Christian Perspective

National Day of Prayer—Thursday, May 6

submitted by Bill Johnson of the American Decency Association

In just two short days (Thursday, May 6 from 12:00-1:15 PM) American Decency Association will be hosting a local National Day of Prayer (203 E. Main Street, Fremont, MI 49412); we invite you to this sweet and intimate time of fellowship with kindred spirits.

“If there is any one duty within the whole range of revelation more explicitly adverted to, more positively enjoined, more frequently practiced, and to the performance of which more promises are annexed in the Scriptures than another, it is that of prayer. Prayer is a duty which commends itself to every man’s conscience; a duty that admits of no substitute; and from the obligation to which there can be no exoneration. But, strange as it may seem, it is a duty which thousands, through ignorance, totally neglect; and others, through carelessness, imperfectly and irregularly perform.” (from the Preface of Richard Treffry’s A Treatise on Secret and Social Prayer; 1842)

What believer can deny the importance of prayer? The Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, used a parable and taught “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Treffry continues, “Even among those who admit its propriety, and allow its necessity, many there are who postpone its performance to what they deem a more convenient opportunity. What unwillingness they evince to enter into their closet; and what reluctance to remain in it! How many excuses are framed for the total omission of this duty! Hence prayer, which is essentially connected with the present well-being, and the future and endless blessedness, of man, is impiously neglected until the approach of the last enemy; and thus, ‘to the mercies of a moment’ are left ‘the vast concerns of an eternal’ state.”

Christian, look around you; we dare not be blind to the fact that our nation and its “blessedness,” its families, its churches, our freedom and our future are facing dire straits. The enemy, like a roaring lion, is seeking to devour all that is good and right. Nor can we be blind to the fact that we, in our own power, have no strength to combat this evil day; this is why we cry out with conscious helplessness to God. He IS our only hope, strength, peace, and stay.

This is why American Decency is gathering on Thursday, May 6 at noon, and inviting all like-minded believers to join us for a season of confession, repentance, and petitioning prayer. We have invited some national and local influential persons to lead in prayer for specific concerns of our nation. Come; join your silent prayers with these (in person or through Facebook live), as we boldly approach the throne of grace in this time of need. (Click here for a list of those who will be joining us and for what they will pray)

Our hope and prayer is that this gathering on Thursday will not stop there; but rather that the Holy Spirit will spur groups of two or three or more to gather regularly in their homes with kindred hearts for continued, fervent, effectual prayer. Our nation, churches, and families are in desperate need of God’s touch! Might this year’s National Day of Prayer induce those who do pray to be more importunate at heaven’s door that the glory of God will be promoted; that the Head of the Church might be magnified by His followers; and that God will forgive our sin, hear our prayers, and heal our land.

We urge you to prepare your heart and mind for joining us in prayer. A good place to start is prayerfully meditating on Isaiah 59. The prophet starts by reminding us that God is sovereign and powerful; yet our sin keeps us from His blessing. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity…

Think on the whole of this chapter, prepare your heart for prayer, and join us at 203 E. Main Street, Fremont, MI on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at noon for a time of petitioning our sovereign, omnipotent God for mercy, help, and strength. Join us at the American Decency headquarters as we come together in prayer. If you are unable to join us in person, we will also be live-streaming the event on our Facebook page.

ACT on the Fair and Equal Michigan Ballot Initiative

by Steve Huston

A Brief History:
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in Michigan on the basis of “religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status” in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations. After passing both the Senate and the House, it was signed into law by Michigan Governor William Milliken in 1977.

lgbtqflagMembers of the LGBT community sought, unsuccessfully, to be included in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act while it was still in committee hearing (1973); and since Elliott-Larsen’s passage, several additional bills have been introduced to add protections for the LBT community—all of them unsuccessful. To read more about this history click here. To read the law itself, click here.

Currently:
A group of activists and businesses are promoting The Fair and Equal Michigan ballot initiative. If passed, this would re-define the word “sex” in the Elliott-Larsen law to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression”, effectively extending this law’s protections to the LGBT community. It would also define “religion” to include the religious beliefs of an individual.

While we certainly do not encourage discrimination against any group of people, neither do we, as Christians, want to bring us into a position where we are more easily discriminated against.

It’s no surprise that Governor Whitmer supports this endeavor; gratefully there are those in our system of government who are standing against this push.

Bridgemi.com reports: “House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, has questioned the need for LGBT anti-discrimination protections and won election in 2014 by defeating a Republican incumbent who had introduced gay rights legislation.

“‘I do not believe we can pass this law while still protecting religious freedom,’ Chatfield said last year on WKAR-TV’s ‘Off The Record.’

“‘You’ve seen these laws passed in other states where what happens, in my opinion, is a reverse discrimination against those who have religious beliefs.’”

House Speaker Chatfield was also quoted by mlive.com as saying, “I probably would not allow a bill to come up that I believe would infringe on religious freedom.”

“Personally, I don’t believe people should be discriminated against,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m never going to endorse a law or allow a bill to come for a vote that I believe infringes on someone’s ability to exercise their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Who else is pushing this pro-LGBTQ+ agenda? :
Business leaders backing the petition drive include DTE Energy President and CEO Jerry Norcia, Consumers Energy President and CEO Patti Poppe, Herman Miller President and CEO Andi Owen, Whirlpool Corp. Vice President Jeff Noel, and Dow Inc. CEO Jim Fitterling.

What can we do? :
Fair and Equal Michigan is in the process of obtaining the 340,000+ signatures needed to place this initiative on the ballot. If they are successful, and it is likely they will be, we need to mobilize to defeat it at the ballot box. As stated above, if passed, it will eliminate religious liberty as we have come to know it.

The Family Research Council (FRC) asks that those who care about religious liberty do the following:

1. Get the word out to those in your networks about this proposal.  For you pastors, gather two or three others in your area and hold a press conference announcing your opposition and reasons.

2. They have established a Facebook page called “Michigan Families Voting No to Discrimination”.  Please go to the page, like it, and share it with your friends.  They’re using the page to post important resource information about the issue.

3. They also ask that if you lead a group, please strongly consider issuing a press release announcing your opposition to the proposal.

A further word from FRC Michigan:
Working together, we can defeat this and insure our religious liberties and the ability to preach the full counsel of the Word of God remains intact.  When the church shows up, we win!

