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| | My husband's office is next to an abortion clinic. We live in a college town and every Tuesday and Thursday, so many young girls go in and out of the clinic. It's heartbreaking... But, to me, what's even more heartbreaking are the protestors (most of them, Christian) who line the sidewalks, holding aggressive and judgemental signs and hurling insults at the women who walk in and out. I see those girls' faces, and I hurt for them. They've just made a horrible decision...one that will have awful emotional consequences...and for some that's already starting when they walk out. Not to mention that they just went through a terrible and invasive surgery. And then they have to face that shouting crowd. I always wonder...even if they wanted to come to church in a few weeks, months (years)...would they? Or would they be afraid of forever being judged by those who go to church? I always think that I should go over there and do something for them. Hand out care baskets with Advil and tea and books and maybe a New Testament or something. Anything to show them that Christ will accept them...no matter what. But I don't know if I can even do that. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to reach these girls without crossing legal boundaries? Does anyone have a ministry for those who have had abortions? |
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| Interesting this question should arise this week. I just met a gentleman who serves on the board of a Christian pregnancy center. He mentioned that many of the folks that have come into their center have mentioned they'd have never entered if they knew it was a Christian-based center, for fear they'd have been judged because they were "bad." Those who came unknowingly are surprised by the tender care they receive once inside the doors.
Here's the website for the center. I'm sure they'd have some info that could help direct you in ways you could minister, and what's the appropriate way to do so.
www.thealphacenter.org |
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| Wow...I can't even imagine what they feel when they walk out to see such judgement. I, actually, think little "baskets" would be a great idea. My question is whether they would accept something like this. Also, maybe contact information, so that later, if they need someone anonymous, outside of family & friends...they could call to talk? If you move forward with any of this, I would love to help!
~veronica |
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| | I think someone standing outside showing compassion in that chaos would be a welcome sight and to hand them a basket of goodies including a New Testament would be a great witness. I am not aware of any legalities that prohibit giving a gift to someone as they leave. As long as you do not approach within the prescribed distance and do not touch her without her permission. Even a loving hand on the shoulder is considered battery if it is not consented. I would caution against using any analgesics in the basket as it might interact with prescribed medication or cause an unknown allergic reaction. I would love to help you in this project if you decide to go ahead with it. Blessings, Pam |
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| | You are definitely on to something here. This is exactly what Jesus would do in this situation. These girls need to be shown love, real love, and acceptance, not judgemental insults. Would they take anything we would have to offer? Not sure. They may see it as a veiled attempt to make them "repent" their sin. So many have been accosted by the Christian community that they are quite guarded. But this is definitely a start! |
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| | But what about PREVENTING them from commiting the murder and well as caring for them in a loving way? A basket of cheer and love after the fact doesn't do much for the baby. |
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| | I agree that we should do everything to help prevent an abortion (and in IMHO, the church can provide more education and alternatives than what is offered now). But the sad truth is that some will not respond to our love before the fact (and they certainly won't respond to something that's not loving), and with the sheer number of abortions (a sad state of affairs for sure), we can't reach everyone. The question then, is what do we do with those that go through with it?
Be the Revolution |
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| Debby in Philly (2/12/2007)
But what about PREVENTING them from commiting the murder and well as caring for them in a loving way?
A basket of cheer and love after the fact doesn't do much for the baby.
That's true, Debby, but if they've already made the decision then we need to help them with the aftermath. And I don't think a bunch of angry, shouting Christians is likely to make them think Jesus loves them. It's far more likely to cause them to decide never to go to church. |
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| Gosh--how awful! I applaud your idea to give them a basket after the fact. What a sweet witness that would be. The only other thing would be to try to reach them before the abortion. Is there a campus center where you could put up a poster or sign offering help with an unwanted pregnancy, such as your church? Can you put together a group from your church who would be willing to speak w/ these young girls or take them to a Christian based pregnancy center? If they know there is a real alternative to abortion, it might give them the out they are looking for. Blessings...Kimberly
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