24 — Good News, etc. — April 2010 sd
Beach cities . . .
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She begins: “I do not have insurance right now, and
I was past due for an annual exam, so I called [the local community clinic] and made an appointment for 3:30 p.m. It was at the one on Horne Street across from the Women’s Center. This location is only for gynecological appointments. Even though I had an appointment, the wait was long because the waiting room was filled with teens! There were about 5 couples, girls alone, and girls with friends. I saw all of them give urine samples, which I assume was for pregnancy tests or STD testing. “Being there again just confirmed the
need for a Birth Choice in downtown Oceanside! Oh, if only they had walked in our lobby. My heart was broken just knowing they were not getting any true wisdom. They had pamphlets out for emergency contraceptive pills (the morning-after pill) — with all kinds of crud written inside. One even stated:
“’Ask for EC pills to keep on hand. Then
you’ll be ready in case you need EC pills in an emergency.’ “I brought the pamphlet home to read to
see what else they are being told. I knew these things, but had forgotten. So I was excited to be continuing in prayer for that perfect place that the Lord would lead and provide for.” We know that when the Lord puts this vision on our hearts, He will show us the steps to take. Do we pray; undoubtedly? Do we seek to gain support from the local churches in the downtown Oceanside area? Do we raise the call to those who have a burden for pro-life ministry? I believe that God has His people in
place who have a vested interest in their community. Whether Birth Choice’s role is to help
to find a location, train up a core group of people, and get them up and running, or whether Birth Choice is to expand and open another center — say “Birth Choice of Coast
Highway” — isn’t clear at this time. But I’m laying down the gauntlet and urging your consideration, ideas, suggestions and help. I see the mobile ultrasound as a tool we can still use, once a week, to see our positive test clients and to save babies. The Association for Life of San Diego County, of which we are a member, is an affiliation of pro-life ministries, and is aware of this great need and also, the opportunity to open up new centers close to our beaches. Is there someone out there who feels a stirring to respond? I encourage you to pray and begin to ask those around you to join you. Please let me hear from you. I encourage you to walk the streets of downtown Oceanside and see what God might show you.
o
Mary Rose Stearns is executive director
mrstearns@birthchoice.net or (760) 434-5063.
Impact . . .
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might get to slay a giant tomorrow. David was also a person of action. David
didn’t just agree with the challenge. He accepted the challenge. He prepared for the challenge by carefully choosing what he needed in advance. He took his sling, his staff, and five smooth stones. Finally, David engaged the challenge. He didn’t wait for Goliath to come at him. He purposefully ran straight at him and didn’t hold back. God may be placing a burden on your heart to face a new challenge. What action are you going to take? Accept it. Prepare for it. Engage it. David had incredible courage. What is
courage? It is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it head on! David was able to face the danger of fighting Goliath because he knew who was on his side. God is on your side! You can step out in faith and face a new challenge head on. It is unsettling to step out in faith and say, “God use my life for your glory.” You may be scared, but if your life is going to have impact — you can’t be afraid of the collision. The last characteristic of a life of impact
is tenacity. David didn’t just hit Goliath in the head with a stone. He ran up to Goliath, took his own sword, killed him and chopped off his head. When David went to kill a giant, he didn’t mess around. Sometimes we think that because we don’t have all the resources we need, we can’t move forward with what God is calling us to do. Tenacity doesn’t focus on the obstacles. It sees the opportunity. Be 100% with Jesus! Don’t have a mediocre life, have a miraculous one!
o
George Clerie serves as pastor of Rock
University, a ministry of Rock Church. IMPACT 195 is a nine-month discipleship experience that will help you discover your God- given calling and equip you to do something that will impact the world for eternity! If you know that God designed you to do something extraordinary for His glory check out IMPACT 195 at www.therockuniversity.org or call (619) 764-5249. You can also discover more about IMPACT 195 at the Rock University Benefit Concert with Natalie Grant on May 14 (see ad, page 14). They are on Facebook. Key word: Rock U Benefit Concert.
Colson . . .
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essentially pro-life American public stand for a health care bill that paves the way for federally funded abortions? I don’t know. I fear, however, that the passage of this bill has the potential for tearing America apart. Because Christians by the thousands,
maybe millions, could be forced to choose between their faith, their consciences, and the law of the land. I’ve already had people call me to ask if they should pay their federal taxes, now that it is inevitable that their dollars will fund abortions. And heaven help the doctor or nurse or pharmacist, who refuses to take innocent life. He or she will lose their profession. Maybe this is why God led us, some
months ago, to write the Manhattan Declaration, which nearly half a million Christians have signed. He foresaw that this would be a sellout. He foresaw the crisis we will face. We must see this deal for what it was — a charade. And now we must take our stand
on the side of life and conscience.
o
Chuck Colson is president of Prison
www.newbreak.org
www.foothillschristianschool.com
Fellowship, www.prisonfellowship.org. Reprinted with permission.
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