in and leave on numerous occasions, the passengers never get out of their car and we don’t even get to speak to them. Our prayer is always that they changed their mind…without really knowing for sure. Thanks to the ability we have to be in the public square proclaiming the message of life and to PDL we have so much to offer these women and minds are often changed. Some women don’t need material or financial help, but they do need to see our prayerful presence and the truth depicted by our graphic signs which the Holy Spirit uses to pierce their heart and strip away all the lies and excuses. They need Christians and the Pro-Life community to be there…bringing even a mustard seed sized faith to the abortion clinic is all it takes for God to move mountains…I know, because we witnessed mountains move this month!
Other Opportunities and Blessings…This month a Catholic moms group came to pray at the UNM clinic. About 8 women came with babies in tow to be a witness for life. This paints a beautiful picture for passersby and also for women seeking abortions.
We ended the month doing a presentation for a local Catholic youth group. This presentation was meant to inspire the youth to make a difference in the lives of others. Young people today have the ability to shape the future so we must encourage and educate them to walk in God’s ways and to stand up for the truth no matter what. We spent some time in CO this month as well to rest and re-energize. It was a lot of fun…and much needed! Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support for our ministry here in New Mexico. It is evident that God is at work and has great things planned for the future. We will press on until this state is abortion free and may God receive all of the glory!
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“Massive Pro-Life Event At Calvary Chapel With ‘180’ And Ray Comfort”
By Monte Harms of Stand For Life
On Wednesday night, April 4th, there was a packed house of several thousand at Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who watched the incredible movie “180” and an interview with its creator Ray Comfort. A table was set up for a new ministry at Calvary called 9 months, Pro-Life Movement, which was founded by Pastor Eric Lamb. The plan is to have pro-life educational classes, rallies, and other activities that include not just a few, but thousands involved. Other tables were set up for 40 Days for Life, an adoption organization called Aspen Project, and for CareNet. Watch the entire service with the interview of Ray Comfort here. Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque and Pastor Skip Heitzig need to be applauded. Thank you.
“180” on YouTube has received nearly 3 million views. For more information about “180” go to Heart Changer and watch the entire movie below.
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April Newsletter 2012: Making the Most of Every Opportunity!
Another day in our lives…
One morning this month I got ready to head over to the Late-Term abortion mill SWO…as Tara was finishing up a research project she has been doing regarding possible abortions in Santa Fe [she confirmed that the Planned Parenthood (PP) in Santa Fe just got a nurse practitioner willing to administer the RU-486 medical abortions…which means that PP in Santa Fe is doing abortions up to 9wks:[ She was finishing that up so she could give a report to Fr. Brennan and then head over to the PDL pregnancy center across from the UNM abortion mill to give free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and other assistance to moms in need. I walked outside and OUR CAR WAS STOLEN! (1980 Gray Toyota that our good friend Lorenzo generously gave to us)…I still went out to SWO but Tara had to stay home and file a police report!
Keep us in your prayers as the enemy is out in full force, pray his attacks don’t get more serious and for our continued protection in this spiritual battle that spills out into physical attacks at times! Out at SWO that day, there were 2 cars from NM, 2 from TX, one from Nevada, one from AZ, one from Washington and we spoke with a Hispanic couple who were referred to SWO from a hospital in Mexico!
“Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be Afraid; Do not be Discouraged, for YHWH your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Making the Most of Every Opportunity!
Yet another reason its good to have graphic images of abortion violence out at the abortion mill….you just may get a counter protestor. Believe it or not having them stand next to the graphic image of an aborted baby with their “Pro-Choice” sign is wonderful for those passing by. This contrast helps many to see exactly what “Choice” really is…not to mention counter protestors never stay long after they realize it! This girl did not stick around for very long…I even offered to let her hold my graphic sign…if she would tell people that this is the choice she supports…she left pretty quickly after that!
He’s a Boy…
We found out this month that our baby due in August is a…BOY!
