Pro-Lifers are Extenders of Mercy, Options Hope and Healing

Not all people are on sidewalk are helping the Pro-Life effort.  How do you help the Pro-Life effort?  Leave your comments and let us know.

Jo Anne and I bundled up for a pretty chilly day.  As seems to be usual, activity at PP on surgical abortion days is quiet for the first half hour, and then clients begin arriving about every 20-30 minutes.  Most are accompanied by a driver, but a few come alone.  Again, a professionally dressed middle-aged man showed up about 9:00 am and entered at the employee door, we assume he is a doctor but don’t know who he is.  We had no opportunities for conversation this time.  The vested escorts were inside MPP and came out only to escort a girl inside; they arrived about 8:30 and left at 10am.

The grim reaper group were there from about 8:15 until nearly 10:00.  At one point, one of the women moved over to the front Stanton lot and was loudly addressing clients and employees as they arrived with calls of “evil, evil, evil”, “you are murderers”.  Apparently Stanton called the police as a cruiser arrived and the officer spoke with her and her group, and she moved back to the public sidewalk on Franklin.

There was a young fellow who arrived alone in a car and went in and out of MPP 2-3 times to get something from his car — each time, the grim reaper group together called out names loudly … “sissy”, and “coward”, and “you’re not a man”.

Their group then began calling out loudly, apparently directed at us … “Catholics are idolators”, “Mary is not a redeemer”,  “only Jesus is a redeemer”, “Catholics belong to the whore of Babylon” … their name-calling to clients and us reminded us that we have much prayer and work to do to try to correct sad misunderstandings about our faith and to be extenders of mercy, options, hope and healing.

New Sidewalk Advocates Every Day

Bob from Idaho Falls came for the weekend (as he does one weekend during each 40 Days for Life campaign vigil) and prayed at the Meridian Planned Parenthood from 1:00-5:00 pm.  Part of the time he was on the public sidewalk, and part of the time he was with Alice or Karen (both Sidewalk Advocates) on the sidewalk next to the back Stanton lot.  There was one woman who came to him and spoke nicely, saying “you know, they do other things besides abortions” and they talked briefly.  Another woman approached him to ask if he had a cigarette…

At about 4:45 a staff person came out of the employee door, leaned over briefly, then stood up and went back into the building.  About 10 minutes later, a Lab Corps vehicle arrived, the driver stepped out with a cooler, walked over near the employee door, used a key to open a white box there with the words “Lab Corps” on it (apparently the box that was accessed a few minutes earlier by a staff person), took out a pink bag to put into his cooler, returned to his vehicle and drove away.

That evening, Bob and 6 others from Boise and Vallivue took the first two training sessions of SAFL.  On Saturday morning, they returned to take the remaining two sessions to complete the training.  Following that, Bob spent the afternoon praying at State Street Planned Parenthood, because they are open the 2nd Saturday and Meridian Planned Parenthood is not.  He had permission to stand by his car in the Stanton parking lot where he prayed and had one interaction from a girl who also approached him and they had the same conversation as the one at Meridian Planned Parenthood the day before —  “you know, they do other things besides abortions”.  Then about an hour and a half after he arrived, the police were called by SSPP.  The officer was very nice, saying that PP owns property in that business development so “he couldn’t stand there”.  It’s true we have not “worked that angle yet at SSPP”, so Bob said “no problem” and finished his prayer time on the sidewalk between SSPP and State Street.  Thank you, Bob, for making the trip to Boise to join us in public prayer witness as we long for the day when there is an end to abortion.

Peaceful Presence is the Best Defense of Human Life

Here’s a quick recap on our prayer time at the Meridian Planned Parenthood clinic on Thursday, March 3 from about 12:30 p.m.1:45 p.m.

Scott and I parked in Stanton’s east side property parking space. I believe we were the only prayer warriors for the duration. There were about three cars at any one time near the Planned Parenthood clinic doors.

After only ten minutes a Meridian City officer drove in and talked with us only long enough to ask if we had seen a group with a megaphone earlier in the day.  We told him we had not. He said we were okay to pray where we were standing and left. I didn’t get his name.

There were at least three young women visiting the clinic that day. One was dropped off and the other two had someone waiting for an extended period of time for them. Another young woman was picked up and she seemed to be moving with some difficulty. It took her some time to get into the car. Most drivers returned our friendly waves.

The Grim Reaper is Back

And the Police seem to be just as sick of them as everyone else!

Street Sheet

by Karen

Grim reaper family group was out in force, very loud, oh-so-awful –(contact us if you’re interested in the video.  We were unable to attach it.)  They arrived at 8, left at 10.

MPP escorts were on duty during grim reaper time – 8-10.

