Una película romántica

Hoy he hablado con una chica de la castidad, del sentido que tiene. Le he contado que la castidad no es cuestión de mentalidad anticuada, sino cuestión de amor.

Le he explicado que cuando alguien vive la castidad está amando al que será su futuro marido desde antes de conocerle. Se está reservando el regalo más grande que podemos dar, nuestra propia intimidad, para esa persona especial, para esa persona que estará toda la vida a su lado amándole en la “salud y en la enfermedad, hasta que la muerte les separe”. Le he dicho que no sólo es amar a su futuro marido, sino amarse a sí misma. Porque sabiéndose valiosa se daría cuenta de que no puede estar en manos de cualquiera.

Ella conforme me iba escuchando los ojos se le iban poniendo cada vez mas vidriosos y sus labios se tornaban en sonrisa. Hasta que me dijo: “Esto que me cuentas es la mejor película romántica”. Y es que el amor de verdad sabe respetar y esperar.

Woman Dies While Protecting Children

The Story of a Woman From Brooklyn

Maybe you heard this story a couple weeks ago when it made breaking news. A pregnant mother of 12 uses herself as a human shield to save three children when gunfire breaks out in front of their school. It is a tragic story but also incredibly heroic. She cared more for the lives of others than herself. That is really the message that I think comes out loud and clear. We all need to take that message to heart. It is at the core of what our work is about too. Women have really tough choices to make when they come to see us, but we try to show them how to find the meaning life: putting the lives of others before our own.

Sidewalk Counseling 101

My colleague Greg Webb and I were invited to speak at a pro life conference at Fordham University this month. It was an effective event. The purposes of Greg and I's presence was to inform the audience on how to "sidewalk counsel".

Many in the room didn't know what sidewalk counseling was, until I explained the basics of it. Sidewalk counseling is exactly what it's title states. You are located on the sidewalk, outside of an abortion clinic, where you attempt to counsel girls going in.

"Counseling" consists of actions taking place. This suggests the task is not passive,but active. You can't just stay in one spot of the sidewalk. You must move with the girl, and walk with her as she makes her way to the door.

It's essential to have some sort of pamphlet. This way, you are not just using verbal , but also photographic communication. Extend the paper out to her, so that she has something to hold onto while she waits in there. You are giving her something that has contact information for the help that she needs.

Always smile. Have an unavoidable peace that transcends from your facial expressions to your body movement that has her guessing, "what does this person have that I don't?" She will become curious as to what you have to say. This also helps her feel less threatened and less judged.

These were a few of the basic principles I taught at the seminar. It was a great audience. I would love to do it again sometime !



If you have any specific questions about sidewalk counseling, feel free to contact me via email: arsnyderDMB@gmail.com

Behind the Scenes

Like any well established work, there are lots of layers to this organization and what keeps it going. Can't forget prayer is always bedrock. Beyond that though, I've been able to meet a lot of the generous donors who support our organization over the past week and it's beautiful and refreshing to hear their insights on our work. They have hearts for the pro-life cause like we do, so they are participating in the way God has called them to, like we are. Some have had so many years of experience that it is lovely to learn from their wisdom. They increase our hope and our appreciation for the value of each and every little life we are all trying to save. Sometimes it's hard not to get bogged down by the darkness we are continually exposed to and so it's great to encounter lights such as these along the way.

NYC Public Schools Encourage Visits to Abortion Clinics?

This week I was able to speak with some other area pro-lifers and hear about the upcoming mandate of sex education in NYC Public Schools. It brings our work to a whole new level. With secular sex education, practice using condoms, visits to local abortion clinics to learn about services, and deliberate exposure to the contraceptive market, does it seem likely that we are going to see an increase in abortion bound women? Absolutely. And that is a tragedy. So, in continuity with our mission here, we are working to fight against this detrimental new idea as well.

For more details, you can find articles all over the place, like this one: Click Here.

Pray!!

EMC in Harlem

Recently I had the chance to attend a conference in Harlem.

New York City is attempting to implement an egregiously pro-contraception school curriculum. In it, middle school and high school students are recommended to attend abortion clinics and ask about their services and go to the pharmacy to catalog different types of condoms.

As a result there was a small conference intended to inform local pro-life leaders and help them to get out the word to their contributors, parishoners, or church-goers. Some of the key attendees were Dr. Alveda King, Reverend Faulkner, Reverend Clenard Childress, and of course our very own Christopher Slattery.

Lets let parents know how bad the new school sex-ed curricula will be!

40 days for life is ongoing!

All around the country for 40 days for life people are organizing in peaceful prayer. We at EMC are the organizers of this event in New York City and would love you to join us.