We at American Decency Association urge you to be earnestly praying over this and the many other issues that we face in this upcoming election. Pray that God will rule and overrule and that He will bless us with His grace to handle each and every outcome. These are times that require a steadfastness that only comes from knowing intimately the God of the Bible and His Word. May we constantly walk in discernment and wisdom, truly ending up on the right side of HIS story (history).

Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church

Four Lutheran churches in Muskegon became one when a multi-year effort by Muskegon Metro Ministries culminated in the creation of Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church, 540 Houston Ave. in downtown Muskegon, Michigan.

The congregations of Samuel Lutheran, Our Savior’s, Immanuel and St. Luke’s churches voted to consolidate at the site of Samuel Lutheran, which recently celebrated the 144th anniversary of its founding with a joint worship with the four congregations.

The Rev. Jane Mountain, of Our Savior’s, is the transitional pastor of Harbor of Grace, assisted by the Rev. Chris Anderson, of Samuel.

The movement toward unification began several years ago with talks between the leadership of each church council, followed by increasingly frequent joint worship services and activities, including an annual summer picnic. Members recognized that pooled resources can breathe energy and vitality into the various ministries each individual church supports, magnifying the reach and scope of ministerial efforts that strengthen families and enrich the faith community. After prayerful consideration, all four churches voted overwhelmingly to accept the consolidation plan Sept. 8.

Bishop Craig Satterlee of the North/West Lower Mission Synod presided over a Festival Service, Constitutional meeting, and Pastor Installation on Sunday, November 24, 2019.

MPS Ultrasound Fundraising Drive!

Ultrasound Image of babyby Brian Zwart
Muskegon Pregnancy Services in Muskegon, Michigan has been providing women with alternatives to abortion for nearly 35 years. They were established as a faith-based 501(c)(3) in1985 and have empowered hundreds of young men and women to choose Life!

In the last 12 years, MPS has performed over 2,000 ultrasounds in the Muskegon community at no cost to the patient. Studies have shown that when an abortion-minded woman sees her baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound, she is 80% more likely to have the baby; and men are 90% more likely! Muskegon Pregnancy Services also witnesses to their patients by sharing the love of Christ and provides counseling services for both men and women.

Ultrasounds may be one of the biggest threats to the abortion industry, because it shows truth of life and human development in the womb, and we’d like to see as many free ultrasounds be completed as possible. Calvary Bible Church in Muskegon, Michigan is partnering with MPS to raise money to support the ultrasound program, which includes the purchase of a new ultrasound machine and the supplies and operational costs that go with it. The average cost to perform an ultrasound is $300.

Our goal is to raise $55,000 to help support the MPS Ultrasound Program that has saved thousands of lives over the years.

Abortion is an absolute travesty and must be stopped, please prayerfully consider how you can financially help support this program and help end abortion in our community.

This fundraiser was organized on behalf of Muskegon Pregnancy Services. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/mps-ultrasound-drive to donate, or call MPS at (231) 726-2677.

Ultrasound image of a baby's face

Ultrasound image of a baby’s face.

A State Of Grace

By Mike Simcik

This last Christmas Eve my wife and I went to church in the early evening. A gentle snow fell, it was indeed a silent night, a holy night and all was calm. Of course, the decorations inside abound with poinsettias, and lighted Christmas trees bordering the altar. This pristine setting was pretty much the same as I remember in years past.

We sat and listened to the sermon about the events of the past. Everyone was quiet except for a few fidgety babies not yet impressed with the liturgy and the point of interest. We sang songs about the Christ Child and the miracle of birth. We listened to how and why he was placed here on earth. After all, it is common knowledge that we are sinners by nature and it would take nothing less than an act of God to save us from ourselves.

A second thought had occurred to me, we know that Christ was born to teach us a better way to live our lives. We know he died to pardon and forgive us our sins. But is it absolutely necessary for us to sin quite so often and in so many ways?

Everything that night in church appeared the same, except me, this time I became acutely aware of my surroundings. It was no secret that I was not a member of this church like my wife is but I attended service with her on all the special occasions throughout the year.

No one took notice of my presence there because I always knew that Christians opened their hearts to all that believe in God and Christ. This year I noticed so many things about the others as they prayed, sang, and knelt in the pews before the altar.

As the parishioners walked up to the altar to receive holy communion, heads bowed in reverence, then returning to their pews, I noticed their faces. It became clear to me that these individuals were in a state of grace. For a brief hour or so, these Christians no feelings of persecution, injustice, or malice towards anyone else.

I had wondered, perhaps we should attend church six days a week for an hour free of sin, anger, and fear and on the seventh day give ourselves a rest from the turbulent world we live in.

Wouldn’t be nice, instead of hearing an irritating alarm clock buzzing every morning, we listen to Louis Armstrong’s old song, What A Wonderful World. Maybe that will put us in a state of grace before getting to that daily workplace.

Update from Tom Braak

from www.faithinactionint.org, Late Fall 2017

This has been one of the best years for the farmers with ideal rainfall, no huge storms or drought, and bumper crops. Rainy season is winding down and most crops have been harvested. Our tree nursery is near capacity with plants to give out over the next two years. On Saturday, we bought 305 avocadoes to get the seed inside. Today, we invited people in to receive the edible portion and people were taking it out in shopping bags. We’ll let the seed dry then plant them towards the end of the week. 250 of these will be grafted to a different variety. We already started another 150 a few weeks ago. Every couple of weeks we find ourselves starting new seeds.

We are transplanting trees to our property and have to manually water them twice a week now that there is less rain. We can’t hold the trees until next summer as they are too large. Some are over 12 feet tall. We’ve planted breadfruit, black sapote, canistel, mango, avocado, soursop, and a few flowering trees. We will do more over the next month. We’re identifying 200 new families to begin working with next year. Nadi Job is 10 years old and is a member of one of the new families. We provided them with two cherry trees this week.

We’ve planted flowering trees to the town park and provided smaller flowering plants to the main street beautification effort. People around town love what we have done and are so friendly now as they felt I neglected the town as all of our work is in the hills.

We are repairing our sound system in preparation to show Christian and nature films once the rains finish completely. We are setting up dates and locations. We use a projector and always start with the nature movies to draw a crowd. We usually do showings in partnership with a pastor local to the area.