“We not only care about women & their babies…We hug trees too!” (Bud putting up signs in front of SWO)
Sidewalk Conversation’s & A Glimpse Outside SWO Abortion Clinic…This month an Indian couple came to the Late-Term mill SWO. She must have been at least 6-7 months along! She kept looking with horror at the Truth Truck and our graphic signs as she slowly walked in refusing to talk to us. Later they came out pacing and she was wiping tears from her eyes. I waved them over and her husband walked over to me. I asked him if they had already begun the abortion. He stated that they had gone there for an abortion, but that they could not go through with it and they were returning home! Praise God! A Native American woman approached us one day as she was heading downtown to the soup kitchen and she asked for some of our pro-life resource literature to pass out to women. She hugged each of us and headed on her way. A discerning couple asked to walk and talk with her. They came back and told me that she struggled with alcoholism and that they shared Christ with her and prayed with her. She responded with interest and wanted to find out how to receive Jesus as her Lord and made a commitment to learn what it takes to serve Him! She mentioned that she knew of a Christian group and they told her to go and tell them of her decision to receive Jesus as the Messiah, her savior and her Lord. It appears God saved two lives! I am always amazed by how God can use each one of us as we step out in faith!
Another day a woman walked into the abortion clinic saying “I’m judged, I’m judged!” Bobby Coffman Jr. replied “We are here to love you, not judge you…let us help you!” Her boyfriend walked over to talk and said that God is the creator of life and He wants this child to live… he kept saying over and over how this abortion was going to have consequences and that God would never forgive them. I told him that the enemy wanted this abortion to destroy the child and both of their lives. I stated that as much as God loved that baby and wanted the baby to live, this same God wanted the same thing for their lives…He is the creator of life and He loves them just as much! I gave him a card with post-abortion information I asked him if he would share what I told him to his girlfriend…”How much God loves her and wants her to have abundant life…in Him!” This man thanked me and he said that he was going to use this experience to try and help others…especially young people! Praise God! God takes us where we are at…(even at an abortion clinic)…and touches us, begins to renew and remold us instantly, and begins to use us for His Glory! This is the power of the God we serve!
Here is a testimony from a wonderful couple who have made a commitment to stand for life every Tuesday (In fact Collette stepped down from full-time to part-time hours at her job just to make sure she can be out each Tuesday…even though her husband was recently laid off!) Let this inspire each of us to do all that we can…to help save a life!
PRAISE REPORT! So, being Tuesday, Bobby, Angelica, and I headed out to Southwestern Women’s Options (the late term abortion mill here in Albuquerque) to pray and reach out to those in need. The weather was pretty cold so I ended staying inside the car with Angelica while Bobby headed out on the sidewalk. At the end of the vigil, Bobby said with tears in his eyes, that we saved a baby. Apparently, a lady came to have an abortion and brought a male friend with her. Bobby reached out to them in love and asked if he could just talk with them. The male said that he would be right back to talk to him. He went in to the abortion mill with the woman and came out very shortly after. Bobby began talking with this man and began sharing his testimony. He shared about our lost unborn children. It was obvious what would happen to the child if she went thru with the abortion but Bobby made sure to stress what would happen to the woman…the physical and mental consequences. Not so ironically, a lady came up at that moment and joined in the conversation. She is a nurse. Bobby asked the nurse for confirmation as to whether what he was saying was right…she backed him up all the way. After talking with Bobby the man went back into the mill and several minutes later, he and his female friend walked out. Bobby introduced himself to the woman and told her that he would keep her and her situation in prayer. She thanked him and they headed down the road. Just knowing that she was going into a place of murder but walked out with her child’s heart still beating is such a victory! THANK YOU JESUS for using my husband! THANK YOU LORD for using our past sorrows for your glory! Please let this be just the first of many victories!
Click Here- to listen to the Charge by Tara at the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally- Albuquerque, NM- We estimate about 400 in attendance! After the rally at the Federal Court House, the Stop HHS ABQ participants (estimated 100) moved to Late-Term abortion mill SWO for prayer. New Mexico is one of 15 states where people of faith ALREADY fund 100% of abortion services with our tax dollars via Medicaid!
