Welcome to Gaia! ::

As some of you may know, I left Gaia because I was feeling quite led in different direction. I have a very prolific blog, and I am happy with that level of internet participation.

However, I feel that I have something to offer the pro-life guild that is at least somewhat unique. I am a sidewalk counselor. That's right, I go to abortion clinics and pray and try to get women to change their minds about killing their children.

I have alot of stories, alot of sorrow, and alot of hope that I feel should be shared with all of you. Ask me any question you'd like, and I will answer. This will be my last thread, but I hope it will be helpful.

Forget everything you think you know about sidewalk counseling, have an open mind, and let me tell you about life at the clinic.

More women go in than leave. I believe it's probably about a 1:5 ratio of women leaving and staying. Last year the organization I work for had 500 women leave and ask for help/services, and about 300 more who simply left.

Although a good portion of women enter quickly and do not take information on the way in, almost all women take post-abortive information on the way out. I would say that of the 4/5 of women who actually enter the clinic, 90% accept help as they leave.

The information provided talks mostly about information on continuing a pregnancy. My group focuses on making sure pregnant women actually have the resources to raise their children. We give information about prenatal care, education, and housing. Our organization(Abby maternity services) is run by a social worker so we are very equiped to help these women. It is very obvious we are pro-life, though there are not posters or signs. There is a crisis pregnancy center next door to the clinic, and the women are told it is a pro-life center.

There is one escort, really more of a body gaurd. We don't talk to him anymore, but for quite some time he was pretty friendly with the pro-lifers. He went so far as to help one pro-life lady whose battery died. The clinic no longer allows him to intereact with us unless we come onto the clinic property. I have never seen this happen.

You can, divine. Pray. It really does help knowing that you have other people praying for the cause, and for the women entering the clinic. For those who aren't Christian, send your positive thoughts.

Thank you, but honestly, the prayer I pray daily is that it would no longer be necessary for me to go out there. I hate it, but I feel like someone has to be there...I just wish that wasn't true.

I'm conflicted as to whether I should try and join you or not. sweatdrop On one hand, that would be a good and solid help to the cause, on the other hand... That must be incredibly difficult, and I already have to take 18 credit hours each semester if I want to graduate in 3 years, and I have to get a paying job if I want to keep my car. sweatdrop

But regardless, I'm moving to Dallas. 3nodding Maybe I can at least help sometimes.

That's an amazing thing that you're doing Brooel, and I applaude you.

The only organisations around me are religious, so I'd be a hypocrit if I got involved, plus I don't think i've ever actually seen an abortion clinic.