September 2013 babies saved On Tuesday September 3rd two phone calls came into Life Ministries from moms who chose life from Ingleside. Both had received literature from Cari and Mimi that day and decided not to have an abortion. One of the mothers is homeless and we are working on helping her with shelter information and supplies. The other mom had just lost her job and panicked because of her uncertainty and headed for an abortion. She told Cheri she wasn’t thinking and at first didn’t want to take any literature because if she did it would change her mind. But Cari insisted she just take it with her. Cari told her that they weren’t there to judge her just offer help and information about the pregnancy center. Cheri met her for lunch (on the mom’s birthday) and talked over things, she was glad just to have someone there that cared and listen to her, she said having a friend makes you feel better. On Tuesday September 3rd at P.P. Cheri had arrived a little earlier than usual and a couple was sitting in the lot on the other side of the parking lot from her. They were talking and Cheri kept an eye for an opportunity to talk to them. The girl rolled down her window and Cheri walk over hoping the girl would be receptive to taking information and or talking with her. She was and she got out to accept the literature. The girl told Cheri she wasn’t sure she wanted to abort but it was the last day she could have the abortion at Planned Parenthood. She said she felt she should have the abortion because of the way it (her child) had been conceived. It was a “one night stand” and she was engaged to someone else. Cheri told her not to be pressured and that if she was doubtful now she knew she would be morning her child. Cheri told her her baby is a person no matter the circumstances of conception and she did not have to have an abortion. She had some financial problems and didn’t know what to do, Cheri told her they could work them out and to call the pregnancy center and then she and Cheri could work on the her financial problems. The girl canceled her appointment with Planned Parenthood and called the Keim. She got an appointment with them for 11:00. The mom agreed abortion was not the solution to her problem and she choose life. Cheri and she meet later that day and have been in touch working things out for her and her 5 year old son. At Ingleside on Thursday September 5th Cheri gave literature to a girl who didn’t talk to her, Cheri just let her know she cared about her situation and offered help. She encouraged her to go to the Keim. But she went ahead with her pre-op appointment, but on the way out stopped to talk with Cheri and said I don’t want to do it, Cheri said “just don’t you don’t have to”. She was in school and felt like she couldn’t finish if she had a child. Cheri ask her to pull over in front of Ingleside so they didn’t block the driveway and she and Cheri talked out her situation. She told the girl she could finish school, she actually only has this semester and 1 more to finish. Cheri told her you know “nothing is impossible with God”. She chooses life! We gave her a blessing bag and the girl gave Cheri her ultrasound picture (not a very clear ultrasound) from Ingleside. She said she was going to the Keim center for a better ultrasound. We are keeping them in prayer. That same day a couple had come through and got literature but didn’t talk much to Cheri and hurried back to park and to inside the clinic. Fifteen minutes later they came back out and the guy stopped at the end of the driveway and said I talked her out of it. The young women said yea I can’t do it! They congratulated them, offered help and shared a blessing bag with them. She was delighted to receive the hand made baby blanket and the prenatal vitamins. They promised to call and let them know if they were having a boy or girl. At Ingleside Thursday September 12th Cheri stopped a car with a young couple driving into Ingleside. Cheri talked to them and they took literature. She told them about resources available, and how much God loves the unborn he creates and what the abortion clinic will do with their child. Later they drove out, we asked, “how can we help?” The girl told us that she had changed her mind, she chose life! Cheri was able talk to them some more and they told of their complicated situation and Cheri just kept encouraging them in the Lord and told them to trust God. She gave them a baby blessing bag and ask the mom to text her so she would have her number. They left with smiles on their faces! Praise God!! Cheri got a text and they set up to have lunch. On Friday September 13th at Ingleside a lady stopped and took literature and Keim Center card, she was here to meet up with her pregnant friend. She didn’t want her friend to have abortion and wanted to talk her out of it and we ask if we could help. Cari and Sarah talked with them and told her how much abortion would affect her and she would