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June Newsletter: Overcoming the Darkness with Light…In Season!
Picking up Momentum
The past couple of months have been productive, but at the same time we’ve kind of felt like things have slowed down with our ministry. One thing that is so evident…and that we continue to hear from people who live here, is the presence of a demonic strong hold. In more ways than one darkness is constantly trying to overtake the light here in ABQ.
Thankfully, as the spiritual forces of darkness are at work, the God we serve works harder! His power and presence was magnified this month and we give him all the glory and honor for what He is doing here. Please commit to praying for us on a daily basis as we stand with God in this spiritual battle. Thank you to those who already so faithfully do pray for us!
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world!” ~Ephesians 6:12Another Life Saved
Tara received a call out of the blue one Thursday this month. On the other end of the line was a frantic woman facing a serious dilemma. She was one of those women who often find themselves backed into a corner, with only one choice-abortion. Unfortunately her first words to Tara were, “I’m having an abortion, there’s no other way.” It seemed as though her mind was made up.
Her boyfriend had recently left her high and dry after he asked her to quit her job to be a stay at home mom. She was dependent on him and he left her for someone else. When she tried to reason with him for the sake of their child, he told her to have an abortion. With rent past due, he gave her an ultimatum. It was have the abortion and I’ll pay your rent or don’t and you and your children will end up on the streets.
After getting her job back and contacting state agencies for help she called a Pastor who had our number. That’s how she knew to contact Tara. She admitted that she didn’t know who Tara was and wasn’t even calling to ask for help, she just called and didn’t know why. Talk about a divine appointment. It was a privilege for Tara to talk with her, find out her situation and her feelings about the situation.
Deep within her she didn’t want an abortion, she just didn’t have the resources or support to make the right choice. Tara contacted her landlord and Project Defending Life paid the remainder of her rent. Tara spent time assuring her that even though her situation seemed too overwhelming, that it would get better and that we’re here to help. That was enough to lift her spirits and her resolve to keep her baby. She even called her ex boyfriend and told him that he couldn’t control and manipulate her.
This is another victory for Christ and a testimony of the faithfulness of God to save lives through the love and charity of His people! To Him be the glory.
National Day of Prayer Week
Bud had a great opportunity to share the pulpit with Pastor Eric Lamb of Calvary Albuquerque on the topic of abortion during the National Day of Prayer Week 2012 at Glory Christian Fellowship in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Today is the day to stand up and speak out against the abortion holocaust surrounding us…and to God be the Glory!
Reaping A Harvest…In Season!
This month we found out that based on a complaint Tara filed back in 2009, while we were working as interns for Operation Rescue in Wichita, KS, that an abortionist in Queens, New York was stripped of his medical license and the abortion mill he ran was closed down!
We are so encouraged by this news! This is a testament that using the law and regulations already in place against abortionists works!
Please pray that our efforts to do this here in NM bears the same fruit.
Our Presence is Vital!
An abortion mill in Birmingham, Alabama had a Federal Injunction that police had been applying illegally against the Pro-Life community for several years. Back in 2010 Bud worked with several pro-life groups to re-claim the side walk in front of the New Woman All Women abortion mill! Since then, sidewalk counselors filed complaints after witnessing two ambulances transport injured women to the hospital. Based on those complaints, the Board of Medicine in AL conducted an investigation and as a result this mill was closed down…May 18th, 2012!
This month Tara was able to revisit some of our previous efforts to end abortion here in NM. A follow-up meeting with the Governor was held as well as a meeting with the Executive Director of the Medical Board.
We have also launched a new project that we believe will shed light on why abortion is being perpetuated here in NM. We are very excited about how things are moving along. Stay tuned for more information and please utilize the strongest tool we have as Christians.
Prayer is what will move mountains and defeat the enemy. We invite you to join us in this spiritual battle, please contact us to find out how you can make a difference locally or in your state.
God Bless You!
