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A Note from the Preacher...Larry Sweeney The July 2006 issue of Think magazine featured an interview with Gianna Jessen. The interview was presented under the title, An Amazing Woman, Who Almost Wasn't. What does that mean? It means that 29 years ago Gianna's 17 year-old biological mother walked into a Los Angeles abortion clinic with the purpose of ending her pregnancy. Her womb was flooded with saline solution with the purpose of killing her unborn baby. However, several hours passed and she had not aborted the baby. The abortion doctor finally went home, and hours later, this young girl gave birth to a baby girl (10 weeks early), later named Gianna Jessen. Sadly, the procedure resulted in long term consequences. Gianna was born with cerebral palsy – something she refers to as her “gift.” The article describes Gianna, who is now 29, as a young lady with an “extreme passion for life.” She has “met President Bush, testified before Congress for unborn victims, speaks all around the country, and is the picture of joy and happiness.” In the interview, when asked what she would tell the 17-18 year-old who is contemplating an abortion, she answered with the following words: First of all I would listen, and I would remind them that every decision and every choice we make will ultimately always affect another human being – whether we want to admit it or not. Every day I bear the marks of my biological mother's decision, having the gift of cerebral palsy. Also, I would offer hope that this is not the end of her life. That in fact, she can go to a crisis pregnancy center and receive everything that she could possibly need – including help to tell her parents. And also, if she goes ahead with the abortion, that is something she will never forget. I am glad that Gianna Jessen is alive! I am glad that she demonstrates an unconquerable spirit of joy and happiness! I am glad that she is helping others! I am also glad that Gianna puts a “face” on abortion. She is not an “issue” or a “right.” She is a human being! Psalm 139:13-16, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Concerning these verses John Stott has written that the baby forming in the womb is a “divine work of creative skill.” --Larry Sweeney Are you excited about our Gospel Meeting? It is fast approaching. It begins Friday, September 22nd. The success of any Gospel Meeting will always depend on two factors: First, the preacher who presents the Word of God. We believe that Bro. David Powell will present God's word truthfully and effectively. Second, US! Our meeting will depend on US - our prayers, our commitment, our invitations, our attitude and our attendance. I want to encourage all of us to do our part! Also remember – Sunday (24th) is Friend's Day! A successful meeting depends on US! |