It truly was a surgical abortion day… about 4 clients arrived from 8-8:30.  It appeared each was there about 2 or 2 1/2 hours, a couple of clients left at about 10:15, another couple of clients left about 10:30.  Each had a driver drop them off and come back to pick them up.

10 cars parked on the NW side of MPP appear to be all staff cars.  Escorts left at 10 in 2 separate cars, one right by us, the other directly across from us.

A client of one of the other development tenants arrived and stopped and had words with the grim reaper, and then after she parked by the office she was visiting, she stood there a long time with her hands over her ears, then made a cell phone call, and stood there again with her hands over her ears before going into the office.

Turns out that Mary Jo and Scott Dickson were at MPP from 12:30-2:00 and the police showed up right after they arrived… in response to a call from the client made at about 9:45 so it took the police 3 hours to respond… it looks like to me the police are getting tired of quick response to the trouble the grim reaper poses, because by the time they got to the Dicksons, they just “reported in, said thank you, and left”…

And the TV Teens 4 Life were out there praying at 4:00 today.  TVT4L Rock!

We need to think seriously about having SA’s and pwp’s out there early, which is when it seems there is the most activity at MPP…

Oh,  one last photo of Clint and Orlando a couple of weeks ago — trying to “point out” the strange crossbars on MPP windowing — see the crosses?

Street Sheet ~ A Report from our Sidewalk Advocates

Emily Naugle and Joan Shay were stationed as sidewalk advocates at Meridian Planned Parenthood Friday, 12th of Feb., 2016, 10:20a.m.-11:05 a.m.

We observed 4 female patients enter and 3 exit during that hour of time. Emily was holding a sign that read simply:

There is Help.

There is Hope.

At about 10:45, a Meridian city policeman drove up alone and spoke with us. We explained who we were, what we were doing (and not doing), and that we had permission to stand on Stanton property. I gave him the name of the officer with whom Karen was in contact. He explained almost apologetically that they have to respond to all calls, but he could see we were doing nothing wrong. As we spoke to him, a female patient wearing loose comfortable clothing exited the front door. She had parked near us. Joan smiled and waved at her; she waved back and got in her car. The officer left without going into the building.

The blinds of a window at the back of the building dropped loudly and suddenly. Emily had noticed that someone was watching us speak with the policeman from that window. Is it just our imagination…or did Planned Parenthood staff just use the police to provide an escort of distraction for that patient to get to her car?

Another patient exited soon after and stared at us for awhile from near the front door. It seems our presence and the policeman’s presence were being openly discussed to patients inside. Joan

Transitioning to Sidewalk Advocacy

Many of our readers are loyal 40 Days for Life Prayer Warriors.  Many of our Prayer Warriors bemoan the fact that staying on the public sidewalk keeps us away from the vulnerable women entering the abortion facility.  Being a trained sidewalk advocate offers a solution to this.

It is important to pray for the children that are in danger of being aborted.  It’s important to pray for the people that would choose to do that to them.  And it is important to pray for the people working and profiting from this death sentence.  Our prayers are compounded when we allow people to see us praying.  It reminds them that they too need to step up and doing something about the holocaust in our community.  Offering a public, peaceful prayer witness forces people to notice and think.  Abortion exists because good people refuse to think about it.  It ‘depresses them’ ‘is none of their business’ ‘too big of a problem for us to deal with alone’.

But that’s just it we’re NOT alone!

Don’t give up on praying!  If you are interested in adding another aspect to your work for the unborn Contact Us at Idaho United 4 Life to get trained as a Sidewalk Advocate.  Here’s a report from two of our Advocates.

Street Sheet

by Joan Shay:

Karen Simkins and Joan Shay were stationed near Meridian Planned Parenthood (on Stanton property north of PP) Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, 10:20a.m. to 12:25 p.m.

Working from prior information that Thursday is one of their surgical days at Planned Parenthood, we observed that females were leaving the building 1.5 – 2.0 hours after arriving, wearing loose clothing and moving slowly.

We were surprised to see at least 2 patients were driving themselves home!

During the 2 hours we were there, 6 patients went in and 5 came out. By watching who came and went, it looks like scheduling is arranged to allow about 3 patients per hour, staggered for the visiting doctor’s convenience. There would be waiting time, prep time, and maybe allow a doctor in with a patient for 20 minutes? Recovery time would be anywhere from 30-60 minutes? This is only our theory, based on what we already know about medical procedures. We welcome being corrected on these points.

One slow-moving woman emerged and got in a vehicle near us, so Karen greeted her. After entering her vehicle she didn’t immediately drive away. Karen realized she wasn’t well, and stepped over to check on her. The woman had her truck door open and had vomited on the pavement. She said she was okay, just lost her breakfast.