be sad forever. They encouraged adoption plan, but that didn’t seem to interest her, but the Kiem and help from Life Ministries did and she said “Praise God with help she could get through her pregnancy.” She said she was going directly there to the Keim. We all hugged and with smiles they left. On Saturday, September 14, at Ingleside for the early morning abortion appointments; Cheri and Lisa were out offering the truth and help to those entering. Ingleside began blaring their speaker they had installed on the outside of the building to drown out the voices for the voiceless. About a half hour later a young girl that Cheri had talked with earlier in the week came out and stopped to talk to Cheri. She said inside was just too much for her and she decided not to do it and her and her boyfriend would be calling Life Ministries for help. Cheri gave them the Blessing Bags of gifts, she offered her a ride but the young lady said her boyfriend was picking her up down the street. On Wednesday September Andy and Frances were at VWW offering women help and the truth about abortion. A young women hurried in refusing the literature. They ask her to please change her mind and keep her child or let her live and Andy offered to adopt her. She went in and a hour later came out and said “I had a change of heart”. They express their happiness for her, gave her a gift and told her about the shopping spree. She thanked them and promised to call. On Wednesday September 25th early in the morning at Ingleside two grandmotherly types came driving in with a young mother and her baby in the back. They were there because the young girl has a 6 month old and is expecting another. They felt it was the right thing for her to end her pregnancy. Cheri told them that it is not in the young girl’s best interest. Encouraged them to go to the Keim Center and let Life Ministries assist her. They girl agreed with Cheri but the ladies drove on back. Within the 1/2 hour they came back out and one was on the phone with them Keim Center. The other said Ok we see and will give you a call soon also. The young girl said thanks for the help and waved as they were driving away. On Thursday morning September 26th at VWW Cheri watched as a couple was slowing down looking at her signs and she could see the women saying something to the guy. They pulled a little past the driveway and Cheri asks the guy if she could help them. He said I’m trying to figure out why you are wasting your time out here. Cheri said we don’t waste our time out here; children’s lives are saved everyday when Christians speak up for their innocent lives. The women said something to him and he zoomed off. A couple minutes she saw them circle Harris Teeter and come out of the Harris Teeter driveway past her. The women waved a shy wave and whispered thank you to her as they drove away. On Thursday afternoon September 26th at Ingleside a young couple in a car stopped and took literature. Cheri talked to them but the girl was laughing like killing her child was a joke. Cheri said ma am taking the life of your own child is not funny. The girl said she had 2 children and Cheri said you have 3; then she said well I don’t know this one. Cheri told her that abortion is a horrible death for her child and is a terrible sin. She keeps insisting her boyfriend drive on back He finally pulled off to go back but seemed very upset. Then next thing we know, within 5 minutes the young pregnant woman is walking out of the clinic on her phone and he whips back in the driveway. She gets into the car and they drive out the driveway. Cheri asks if they had changed their mind and he said yes. Cheri was able to give them a blessing bag!! On Saturday August 10th Barb and Cari were at Ingleside and reported a baby was spared that morning! The great-grandmother who drove her granddaughter to the clinic, and stopped to talk. They went back to park, the girl went in and the great-grandmother came out to talk to them. While they prayed outside, the young lady was told she needed to pay more money than she was prepared to pay, and she was turned away. The g-grandmother got on her knees and praised the Lord inside the clinic! Driving out, she was smiling and thanking God! It was a God turnaround! Let’s say a little prayer for this young lady who is 11 weeks pregnant, and her g-grandmother. God is so excellent in all His ways! On Wednesday August 14th Cheri was at Ingleside when a couple whirled in passing Cheri not taking literature, the guy looked determined to avoid her. Next thing she knows the girl is coming down the driveway and Cheri said Hi miss can I help you? Can you take this information? The girl walked to her and said I don’t want to do it. Cheri said then don’t! The girl proceeded to tell her that the dad of the baby wanted the abortion, Cheri said not his decision, and you can have your child. They were talking and down the driveway he comes. She said I’m not doing it and she