Quote from Forum Archives on March 7, 2002, 9:56 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

You may remember that last week, Larry Davies, in his weekly
Sowing Seeds of Faith devotional series, began to write about
transforming the debate about abortion into an opportunity for
ministry. This week, Larry continues that message.

My friends, this is a topic that creates a lot of controversy.
While I have my own strong opinion about the topic, too, that is
not my purpose in sharing this message. Instead, like Larry, I
am interested in any opportunity to minister to the needs of
others - even if I disagree with where they stand on some issue
that's important to me. So no matter where you stand,
personally, on the rights of mother and child, please read and
pray about how you may transform debates about various issues,
(including abortion) into an opportunity to demonstrate to others
that you care.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Sowing Seeds Ministry is now literally reaching thousands with
our weekly devotions and our world wide prayer chain. Like any
ministry we have costs and they are increasing. The best way to
financially support us is to buy quantities of our book now
reduced from $24.95 to only $15. But you may also donate directly
to the ministry through the internet and charge it to your credit
card: Simply click here:
sowingseedsoffaith.com/s-cart/form.phtml?g_intCatID=1
Thank you for your support and your prayers.

Sowing Seeds of Faith.

To read part one, you can click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/abortion1.htm

Abortion: From Debate to Ministry - Part 2 Larry Davies

"Jody, Not long ago, I was in much the same fix as you," Judy
said. "I was recently divorced and working hard to make it on my
own. Feeling very lonely, I accepted when my first husband
offered to take my daughter and me to dinner. I made a huge
mistake that night and later discovered that I was
pregnant. Embarrassed and knowing I could not afford to take care
of another baby I had an abortion."

Jody was listening with intense interest. "So having an abortion
was a good thing for you. right?"

Judy thought for a moment. "Actually, for me it was not good at
all. My financial situation improved shortly after the abortion
but I've never completely recovered from the idea of losing my
baby. Birthdays and holidays are still difficult even after
eleven years. At times, I think about what might have been: where
my child would be. Rather than feeling relieved, my parents were
actually brokenhearted at the thought of losing a grandchild. But
Jody, something good did come out of this experience."

"What was that?" Jody asked.

"At first, I struggled with depression but a friend asked me to
attend a church service with her. I had not been to church in
years and had no desire to return but I admired how she had
overcome a few tragedies of her own. My friend seemed so content
and I wanted desperately to feel the same way. So, I reluctantly
went with her but just as I entered the church, I regretted
it. The sermon was, 'Restraining Your Sexual Desires.' Can you
believe it? It was not the message I wanted to hear."

Jody quickly chimed in, "I can identify with that."

"But I was so wrong," Judy quickly added. "I can't remember much
of what the pastor actually said but I remember feeling that he
really understood my loneliness but then he offered me another
way to cope. Here is the best part. by the time the message was
finished; I could feel God's forgiveness cleansing me and filling
me with hope. I knew there would still be struggles but I was no
longer alone."

"All of that from one sermon?" Jody asked doubtfully.

Judy laughed, "Probably not! But after that one sermon, I kept
coming back for more. Plus, everyone in the church was so
friendly that it was hard not to return. Eventually I told the
pastor about my abortion. Jody, he was so patient as I rambled on
and on. I cried and talked and cried some more. Then he gently
took my hand and said a prayer asking God's forgiveness and
healing. I don't know how to explain it but somehow, I was
different. for the first time in a long time, I felt truly
loved."

For a moment, Jody's face betrayed no emotion but then her lower
lip began to quiver and the tears flowed. Judy quietly rose from
her chair, wrapped her arms around the young girl and together
they cried. After a few minutes, Judy smiled at her newfound
friend and said, "Jody, I cannot tell you the right choice to
make but I urge you to wait and pray. God loves you and will help
you decide."

Abortion is about more than winning a debate. Whatever position
you select, there are consequences. If you are pro-choice, you
must consider the fate of the baby. A decision to be pro-life
must also consider the very real crisis facing the mother. As
Christians we have a responsibility to offer viable ministry for
everyone involved. How do we do that? We boldly reach out with
God's love and faith.

Shortly after leaving the hospital, Jody attended a class on
parenthood. A local businessman was invited to talk about
managing a budget. Half way through the presentation, he whipped
out a wad of $20 bills and began to distribute one to each
student. Now he had their complete attention: "Someday each of
you will be a parent. This $20 is a gift of love from my church
to you for your future child. I have written our church phone
number on each bill so that you can call us for anything you
need."

While the other students joked of spending the money, Jody sat at
her desk stunned. She had been told God would guide her
choice. Was this it? Quietly, she bowed her head and prayed for
courage.

Next Week: The dramatic and suprising conclusion to "Abortion:
>From Debate to Ministry"

If you like this devotion you will love the book: "Breaking the
Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life"
now on sale only through this website. Click here for more
information: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me,
and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can
do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a
useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a
pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words
remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be
granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great
glory to my Father. (John 15:5-8)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This mailing proudly powered by Subscribe Me(TM) Professional -
Enterprise Edition www.subscribemepro.com

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email!
mail.yahoo.com/