An AmeriPride van pulled up at one point and delivered a very small bag to the building. AmeriPride is a uniforms and linens company.

A professionally dressed woman in a silver minivan parked and entered the back of the building carrying a tote bag and a messenger style bag (like for a laptop). She was a few feet away, but didn’t acknowledge us. Another woman with dark hair exited from the rear and waved and smiled at us after Karen waved at her. These occurred around noon. The office had been open since 8 a.m.

I (Joan) have participated with 40 Days for Life for a few years, praying on the sidewalk along Franklin Road. This time, as a Sidewalk Advocate, I could actually see the people going in and out…..a teenager with her mother, a black couple, women alone, a Hispanic woman picked up by a Hispanic male who hugged her when she shuffled out. It was a real heart wrencher knowing that while we stood outside, inside at least 3 little lives were extinguished.  The people coming out each had their own stories of personal anguish and confusion. The knowledge of that made it more real for me…and more urgent to pray, intercede, educate, be on the sidewalk, and not give up hope!

One of Our Own Receives Jochebed Award

Each year Right to Life of Idaho honors a local volunteer at the March for Life.  Jochebed was the mother of Moses.  You’ll recall how in the book of Exodus we are told that Pharaoh fearing the growth of the Hebrews ordered that all the young males be killed.  Jochebed hid her son Moses and thus saved his life.

The Jochebed Award represents current day pro-life heroes that exhibit this same bravery.  The 2016 Jochebed Award was presented to founding IDunited4Life member, Karen Simkins.

Karen tirelessly works behind the scenes in most life affirming events and organizations in the Treasure Valley.  Karen’s involvement began with a generous donation of a car which was raffled off.  Funds were used for several great works including bringing Jason Evert, chastity speaker to Boise.

If Karen is not leading a pro-life program, you can get she’s coaching from behind the scenes. She’s a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Community in Boise, Idaho and the Respect Life Ministry there.  Karen also works to link all Respect Life Ministries in Idaho through “Idaho Catholics Respect Life” together with another founding IDunited4Life member, Joni Krakau.

Karen Simkins has been instrumental in bringing 40 Days for Life to Boise and currently volunteers with Sidewalk Advocates for Life to train Sidewalk Counselors.

Idaho United 4 Life is proud to have Karen Simkins on our team and congratulate her accomplishments for life.

Events to Commemorate Roe v Wade

March for Life – Boise

Friday, January 24, 2016

Ramona Trevino speaks at  St. Mark’s Church, 7960 W. Northview, Boise,  Ramona will give her testimony, answer your questions and sign her book “Redeemed by Grace”.  Let us know you’ll be there at mysignup.com

For three years, Ramona worked as the manager of a Planned Parenthood abortion-referral facility in Sherman, Texas. In the Spring of 2011, thanks to the inspiration from a local Christian radio station, the prayers and public witness of a 40 Days for Life campaign, and through God’s grace, Ramona reclaimed her walk with Christ and resigned her position at Planned Parenthood, which resulted in the clinic closing.

A dessert-coffee-tea reception and book signing, Redeemed by Grace, will follow.  This is  a FREE event but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Saturday, January 23, 2016
11:00 am  Life Mass at St. John’s Cathedral sponsored by St. John’s Social Justice & Idaho Catholics Respect Life
1:00 pm March begins at Julia Davis Park
Rally on the steps of the Capitol Building with featured speaker, Ramona Trevino.

Events Around the Country

First Ever Walk Northwest!  Spokane, Washington is the location of the first annual Walk Northwest on January 16th.  Featured speakers are: Walter B. Hoye II, Kathy Gonzales, Frances Mack, Rebecca Taylor, and Katherine Thrasher.  A group from the Treasure Valley will be travelling to this event.  Reply to this message if you are interested in joining them.

Walk for Life West Coast San Francisco is where this event takes place.  Multiple related events are happening from Friday, January 22 – Sunday the 24th.  Speakers included Emmanuel, David Daleiden, Uju Ekeocha, and Pastor Clenard Childress. A group from the Treasure Valley will be travelling to this event.  Reply to this message if you are interested in joining them.

National March for Life, Washington DC. In addition to Silent No More testimonies and visits to your representatives listen to: Matt Birk, Sue Ellen Browder, Jim Daly, Dr. Margarite Duane, MD, Jewels Green, Nathan Grime, Caitlin Jane, and Shawn Welcome.

Links to more information on all these events can be found on our community calendar.  No matter the event you attend, please share your experience and pictures with us!  Email: IDunited4Life@GMail.com.

Q & A Regarding Life

Q:  What happened at all of the Planned Parenthoods in Idaho on Saturday, August 22?

