All Life is Sacred.

by Sarah Howell

The book of Nehemiah, at first glance at least, seems more like a long list of names and numeric figures than an in-depth story.  However, the verses I read last night hit an unexpectedly deep chord within my heart, especially in regards to the pro-life work that I, and so many that I know, spend days on end working to accomplish.

There’s a passage in chapter 4 where the Israelites are working to rebuild the wall of Judah.  If you are unfamiliar with the book, Nehemiah, the author, requests permission from King Artaxerxes to travel to Judah and rebuild the wall after hearing news that his people were in “great distress and reproach.”

At this point in their history, the Israelites have only just been released from 70 years of captivity under Babylon.  Those who have survived are scattered, disorganized, and unprotected.  Nehemiah comes to set all of that right, and, as usual, there is a lot of opposition from their less than friendly neighbors.  Which brings us back to chapter 4….

As the Israelites are working hard to rebuild the wall and gates of their city, they hear tell that their ‘neighbors’ are conspiring to form a sneak attack and stop them.  Nehemiah reacts immediately – first, by stationing men at the exposed parts of the wall, and, second, by reminding the people Who it is that they serve and toward what goal they are always moving.  Nehemiah says to his people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.” (Neh 4:14)

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Here’s how it works:  In Alabama we have these wonderful pro-life lobbyists who work very hard with pro-life legislators (Republicans and Democrats) to get pro-life legislation passed through every session.

These tireless men and women travel to Montgomery all throughout the sessions.  They make calls and write emails; they meet with Senators and Reps; they sit through long filibusters, plan rallies, and keep the rest of the pro-life community up to date.

Meanwhile, we also have these very committed pro-life activists — sidewalk counselors, 40 Days for Life campaigners, Silent No More speakers, event planners and prayer warriors.  While the lobbyists work to reduce the political power and influence of the abortion industry, the activists keep the movement going on the streets.  They organize prayer vigils, offer women real abortion alternatives, and keep a vigilant watch on every abortion mill in the state, documenting events and incidents that abortion clinics risk everything to try and keep hidden.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 18, 2013 / Christian Newswire / — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has failed to respond to any information recently provided by Life Legal Defense Foundation (LLDF) regarding the possibility of unregulated and illegal abortion procedures at the Birmingham New Woman All Women (NWAW) abortion facility, which lost its license in May 2012.  LLDF has made repeated inquiries to ADPH on behalf of CEC For Life, Operation Rescue, Priests for Life, Physicians for Life, and other local and national pro-life organizations in Birmingham.  However, LLDF Council Allison Aranda reports that the Department has remained silent.

In May 2012, ADPH revoked NWAW’s operating license after an investigation revealed 76-pages-worth of deficiencies and violations going on within the facility.  That investigation began when NWAW landed three different patients in the emergency room in a single day.

As of February 2013, all appeals by NWAW to reopen were reportedly denied by ADPH, but, according to information received from recent patients who have visited or called the clinic, this facility is currently offering abortions, and, doing so without an abortion provider license.

Rev. Terry Gensemer of CEC For Life, as well as others, confirmed this information last Saturday when they witnessed abortionist Bruce Norman, at least one nurse, and a clinic escort all present at the NWAW building, with a full parking lot and women going inside.

NWAW has also maintained its website since the shutdown, which clearly advertises as an Alabama abortion provider, and has never even changed their business voicemail, which lists abortion services, fees, and office hours.

According to ADPH regulation, any facility advertising as an abortion provider must be licensed by the state.  New Woman’s license has been revoked for an entire year.  This, alone, should be enough to bring on action from ADPH, but the Department remains totally silent.

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As many may recall, last November I was invited to speak at the Atitude Youth Conference in Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil.  I was supposed to be at the Conference for the first three days and then speak in other areas for the next nine days.  Unfortunately, I was forced by the Federal Police to leave Brazil after only 2 days.  Thankfully, however, and only by the grace of God, I was still able to speak to the amazing youth at the conference and encourage them to actively stand for the Sanctity of Life.  Recently, they responded enthusiastically and creatively to that call with a courageous pro-life witness!

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by Jessica Kessler

San Francisco, CA — Last weekend we walked for life in San Francisco, and I was tasked by the Bishop to report on our adventure.  The group and trip exceeded my expectation.  I suppose I should write about the amazing testimonies or the vast numbers; maybe I should write about how strong the Holy Spirit felt or how heavy the dark forces felt.  As interesting as all those may sound, I am just going to write something I know: God is on the move, and it is happening so fast that I have difficulty putting to words the events or significance of these moments.

On Friday, our pro-life brothers and sisters on the other side of the country walked with over 600,000 people in D.C., and the very next day we stood on the West Coast with 60,000-70,000 in one of the most liberal capitals of the country, San Francisco.  This country has a pro-life voice, and we will be heard with or without the media.  Even if we are heard from a window, on the sidewalk at a clinic, cheering at a rally, or by someone reading a shirt — the truth can only be hidden for so long.