Contact us by email or phone or just come out and pray.

Perhaps the easiest time for you to come may be during the evening - we will be in the Bronx on Wednesdays at Dr. Emily's and Queens on Thursdays on Roosevelt Avenue. We'd be happy to have you - contact us for more information.

A Double Edged Sword

Mother Teresa told this story:

"I once picked up a woman from a garbage dump and she was burning with fever; she was in her last days and her only lament was: ‘My son did this to me.’ I begged her: You must forgive your son. In a moment of madness, when he was not himself, he did a thing he regrets. Be a mother to him, forgive him. It took me a long time to make her say: ‘I forgive my son.’ Just before she died in my arms, she was able to say that with a real forgiveness. She was not concerned that she was dying. The breaking of the heart was that her son did not want her. This is something you and I can understand."

There is a great brokenness inflicted on those who reject their loved ones and those who have been rejected. That is the kind of struggle and hurt we deal with on a daily basis. It is not about judgment, but as M. Teresa shows us, it is about encouraging the healing of this hurt as much as possible. We are not going to help anyone by pointing fingers and casting blame, only by hoping in forgiveness for acts committed by persons who were acting "not themselves" and as such have turned themselves into victims as well.

EMC Follows Through With Their Clientele

One of our strong willed clients Victoria recently had her baby in June. She was considering abortion, but chose against it. She is incredibly joyful and full of life now that M' Kayla Abigail is in her life.

She was living with her mother in Brooklyn. However, there was a lot of nonsense happening within the house that made it detrimental for little M' Kayla to stay there.

Finally, a push came to a shove when Victoria's mother kicked her out of the apartment.

She had no where to live.

That's when my colleague Greg Webb and I picked her up in Brooklyn and drove her to the South Bronx where a van was waiting for her to be taken to a home called Good Counsel in upstate New York.

She is living there now with little M' Kayla, away from the dangers of domestic threats.

We don't just encourage our clients to keep the baby or make an adoption plan and then become aloof. We follow through with each client as best we can to make sure they are getting the best and most help available. Please continue to pray for our founder and president Chris Slattery, and EMC. Thank you so much.

The Alleged Abortion Baby Is Now Living At 5 Months

This past May, a client come into EMC's Queens Pregnancy Center considering abortion. She had just moved here from South America and was 100% not planning on getting pregnant. She left SA due to a tragic stabbing attack. She wanted to come to a safer country. She now lives in NYC with her family.

Referring to the stabbing incident, she said, "I am still traumatized by what happened. I can't be pregnant. I need this abortion." I asked her, "Do you want to get an abortion?" Her response was, "Of course not, but I don't have a choice." I said, "No. See, it's the opposite. You do have a choice!"

I inquired where all her family was living to see if they could be within reach to help her with the pregnancy. I found out her mother and sister are still in South America.
She said, "My mom will be furious if she find out I am pregnant. I cannot tell her." I said, "Do you want me to tell her?" Surprised, yet relieved, she got out her phone card, dialed her mother's number, and I spoke with a woman living in South America about her daughter's pregnancy. What an interesting conversation! Her mother was not mad!

The young woman ended up lingering in the office for the next 2 hours. My fellow Intern John shared with us a true story about his sister's experience with an unexpected pregnancy and the rewards of perseverance. She so was moved by the story! It opened her eyes and helped her to choose LIFE for her precious child.

She is now 5 months pregnant and is overjoyed about her baby! On December 3rd I am teaming up with one of her best friends, to throw the best baby shower there could be! We want to make her feel secure and joyous about her decision to keep her baby. We want to celebrate her courage!

Unfortunately, the rest of the family is still having trouble adjusting to it. Her step dad is indifferent about it. Her mother and sister still are not sure it is the right thing to keep the baby. I am so proud of her, and she s proud of herself! Thank you for praying for EMC. God's hands are at work and alive.

Diocidencia II

Suena mi teléfono. Mi compañera me llama nerviosa. Volvía de la oficina. Iba haciendo el camino de siempre pero con más prisa de lo normal. Pasando por un puente se encontró con una chica mirando al frente. Siguió deprisa, pero algo le dijo que tenía que hablar con esa chica y regresó. La chica tenía la intención de suicidarse. Empezó a hablar con ella y llamó a la policía mientras que la sujetaba. Cuando llegó la policía la consiguió rescatar.

Ser próvida es amar la vida de todas las personas desde el primer momento hasta el último. Esta historia no es sino una manifestación más de las vidas que por “coincidencia” llegan a nuestras manos.

Diocidencia

El viernes pasado llegó una chica a una de nuestras oficinas. Venía con una compañera mía. Se habían encontrado en la puerta de una clínica abortista.