 

Ryan is now in home-school with three siblings from a nearby family. The teaching is done in English, and he is thriving. Thank you for your on-going support. Come for a visit. If you really want to experience what we do, come alone or with a friend; you can stay with us and tag along as we work. Blessings, Tom

Resita Elismond and her three children are from the community of Metan. Metan was recently identified by the local hospital as most in need of water filters due to high cholera levels. We gave out our last water filters and are in need of many more! Please consider helping a family by providing them with a water filter. Join us to buy and distribute filters as soon as possible. We have a goal of distributing 1,000 filters by the end of next year.

Litana, Resita’s daughter, was thrilled to receive a children’s Bible from us. She plans to read to her family and neighbors of all ages!

Prayers/Requests

• Continued progress on the ministry campus and the paperwork/government process that has been holding progress up. Pray that those in power can find love instead of greed and put the people of their country before their own desires.

• The Dodge truck and a solution to the problems it has. We must have reliable transportation to continue our programs. It is time for a new vehicle, and will cost around $30k. We hope to find someone to start some excitement about fundraising for this. We know it’s not exciting raising money for a truck, but this truck is essential to our work. We use it to deliver trees, plants, and dirt; and to deliver water filters and buckets. This truck also provides security for Tom and his family if there is an emergency or they must leave the area due to threats. We must have reliable transportation. We pray for someone who is gifted in crowd funding, that they will start some excitement to buy the truck.

• Prayers for funds to continue programs. We are thankful for all the gifts we have received, but if you haven’t given in a while, please give. Our work is important, but we simply cannot do it without money, so we need your help.

• Prayers for health, well-being, and safety for Tom, family and staff. Living in Haiti is difficult due to pollution, bad water, fear, lack of regular nutritional food, clean water, and access to modern healthcare. None of us here have any idea what it’s like to live like he and his family does on a daily basis.

• Simple things to do…Share this newsletter, ask someone to like us on Facebook.

 

Please Help… make your check payable to:
Faith in Action International, P.O. Box 171, Spring Lake, Michigan 49456
Donations can also be made on line at www.faithinactionint.org

This is a non-denominational, non-profit organization formed for charitable purposes as defined within Section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Your donations help provide access to cleaner water, pastor
training, vegetable and fruit trees to grow which provide nutrition and educational and economic opportunities for some of the poorest of the poor in the world.
Thank you!

20 Years of Providing Help to the Poor in Haiti 

Trump or not?

Whether we like it or not, America is drowning and the Trump boat, though less than desirable, is the only viable option for rescue we have to keep us afloat for the time being.

If we do not vote for Trump and therefore vote for Hillary, we will have lost our right to complain about the escalating murders of third trimester, unborn lives in America and increasing the span of Parental Rights, because we had our chance to do something and we did nothing.

If we do not vote for Trump and therefore vote for Hillary, we will have lost your right to complain about future liberal Supreme Court Rulings, because we had our chance to do something and we did nothing.

If we do not vote for Trump and therefore vote for Hillary, we will have lost our right to complain when our pastors are imprisoned for hate speech crimes, because we had our chance to do something and we did nothing.

If we do not vote for Trump and therefore vote for Hillary, we will have lost our right to complain when we lose our right to bear arms and fret over the safety of our families, because we had the chance to do something and we did nothing.

I am not arguing that Trump is a great man.

I am not even arguing that Trump is a good man.

I am arguing that in the words of Christ Himself, God can use an individual that is “not one of us” to further His purposes and protect His people.

I am arguing that in this time, and in this particular circumstance as the only nominee for the Republican Party, Trump is the RIGHT man to serve as President of the United States.

Excerpt from an article written by a highly educated, staunchly theologically and politically conservative Pastors’s wife.

P.S. Please take the time to check out the wisdom of Wayne Grudem, renown theologian and his thoughts on “Why Voting For Trump Is A Morally Good Choice.” Luke 9:49-50, NIV; 1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV

Decision America Tour with Franklin Graham

franklin_dat_update-august

Franklin Graham led thousands at the Decision America Tour prayer rallies in August, travelling to eight states to encourage crowds to stand up for God and our country. An estimated total of 22,200 people joined Franklin during events in Helena, Mont.Boise, IdahoCheyenne, Wyo.Augusta, MaineMontpelier, Vt.Albany, N.Y.Boston, Mass. and Providence, R.I.

Thursday’s prayer rally in Hartford, Conn., marked Franklin’s 41st Decision America Tour stop. His message remains consistent as he encourages those in attendance to accept the Lord and to sign a pledge of commitment to God and the country, committing to vote for godly leaders and to prayerfully consider running for local office.

Franklin has three remaining stops in September and six in October. September stops include: Dover, Del., on Sept. 13; Trenton, N.J., on Sept. 14; and Harrisburg, Pa., on Sept. 15. Decision America Tour will conclude in October with Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

For more information about the Decision America Tour, including a full list of tour dates, visit www.decisionamericatour.com.

Two New Films from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Two new films from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association launched Sept. 1
Churches and individuals can now download or view two new programs from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

My Hope, a ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has released a 30-minute program called “Decisions,” which features a Gospel message from Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The program looks at the lives of people of different ages and backgrounds who have heard the Gospel through Graham’s 2016 Decision America Tour and made life-changing decisions to follow Christ.

Additionally, the BGEA debuted “A Time for Decision: Pray, Vote, Engage,” a special 30-minute program that goes behind the scenes of the Decision America Tour. As the Decision America Tour travels to all 50 states in 2016, Graham has been encouraging Christians to vote, to live out their faith in every part of their lives and to pray for our nation.

“I’ve been talking to people about the importance of decisions. I see thousands of people faced with a choice… and I want [them] to know the truth,” said Franklin Graham. “Any time you have a crowd of people, I can guarantee there will be somebody in that crowd that doesn’t know Jesus Christ. So, every time I’m at the microphone I’m going to give the Gospel.”

A free DVD including both “Decisions” with “A Time for Decision: Pray, Vote, Engage,” as a bonus feature is now available for pre-orders with shipment expected in early fall.

Right To Life

Michigan abortion providers caught on undercover video

On October 22 undercover videos from an abortion industry conference were released online. Two Michigan abortion providers were prominently featured in the videos.