and Cheri exchanged phone numbers. Cheri text her later that day to see how she was and could we help her. Cheri went to meet with her and take her diapers for a baby she has. Turns out the girl lives behind Planned Parenthood. When Cheri met with her she ask her why she came to Ingleside when she lived behind P.P.? She said the guy knows people are out there at P.P. so he called Ingleside not knowing you would be there to talk to me also. The same day at Ingleside that afternoon Cheri stopped a car with a couple in it. She gave them information and ask them if they knew what would happen to their child after an abortion, they just stared at her and she explained all that to them. Cheri said there is a better way. If you don’t feel you can raise this child there is a long list of parents here in the area that would love your child and care for him. The girl insisted they go back and Cheri encouraged them to sit in the car and look at the information. A few minutes later they came down the driveway and said they changed their minds and were going to keep it. Cheri gave them a gift and told them to call or text her. On Thursday August 15th at Planned Parenthood Marcia talked with a couple that just pulled in and parked like he was going to drop her off at the door. After about five minutes they pulled out took literature and spoke to her. The woman was pregnant and when she asked if she was here for abortion she said “no we are good now”. Marcia then noticed a medal of the Blessed Mother on this rather gangsta guy. She told him I have a devotion to her and today is her Feast day. He smiled and said then I guess it is going to be a good day! And they left! On Saturday August 24th Cari, Cheri and a church pastor with his family were at Ingleside. As they were sharing hope, help and God’s word on a tragically busy day for the unborn at the clinic. A couple parked in the back facing the group. They continued to talk to the couple as they sat in the car encouraging them to trust God and choose life. About 20 minutes after they had parked they pulled out the driveway and stopped to let everyone know they had changed their minds about aborting their child. They were showered with gifts and with smiles on their faces left with happy hearts! At Ingleside on Tuesday August 27th a young girl walked up, her parents had dropped her off down the road. She is going to TCC, and plans to attend Virginia Wesleyan on a scholarship to study law. They mentioned the Keim Center with the free ultrasound and talked some more to her, gave her some literature. She seemed interested in going to the Keim Center. So they asked if they could take her there right then and she said yes! So they drove her to the Keim Center, she was able to talk to the lady in the front and sign in. Meanwhile Mimi and Cari prayed outside that she would be able to get an appointment for the afternoon. Later they went in and Keim Center staff told them that they were going to work her in and the appointment and it would take 1 ½ hours. The young lady wanted them to wait for her, so they waited. When she came out of her appointment she was beaming! She said everything was much clearer now and she knew she would keep her baby. She also was being set up for another appointment at the Keim Center the next day. We were able to take her back to her house. She has since called Life Ministries and we are helping her. Her dad won’t let her live at home at this time since she chose life. But she is not too discouraged and is trusting God to help her. On Wednesday August 28th at Ingleside Cheri saw a taxi cab approaching. She waved at the driver to stop and to her surprise he did! You see normally they won’t on the way in. She got a minute to explain about life Ministries and offer her a ride to the pregnancy center. The driver said it’s a sign that she’s her. The girl said thank you and they drove to the back. A few minutes later the driver come down the driveway and stopped; the girl opens the door and told Cheri she changed her mind and thanked her for being there. Cheri gave her a blessing bag and told her to start taking her prenatal vitamins, she smile and said ok. Cheri told her about the shopping spree and how to get medical care. They exchanged phone numbers, hugged and the taxi drove off. July 2013 babies saved On Tuesday July 2nd Cari and Mimi at Ingleside when a young girl that had come in the week prior drove in without stopping. Then 45 minutes later she drove out and stopped to talk to us. She said we helped her to change her mind and had left last week. She had an ultrasound done at ATWHC this day, because she was unable to keep her appointment at the Keim Center. Cari had shown her the fetal model of nine week old baby. They gave her a Blessing baby bag and information about the shopping spree and free baby supplies, She said “thank you” and then she drove off. Also the same shift Mimi talked to two women going in; they were