A:  Over 600 people gathered to participate in the Nationwide “#ProtestPP“.

Q:  How can I make sure I know about this kind of event in the future?

A:  Make sure you subscribe to the IDunited4Life newsletter — because we’ll be letting you know when things are happening — so you can then forward this information to your own distribution lists — your church, your friends, your family. That’s what’s called “Community Outreach”.  And if you care about LIFE and ending abortion, that’s what it’s going to take.

Q:  What’s next on the horizon?

A:  “40 Days for Life” KICK-OFF RALLY and PRO-LIFE FAIR.

Q:  What will I have to do?  I’m not sure what I want to do, or if I can do anything.  How will I know?

A:  There are hundreds of ways to live out your pro-life beliefs!  Come check out this year’s Pro-Life Fair and see the MANY life affirming organizations and projects at work in Idaho!  This is so much more than a political issue — you might see how you can do something small and easy to change and save lives!

Q:  I’ve wondered about “40 Days for Life” but not sure standing out on the street is not my cup of tea?

A:  Well, if you’ve never tried it, you will be surprised — cuz you might just like it!  It’s prayerful, peaceful, law-abiding, non-political, and uplifting.  Anyone who doesn’t sign the pledge and adhere to those principles will not want to stay.  Look at how peaceful and uplifting the ProtestPP was.  Same thing.

Q.  What about talking to people out there on the street?  What if someone needs help and I don’t know what to tell them?  What if I wanted to go somewhere where I could actually do something else to help?

A.  Aha!  That’s what the Pro-Life Fair is all about.  “40 Days” is co-sponsoring this event in with the Pro-Life student club at Bishop Kelly, in conjunction with the Kick-Off Rally for the fall prayer campaign — just go give you all the information you need to consider that crucial question in your mind … “what COULD I do?”

Life Fair

What: An event to see other groups working for life & 40 Days for Life
When: Sunday, September 20, 2015, 7pm
Where: 7009 Franklin Rd, Boise – BK Front Gym – “The Reg”

The Fall 2015 40 Days for Life Campaign is only days away – Sept 23rd.  Now is the time to get reacquainted with your fellow prayer warriors and the rules of the road to be an effective witness for life.

We have a fantastic lineup of approximately 40 life affirming organizations for you to see.  Each will have a table and facts about their organization that you’ll need to fill up your trivia card for a chance to win prizes including Maverick gas cards or a $50 Roastere gift basket.  You will see: pregnancy centers, a brand new maternity center, adoption agency, student pro-life groups, the pro-life billboard project, post-abortion counseling, abstinence and chastity training, help for those experiencing miscarriage, awareness about human trafficking and internet crimes against children, information about political issues (no “politicking” though!!), a multitude of ways to help those in need with food, clothing .. and prayer groups … and more!

There is no cost to get into the event,
No cost to participate
In Fact You Might Walk Away With a Prize!

A short program for the Kick-Off before the “Main Event” will be the Gamboa family who have just this month opened a maternity home “Gate of Grace” in Boise for up to 6 young women in crisis pregnancies; then a few words about the “Sidewalk Advocacy training” and, of course, “40 Days for Life”.

While you’re there, you can sign up for an hour or more to “get your boots on the ground” during the prayer campaign. Try it! You’ll like it!

Questions? Contact Karen at 208-869-6804 or call Blaise at 208-409-9276

Sign up ahead of time to pray at Boise’s State Street Planned Parenthood at www.40daysforlife.com/boise

But most of all, come and see at
7:00 pm on Sept 20th
at BK

For LIFE!

Real Manhood

Real men defend life!  Real men don’t use women or kill children in the womb.  Real men stand up for what is right regardless of the cost.  Pictured below are two such men. On an uncharacteristically warm day these men could be doing any number of things, relaxing, working on a project, studying…  Instead they are giving their public prayerful witness for life.

Garrett walked up and down the sidewalk with his boyish smile and “Honk for Life” sign.  He garnered smiles, waves, and honks from strangers all afternoon.  One couple jogged passed and hollered, “Honk, Honk” on their way through.

This is how it’s done!  Smiles, and friendliness is how we win people over. Eventually the Grim Reaper and crowd will see this is the winning way.

Tony is also doing his part to gain ground with those who hesitant to join us.  Upon arrival this morning a member of the Grim Reaper group was already on the sidewalk.  He was alone and not yelling, but his sign was… less than friendly to put it charitably.  Rather than confronting the man or rudely ignoring him, Tony greeted him with a handshake.  He replied with a curious, “Good, I’m glad the second shift arrived.  I’m getting tired of holding up my sign.”  Is he starting to consider himself one of us?  Maybe it’s only a matter of time before he leaves the hateful group all together…