The Center for Medical Progress created the videos but a court order is preventing them from publicly releasing them. Unfortunately the National Abortion Federation doesn’t want the public to know what the abortion industry really talks about. The videos were recently turned over to Congress and were apparently leaked by a Congressional staffer.

One video featured abortion clinic owner Renee Chelian speaking at a workshop on how to get rid of the remains of aborted children. Chelian owns the Northland Family Planning chain of abortion clinics which do approximately a quarter of all abortions in Michigan, and do abortions up to 24 weeks. In the video Chelian discussed the variety of problems she encountered when Stericycle, a waste disposal company, refused to continue disposing of her clinic’s fetal remains.

At one point in the workshop Chelian described how her clinics had five months-worth of fetal remains in rented freezers. She goes on to talk about her obsession with getting rid of the fetal tissue.

She said, “I was so consumed with fetal tissue that I was ready to drive to upper Michigan to have a bonfire. And it was just trying to figure out, you know, how I wouldn’t get stopped or how far into the woods would I have to go to have this fire that nobody would see me.”

During the question and answer period Chelian mentioned she thought burning the remains of aborted children for energy would be a “great idea” if it wouldn’t be such a “PR nightmare.”

Michigan Planned Parenthood abortionist Lisa Harris was shown in three videos. One featured a conversation between David Daleiden and Harris regarding the possibility of obtaining fetal body parts. She discussed how her Planned Parenthood clinic formerly provided “fetal orbits” (eyeballs) to researchers.

In a video entitled “Planned Parenthood Michigan Workshop Video,” Harris answered a question from an audience member and encouraged the audience comprised of abortion industry workers to admit to the violence of abortion.

Harris said, “I actually think we should be less about denying the reality of those images [images of aborted children] and more about acknowledging that, yeah, that’s kind of true. Given that we see the fetus the same way and given that we might both agree that there’s violence in here, ask me why I come to work every day. Let’s just give them all the violence, it’s a person, it’s killing. Let’s just give them all that.”

During another workshop Harris described how she had a chance meeting with a judge in Michigan who had been signing all of her judicial bypasses to allow minors in Michigan to have abortions without parental consent. Harris says the judge told her he did more judicial bypasses than almost anyone in the country.

To watch these videos of abortion providers talking behind closed doors, visit www.RTL.org.

Car Trunk Abortion Investigation Shows Abortion Industry Scrutiny Necessary

On October 13, it was reported that long-time Michigan abortionist Michael Roth is under investigation for human tissue and medical equipment found in his vehicle in West Bloomfield.

Right to Life of Michigan applauds authorities for investigating any potential violations. The abortion industry’s long history of contempt for women’s health, standards of care and state regulations shows that they cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.

Roth has a long history of violations, including two previous at-home abortions he performed in 1998 and 1999.

Right to Life of Michigan released a report in 2012, Abortion Abuses and State Regulatory Agency Failure, featuring several of Roth’s violations. In addition to his at-home abortions, Roth was disciplined in 2002 for drug-related violations, including prescribing drugs without a license. He was disciplined in 2004 for violating patient consent laws and was accused of falsifying medical records by a former employee.

Right to Life of Michigan Legislative Director Ed Rivet said, “Abortionists frequently violate our laws with extreme disregard for women’s health and safety. Roth should have his license revoked, just like Dr. Robert Alexander who ran a house of horrors abortion clinic in Muskegon until 2014.”

Roth’s most recent abortion business, the Novi Laser and Aesthetic Center, was closed in 2014.

Since passage of the Michigan Prolife Omnibus Act in 2012, which significantly strengthened the oversight of the abortion industry, 16 abortion businesses in the state have closed, many due to substandard practices.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “We’re glad we’ve been able to provide more tools for authorities to deal with health and safety violations in the abortion industry, and we’ll continue to provide them with even more. If abortionists and their businesses can’t abide by laws and regulations that others follow, they shouldn’t be allowed practice on vulnerable women.”

Abortion Abuses and State Regulatory Agency Failure report

Right to Life of Michigan | 616-532-2300 | info@rtl.org | www.RTL.org
2340 Porter St SW | Grand Rapids, MI 49509

The Time is Now to Act on Abortion Coercion

On September 29, in a 5-3 vote, two bills that would address the injustice of coerced abortions passed the Michigan House Criminal Justice Committee and are under consideration on the House floor. Right to Life of Michigan expects the full Michigan House and the Michigan Senate to finally pass the Coercive Abortion Prevention Act (CAPA) this term.

CAPA would add to Michigan’s current anti-extortion/coercion provisions by including coercion to abort as a specific crime. A portion of CAPA was passed in 2012, and other versions of the legislation have been considered in past legislative sessions.

The three Democratic state representatives (Rep. Stephanie Chang, Rep. Vanessa Guerra and Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright) on the committee voted against these bills despite calling themselves “pro-choice.” Forcing a woman to have an abortion is plainly wrong, women have a right to be free from coercion, and everyone ought to be willing to be the first to jump up and do something about it when faced with evidence that it’s happening.

During the years this legislation has been debated in Lansing, vulnerable women have faced threats of physical violence, withdrawal of financial support, loss of housing and violation of legal agreements in attempts to coerce them into ending the life of their child.

Tammy Holly, a victim of abortion coercion, has testified three times now before the Michigan Legislature during work on these bills over the years.

“Year after year you hope and pray they finally get something accomplished,” she said.

Through her work with the Justice Foundation, Holly has presented numerous legal affidavits of other Michigan women who have been coerced into having abortions. In her case, she received zero counseling or screening and was pressured by her boyfriend, her parent, and the abortionist. She said it was critical that women understand it’s illegal to coerce them into having abortions, and that isn’t happening now.

“My parent said, ‘this is how we’re going to do it.’ The abortion doctor said, ‘you don’t have any other options,” Holly said.

The abortion industry financially gains from abortions and has been silent in the face of this repeated evidence. Since they refuse to do anything for these women, we must act and protect women in those situations.

Learn more about prolife legislation by visiting www.rtl.org.

Continuing to Expose Planned Parenthood’s Abortion Agenda

As the summer has gone on, the controversy has grown over the undercover videos which reveal Planned Parenthood’s practice of selling the organs and body parts of aborted children.