Después de hablar un poco con esta chica me dijo que a ella su cabeza le decía que tenía que abortar, pero que su corazón le decía que no. Ella es cristiana. Al salir de su casa para ir a su cita en la clínica se puso a rezar y a pedirle a Dios que si no iba a hacer bien con ese aborto que le mandara una señal. Ella esperaba que el taxi se estrellara o algo así. Nada de eso ocurrió. Llegó sana y salva a la clínica. Llegó a la vez que mi compañera pasaba por delante de la clínica camino a la oficina con su bicicleta. Mi compañera decidió hablar con ella desde la bicicleta, pero la chica no respondía. Esa no podía ser su señal. Mi compañera insistió y entonces reaccionó.

Cuando llegó a la oficina me dijo que había sido consciente de que eso no había sido una coincidencia. Dios le había demostrado que le iba a ayudar con ese bebé.

God's Beauty

We know God doesn't make junk, but we also know that so many people, especially women, struggle with feeling beautiful and valuable. In the Song of Songs, God inspires the author to write: "You are all-beautiful, my beloved, and there is no blemish in you." That is what we should be trying to communicate to the women we meet in everything we do. Because if she really believes and understands that, then her whole life will be changed very quickly.

A Father's Role In A Woman's Pregnancy Is Everything

This past Friday, I gave a pregnancy test to a client who came to our center in Manhattan. Her test was positive. She is a very sweet natured girl. She is currently enrolled in school. She lives with her family, whom she loves very much.

She is close to her siblings, mother, and father. Obviously, she is a very family oriented kind of person.

Only because I possess a gift to read body language well, I was able to detect a spectacular joy that overcame her when she learned she was pregnant. It was subtle, but it was there. However, once I started discussing her probable due date, reality set in.

Her biggest obstacle with having the baby isn't lack of money, isn't disapproval from the parents, and isn't fear of failure to complete school. It's the father.

Everytime I mentioned his name or his effect on the pregnancy, her hands grabbed onto the chair handles, her back became tense, and she abruptly blurted out the sentence, "but I'm not having this baby" while shaking her head 'no'. I don't know the history between the 2, but clearly there's hurt.

I gave her a sonogram appointment at our office in Brooklyn for next week. Please continue to pray for her. I know she wants this child and so does her family.

Dr. Emily's - A strange place

One of the most unexpected interesting things about sidewalk counseling is all of the interesting people you get to meet.

One of the more outlandish woman I met was a person escorting her friend for an abortion. She had come outside for one reason or another and we struck up a conversation.

Of course I believe that demons are actively involved at Dr. Emily's, but very rarely does a woman openly confess to me that she is a lesbian in her fifties and had even experimented with eccentric pagan practices like wearing a goat's head. Yes, a goat's head.

Of course nothing really surprises me, like the man who went on a 15 minute rant on how our political and economic system is the reason for all of societal ills. When I mentioned that in my opinion human freedom had something to do with it - he replied that one needs only to look at Cuba to find utopia. Right, Cuba.

Sometimes a little levity can go a long way, and I am grateful that doing my very serious job I have the opportunity to have conversations and meet people of all different flavors.

40 días de oración por la vida

El pasado 28 comenzó la vigilia de oración por la vida que vamos a vivir durante 40 días. Desde EMC la estamos viviendo desde la puerta de clínicas abortistas. El primer día estaba con una de las compañeras rezando en voz alta frente a una de estas clínicas en Queens. Yo tenía el rosario en la mano y ella un letrero que decía “40 días de oración por el fin del aborto”. Era sorprendente como la gente nos miraba y asentía con la cabeza o incluso se paraban a preguntarnos como se podían unir a nosotros. Un caso simpático fue el de un chico que nos observaba mi rosario tras el cristal de la cafetería y cuando vio que yo le miraba a los ojos me enseño la cruz que tenía colgando del cuello a modo de apoyo y me sonrió. Esta experiencia me hizo dar cuenta de que no estamos solos y como la oración nos une a todos en un mismo propósito. Me hizo dar cuenta de que en realidad sólo unos cuantos quieren el aborto y que la oración es el mejor megáfono para hacernos escuchar. Me hizo reafirmarme en que todos unidos en Dios y por medio de Él podemos poner fin al aborto.

Good news!

