Good Morning Prayer Warriors!!!
Well, last week was an eventful week. Thank you all for remaining faithful!
BREAKING NEWS:
PP does not have a restraining order or an injunction - they DO have a 'power of attorney' that PP has been given by the property manager, on behalf of the owner. That is why the police have been out to the vigil site several times during the past few weeks to make sure that we are staying off the PPE strip center property. They have given out some 'criminal trespass warnings'. These are NOT tickets or citations, they are simply a formal warning that we have been made aware - by the police - that we are NOT allowed anywhere on the PPE property. Please remember to keep the McKinney Police in our prayers, and always abide by the law. As with many of us, this is new and unfamiliar territory to the McKinney Police. They are honorable, kind men who have been very respectful to our vigil participants. I have spoken to the Sergeant and here is what I have learned - most of it we already knew.
o None of us are allowed anywhere on the PPE strip center property - even when the PPE is closed. We have the attorney notified and working on this issue - I will keep you updated.
o A criminal trespass warning will be given to anyone who is on the PPE property or in the PPE parking lot
o We are not 'allowed' to patronize the businesses on the PPE strip center. The power of attorney has given PP authority to call the Police on behalf of the property manager & owner - even if we are welcome in the other businesses. It doesn't seem right - but we must abide or be given a criminal trespass warning.
CURRENT PRAYER PRESENCE NEEDED:
PP is open this Friday from 9 - 6 PM and again on Monday from 9 - 5
If you have time to go the public right of way and pray please let me know - we need to go in groups of 2 or more!!!!!!!!!!!
Last week many of us met at St Gabriel Catholic Church on Thursday and Friday, and we covered a lot of ground. Here is a meeting recap:
o We went over the new boundaries which I have outlined above:
o We may not shout or call out to PPE clients - checking into the legality of this - will update asap
o
FUTURE PLANS: We are going to participate in the fall campaign with hundreds of other cities see www.40daysforlife.com for more information. Here is a brief recap
40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program:
Prayer and fasting
Constant vigil
Community outreach
40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of His plan for the end of abortion in America.
The 40-day campaign tracks Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities ... and the entire world. From Noah in the flood to Moses on the mountain to the disciples after Christ's resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.
As with most efforts there are needs that arise when we accept the call to participate in an organized event like this. An anonymous donor generously donated the registration fee - please lift this Good Samaritan up in your prayers. In addition to the donor, several other individuals had also offered to sponsor part or all of the fee, and they have all said they will reallocate those funds to other areas in need as they arise. Here are some of the areas where we will need help in the form of talent, time, and treasure. If you feel compelled to help in any way please contact me for more information and to discuss how you would like to be involved.
The campaign is also a group effort. There needs to be a main coordinator, but there is a whole level of duties and responsibilities that must be filled in addition to the director's position:
Prayer coordinator
Vigil coordinator
Outreach coordinator
Event coordinator
Church coordinator
Communications coordinator
A line from Scripture comes to mind: "Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will." Please pray for discernment and guidance. 40 Days for Life won't happen without somebody; that "somebody" could be you!
I participated in the 2nd 40 Days for Life campaign in Dallas, TX (The first one was in Bryan, TX) and I can attest to the AMAZING way the Holy Spirit works during these vigils! In Dallas some of the fruits of our vigil were: 17 children spared from death by abortion, united 89 churches across denominational lines, and mobilized over 1,200 people. AND NOW FINALLY - THE AARON'S ABORTION CENTER WHERE THE VIGIL WAS HELD IS CLOSING - WE PRAISE YOU LORD!!!!
Needs:
o WEBSITE: This was a terrific idea offered by Carol. The website we have now is a free site - however very hard to pass along the web address. Hosting costs approximately $20-30 per year through a host like godaddy.com. We have had volunteers to help design the website once we get an actual website address purchased
o Signs - there are many different and understandable opinions about our having signs at the vigil. Of course, ultimately, it will be up to each individual if they wish to hold a sign while they are at the vigil site praying. The general consensus of everyone at the meeting is that IF we are going to have signs - we need to have them professionally made and with only loving messages. For example “Praying for Life”. I do not have a price yet on signs, and I would love a volunteer who can explore this if they have time.
o Cell Phone: This is not something we discussed at the group, however it has become an issue for me. Our family has a pretty good sized minute plan already, and I have exceeded my plan allotment the past several months. If you have ever gone over your 'plan', you know that this can quickly double your expected budget. My thoughts are to purchase a Metro PCS phone - they have no contracts, and unlimited usage for $55 each month. This phone could be used as the contact phone for all vigil information, and it would allow my existing personal cell phone a break. We could also publish the phone number on our printed material. I think one of the biggest benefits would be having a daily, informative, vigil specific message update on the voicemail - rather than everyone reaching my company voicemail and getting confused. I am already getting calls that are being sent to me from the 40 DFL website from local Christians that want to be involved the in the 40 DFL.