As of September 10, nine videos have now been released. Four of the videos feature meetings with Planned Parenthood officials. Three videos feature a whistle blower formerly employed at StemExpress, a company which purchased organs from Planned Parenthood. The other two videos feature meetings with the leaders of companies which buy the fetal body parts.

These undercover investigations have revealed a number of troubling aspects of Planned Parenthood’s practice of selling the organs and body parts of aborted children. Planned Parenthood officials are willing to change abortion procedures in order to obtain more intact organs, a fact they admitted to in a letter to Congress. There are also the disturbing images of aborted children and revelations of intact children being delivered at abortion clinics.

StemExpress sued in an attempt to prevent the release of the video featuring their CEO. When they learned they were unlikely to win their case, they announced they were cutting ties with Planned Parenthood before the video became public.

Planned Parenthood has responded to the videos by hiring SKDKnickerbocker, a high-priced public relations firm. Various efforts to distract attention away from the videos have included the apparent faking of a web site hack, claiming those who made the videos are violent extremists, claiming the videos are illegal, threatening to sue, and hiring a forensic investigator to release a report which says the full videos are useless as evidence because they don’t include footage of the undercover reporters taking bathroom breaks.

In their letter to Congress, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards admits that one of their California affiliates receives a “reimbursement of $60 per tissue specimen.” While Richards claims the $60 per tissue is solely a reimbursement, she has not provided any evidence the money they receive for these organs is only a reimbursement for their costs. This is especially troubling considering some videos have shown how the companies that purchase the fetal body parts are directly doing the collection and transportation following the abortion. What is Planned Parenthood being reimbursed for except for allowing the buyers access to babies’ body parts?

To help further educate the public on Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda, prolife people from across Michigan joined others across the United States on August 22 and showed up in large numbers at 14 Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan. They peacefully protested America’s largest provider and promoter of abortion, and asked government leaders to stop sending their tax dollars to them.

To learn more about Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda and to view the videos which have exposed them, visit www.RTL.org.

Prolife Media Campaign Instills Sanctity of Human Life For All

In February, Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund launched a state‑wide educational campaign named the compassion project which includes TV spots and short films featuring women who share why they are prolife. These women bring a quiet voice to a noisy debate. Their life experiences convey a fresh perspective to an ongoing discussion: Is abortion justified in certain circumstances?

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “Those in favor of abortion have pointed to survivors of rape to justify legalized abortion. There is a misconception that women who become pregnant from rape want to abort their children. This is a false stereotype not supported by fact. To counter this misconception, Right to Life of Michigan launched the compassion project. The women featured in the compassion project share why they believe rape should not be used as a reason to justify abortion.”

The compassion project was originally created to instill the truth that every life has immeasurable value. These women had the strength to publicly tell their stories in the hopes of bringing a renewed awareness to the sanctity of every human life. Their compassion cannot be dismissed or ignored – no matter the circumstances of their conception. There are tens of thousands of individuals among us who have been conceived in rape, how often have you heard their perspective?

The compassion project ads feature two women, Mary and Travon, who were conceived in rape. Mary discusses how she wouldn’t be here if she was aborted and how all the lives she’s affected would be different. Travon shares about the time she asked her mom why she wasn’t aborted and how her mom protected her.

Listing said, “We are proud to stand alongside these courageous women and reaffirm their dignity as persons equal to every other person.”

Hopefully, you’ve seen the compassion project ads on TV already, but make sure you go to Right to Life of Michigan’s website at www.RTL.org and see Mary’s and Travon’s full stories. The short films are about five minutes long and worth your time.

Another television ad running alongside the compassion project is entitled “Life Itself” and relays the idea of the wonder and hope of life itself.

Learn more about the compassion project and view these prolife advertisements at www.RTL.org.

Update from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) – January 2015

After 65 years, Billy Graham’s message is still going viral

From the time BGEA was founded in 1950, Billy Graham and his team have used the latest technology to share the love and hope of Christ—a trend that continues under Franklin Graham’s leadership. Long before the Internet, Billy Graham “went viral” with the help of the technology of the day: the telegraph. Today, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association continues to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Telegraph has transitioned to live streamed events; reel-to-reel has now been replaced by social media; but one thing remains the same – reaching people with the hope found through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. READ MORE…

After ‘Unbroken’: Billy Graham and Louis Zamperini

Louis Zamperini’s life story has captivated millions through the New York Times best-selling novel Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand and the Universal Pictures film by the same name. The Billy Graham TV special, Louis Zamperini: Captured by Grace, documents his journey – from Olympic runner to WWII prisoner of war — all the way to his return home and encounter with Jesus Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles in 1949.

Hear the rest of Louis Zamperini’s incredible story – including footage of Zamperini sharing his memories in his own words – in Captured by Grace, at www.billygraham.tvREAD MORE…

Billy Graham Library nears 1 million visitors

In 2014, the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. welcomed more than 144,000 guests, with nearly 102,000 taking the Journey of Faith tour. This year the Library continues to carry out the legacy of Billy Graham’s ongoing Crusade. In 2015, the Library will welcome author’s Tim Brown, Dr. James Dobson and Shirley Dobson, Coach Bobby Bowden, David Benham and James Benham and more. Many favorite events return to the Library this year beginning with the Ladies Tea and Tour in April, and both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts. Also in 2015, the Billy Graham Library anticipates their 1 millionth guest. For a full list of upcoming events and information on special exhibits, including Louis Zamperini memorabilia now on display, visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.

If you would like more information about these, or other, updates from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, please contact media@bgea.org. Complete press releases from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are available at billygraham.org/press-releases.

Forgotten Man Ministries Announces Retirement Of Executive Director

Grand Rapids, MI, November 18, 2014

John Fehler 2014
Forgotten Man Ministries (FMM) announces the retirement of John Fehler, Executive Director effective December 31, 2014.  Under his 25-year leadership, the number of jail missions doubled to 36, the number of dedicated workers in the jails increased 300%, and the base of loyal supporters grew substantially.  In his farewell remarks, Fehler said “I thank the Lord for the privilege to lead the army of nearly 2,000 dedicated chaplains and volunteers armed with the message of Jesus Christ into Michigan county jails.”