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Revocation Proceedings Reveal New Mexico Abortionists Did Illegal Late-Term Abortions in Kansas
By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life
Albuquerque, NM — In light of the recent revocation of abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus’s medical license by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA), Project Defending Life is renewing its request for the New Mexico Medical Board to investigate recent botched abortions in Albuquerque.
Neuhaus’ medical license revocation was the direct result of a complaint first filed by Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger in 2006, alleging violations of the standards of patient care and a Kansas law that allowed only narrow exceptions to a ban on post-viability abortions.
In Kansas, Neuhaus provided the required second consenting opinion that the continuation of a pregnancy would cause “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function” of the woman if the pregnancy continued. All of Neuhaus’ referrals for late-term abortions were made to George Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services in Wichita on mental health grounds between 1999 and 2007.
Neuhaus’ disciplinary charges were based on eleven 2003 patient files of girls aged 10-18. While Tiller was the abortionist of record in all eleven cases, Neuhaus provided referrals to all abortionists in Tiller’s employment, including Shelley Sella and Susan Robinson who were employed by Tiller in Kansas during that time and now conduct late-term abortions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Neuhaus’ referrals allowed both Robinson and Sella to do post-viability abortions based on her faulty mental health assessments.
On February 21, 2012, The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts ordered the revocation of the medical license of abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus, stating that Neuhaus’ practice of providing late-term abortion referrals to George Tiller was “professionally incompetent” and constituted “unprofessional conduct.”
Neuhaus was found to have violated the standard of care in that she never conducted proper mental health evaluations, keep adequate records, nor did she record any basis for her diagnoses other than a printout from a dubious computer program that calculated diagnoses for her. Her bogus diagnoses were nothing more than rubber stamps that enabled Tiller and his associates to improperly conduct late-term abortions. There was no evidence that Neuhaus ever saw many of the patients she referred for post-viability abortions, and some of the referrals were dated days or weeks after the abortions occurred, making them blatantly illegal.
The same week that the KSBHA notified Operation Rescue that the eleven-count disciplinary petition had been filed against Neuhaus, Shelley Sella cancelled her Kansas medical license in order to place herself outside the jurisdiction of the KSBHA. According to Cheryl Sullenger, Susan C. Robinson voluntarily put her Kansas license on “Inactive” status a month after WHCS closed. At the time of the closure, Tiller also faced an eleven-count disciplinary petition filed by the KSBHA for illegal late-term abortions referred to him by Neuhaus.
Sella and Robinson currently work at Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) in Albuquerque two weeks per month doing late-term abortions for owner Curtis Boyd, an admitted back-alley abortionist prior to Roe v. Wade.
In July, 2010, both Project Defending Life and Operation Rescue filed Medical Board complaints asking for an investigation into 11 botched abortions at SWO. These grisly abortions have resulted in 11 women being rushed from the abortion clinic to the emergency room with serious complications including ruptured uteri, perforated uteri, and uncontrolled bleeding. As of yet, it appears that nothing has been done to protect the safety of unassuming women who seek abortions at SWO.
Tiller, Neuhaus, Sella and Robinson believed they were above the law in Kansas and conducted their illegal activities at the expense of others. Fortunately the women of Kansas are now protected from late-term abortion abuses. However, the women of New Mexico continue to be prey for Tiller’s former associates, who profit handsomely from the expensive procedures. As a result, women are injured by abortion at the rate of one every ten weeks. Frighteningly, in New Mexico there are no laws protecting pregnant women who need proper help from this kind of exploitation.
“We are once again asking individuals to contact the NMMB and ask for a thorough investigation of the recent documented botched abortions in Albuquerque in light of this new information of wrongdoing by Sella and Robinson,” said Fr. Stephen Imbarrato, Director of Project Defending Life. “If the abortion laws of Kansas couldn’t protect young girls from abortion abuses, how can we expect a state with virtually no abortion laws to protect those coming to New Mexico from across the country for late-term abortions? I am calling on the leadership of the state of NM to use all the powers at their disposal to protect women going into these abortion facilities. Someone has to take responsibility for these women being injured before one of them dies from a botched abortion.”
