How I wish the Holy Spirit would direct me to speak in a foreign language I don't know. It doesn't appear that has happened since the early days of the church, though I read a really interesting article about "speaking in tongues" right before I left for the Abortion Center where I stand on the sidewalks and counsel women to choose life for their baby.
Article is here if interested: https://bible.org/article/
It turns out, God did have a special woman with a language I didn't understand in my immediate future.
No sooner had I arrived at the abortion center when a taxi pulled in with a young woman in the back. When she emerged, I called to her. Surprisingly, she came right over to me. Not belligerent, like many women are when they immediately approach. She had a sweet, but troubled demeanor.
"I must abort," she said, in a thick accent. She continued to explain in halting English (clearly not her first or comfortable language) that her situation was not good, and she must have an abortion. I asked her if she would consider our free ultrasound on the RV parked behind me. (A pro-life nurse provides the ultrasound, and I counsel.) She told me she already had an ultrasound a week ago.
"You already had an ultrasound and saw your baby?" I asked.
"Yes."
This always is concerning. It is one of our great tools since the vast majority of women choose life when they see the baby's beating heart...which begins beating 18 days from conception. Astonishing.
"Would you be willing to come on the RV and talk with us? Let us show you how we can help?"
To my delight and surprise, she agreed.
She was a refugee, but I won't mention her country or any details to be sure not to breech her privacy. She was in an unhappy marriage, though committed to remain. Her husband wanted her to abort. She was raised as a Hindu. I asked what her God thought of aborting her baby. Her face fell, and she looked down. She didn't answer for a moment. It was clear her God would not approve.
The nurse and I talked of Jesus, and of God the creator of all life, and how the taking of innocent human life was condemned, and wrong. We shared the Gospel, as we do with all the women we have the opportunity to speak with. This young woman I will call "D" told me she found Jesus compelling, and even believed most of what we said, but she couldn't just abandon the religion she was born into.
We asked what were the issues that made her feel she must abort. As she listed them, we offered help in each area. We wrote a list of ten items, with the nurse and I splitting the responsibilities on the resources to contact and help set up. Within minutes, I had texted contacts (charlotte.cities4life.org supporters) and gotten her diapers for her toddler as well as for the newborn to come. Our incredible baby shower provider (Truth and Mercy Pro-Life Ministry: http://www.truthandmercyprolife.org/ ) agreed to provide a lavish baby shower as she does for many women in crisis. The shower provides all the equipment, clothes, and needs for the baby's first two years of life. I had JUST gotten a carseat donation on Saturday. "D" needed one for her toddler. I got it out of my car and put it at her feet, along with two bags of gifts from Cities4life supporters.
We set up contacts for marriage counseling, doctors, and local churches for food and support. We were with her for three hours. Mostly, this poor young woman needed a friend to talk to. At some point, her heart towards her baby changed. We weren't sure what caused it or when it occurred, but she began to be very clear she was keeping her baby. She would not abort. She knew her husband would be angry. We both gave her our phone number and urged her to call us anytime if there were any problems. The nurse then offered to drive her home, so she needn't call a cab. "D" hugged us, and told us she felt much better.
Later that night, she called me in a panic. Her husband was angry that she had not aborted. I asked if she could get him to speak to me. Again, I was astonished when he got on the phone. His accent and shaky English made it difficult to understand him, and I had to keep my own words simple and clear.
"Your wife loves you. She loves her baby. God loves you and God loves your baby. She does not want to kill her baby. Men need to protect babies. We can help you." That sort of stuff.
By the end of the discussion, he said they would keep the baby. "D" got back on the phone, and I urged her to stay strong, call me if any problems, and if he challenged her again, be sure to repeat to him, "I will not kill my baby." I knew I had to find someone who spoke the language to follow up with them. Putting out a plea to Cities4life members, I was instantly connected with someone who was a missionary to that country. She and her husband were eager to help. Another Cities4life member will be connecting "D" with a church made up of believers from her country! "D" and her family are about to be completely encircled by the love of Jesus.
Charlotte.cities4life.org will be conducting a training session this weekend https://cites4life.wufoo.com/forms/mx4gngt0c5f4va/
for anyone interested in joining our team of men and women who help hurting young ladies like "D".
She didn't want to abort. Her heart was breaking over the decision, but she didn't know who to turn to. What a privilege to be there, not only as a friend, but as someone who loves the only One who can truly heal her broken heart.
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Vicky that's an amazing testimony to Gods work in peoples hearts. You are an amazing implement of His love and mercy. Within hours it seems you took away most of the roadblocks she will encounter. Thank you for being willing to be on the front lines, even when the stories are not so good. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, cities for life and God removed the roadblocks. I was just a tool used to help bring about
DeleteBut thank you so much. Your kind words made my day
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