Fehler‘s tenure with FMM began 35 years ago as a jail chaplain in Alcona and Iosco county jails.  He had served two years as the chaplain at Muskegon county jail prior to joining the staff of FMM’s home office in Grand Rapids. In 1988, Fehler was appointed to be the organization’s second Executive Director.  In retirement he plans to devote more time to his hobbies of fishing, hunting and cooking and looks forward to new adventures with his wife of 44 years, Leah.  The Christian ministry, too, will continue as an important part of his life with time devoted to leading bible studies or occasionally preaching at worship services.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Forgotten Man Ministries was founded in 1961 to be the hand of the Lord into 36 Michigan county jails by providing chaplains and a comprehensive spiritual program. The non-profit organization is faith-based, multi-denominational and works to restore the spiritual and physical lives of inmates through the support of  volunteers serving inside and outside the jails. The ministry is available to all residents of the county jails served without regard to the inmate’s creed, color, sex or reason for incarceration, and is led by the knowledge that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can and will change lives.

Bill Cariano, currently Assistant Executive Director, has been appointed Executive Director effective 1/1/15.

Forgotten Man Ministries is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization.
For additional information, contact Marilyn Terpstra at:  (office@forgottenman.org)
3940 Fruit Ridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 / 616.784.4620 / www.forgottenman.org

My Hope to reach people with Gospel across the US, Canada and the UK

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has just released a trailer for Heaven, the next installment of evangelistic films available for use – free of charge – through the My Hope with Billy Graham ministry. You can watch the trailer forHeaven online at www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org/programs.

Available on Nov. 7 in the United States and Canada, the full film features a never-before-seen message from Billy Graham, alongside compelling stories of hope and faith, much like The Cross and the other impactful programs previously produced.

To get involved, or to learn more about getting your church involved, visit www.myhopewithbillygraham.org.

Simultaneously, My Hope UK with Billy Graham is partnering with churches across the UK to help them reach out in love and bring a message of hope to their communities. This November, the My Hope program The Cross will debut in the UK, as it will be shown in churches and venues throughout the country. To learn more about My Hope UK, visitwww.myhopewithbillygraham.org.uk.

If you would like more information about these, or other, updates from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, please contact media@bgea.org. Complete press releases from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are available at billygraham.org/press-releases.

 

Faith, Conscience and Common Sense Win the Day

In response to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby, the following statement may be attributed to Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing.

“Today’s ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties is a critical victory in protecting the right of conscience and religious liberty against government overreach. This case was much more about the proper role of government than about contraception and abortion-causing drugs. No one should be fined for following their faith; and employees should not be unwillingly complicit in participating in health insurance which destroys members of the human family. The U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that the core principles on which this country was founded are enshrined in the Constitution for the protection of individuals, businesses, and religious organizations.
 
“At issue are business owners who object on religious grounds to providing certain chemicals or devices which may cause an abortion and are mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services. It should be noted that this decision is not about all contraception; this decision makes the needed distinction between contraception and chemicals or devises which have been labeled as ‘contraceptives’ by the Food and Drug Administration but may have abortifacient effects.

“We are studying the opinion carefully in light of the case Right to Life of Michigan filed against the Obama administration on many of the same grounds as Hobby Lobby. Though RLM takes a neutral stance on true contraceptive drugs and devices, we have always objected to those which can cause an early abortion. As an organization formed specifically to promote the uniqueness and sanctity of each human life, RLM has a right to provide health insurance to its employees without violating its very basis for existence.”

Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby DECISION

It’s As If They Didn’t Exist

by Pamela Sherstad
Director of Public Information for Right to Life of Michigan

 “(F)or  the killing of the innocent is never fulfilling God’s will; in fact, it’s the ultimate betrayal of God’s will.

    “Today, we profess the principles we know to be true. We believe that each of us is ‘wonderfully made’ in the image of God. We, therefore, believe in the inherent dignity of every human being –– dignity that no earthly power can take away.”

The quote above was not taken from a speech by a prolife pastor. It was not used during a Sanctity of Human Life Sunday service. It was not spoken by the leader of a prolife organization.

Believe it or not, the words above were actually spoken by an advocate of abortion on demand. These words were spoken by President Barrack Obama.

During the National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2014, President Barrack Obama spoke words that could have easily been emitted from the mouth of a prolife leader. Without a hint of irony, President Obama affirmed three simple truths prolifers have been advocating for decades: each human being is wonderfully made, has inherent dignity, and killing innocent human beings is wrong. He even quoted Psalm 139, a favorite of the pro-life movement, which tells us that we’re “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Only a few weeks earlier, President Obama released a statement on the 41st anniversary of Roe v Wade, calling on the nation to “recommit” itself to the “guiding principle” of Roe: “that every woman should be able to make her own choices about her body and her health.” He went on to reaffirm his “steadfast commitment to protecting a woman’s access to safe, affordable health care and her constitutional right to privacy, including the right to reproductive freedom.” He ended with the reasoning (again without seeing how it undermines his position on abortion) behind his position: “Because this is a country where everyone deserves the same freedom and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.”

While celebrating a ruling which legalized abortion throughout pregnancy, President Obama was unable to even put the word “abortion” in his statement. That’s the tactic of many modern abortion advocates. Instead of advocating for legal abortion, they claim they are advocating for “reproductive freedom.” Instead of advocating for the use of tax dollars to pay for abortions, they claim they are advocating for “access to health care.”

Since President Obama clearly doesn’t believe it is wrong to kill innocent unborn human beings, nor has he done anything to uphold the dignity of those defenseless children, one has to wonder how he can say what he said at the National Prayer Breakfast.

It’s almost as if he thinks human beings are wonderfully made when they are born and human life and dignity only emerge after birth. It’s almost as if he thinks the 56 million unborn American children legally aborted since 1973 never existed.

Visit www.RTL.org to equip yourself to help you speak out against this kind of thinking, which ignores the unborn.•

Michigan Democrats use late‑term abortion clinic owner to attack Terri Lynn Land

The Michigan Democratic Party recently released a video in which a number of women attack U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land and praise Congressman Gary Peters, who is also a candidate for U.S. Senate.

Nothing good happens when you keep bad company.

One woman in the ad is abortion clinic owner Renee Chelian.

Chelian is the owner of Northland Family Planning, a group of three abortion clinics in the Detroit area which provide abortions through 24 weeks of pregnancy. They commit about one fourth of all abortions in Michigan.