Contact Information for the New Mexico Medical Board:
Lynn Hart
Executive Director, New Mexico Medical Board
505-476-7221
lynns.hart@state.nm.us -
March Newsletter 2012: Sidewalk Conversation’s & A Glimpse Outside Two ABQ Abortion Clinics…
And Now There Are Four!
Our family would like to announce the conception or our second child! He or she is due to arrive sometime in late August. We are all so thankful for the blessing of new life!
In Everything Giving Thanks
This past month has been one of trials and also one with many reasons to rejoice. As Christians we strive to be thankful and content in every situation, however, that can be difficult at times. We thank all of you who faithfully pray for us, we know that is what keeps us going as God works out all the details of our lives. Please continue to pray for us as we move forward in this life saving work. The enemy has a small victory when we get discouraged and doing this ministry can be discouraging if we dwell on the lives lost, women injured, and families destroyed by abortion daily. Instead of the enemies lies, we must always fill our mind with God’s Word and His promises; knowing He is always at work for our good and the good of these women and families! Your prayers, however, are the most powerful way to ensure that God receives the glory and victory. Thanks again for standing with us in this spiritual battle!
“Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be Afraid; Do not be Discouraged, for YHWH your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Opportunities to Share…With 40 Days for Life beginning on February 22 this Spring, Tara had an opportunity to speak on two different radio stations to promote the event. We continue to be thankful for these opportunities to share upcoming events and ministry updates.
We are also praising God for answered prayers. One of our main prayer requests is for more workers for the harvest here in ABQ. This month we had encouraging meetings with two groups of church leaders who are eager to be involved with pro-life work in their churches.
Visit 40daysforlife.com to find out about the 40 Days for life campaign near you! Please join us in prayer for these church leaders who are taking bold steps for life in their churches and as always more workers to promote life in our community.
Sidewalk Conversation’s & A Glimpse Outside Two ABQ Abortion Clinics…During the month of February, we spoke with women from New Mexico, Utah, California, Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Kansas and Louisiana outside of the late term clinic. I also received an e-mail this month from a woman from the United Kingdom who was planning to come here for a Late-Term abortion until she came across Lateterm.com and realized how dangerous Southwestern Women’s Option’s (SWO), is! The ironic thing is that she wanted an alternative abortion clinic to go to, so we gave her an alternative to abortion, local pregnancy resources in the UK and knowledge! We received an e-mail back from her and she told us that she decided to choose adoption instead of coming here to Albuquerque for a late-term abortion! Praise God! We also found out that she lives not too far from where Tara lived in Nottingham, England during a year of mission work! They are keeping in touch and Tara asked if we could keep her in our prayers and she would very much appreciate that.
We spoke to homeless women who still remained homeless after their abortion, women who were raped whose abortion did not heal or change that, we spoke with women who just simply did not want to have a child at this time. One woman was so proud and confident of her choice to abort her baby before her abortion but left afterward sobbing. Abortion is never the right choice and does not solve any of life’s problems! Despite all this darkness, there was a ray of light this month as a couple who had an appointment, instead left SWO before going in and chose to go to Project Defending Life where they were able to get real help! God lit up the darkness! Hope, love and life made a way and this couple chose to reach for the light!
This month out at SWO, a young woman came out of the clinic carrying a clipboard and she was filling out paperwork. I waved for her to come over and she reluctantly did. She told me she was scheduled for an abortion and she desperately needed it and that there was no hope for her or her baby! We talked for a few minutes and as I gave her Project Defending Life contact info she wiped away tears and said sorry but she was going back in and having the abortion. She walked back in and literally, in less than a minute, she came running back out, jumped in the passenger side of a car and the car sped away! We are there to bring hope where there is no hope, life where all there is, is death. We are there because Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ!