This year in San Francisco, CEC For Life added an organized rally to our West Coast events; we worked with other local groups, including our friends at Survivors, and intervened in spirit through the Liturgy for the Preborn on the steps of San Francisco City Hall.  We took shirts in all different colors and bright signs sharing the message that “ALL Life Is Sacred.”  The color and energy set the CEC apart in a sense of bringing life into the movement.  We mourn for the lost and pray for the broken mothers, but we also love life, stress life and want to share it abundantly.

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Every January, at the annual All Life Is Sacred Rally in DC, CEC For Life strives to bring you dynamic worship and powerful leaders who truly help shape and propel the pro-life movement.  Our past speakers, for both the Rally and our annual Liturgy in front of the Supreme Court, have included:

• Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
• Star Parker, C.U.R.E.
• Dr. John Bruchalski, Former Abortionist
• Brandi Swindell, Stanton Healthcare
• Dr. Seán Ó Domhnaill, The Life Institute
• Bryan Kemper, Stand True Ministries
• Georgette Forney, Silent No More
• Troy Newman, Operation Rescue
• Bernie Smyth, Precious Life
• Dr. Eoghan DeFaoite, Youth Defence Ireland
• Patriarch Craig Bates, Charismatic Episcopal Church
• Fr. Carl Lynn, Restoration Academy
•  Rev. Rob Schenck, Faith & Action

These amazing men and women are powerhouses in the fight for Life.  We ask them to speak at our Rally, not just because they know what they’re doing, but, because they also know how to inspire YOU to do it with them!  We want a Rally that gets you pumped but, more than that, we want a rally that imparts the knowledge and passion needed to help you continue building a culture of Life.

THIS YEAR, we have really outdone ourselves in that effort.  This year we have invited a young man that is on fire for God, for family, and for the defenseless preborn!

Through cutting-edge media and endless creative talent, Ryan Bomberger of The Radiance Foundation has dedicated his life to showing America the beauty of letting our children live, both through choosing to parent and choosing adoption.

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This past Thursday, Fr. Terry Gensemer, Bishop Greg Ortiz and the congregation of Trinity Communion CEC in Rochester, NY gathered outside of the Rochester Planned Parenthood to sidewalk counsel and pray a Liturgy for the Preborn at the Time of Death.

Several of the regular sidewalk counselors were also present, and remained at the clinic even after our group departed — which we are very thankful for! Because TODAY, Sarah Ortiz of Trinity Communion forwarded this amazing praise report from Mary Jost, Director of the Focus Pregnancy Center in Rochester:

Dear Prayer Partner,

Here is a note from Sheila, who sidewalk counsels in front of Planned Parenthood, on Thursdays from 10:30am to 1pm along with her dedicated team members of usually 3 or 4 people.  This was a prayer answered & thank God for your prayers to make this happen. Praise God!!  Here is her note, that she sent to me:

Thursday Nov. 29/2012

When I arrived there were about 10 or 15 people praying outside Planned Parenthood!  What an awesome presence!  Pat and Bill were there, and Tom, and Jennifer who is usually there on Tuesday.  A group of Charismatic Episcopal Church members were there also.  It looked as though they had held a service…..there were booklets entitled “Liturgy for the Preborn at the Time of Death.”  Several clergymen were there, including Rev. Canon Terry Gensemer, from Alabama, and Bishop Gregory Ortiz from New Paltz NY.  The group left shortly after I arrived, and so did Pat and Bill.

“Battle on, people. Battle on.”  That was the final command youth from across the nation heard as Creative Director of The Radiance Foundation, Ryan Bomberger, closed out the International ProLife Youth Conference in Los Angeles, just after giving a stellar talk regarding the power of purpose in every child’s life.

Though the Conference had many, many excellent speakers, Bomberger was, by far, one of the most compelling.  Born out of rape and completely in love with Jesus, Bomberger has become a powerfully motivating speaker whose personal testimony and extensive creativity is pushing the pro-life movement forward with a fresh vigor and focused outlook.

Today, CEC For Life is incredibly honored to announce that RYAN BOMBERGER will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 All Life Is Sacred Rally in Washington, DC.  In the last few years, Bomberger’s organization, The Radiance Foundation, has become one of the most prominent creative voices in the pro-life movement.

From composing songs to creating videos and winning an Emmy award, Ryan Bomberger’s passion to create has made a profound impact on our culture. “Working in conjunction with noted national civil rights leaders like Dr. Alveda King (niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Ryan is involved in national efforts to expose and defund Planned Parenthood by illuminating [abortion as a] human rights injustice. He is a featured blogger on LifeNews.com and addresses the cultural dynamics of abortion, eugenics, and the beautiful act of adoption.” (from The Radiance Foundation)

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