Remember on Jan. 22 (01/20/2009)

To the editor:

January 22 marks another year to mourn for the children. Since 1973 this country has celebrated death in the name of "freedom."

No one really knows how many children have been legally murdered since abortion became lawful. In 36 years at 4,000 a day - isn't that about 53,000,000? Maybe one of those precious babies was yours, or your grandchild, or someone for whom you mourn.

These mothers-that-weren't also are victims. They are victims of media bias, political liberalism, television training, peer pressure, boyfriend and parent pressure. There are lots of reasons they had abortions, now they suffer from PTSD, some became unable to have children, almost all mourn for their babies and what might have been. Do they remember the predicted birth date, how old that child might be now? Of course they do. I hurt for them.

There is help for the aborted mother in the crisis pregnancy centers. Call one until you find that help, ladies. God forgives, now forgive yourself. Your baby is with the heavenly Father. Nowhere in God's word is abortion sanctioned. The Word says "choose life." Help someone else who needs counseling. Write your congressman and keep current on issues concerning life. This country elected the most pro-death president ever. I can't even imagine what will happen next. We must fight still, and anyone can pray and fast. Sometimes that's all we can do.

So I ask you, on January 22 to wear black. Mourn. Fast and pray. Even an armband of mourning will spark a conversation. You may enlighten someone to the horror of abortion. You may help someone heal.

Teach your children and grandchildren to wait for sex until marriage. Teach them to save this gift until then. Teach them life is sacred. Make yourself available for them to talk to you. Most won't talk to parents. Be a sounding board for your grandchildren.

Dressed in black,

Cheryl Sodders

Redkey

Thanks

To the editor:

Thanks to those who participated, the 2009 Winter Special Olympics Scarf Project was a huge success.

There were 65 scarves knitted or crocheted for this project. Those churches and ladies who participated were Janice Durham, Lorna Snyder, Anita Young, Doris Northam and Martha Read from First Presbyterian Church; ladies from Holy Trinity Catholic and Bryant Redeemer Lutheran Church; Ilene Patterson from Mt. Zion United Methodist; Betty Hisey and Cindy Strietelmeier from Zion Evangelical Lutheran; Janet Lewis from West Walnut Street Church of Christ; Mabel Beard and Nicole Morningstar from First Baptist Church; ladies from Asbury United Methodist Church; Illeen Mettler; Rosie Clamme; Vicki Leonard; Beverly Potts; Jan Dickens from New Castle; Bonnie Disinger and the anonymous givers who enjoyed participating in the project but who didn't want to leave us their names. We thank you.

Also, thanks to Christina Parrish who brought this project to our attention and to Patricia Beard who had the passion to see it through. Cindy Wright, our church secretary, also deserves a vote of thanks. She kept the communication going and helped with the mailing. A church member donated the money to mail the scarves.

Furthermore, our church donations bought one bike ($210) and some mini-grants ($44) for the Zambia project. Anyone still interested in the Zambia project should contact Pastor Domingo at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Thanks goes also to The Commercial Review which printed our letters to publicize our mission projects.

Blessings on you all for a peaceful New Year.

Bev Priest, chair,

mission committee,

First Presbyterian Church of Portland[[In-content Ad]]