This month, a woman who drove a friend to SWO for a late-term abortion, responded as I was offering alternatives to abortion and offering hope that “It’s the father’s fault! If he took financial responsibility for the child, then they would not be here.” I responded that the father of the child was indeed responsible for taking care of the child, but that it was the mother, who was choosing to kill the child! I told her that she was also responsible because she brought this child here to be killed. I stated that we all need to take responsibility for our part! We all have a role to play in protecting these children and serving these families…so that abortion is never an option! It starts with educating yourself about the injustice taking place in your communities. You can also support local pro-life ministries (Project Defending Life, Care Net, Birthright, or other local Pregnancy Centers in your area) so that these women have resources and can learn how to support themselves and their babies when their world falls apart around them. Also, you can support pro-life missionaries who stand for life; your support makes our work possible! By partnering with us, our voice can be Your voice!
Our Prayer Requests:
~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.We are full-time Pro-Life Missionaries and raise our own support from individuals who have a heart for our life saving work!
(Click Here) If you would like to support our life saving ministry. Your generous support makes our work possible! All donations are tax deductible. (Cornerstone is a Pro-Life alternative to Paypal.)
Here is a typical conversation with a pro-abortion person, who is upset that we are showing the truth about their choice…abortion. Lorenzo is a little on edge, because this man was abusive to him earlier in the week and knocked down some of Lorenzo’s signs and other pro-life displays. Orae is the other pro-life gentleman with the cool Re-Think Pink sign! (Be warned, there is some offensive language…from the pro-abortion guy…shockingly!)[I (Bud) am filming and talking at times]
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40 DAYS FOR LIFE, ALBUQUERQUE FEBRUARY 22 – APRIL 1
Please join us at our:
Kickoff Rally and Spring Campaign
Where: Project Defending Life
625 San Mateo Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NMKickoff Rally Tuesday, February 21, 2012 starting with Mass at 6pm and Prayer and speakers at 7pm.
Spring 2012 campaign starting February 22, 2012 and running thru April 1, 2012.
Schedule a time from 7 am thru 7 pm or you are welcome to come out anytime.Come out and show everyone that Albuquerque is a wonderful place to LIVE, and we support LIFE from conception. Many women are not aware their baby is already alive and developing. Spend an hour and possibly save a life — several women change their mind every campaign because they saw somebody praying that did care about LIFE.
Thank-you for all your time and prayers.
The Spring Campaign will be starting February 22, 2012, but you are welcome to come and pray anytime in front of Planned Parenthood to help save children.
Planned Parenthood
701 San Mateo Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NMYOU can help save lives!
Our community will be one of more then 300 cities in America, Canada, Australia, Northern Ireland and Denmark who will conduct simultaneous 40 Days for Life campaigns.
The 40 Days for Life campaign is an effort to bring people of faith together in prayer to end the loss of pre-born human life and to pray for the healing of those affected by abortion. It is a focused pro-life effort that consists of:
40 days of prayer and fasting
40 days of peaceful vigil
40 days of public witnessWe are praying that, with God’s help, this groundbreaking effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in Albuquerque — and throughout America.
Take a stand for life
“Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds” -Proverbs 24:11-12
While all aspects of 40 Days for Life are crucial in our effort to end abortion, the most visible component is the peaceful prayer vigil outside the local abortion facility. The vigil is peaceful; participants agree to a “Code of Conduct” with a pledge that they will conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner. All people are welcome!
You can help make a life-saving impact by signing up for at least one one-hour block of time to join our local vigil at:
Planned Parenthood
701 San Mateo Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM
Any time daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Spring Campaign starting February 22, 2012Every week lives are saved and hearts are changed because people like you stay involved in pro-life outreach. You’ve made a difference in the lives of many these past 40 days, don’t let it stop there. Help us maintain a constant prayerful and peaceful presence at all 3 of Albuquerque’s abortion clinics. Including the late term clinic that is drawing women from all over the country and another clinic that is training University of New Mexico medical students to be abortionists. Another opportunity is to volunteer at pregnancy centers doing ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and helping mom’s become responsible; mom’s who have taken the first step and chosen life. To learn more you can contact Bud and Tara Shaver at bud@defendinglife.org or (505) 319-7825 or call Project Defending Life at (505) 266-4100.