very receptive to hearing about Keim Center. Later that afternoon, the two women came out and the girl said she chose not to have abortion! They gave her baby blessing bag, offered the shopping spree and information about baby supplies available to her. She was very happy and said thank you! On July 3rd Cheri was at Ingleside and gave literature guy drove in the driveway and talked with Cheri for a minute he said they were not sure what to do. She could see the girl was looking at the literature the whole time they were talking. Cheri told him the life choice was always the best, for them and especially for their child. He agreed with her then drove back and they sat in the back and talked for about fifteen minutes. Then they drove out and the man gave a smile and the girl said I’m not doing it and help up the literature to her. At Ingleside Thursday July 11th a couple driving in took literature from Cheri. She said please accept help and truth. A baby in the womb is a person; can’t we help you guys today? Please know this place is a business, look around when you go in. People tell us how unclean and awful it is. They are not there to help you, and then they drove in to the back parking lot. After ½ hour, they drove out smiled, held up the literature and said thank you, were call for the free ultrasound and will give you a call soon. On Monday July 15th Ed and Cari were at Ingleside when a car with three young women and a child drove in. They slowed down but refused the literature. Then a few minutes came out and stopped to get the literature. They said “we didn’t do the procedure, don’t worry”. The outreach workers told them to let us help you with you needs for your child our phone number is on the back of the literature, we care about you. She sad thank you again and she would call. On Thursday July 18th at Planned Parenthood a couple came over and talked with Marcia. She told them all the help that is available and about the free ultrasound at the Keim Center. They went in and canceled their appointment and want prayer as they tell their parents about the pregnancy. On Tuesday July 23rd at Ingleside Mimi talked to an older couple. Their granddaughter was in the clinic, pregnant, and 14 years old. The granddaughter and the grandmother did not want abortion, but young lady’s mother brought her to clinic for an abortion. She took literature and said she’d share with the young lady’s mother. At around 10:15, they all walked to their car and drove out! Girl had a white piece of paper that is proof of pregnancy. The man driving smiled and waved at us, the young girl in the back seat waved at us. On Thursday July 25th Mimi and I spoke to a young couple going into VWW. They took literature and seemed interested in what we had to say. After they went into VWW, we prayed for them. They left soon afterward and said “I couldn’t do it. I felt weird in there, it felt bad in there. Don’t know what it is.” They took more literature because VWW had taken their literature away. We told them again about Cheri, the shopping spree and all the baby supplies. They smiled and left, said thank you! On Friday July 26th at VWW a mother and daughter got out of their car and Cheri ask them to take some information the clinic wouldn’t give them. It has life saving help for you miss, she said. The girl came and got it and Cheri ask her why she felt she could have her child? She said it was the wrong time and she needed to finish school. Cheri talked with her and told her she could finish school and her mother agreed and said she would help her. They talked a little more and Cheri suggested they sit in the car and look over the information because the clinic won’t let them keep it inside. They got in the car and read the information and talked. Then they started the car and drove out stopping to let Cheri know she changed her mind. Cheri said call and let us help, but the mom said we will be fine now. On Friday, June 7th, Cari and Sarah were at Ingleside when a couple drove in for their pre-op appointment and stopped to receive the information from them. Cari told them about the free ultrasound at the Keim Center and asked them to look over the information before going inside. About fifteen minutes later, the couple drove out and told Cari and Sarah that they were not keeping their appointment, but were going to the Keim Center instead, and they drove away! At Ingleside, on Thursday, June 10th, Cheri was at the driveway offering information and help to those coming for pre-op appointments. A Lincoln sped in, with a grandmother and her granddaughter inside. The grandmother left right away, but the girl came from the back parking lot to talk to Cheri. She said, “What are you giving out? Can I see?” So Cheri started telling her that we speak up for the babies who have no voices and offer help to their moms. The girl said, “What kind of help?” and Cheri asked, “What is your situation?” They talked. The girl