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.

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

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.

Pro-Life Powerhouse in Boise!

Right To Life of Idaho would like to invite everyone to hear Ramona Trevino, at St. Mark’s Church, 7960 W. Northview, Boise, on Friday evening, Jan. 22 at 7:00 pm.

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.

She will be giving her testimony and answering your questions!
A dessert-coffee-tea reception and book signing, Redeemed by Grace, will follow. This is a FREE event but donations will be gratefully accepted.

To help us to ensure adequate seating please register at: MySignUp.com
Your help is appreciated.

March for Life – Boise
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.

We Have Support

With the couple of uncomfortable encounters a few prayer warriors have experienced it may feel easy to walk away and find something more fun to do.  It is important to remember that we are helping those in desperate need with our prayers and our presence and we have support from the community too!  Read about these encounters:

Blaise,

Yesterday I went down to walk outside PP there on State St. I guess I got there around 11:30, there were four others there. Anyway, it was the usual people drive by honking in agreement and the others who gave us not so pleasant a gesture.  Then a big burly man approached us, you never know what someone might say to us sidewalk prayers,

he said “God put it on my heart that I should stop and pray for you guys”.  (Wow!!!)

He said, ” Would you like me to pray for you?”

Well, that was a no brainer!  “Yes” was our reply. He prayed and then he was gone.

Just thought I would share.

Regards
Carole

---

Carole,

I too saw this man yesterday!  He pulled up and got out of his truck in front of us.  My prayer partner from St. Mary’s said he looked like Hagrid from Harry Potter- and he did!  I got my phone ready for photos or to dial 911, and he came up and asked if he could pray with us!  This gentle giant is a student at the Boise Bible college and as soon as he left, I checked my email and you had posted this encounter from the day before.

Blessings,
Blaise

How to Do 40 Days at State Street

Do’s and Don’ts

State Street Prayer Warriors

As we begin the Fall 2015 campaign to end abortion through prayer and fasting I invite everyone to copy and paste the following information for safe keeping. These are the General Guidelines to follow. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you and God Bless,
Blaise Bernal
208-409-9276
blethb@q.com

STATEMENT OF PEACE

 “40 Days for Life/Boise”

By signing up to participate in the vigil, you pledge:

• I will only pursue peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion when volunteering with the 40 for Life campaign.
• I will show compassion and reflect Christ’s love to all abortion facility or Planned Parenthood employees, volunteers, and customers.
• I understand that acting in a violent or harmful manner immediately and completely disassociates me from the 40 Days for Life campaign.
• I am in no way associated with Planned Parenthood, its affiliates or any abortion provider.
• If I am under 18 years of age, I will be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
• While standing in the public right-of-way at the vigil site:
• I will not obstruct the driveways or sidewalk while standing in the public right of way.
• I will not litter on the public right-of-way.
• I will closely attend to any children I bring to the prayer vigil.
• I will not threaten, physically contact, or verbally abuse abortion facility or Planned Parenthood employees, volunteers or customers.
• I will not damage private property.
• I will cooperate with local authorities.Opening article

General Guidelines
for Prayer Warriors at
State Street Planned Parenthood (PP)

• ADDRESS: of Planned Parenthood on State Street is actually: 3668 N. Harbor Lane
• PARKING: is near the Idaho Athletic Club’s parking lot by Lake Harbor Lane, where we have permission (however, not near the Club’s main door itself , nor at Stanton or PP, please).
• POLICE contact information: 208-703-1553 (the cell phone of Officer Casey Handcuffs) – Save this number in your cell phone!
• VIGIL COORDINATOR contacts:
  • Boise PP Coordinator – Dee Barker – 208-850-3922
  • 40 Days” Facilitator – Blaise Bernal – 208-409-9276
• SIGNS: Each day there will be a “40 Days” sign, a small box of information and prayer helps; each person may bring your own sign with an appropriate caring message (instructions for picking up and storing signs each day will be provided separately to first and last prayer warrior each day) There is one sign with a handle to carry if you wish. Remember the signs are to identify our prayer purpose there – this is NOT a picket or a protest.
• PRAYER is important work — pray not only for the unborn, but for change of hearts for moms, dads, relatives, abortion clinic workers, doctors, media, elected officials, judges — and for each other!
• DRESS appropriately for the weather.
• BE ON TIME, meet your prayer partners and share phone numbers.
• CHATTING: avoid spending undue time chatting during your prayer time; visiting with others is best done in the parking lot before or after your prayer time.
• STAND only on the public sidewalk facing State Street (behind PP), take care not to block any pedestrian traffic.
• EQUIPMENT: If you have a stroller, walker (or if you need a small chair) please make sure not to obstruct those passing by.
• NEIGHBORS: Be respectful of adjacent businesses by not standing on their private property or sidewalks; as well, it’s important that your presence is only at Planned Parenthood (not nearby businesses) so that those passing by will connect us to the abortion business at PP.
• PRIVATE PROPERTY: Take care NOT to stand on Planned Parenthood property, their sidewalks or parking lot — they have been known to call the police.
• RESTROOMS: there are no restrooms available, so plan accordingly; only leave your post if there are others to remain there until you return.
• EMERGENCY: in case of emergency, if you are alone and must leave, please call one of the contact numbers above.
• BEING APPROACHED: At any time you may be approached by others who are:
  • Friendly to the pro-life effort – provide information to them in response to their interest, invite them to join us, get names and contact information if they are agreeable; you may want to invite them to pray with you while they are there, if they show interest.
  • Curious about what you’re doing – the first proper response is that we “are praying for an end to abortion” and “for life”; feel free to engage them in friendly conversation, be hospitable and welcoming.
  • Pro-choice, pro-abort or anti-Christian – smile, be friendly, don’t preach, listen, answer questions if you can, provide them with any information that might seem appropriate; be ambassadors of Christ.
  • Clients at PP, accompanying relative or friend – this has not happened often in the past, but again, be ready with kindness and offers of compassionate help; do ALL you can to provide necessary information and see if they are open to further contact from you or one of us.
  • Passing by in vehicles … honking in support … or against! Either way, the proper response is a smile and a wave.
• CELL PHONE: Bring your cell phone (if you have one) for emergencies only — (otherwise, no phoning during prayer time, please)
• enter the police #’s (on the box of information at the prayer site) in your phone;
• enter our contact #’s so you can contact us in case of emergency or if someone is late, etc. (also on the box of information),
• PHOTO’S: Take photos (if your cell has a camera) of your group, or anything unusual, and send them to us — with reports of encounters at the site.
• REPLACEMENT NO SHOW: If there is an empty hour or two after you – please follow the instructions regarding sign storage in your email from Blaise.

Praise Report from Melissa

I just wanted to give you a small praise report.

I went out and took over for Tami this afternoon.  I felt a strong inclination that I needed to stay 10 minutes longer.  So, I did.  As I was headed to my car with my first load of things, a car pulled into the driveway and parked.  A man got out and came over to me and said, “I saw you here, when I drove past.  I had to  turn around to say thank you for what you’re doing.  And to give you some encouragement.  It’s just great you’re out here.”

Well . . . as you know this has never happened to me before.  I usually get the creepos who yell & flip the bird, etc.  I have to say my eyes got a little leaky. I knew this gentleman was sent by the Lord for further encouragement.  No only to me, but to everyone who is so faithfully out there praying.

It was nice to see you this morning.  Another wonderful victory!