Would you like to be part of the Spring 2012 40 Days for Life Please
call Al (505) 296-4214 or Liz (505) 977-6609 if you are interested.Again, we sincerely thank you for standing with us for these babies who are created in God’s image and worthy of our time! We are encouraged by your faithfulness!
Check out the website for more information:
http://40daysforlife.com/albuquerque/ -
February Newsletter 2012: We hit the ground running in 2012!
“Doing everything for the glory of God”
Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day (SOLAUD) 2012Every year in the month of January Pro-Life groups host events all throughout the country. Here in New Mexico, Christians from all across the state come together to promote the sanctity of human life. This year Bud and I had the privilege of organizing a morning rally featuring praise and worship, speakers and testimonies of post abortive men and women. One of our dear friends Pastor Lamb shared his heart as one of our keynote speakers.
His message was centered around the simple injustice of abortion and the urgency to get involved to end abortion in America. After the morning rally an estimated 2500 people marched to the Santa Fe Capitol to meet Governor Martinez and other Legislators. We were very encouraged and hope that in the coming year more people will get involved and stay involved!
Here is Pastor Eric Lamb’s Passionate Keynote address!
One Down…Three Left To Go!
Last month we uncovered that Bruce Ferguson was retiring at the end of December. He had been doing abortions for over 30years and his clinic was one of four Albuquerque abortion clinics. Well this month, we confirmed that he did in fact retire and shut down!
Opportunities to Share…
This month we were so blessed to have several opportunities to speak to different groups. We started the month off by speaking at the PDL Parenting Class on a Wednesday night. Then Tara was able to be on the radio to promote the Sanctity of Life event and to share about last years accomplishments. We also spoke to two separate church groups . These opportunities are so vital in getting the word out and educating the public. It is true that most people have no idea what is happening in their own backyards. Tara went up to Santa Fe with a coalition of pregnancy center volunteers to speak with legislators about the ministries of pregnancy centers as well as the parental notification bill we hope to see put into law here in NM. She also shared with legislators our latest press release. (You can read it here!)
Our Prayer Requests:
~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.
We are full-time Pro-Life Missionaries and raise our own support from individuals who have a heart for our life saving work!(Click Here) If you would like to support our life saving ministry. Your generous support makes our work possible! All donations are tax deductible. (Cornerstone is a Pro-Life alternative to Paypal.)
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One Down…Three Left to Go In Albuquerque, NM!
Bruce Ferguson M.D.- Before Retirement, December, 2011 (1 of 4 Albuquerque abortion mills).
Bruce Ferguson M.D.- After Retirement, January, 2012. One Albuquerque abortion mill closed to start off 2012…Three left to go!
Read about our undercover investigation that exposed Bruce Ferguson’s retirement and watch our undercover video here:
New Mexico Abortionist Quits For the Sake of His “Sanity” (Click Headline to go to the page)
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Injury-Prone New Mexico Abortion Clinics Operate In Shadows of Regulatory Gaps
By Cheryl Sullenger
Albuquerque, New Mexico – A shocking number of medical emergencies at two Albuquerque abortion clinics over the past few months have raised questions about clinic safety and who is responsible for oversight. After months of investigation, pro-life groups have determined that abortion clinics often operate in regulatory gaps and actively seek to “fly under the radar,” as one regulator put it. This has created a public safety crisis in New Mexico.
A total of 14 calls for emergency medical assistance were placed to 911 dispatchers by Southwestern Women’s Options (SWO) and the University of New Mexico Center for Reproductive Health (UNMCRH) over a 35-month time frame between November, 2008, and September, 2011. Three were placed from the UNMCRH while, alarmingly, eleven of the calls for help originated from SWO.
Complaints were filed with the New Mexico Medical Board (NMMB) against the known abortionists who work at those clinics by representatives of Project Defending Life and Operation Rescue. However, the NMMB is only responsible for oversight of licensed physicians and is not responsible for oversight of the abortion clinic itself.