o Outreach: we discussed the outreach portion of the 40 DFL campaign. My vision of outreach for our city's vigil is to reach out to local businesses and ask them to agree to publicly state their love for the unborn. They could do this by simply agreeing to allow us to give them a sticker to proudly display in their business. Bree has a friend who has generously offered to help us design a logo! The businesses who participate would also agree not to fund/donate money to PP. We need someone (or several people) to help us pull this aspect of the campaign together.
o T-Shirts: Everyone thought that T-shirts with the outreach logo on them are a TERRIFIC idea and a great way to be a public witness and raise awareness! Again, we could use a volunteer to seek out the best price and quality.
I hope I remembered everything - once midnight starts to creep up I get forgetful. Again , thank each of you for your prayers and for your faithful devotion to the unborn babies!!!
FYI - there are new pictures on the blog!!!!!
In Christ,
Melaine
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
World Premiere this Friday!!!
Registrations for the fall 40 Days for Life aren't even
half-way over, and ALREADY more cities are registered
than participated in the entire spring campaign!
For info, see:
http://www.40daysforlife.com/apply
*** And we just got word of an exciting development
that will help build on this momentum. ***
This Friday, a brand-new, world-premiere documentary
about 40 Days for Life -- filmed by an Emmy-award-
winning director -- will be airing in 128
million homes around the world!
It's the latest installment of "beingHUMAN," and it's
airing Friday on the EWTN global television network.
Watch previews:
http://www.beinghumanshow.com
Last fall, the first installment of this high quality,
documentary-style program, helped launch the first ever
national 40 Days for Life, and gained a "Telly Award"
for television excellence.
Now the second installment will air this Friday to help
launch the fall 40 Days for Life campaign.
This episode, "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II,"
interviews volunteers, national leaders, and former
abortionists on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hope
in communities across the nation.
It focuses on the stories and successes that prayer,
fasting, and peaceful vigil have accomplished through
40 Days for Life campaigns that have now spread across
the country and around the globe.
This show is a great opportunity to get people in your
community involved in this initiative.
Please spread the word to friends and family via email,
at your church using the pre-made bulletin inserts, and
encourage everyone you know to watch the show this
Friday, July 25, at 6:30 PM (Eastern).
Watch previews, see guests appearing on the show, and
download bulletin inserts:
http://www.beinghumanshow.com
WHAT: "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II"
DATE: Friday, July 25
TIME: 6:30 PM Eastern (3:30 PM Pacific)
WHERE: Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) --
available in most markets
God is SO good!
half-way over, and ALREADY more cities are registered
than participated in the entire spring campaign!
For info, see:
http://www.40daysforlife.com/apply
*** And we just got word of an exciting development
that will help build on this momentum. ***
This Friday, a brand-new, world-premiere documentary
about 40 Days for Life -- filmed by an Emmy-award-
winning director -- will be airing in 128
million homes around the world!
It's the latest installment of "beingHUMAN," and it's
airing Friday on the EWTN global television network.
Watch previews:
http://www.beinghumanshow.com
Last fall, the first installment of this high quality,
documentary-style program, helped launch the first ever
national 40 Days for Life, and gained a "Telly Award"
for television excellence.
Now the second installment will air this Friday to help
launch the fall 40 Days for Life campaign.
This episode, "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II,"
interviews volunteers, national leaders, and former
abortionists on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hope
in communities across the nation.
It focuses on the stories and successes that prayer,
fasting, and peaceful vigil have accomplished through
40 Days for Life campaigns that have now spread across
the country and around the globe.
This show is a great opportunity to get people in your
community involved in this initiative.
Please spread the word to friends and family via email,
at your church using the pre-made bulletin inserts, and
encourage everyone you know to watch the show this
Friday, July 25, at 6:30 PM (Eastern).
Watch previews, see guests appearing on the show, and
download bulletin inserts:
http://www.beinghumanshow.com
WHAT: "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II"
DATE: Friday, July 25
TIME: 6:30 PM Eastern (3:30 PM Pacific)
WHERE: Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) --
available in most markets
God is SO good!
Parking issues for the Vigil
An email I received - very good information
Melaine,
Also, I had another visitor after Jan S. left and I was waiting about 10-minutes before the Meyer's showed up. It was a police officer that said he had just read the notarized injunction and it stated that we couldn't stand under the tree in the shade, we had to stand on the sidewalk or on the grass near the street. Also, he recommended that I move my car to the Steak & Shake parking lot across the street or it could be towed if the complaining business requests. I had walked in the parking lot a few times to distribute information to PP clients that had expressed an interest in the literature or had drove around near to me for the information. Supposedly, I am not allowed to do that either. I think what got their goat was my yelling across the parking lot, which I agree is rather annoying. If we could stand near the business, I wouldn't have to yell, but I guess we can stand on the sidewalk and just yell a little louder.