The ad with Chelian supporting Gary Peters may have been shot at one of Chelian’s abortion businesses. While making her comments on the video, Renee is standing in front of “Exam Room 1″ which has an exam table.

In the ad, Chelian says, “Choosing Gary Peters means protecting my daughters’ and your daughters’ future.”

While Renee Chelian thinks electing Gary Peters means protecting “your daughters’ future,” nothing could be further from the truth. It is clear Chelian doesn’t believe in protecting all daughters. Every year, thousands of unborn Michigan daughters are killed at her abortion businesses in Michigan from which she and her family profit.

In a Bloomberg Business article, it was revealed that Chelian and her husband paid themselves more than $200,000 in 2012 and that they live in a “6,500‑square‑foot home in the upscale neighborhood of West Bloomfield.”

By all accounts business is booming for Northland Family Planning. In an interview with a pro‑abortion web site, Lara Chelian, the appointment center manager at Northland, said the late‑term abortion business has been growing. In that interview, she said:

“We estimate 30 to 40 patients a month are coming from Ohio, and that is a low estimate,” said Chelian. “It seems to increase every week because of the clinic closures and people making appointments for late‑term abortions.”

Sadly, when an abortion business succeeds, fewer children who are preparing for life have a chance to live.

Following his endorsement by an abortion clinic owner, Gary Peters met with the president of America’s leading abortion provider. In pictures posted on Facebook by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Peters is seen chatting with Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Planned Parenthood commits more abortions in the United States than any other abortion business. In 2012, Planned Parenthood committed 327,166 abortions.

It is important to remember that how a person treats the weak and vulnerable says a lot about his character. Gary Peters supports abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. He also keeps company with those who profit from the destruction of innocent human life. Michigan deserves better.

If you would like to learn more about protecting human life in Michigan, visit Right to Life of Michigan at www.RTL.org.

SECRET OF FAITH

Reverend R. A. Shackles

It is not that we think to “earn” love that as Christians we desire to achieve “great works.” That has it all wrong. It doesn’t work. The real secret is that as Christians, we come to know that, undeserving as we are, we are loved, powerfully and profoundly, by our God. In gratitude – because we are loved —it is our special joy to set ourselves to offering “great things” to glorify our God. And great things do happen. The Love of God simply “works” that way. It is a work of a Christian to make our lives acts of loving God. It brings great things into our world.

THE POWER OF WOMEN

Reverend R. A. Shackles

Among radical feminists there is a strong misunderstanding of the relationship between the Church’s regard for women and the objection that the Church disrespects the contribution of women. The reality is that women have, from the beginning—Eve in the Garden of Eden—throughout every aspect of Church life to the present have exercised great influence and have been magnificently respected and revered for their invaluable contributions to the spiritual power of the Church. It is in rejection of this radical feminist “judgment” against the Church that we offer this essay.

The Old Testament evidences numerous examples of women’s effectiveness in Jewish history. There is the impact of Eve on Adam with his negative impact on the Church. Perhaps a problem for some women today lies in our allowing our evaluation of women to be smothered in the loss known in the Fall. Today’s feminist anger at the Church, in this sense, stands as based in the fault of failing to know and understand real history. Some of the most powerful effects of the quality of the true Church have been the effect women like Deborah as Judge (Ruler) in Israel’s life; Sarah and her faithful effect on Abraham. Always made clear un God’s affection for women in His honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in making her Mother of His Son. Women continue to impact the Church in such as Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the Risen Christ; for Paul, there were women like Priscilla who with her husband, was a close adviser to that Saint, as many other named women in the New Testament.

Later, especially in medieval times, the power of the Church was marvelously sustained by great women – now revered as Saints — whose witness much of the time saved the Church from the errors of the men charged with leadership in the Apostolic call to Christ’s truth. Here is a list—not complete by any means – of holy women of whom it may be suggested saved the Church from failure in faith and doctrine, especially their spiritual integrity.

Angela of Foligno (1248-1309); Birgitta of Sweden (b. 1302); Madeileinne de Saint-Joseph (17th century); Catherine of Siena (b. 1847, d. 1380); Teresa of Avila (b. 1515, d. 1582); Mechthild of Magdeburg c. 1208, c. 1282/94); Hadewijch (13th century); Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179); Julian of Norwich (14th-15th century); and Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510).

These great ladies of the Lord often took bishops to task, including major rebukes even to Popes! It was a great leader, Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, in England, who forced a divided church (Celtic and Roman) to resolve their conflicts and come to unity. In great part, it was Teresa of Avila who was responsible for leading to faith incredibly pious St. John of the Cross. All of the above-named women – and so many more — brought a witness to the Faith that on occasion literally saved the Church (as institution) from herself. Even today, these women are listened to, long after their earthly witness. Some like Julian of Norwich and Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila,Angela of Fotigna – and others – still influencing Christians by their wonderful contributions to the Faith.

It continues still (though admittedly not with the same “public” acclamation). In a popular book catalog, the listings for powerful women spiritual leaders takes up a number of pages, women impressive in the list of spiritual leaders. And who even for a moment can fail to recall a saintly woman—who, again, chided even Popes! — Mother Theresa of Calcutta? The point to radical feminists protesting against a supposed anti-feminine Church is, as an old comedy tape of an evangelist, “open up the Book and take a look.” Put simply it is not that women have been disrespected by the Church. Rather, it is that many, not having “read the record,” literally just don’t know what they are talking about – the truth that women have been powerful in the witness of the Church – and are increasingly so in contemporary times.

STANDING FORTH

Reverend R. A. Shackles

In the Epiphany season of the Church’s year, this time for the showing forth of Jesus as well as the individual Christian’s work of becoming a reflection of this Light of Christ by our lives, it is very important to consider all of the pragmatic consequences of this task. One of the most important concerns is understanding all the difficulty of this work. For in showing a reflection of Christ’s Light, we are putting ourselves before the world with a profoundly risky undertaking. Once we show ourselves to be believers, proclaiming by our actions that we believe Jesus is Lord, in today’s world is to invite ridicule and varying other forms of abuse — from a secular cultural bound and determined to put us down.

As anyone in any way on the front line of proclaiming, “I am of Christ,” you will have no lack of challenge from an increasingly faithless culture. To face this, more, to make the witness requires not so much a strong faith as a willingness to take on this evangelical task of proclamation of the Good News, to be willing to take the unfriendly thrusts of those whose determination is to not only suppress, but indeed to eliminate the Church from public discourse. So it is no wonder or surprise that large numbers of believers retreat into the quietness of “a private faith.”