didn’t want to abort, but she lives with her grandmother, who was threatening her with withholding financial help and kicking her out of the house. Her grandmother had even taken the girl’s cell phone so she couldn’t call anyone while she was at Ingleside. The girl, “R,” was going to pretend to keep her appointment and hide her pregnancy until she could work out a new housing arrangement. Cheri gave her some prenatal vitamins. “R” said she could keep those hidden from her family. She called Cheri later to say that she would be back Thursday and asked her if she could pick her up from Ingleside to run some errands. Of course, Cheri met her there, and they went to lunch and took care of some other things. We are helping her with transportation and a few monetary items. Housing came through as well and “R’s” due date is January 12th. On Thursday, June 13th, at Ingleside, Cari talked to a lady as she was going in for her pre-op appointment. She gave her the literature and a Keim Center card and told her about the free ultrasound. The lady said she would call and see about an appointment. After about ten or fifteen minutes, she drove out and said she didn’t go into the clinic at all. She called the Keim Center right away and they had been very helpful. She said “thank you” for the information- it was very good and had helped her keep her baby. On June 19th, Frances and Louantha were at VWW on a tragically busy Wednesday evening, offering help and asking moms to choose life. A woman came over to speak with them and accepted information. She went inside for a while, but reemerged after about half an hour and told them she was not staying for her appointment. She asked them to pray for her and ask God to guide her in the many decisions she would be facing with this pregnancy. They assured her that God would guide her in her situation, and told her they would keep her in prayer. On Wednesday, June 26th, Cheri was at Ingleside, waiting at the driveway, when a car came slowly past Ingleside; the driver was looking at the businesses around the clinic, clearly searching for something. Cheri tried approaching the car with information, but she passed slowly by, which surprised Cheri, who thought she was looking for Ingleside. About five minutes later, the car returned and the girl tried parking in front of Cheri’s car, which was in front of the clinic. Cheri was displaying signs. One posted on the car offered a free ultrasound, and one in the ground had the scripture from Jeremiah 1:5 (“before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”). The girl was struggling to park and Cheri once again started toward the car, but then the girl looked at her, shook her head, and drove off. Cheri wanted to share this story because oftentimes, people come to the clinics, see us there, and it seems that God stirs their consciences. We don’t get any word or thumbs up from them, but we can sense that they change their minds about an abortion. At Planned Parenthood on Thursday, June 27th, Marcia encouraged a young woman to come speak to her. The girl walked over to her and they talked for probably ten minutes. Marcia encouraged her not to go inside, but choose life instead. The girl listened to her and talked with her intently, but chose to go in. She came back out after twenty minutes or so. She told Marcia that the strangest thing had happened: her bank card would not go through, but she knew for sure she had plenty of money in the bank! They both agreed that it was a sign from God that she should keep her baby. The girl was now set on birthing her child and Marcia could see the relief in her face. She told Marcia she would call if she needed her for any more help. On that same Thursday, a girl called Life Ministries and left a message, saying that she had spoken with Cheri at the abortion clinic (Ingleside) and had decided not to have an abortion, but that she really needed to talk with someone to see if we could help her. Of course, we called and talked with her about a very confidential matter and are in the process of getting her the help she needs. She and her unborn child are doing well and they continue to be in our prayers. While Cari and Cheri were at Ingleside on Friday, June 28th, a couple drove in. Cari and Cheri were able to give them literature and talk with them about their baby’s development, what God says about abortion and about adoption. They also told them about the Keim Center’s free ultrasound and the woman said she’d try to call. They continued to the back to park, but later, they drove out again. The girl said she changed her mind; she now had an appointment for 1 p.m. with the Keim Center! She smiled and said thank you. Also, Cari and Cheri talked to another mom who chose life that very same hour. She teared up when Cheri told her that her baby has a heartbeat and is a little person inside her womb. She cried and said she couldn’t have her baby. Since she had just moved to Norfolk