During the day I noticed employees from the clinic going over to the granite countertop company and then cops coming to the countertop company. Perhaps we can put them on our "no shopping" list. If a few Christian homebuilders knew what they were doing to support PP, I bet they could influence their behavior.
Anyhow... just wanted you to know that they claim that we're not allowed to park in the parking lot or walk in the parking lot to distribute literature. I think we have access to the sidewalk as you enter and exit the shopping center as opposed to just the far corner. The cop said that if you haven't received a copy of the injunction, you can contact PP to request a copy. Also, keep an eye out for the McKinney Courier - there should be an article regarding the protest efforts.
Melaine,
Also, I had another visitor after Jan S. left and I was waiting about 10-minutes before the Meyer's showed up. It was a police officer that said he had just read the notarized injunction and it stated that we couldn't stand under the tree in the shade, we had to stand on the sidewalk or on the grass near the street. Also, he recommended that I move my car to the Steak & Shake parking lot across the street or it could be towed if the complaining business requests. I had walked in the parking lot a few times to distribute information to PP clients that had expressed an interest in the literature or had drove around near to me for the information. Supposedly, I am not allowed to do that either. I think what got their goat was my yelling across the parking lot, which I agree is rather annoying. If we could stand near the business, I wouldn't have to yell, but I guess we can stand on the sidewalk and just yell a little louder.
During the day I noticed employees from the clinic going over to the granite countertop company and then cops coming to the countertop company. Perhaps we can put them on our "no shopping" list. If a few Christian homebuilders knew what they were doing to support PP, I bet they could influence their behavior.
Anyhow... just wanted you to know that they claim that we're not allowed to park in the parking lot or walk in the parking lot to distribute literature. I think we have access to the sidewalk as you enter and exit the shopping center as opposed to just the far corner. The cop said that if you haven't received a copy of the injunction, you can contact PP to request a copy. Also, keep an eye out for the McKinney Courier - there should be an article regarding the protest efforts.
Legal Issue's w/ PPE
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We have hit a bump in the road in relation to the prayer vigil at the
Planned Parenthood in McKinney. Planned Parenthood has gotten a legal 'power of attorney' document from the owner/manager of the strip center that prohibits us from being on the property for the purpose of prayer and Christian outreach. We do not know the owners name or what information he was given by PP in order for him to resort to this action.
For the time being, in order to abide by the law, we must now stand in the public right of way (on Eldorado). There are some draw backs to this position : of course, we now will not have limited contact with the PPE clients. Our efforts were obviously significant in order for them to go to the legal expense and effort to get this "limited power of attorney" from the land owner. The PPE has also cut their Saturday hours nearly in HALF. They are now closing at 2 PM !!!!
There are also positives - We can now draw more attention to the public witness. Our 'mission' has always been to PRAY the PPE out of McKinney, and to pray for an end to abortion. We could have chosen to pray anywhere, however we were called to pray at the location and hoped to be able to share the loving message of Jesus Christ. I stand firm in the belief that we are where we are supposed to be. I do think we have some changes to make now that we have been pushed back to Eldorado. One of my suggestions is that we might want to have signs to show what we are doing. Signs that say things like “Praying for LIFE” or “praying to end abortion”. I know this intimidates some people - and it will not be 'required', however I have also heard from many people who are up for the challenge. The ladies from Rheas Mill were on Eldorado this Monday - and several people stopped by asking to get involved!!! One even brought water!!!! This move may have been God's hand leading us where He wants us!!!
There are a few specific areas I would like to ask you to pray for:
o What is the best way to focus our efforts to accomplish our goal of pushing PP out of McKinney? We already know that PP is 'testing the waters' here in McKinney and wish to someday have an actual abortion clinic here in our town - if the community accepts them. We must send a strong message that we do not want this evil entity in our home town.
o Where do we go from here? Today the national 40 Days for Life organization is allowing communities to register to participate in the upcoming fall 40 DFL campaign. I have been part of the previous 2 vigils in Dallas - and I know this is a worthy place to spend our time, treasure, and talents. I believe McKinney should be in active in this fall campaign, and I believe a vigil should be help at the Planned Parenthood Express. There are several aspects to this type of vigil a) The cost is $197.00 - and we would have to have donations to cover that expense. b) we need a dedicated core group of volunteers to help organize it c) we might need to fundraise a little bit to get signs, etc….The deadline to register is July 29th. Please visit the website for more information www.40daysforlife.com and let me know if you are called to help with this effort.
o City wide outreach: Outreach is an aspect of the 40 DFL vigil, and should we choose to participate I have some ideas of a citywide outreach to businesses.
o Businesses near the PPE. Please pray for them and that Christ blesses them for allowing us to be on their property!!! Aside from praying for them, please patronize them whenever possible!! Ladies, most of us love a good pedicure - why not stop in there for one and tell them THANK you for their kindness!!!! Men, the nail salon gift certificates are a great gift!!!!