“That means trash could be piled to the ceiling inside those clinics, and the NMMB would not have the authority to do anything about it,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. “The clinics themselves are never inspected or held to any standard. That creates the potential for a Gosnell-like ‘house of horrors’ to operate directly under the nose of regulators.”
Conversations with Department of Health regulators confirmed Newman’s concerns.
Doctors Office and Abortion Exemptions
Southwestern Women’s Options, an abortion clinic specializing in risky late-term procedures, is not licensed as an Ambulatory Surgical Center, which would ensure that the clinic was inspected and met the same standards that other out-patient surgical centers must maintain. Instead, it is listed as a “Doctor’s Office” under the name of the 75-year old owner of the facility, Curtis Boyd, a Texas abortionist who admits to having done illegal “back-alley” abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. This designation qualifies him for a license exemption.
Boyd’s clinic conducts a minimal amount of lab work and is licensed in New Mexico as a laboratory. The most recent inspection survey issued in 2009 for the SWO lab showed multiple violations with faulty test results detected for pregnancy and for the Rh factor that resulted in the need to contact patients with the news that they needed to have their tests redone. (Read full list of violations)
While every two years, the laboratory portion of his business is inspected by the Department of Health, the surgical side of the business has never been inspected. No one has ever checked to see if Boyd owns a crash cart, has emergency protocols in place, or even if he bothers to sterilize his surgical instruments.
According to Rick Pangborn, Medical Care Program Director with the Department of Health, clinics that must be licensed as Ambulatory Surgical Centers are those with an operating room that accommodates outpatient surgical procedures, which require post-surgical monitoring of patients in a separate recovery room.
However, Pangborn emphasized that even though Boyd’s SWO meets those criteria, abortions are among the few procedures that cannot trigger the need for an Ambulatory Surgical Center license in New Mexico.
“This clinic operates in the shadowy gap created by an extremely compartmentalized regulatory system in New Mexico,” said Tara Shaver of Project Defending Life. “Each regulatory agency is only responsible for a small portion oversight, and abortion procedures seem to give clinics special exemption from oversight. Abortion clinics can easily fly under the radar by claiming to be doctor’s offices. This designation ensures that they are never inspected or regulated. Maybe that is why we are seeing life-threatening medical emergencies at these clinics at the rate of one every couple of months.”
UNMCRH Completely “Under the Radar”According to Pangborn, there is no record at all of any kind of license for the UNM Center for Reproductive Health, the other abortion clinic that has experienced a recent series of medical emergencies. There is no record of UNMCRH ever having been inspected by any state regulator. Pangborn told Shaver that he was under the impression that UNMCRH provided different services than Southwestern Women’s Options, when both are in fact primarily abortion clinics.
Planned Parenthood is the only clinic in Albuquerque with no record of 911 calls. It is licensed as a Diagnostic Treatment Facility, which provides for the clinic to bill insurance and Medicaid for services even though they were not supplied by a licensed physician. Planned Parenthood is not required to meet the standards that Ambulatory Surgical Centers must meet.
Lack of Oversight Creates Dangerous Climate“If clinics are not required to meet specific health and safety standards, they usually don’t,” said Newman. “New Mexico’s lack of standards for abortion clinics has created a dangerous climate where women can be subjected to any manner of substandard or negligent practices and can never be held accountable for it. Fourteen women — that we are aware of — have paid for this lack of oversight with serious bodily injury and it is only a matter of time before one pays for it with her life.”
Tara Shaver agreed. “The fourteen 911 calls that we uncovered show that something is seriously wrong with how abortion clinics in New Mexico operate and the lack of oversight,” she said. “We now have information that the UNMCRH is no longer calling 911 for medical emergencies so that there is no public record of how many injuries are actually occurring there. This places women at additional risk. Something must change on the state level in order to protect women from these abortion clinics that have run amok outside the bounds of any kind of regulatory oversight.”