But that is a counsel for defeat; one that simply encourages success for the enemies of the Church. The Gospel is a counsel to life; a call to accept the whole promise of Christ as answer to the hope of finding, entering and living in the Kingdom of God. Inspired by the love of God, gracefully given, the Church — and each individual Christian—is called to stand forth for Christ in all aspects of human existence. Love is meant to be given away, shared by all the world. Jesus came, lived, died and rose to give us all a welcome into His Kingdom.

The point of Epiphany is that as the Holy Light has now become manifested to the world, we who call ourselves “children of the Light” was not retreat into private faith. That commitment, sense of giving up becomes unsustainable apart from the Master in the world created by His Father. And now, in a time of open attack upon the Faith, this is acutely important — as is the effect to which Epiphany calls us – the courageous standing forth to defend and proclaim the faith, in a refusal to be bullied or suppressed by the secular forces of the world. To every opposition, we must refuse to submit, or give ground. Every secular enactment against us saying “you cannot” we must openly reply “we must” and proceed to share our life in fearlessly proclaiming Christ no matter what inconvenience put in our way. This is a time for more and more believers to unite in one unified commitment to announce – and live by it—“Here, Lord, are we! Now send us into and support us in the battle. ‘ This world needs such a ready Company of Witnesses.

HEALING PRAYER

Reverend R. A. Shackles

Can prayer bring healing miracles to pass? This is a highly ambiguous area among Christians in our many variants of church life. Sadly, a misunderstanding on the subject has often encouraged what may create a dangerous conviction. Depending on miracles has tempted many people to ignore the wonders of modern medicine, including the contributions of psychology and psychiatry. Thus many have substituted prayer as the only answer, leading to “religious” refusal of blood transfusions or a belief system predicated on the doctrine that illness is merely a defect of thinking.

Based on the evidence of Scripture, there is no question that healing prayer many times, historically, has indeed produced “miracles” of cure. Still, there are many, countless examples in which despite intense prayer “campaigns” physical healing has not resulted. But, if we understand prayer rightly, that is no cause to lose faith, trust in our Lord’s promise of the benefits of prayer. Often, if not to say for the most part, prayer in sickness is effective for its power to keep us open to the sustaining strength God gives us when we thus put our lies entirely in His Love and Grace.

As one currently in treatment for cancer, I am being cured by the discoveries of modern medicine and I am grateful. Even more, my readiness to trust the medical profession is make sure, as I have made faith the appeal of my prayers. Through prayer, I quickly lost my fear of “the dreaded C-word.” god has filled me with the confidence of His Love that whatever is right for me in His sight is what prayer gives me courage to accept.

In other words, the results in exercising the power of prayer are able to be accepted as what seems appropriate to God’s plan. In any case, the effective prayer is summed up better in trusting God’s Love to sustain and “carry us through” than in tempting our Lord and God by an attitude of, “Heal me, God, or I will refuse to believe you.” That is an antidote not of life but a dose of poison to truth. It is trite, but appropriate to say, “Pray—and believe God loves you, no matter what.” It works.

TRANQUILITY AND TRAGEDY

Reverend R. A. Shackles

I sit looking through a wide expanse of windows overlooking a beautiful planting of pine trees and ornamental grasses. There is a lovely waterfall at one end, a touch that never fails to draw the sense of tranquility only well-planted gardens give. Beyond that, a steady stream of traffic passes, including a large number of ambulances.

I’m sitting in the infusion room of the Johnson Family Cancer Center on the campus of a major medical center. I am, much to my a sense of continuing surprise, not a visitor but a patient. The infusion room is where I and as many as fifteen or more others are receiving chemotherapy. The identifying “infusion room” has a rather somber, even defeatist sound

I am now part of a tremendously fascinating fellowship—cancer patients hoping for their turn to say, “I’m a survivor!”Actually I am one of the luckier ones.My cancer – lymphoma – I am told is one of the easier to cure. Still it demands much – like sitting for three hours one day to receive my healing “cocktail,” an hour again the next day and, two days later, an injection to control the effects of the first two day.

As I said, “infusion” has a depressingly clinical, technical ring to it – a mystic process endured because it is the way cancer has to be treated. But I am anything but depressed or threatened. The cancer is tragedy, indeed. But the mood, the atmosphere in this busy treatment room is one of tranquility akin to the quiet beauty I observe through the windows. For I discovered in this cancer center there is no depression.We all know why we are there. But in this facility there is a difference because the mood is joy, the conscious awareness that for all of us, there is a new hope, fostered by a settled spiritual depth of confident faith.

It feeds the strength of a very competent staff, all of whom confidently expect that healing of cancer for all of us. There is a gentle, happy attitude in every staff member. The realization comes that this is genuine. It is not a “a good face” of hope against hope. Literally every staff member believes in their work and each brings to it a joy – often verbally expressed – that, as they say, it is so good to help us patients through rather daunting challenges to our competent ure.

So, halfway through my scheduled treatments, I sit – anchored to a drip stand —looking out into a world seeming cruel to many, for falling victim to cancer, but now seeing a new community for me in which again and again caring health professionals at many levels show me clearly that I am their special concern. And out of this, a time and place thought, expected to be depressing, has come a fresh, new assurance that I know – as the others perceive – a blessed tranquility I had not expected. The cancer center —integrated by this strong influence of faith practiced — is a comfortably happy community where everyone is known and respected by name— just as the witness of our Lord teaches us things ought to be. The world I look out on from that infusion room is a precious gift, not a threat.And I thank God for being brought here where hope is certainly fulfilled. I am grateful—and I’m getting better! Who can say there are no miracles?

Maintenance Associate – Part-time Temporary Position

Strong employment experience in the following areas is required:  plumbing, electrical, HVAC, boiler, water heater, washer and dryer maintenance, vehicle maintenance, as well as, seasonal grounds maintenance. Must be a self-starter and require little supervision. A strong work ethic and a heart for those less fortunate is required in this Christian environment. Applications are available on-line at www.muskegonmission.org or at Muskegon Rescue Mission, 1715 Peck Street, Muskegon, MI  49441.