to be with her boyfriend, didn’t know anybody, and was scared. She’d just found out she was pregnant and got an appointment at Ingleside. We were able to talk and pray extensively with her, told her about the support from Life Ministries and the Keim Center, discussed adoption, and talked about God and forgiveness for our sins. She called her boyfriend on the phone and the counselors prayed for and with him too. During the end of the conversation, the young woman looked better and said she would be taking care of her baby. When the counselors gave her prenatal vitamins and the baby bag, she opened the prenatal vitamins and took one! That was an amazing event to watch a mom take that vitamin in front of the abortion clinic. Then she drove away! On Wednesday, May 1st, at Virginia Women’s Wellness, Andy and Frances were present for the evening abortion appointments. Women start arriving at 4:30 and continue coming till 6:30. About 5:00, two girls drove in, and the counselors asked them to come over and talk. At first they refused, but Andy continued to encourage them to speak to Frances or him. One of the girls came over to accept the information, and Andy told her the clinic staff would take it from them inside, so he advised them to look over the pamphlet right then. He told them that abortion kills a human being and pleaded with them to have mercy on their child. He told them that his wife and he would adopt the child. Frances said, “Please don’t kill your baby; we can help you.” They went inside, but came back to the car and talked for a while. One of them called someone and talked for a long time. Then they started the car. On the way out, the girl told Andy and Frances, “I’m keeping my baby.” On Thursday, May 2nd, Cheri and Rosemary counseled at Planned Parenthood. A girl pulled in, followed by a guy in another car. The girl sat in her car for a long time looking at Cheri’s signs and called someone. She stayed on the phone for a quite a while, and then the guy got into her car and they talked. When she finally got out, and Cheri asked her to take some free information that Planned Parenthood wouldn’t give her. She came over and accepted it but wouldn’t stay to talk with Cheri; she said she was going to be late for her appointment. The guy waited in front of the building when she came to get the information, but followed her inside. They went to the abortion side, but then she came out practically running, with the guy trailing way behind her. They had an argument in the parking lot, but she finally got in her car and drove out! On her way, she waved goodbye to the pro-lifers. At Ingleside on Wednesday, May 8th, Cheri and Rosemary were prepared for a very busy day when they saw employees parking on the side of the building; there are fifteen parking spaces in the back and they were praying the lot didn’t fill up with clinic clients. A total of ten cars arrived in time for pre-op appointments that day. About two thirds of those people took information, and a couple of people let Cheri talk with them extensively. One pair in particular stood out. The girl who had the appointment was the passenger, and while the driver stopped and was letting Cheri talk, the passenger kept telling her “Go, don’t listen!” She said, “I don’t need that.” They pulled away and went to the back, but half an hour later, they came out and stopped to tell them that she (the passenger) was the one who had the appointment. She told Cheri, “You changed my mind; I can’t do it.” Cheri encouraged her to call Life Ministries and take advantage of our $250 shopping spree. She said, “Sounds good!” and said she would call. On Wednesday, May 8th, Frances talked with a lady who came with her daughter. The mom said the girl was not there for an abortion; she was researching a paper for school. Frances kept talking to the mom because she had a feeling she was not telling the truth. Frances kept talking about abortion and all the problems it bring for women, as well as killing a baby. She kept encouraging her to go bring her out her daughter and finally, she did. The girl was shaken because she has two born children in school and was worried about raising another. But she said she wouldn’t go through with the abortion. We have followed up with her by taking her to lunch and helping her family with clothing needs. They all are doing well and she found out she’s having another boy and is very excited about it. They are also moving to a bigger house, and the two children are ready to start school. On Thursday, May 9th, at Planned Parenthood, Cheri and Rosemary were telling the truth about abortion and offering help when a blue truck stopped and let a woman out. Cheri called out to her, offering help, but she didn’t seem to be listening. The driver waited to see if she went in, then he left. She entered the abortion side, but she came out five minutes later and called someone. Cheri continued to talk about life to her, but