We only have a few days more left of public witness during this vigil, lets rally and finish off with awesome numbers of people praying!!! We still need help on these days:
Friday, July 18 from 1:30 - 5 PM at PPE (on Eldorado, of course)
Tuesday July 22 Noon - 7 PM
Thank you all - each and every one of you for you
God Bless,
Melaine Gutierrez
214.385.6823 cell
“100% Pro-life, Without Exception, Without Compromise, Without Apology.”
http://www.freewebs.com/mckinneyprayervigil/
http://40dayprayervigil.blogspot.com/
We have hit a bump in the road in relation to the prayer vigil at the
Planned Parenthood in McKinney. Planned Parenthood has gotten a legal 'power of attorney' document from the owner/manager of the strip center that prohibits us from being on the property for the purpose of prayer and Christian outreach. We do not know the owners name or what information he was given by PP in order for him to resort to this action.
For the time being, in order to abide by the law, we must now stand in the public right of way (on Eldorado). There are some draw backs to this position : of course, we now will not have limited contact with the PPE clients. Our efforts were obviously significant in order for them to go to the legal expense and effort to get this "limited power of attorney" from the land owner. The PPE has also cut their Saturday hours nearly in HALF. They are now closing at 2 PM !!!!
There are also positives - We can now draw more attention to the public witness. Our 'mission' has always been to PRAY the PPE out of McKinney, and to pray for an end to abortion. We could have chosen to pray anywhere, however we were called to pray at the location and hoped to be able to share the loving message of Jesus Christ. I stand firm in the belief that we are where we are supposed to be. I do think we have some changes to make now that we have been pushed back to Eldorado. One of my suggestions is that we might want to have signs to show what we are doing. Signs that say things like “Praying for LIFE” or “praying to end abortion”. I know this intimidates some people - and it will not be 'required', however I have also heard from many people who are up for the challenge. The ladies from Rheas Mill were on Eldorado this Monday - and several people stopped by asking to get involved!!! One even brought water!!!! This move may have been God's hand leading us where He wants us!!!
There are a few specific areas I would like to ask you to pray for:
o What is the best way to focus our efforts to accomplish our goal of pushing PP out of McKinney? We already know that PP is 'testing the waters' here in McKinney and wish to someday have an actual abortion clinic here in our town - if the community accepts them. We must send a strong message that we do not want this evil entity in our home town.
o Where do we go from here? Today the national 40 Days for Life organization is allowing communities to register to participate in the upcoming fall 40 DFL campaign. I have been part of the previous 2 vigils in Dallas - and I know this is a worthy place to spend our time, treasure, and talents. I believe McKinney should be in active in this fall campaign, and I believe a vigil should be help at the Planned Parenthood Express. There are several aspects to this type of vigil a) The cost is $197.00 - and we would have to have donations to cover that expense. b) we need a dedicated core group of volunteers to help organize it c) we might need to fundraise a little bit to get signs, etc….The deadline to register is July 29th. Please visit the website for more information www.40daysforlife.com and let me know if you are called to help with this effort.
o City wide outreach: Outreach is an aspect of the 40 DFL vigil, and should we choose to participate I have some ideas of a citywide outreach to businesses.
o Businesses near the PPE. Please pray for them and that Christ blesses them for allowing us to be on their property!!! Aside from praying for them, please patronize them whenever possible!! Ladies, most of us love a good pedicure - why not stop in there for one and tell them THANK you for their kindness!!!! Men, the nail salon gift certificates are a great gift!!!!
We only have a few days more left of public witness during this vigil, lets rally and finish off with awesome numbers of people praying!!! We still need help on these days:
Friday, July 18 from 1:30 - 5 PM at PPE (on Eldorado, of course)
Tuesday July 22 Noon - 7 PM
Thank you all - each and every one of you for you
God Bless,
Melaine Gutierrez
214.385.6823 cell
“100% Pro-life, Without Exception, Without Compromise, Without Apology.”
http://www.freewebs.com/mckinneyprayervigil/
http://40dayprayervigil.blogspot.com/
Here ye Here ye Read All About It!
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2008/07/18/mckinney_courier-gazette/news/mnews05.txt
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