she just waited by the door. The man came back and gave her something. She went in again, and ten minutes later, she came out of abortion side again and waited. He came and picked her up. The girl waved at the sidewalk counselors with a thumb’s up on the way out of the driveway! On Tuesday, May 21st, at Ingleside, a mother and daughter stopped in the driveway and took information, but instead of talking to Cheri, they just drove to the back. They came out an hour later and stopped to let Cheri know that the girl wasn’t going to abort. She was crying, because she is seventeen and scared. But her mom said not to worry; she will support her daughter. Cheri gave her a blessing bag and encouraged them to call for any need that may arise. On Wednesday, May 22nd, at Ingleside, a mother and daughter who had come the day before for pre-op came back, and as Cheri offered them literature, the mom held up the packet she had already received and they drove to the back. A few minutes later, they came out and she waved. The mother then stopped and let the counselors know she was thankful for the information and would not let her daughter endure the tragic mistake of an abortion; then they continued driving away! Thursday, May 23rd was Mimi’s first day back for the summer, and she was counseling at VWW. A woman and her father came in. Mimi encouraged her to come and talk, and the woman approached. She said she had to abort; her father said so. Mimi told her, “No way;” it was her decision and she could have her baby if she wanted to. Mimi gave her a literature pack and told her she wouldn’t regret having her baby. She said she didn’t really want to abort. Mimi told her that more than likely, her dad would really love that baby. She encouraged her to tell her dad she did not want to abort. They still went in, but came out an hour later and the girl gave the counselors the thumb’s up with a big smile! Cheri and Rosemary were in back at Hillcrest on Tuesday, April 2nd, a day when women come for pre-op appointments. A couple arrived and Cheri called out and asked them to come take some information. He said, “No, we’re okay.” Cheri said, “Honestly, you are at an abortion clinic and you guys are not okay.” She said abortion is dangerous for women and it takes the life of another human being. They had to come out from the clinic to put their cellphones in their cars, since they were not allowed inside. Cheri continued to encourage them to choose life, but they went back in. About twenty minutes later, they came out again and Cheri said, “Please come here a minute.” He said, “We don’t need to; we’re not doing it.” “Stop over here on your way out,” Cheri told them. “We have a gift for you!” They pulled up next to her and she gave them the blessing bag. They talked for a minute and the woman told Cheri that it was nasty in the clinic and she said she appreciated what Cheri and the others were doing. She also said that she would go to her doctor for a pre-natal appointment and encouraged Cheri to keep up the good work! On Wednesday, April 3rd, a couple came in and Andy pleaded with them not to go inside, but instead to come talk to him and take some information. The man came over to him while the girl waited at the steps of the clinic. Andy told him that life is precious and asked him if they would please choose life. He encouraged them to trust God who created that life, because “it’s just wrong” to kill a baby. He told the couple that abortion is murder and not okay with God and let them know that we have lots of resources to help them. The couple still went inside, but came out a few minutes later. The man told them, “We’re not doing it,” and he told Andy that what he said was right. Andy said, “That’s great! Let us take you on a shopping spree, and stop on your way out for a gift.” They did, and Frances gave them the blessing bag. The couple thanked them and left. On Thursday April 18th, a couple came in first thing and Cheri called out to them, but they just waved her off, saying, “We are okay.” Cheri said, “Folks who come here are not all right. It’s usually a bad time in their life or they wouldn’t come to an abortion clinic. But any challenges in their life won’t be solved by taking the life of another.” She told them that abortion may seem like a quick solution and may be legal, but it’s not moral. She said that babies are a gift God gives us to love and we should love and protect our children. They came back out and Cheri said to them, “Did you change your mind?” The guy just shrugged his shoulders and followed the girl to the truck. They sat there and talked a long time, then started the truck and drove away. The guy nodded his head to Cheri as they were leaving to let her know that they had changed their minds. On Monday, April 15th at Ingleside a woman said she was there for her pre-op appointment. The Life Ministries staff and volunteers encouraged her to think of the baby she was carrying and not to be afraid to have her child. They gave her the information and encouraged her to look through it, since the abortion business won’t tell her all she needs to know about abortion and its future risks. She seemed to just sit there looking at the pamphlet, and they encouraged her to call the Keim Center. When she did call, they said that they could see her that very day. She seemed delighted or even relieved, so she didn’t stay for her appointment, but went to the Keim Center. She told Cari and Sarah “thank you” for helping her and said that she would call Life Ministries to get help if she needed it. On Tuesday, April 23rd, the LM staff and volunteers called a young woman to come over and accept an information packet. When she did, they got to talk with her and gave her the pamphlet called “This is not your only choice.” They encouraged her to go to the Keim Center, telling her she deserved better than Planned Parenthood has to offer. They also told her that she could have her baby and we could help her with resources. She went back to the car and looked over the information.Marcia and Millie watched as she made the phone call. Afterwards, she came out and told them that she wasn’t going to keep her pre-op appointment but had made an appointment with the Keim Center instead! They told her, “Don’t forget to call us and let us know how we can help with your baby.” She said she would and thanked them for the information. On Thursday, April 25th VWWThe lot was filled. A black SUV slowed down and the driver seemed to be looking for the clinic, but didn’t turn in the front lot, most likely because it was full. Cheri waved at her and asked if she was looking for VWW and the woman said yes, so Cheri proceeded to explain about why she was there. She asked her if she was there for a pre-op appointment and the woman said she was. Cheri encouraged her to go to the Keim, a Christian ministry that has a modern facility. Excuses face the truth with loveThe woman said that she had four children and didn’t want any more. Cheri told her that even though she couldn’t see her unborn child, it was still a person. This lady then said, “Well, if I knew it was a girl, I would keep it.” Cheri looked at her and said, “Ma’am, take a minute to think about what you just said.” The woman just looked back at her with a blank stare and then said, “Wow, that did sound awful, but I just can’t take care of another.” Cheri told her she could do it and asked her if she was a Christian. The lady said, “No,” so Cheri shared that God is our Creator and encouraged her to trust God, the Creator of all. The woman said she would think about everything, but still wanted to keep her appointment. She parked and went in. Baby Saved!About twenty minutes later, she came out and started her SUV. On her way out, she stopped at the driveway and told Cheri “I just left out of there. I’m keeping this child.”Cheri said, “Good for you!” and gave her a blessing bag. She was delighted and thanked Cheri. Her last words on the way out were “Praise God.” Cheri was surprised to hear her say that, since she wasn’t a professing Christian. Cheri said to herself, “That’s a big AMEN!” On Monday March 4th at Ingleside Sarah and Cari were there in the morning offering help and information to moms scheduled for the 1st appointment of the abortion process. A girl drove in alone and stopped at the driveway and talked to them. They encouraged her to go to the Keim center instead of going in the clinic. The outreach workers told her she would live with deep regret if she aborted her baby. They gave her our information on the resources we can help her with. She said she would drive back and think about it and she went on back. About 30 minutes later she came back out and told them she called the Keim center and they scheduled her for a appointment and she wasn’t going through with an abortion. She said I do want my baby and I’ll be in touch about baby supplies. Then she thanked them and left. On Tuesday March 12th a couple parked and started walking into Ingleside. Cheri approached them and started telling them why she was there; they stopped to except the literature and were open to listening. The couple had a long conversation with Cheri about babies in the womb, God, and the risks of abortion. They look at each other and the girl said “I had no idea of what we were getting ourselves into”, she said she had never seen information like the literature Cheri gave them. It seemed they were there out of panic. They worried about money, their education, and where they lived. Could they finish school and raise a child. Of course you can Cheri explained. She encouraged them to call the pregnancy center and get help from Christian’s here in Hampton Roads who care about them help them. They told her thanks for being there and they would not be aborting their baby. Cheri started them off with a blessing bag of baby goodies including pre-natal vitamins. |