My first experience of working in one of the pregnancy centres was very positive. Of all the clients that came in wanting an abortion, all but one changed their minds. I find it very hard to believe that they are so unaware of the dangers and devastating effects of abortion. The first client that I spoke to was just about to turn 18, she said that she wanted an abortion because she was scared about what her family might say, and felt that she wasn’t ready to become a mother. As soon as we began to talk about the abortion procedure, it was evident that she didn’t have any genuine knowledge. Women are led to believe that having an abortion just involves going into a clinic and ’having it done’, ( I hear this so much) as though they were going for an appointment at a hair dressing salon. The moment the client had her ultrasound and saw her baby, she began to cry and said, ‘My baby! I can hear its heart beating’. She changed her mind within minutes and couldn’t wait to show her sister the picture of the baby. I was so moved by this experience. If one client can change her mind within such a short time, that surely tells us something - they need to be told the truth! EMC is telling the truth, saving lives and I’m seeing it first hand!

Chiara

I feel greatly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work for EMC over the next couple of months - apparently I'm the first British intern too! I met Chris Slattery by chance whilst at World Youth Day in Madrid, and wanted to get involved as soon as I heard about this incredible organisation.

It is so important that women are taught the truth about abortion and realise not only how precious they are, but the lives of their unborn children aswell. Everyone should experience real, sincere love in their lives; EMC offers this to women. It encourages them to believe in themselves and realise their value and capabilities. It's an honour to work with them and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.

JOY TURNS SORROWFUL: A SAVE LOSES HER BABY

Many people read the post I had written recently about one of the most sensational experiences at an abortion clinic I ever had: there was a rush to the emergency room, a barely conscious woman, and what was a happy ending.

However, tragically, this woman ended up losing her baby. The baby had caught an infection which is one of the major risks of of removing the laminaria sticks and keeping the baby. Of course, in many instances the baby will be okay, but unfortunately this was not the case.

When Jowell saw the woman who had just delivered her deceased baby, neither could hold back the tears. The woman even requested to hold her baby, and was allowed to do so. Even though the sorrow was great, she had a peace about her decision to keep amidst a tumultuous pregnancy.

As I reflect and pray about this story I can't help but think that even though this story ended in tragedy, at least it ended with a mother holding her baby, and that makes it worth all the effort in the world.

A New Catholic Understanding The Traditional Rosary. And It's Beautiful

The history of the Rosary fascinates me.

I just converted from being a Protestant all my life to Catholicism.

The journey I went on to get there was exciting and is still adventurous in its own spectacular way.



There is a variety of ways to look at the history of the Rosary. Here are a few:

Paul of Thebes (234 to 347) is said to have recited 300 Our Fathers each day, counting them by shifting pebbles from one pile to another. The objective in mind was to "pray without ceasing". The Irish monks used to sing the 150 Psalms, dividing into three groups of 50. In the 11th century, the Hail Mary rose in popularity.

In the 15th century, the Dominican Alan de la Roche suggested to meditate on the Incarnation during the recitation of the first 50 Hail Marys; on the Passion during the second; and on the Resurrection, Ascension, and Glorification during the third.

The most recent development in the history of the Rosary is the addition of five more mysteries: the Mysteries of Light or Luminous Mysteries, by Pope John Paul II. They were added in the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae on October 16th 2002. That date is rapidly approaching us now !

40 Days for Life has already begun. It's the event that hundreds are doing around the globe, seeking to end abortion.

Whatever city, state, or country you are in, find an abortion clinic, stand on the outside of the legal lines, and pray. For me, the Rosary is what I will be meditating on. Cheers.

Encountering My Abortion Bound Client On The Busy Streets of NY: No Coincidence

On Friday, I had a client in the Manhattan office who wanted an abortion. She is in her first trimester and has a career all planned out. "A baby doesn't fit in the plan right now" she told me, with her boyfriend shaking his head 'yes' in agreement beside her.

At the end of the counseling, I brought them both in to talk about the matters at stake. Her words seemed so sure that she wanted an abortion, but her body language looked uneasy, uncomfortable, and unsure. I brought that to her attention to tell her, "you really don't want the abortion for yourself though. Do you . " She just looked at me. No words. Her boyfriend felt sick and had to excuse himself to the bathroom.

Here are 2 wonderful, full of life, young people with the world at their feet, who both think it will be a "better" decision to terminate their own child. They legitimately think it's what they "have" to do. And yet, all the while it's not at all what they want.

Moving on, I went to mass at Church of Our Saviour this past Sunday. Afterwards, I was doing a little bit of shopping in that area. I walked out of one of the stores, and guess who was right there on the sidewalk? Of all the places in the city, of all the milliseconds of the minutes of the hours of time in our day, I ran into the boyfriend. I couldn't believe it.

I walked up to talk to him. I told him " you know this is not just a coincidence right ?" He agreed. I told him if he and his girlfriend changed their minds, I would still be here.

I prayed a whole rosary on the way home on the train. I prayed over and over for the baby, for the boyfriend, and for the mother. If you would, please also pray for this couple. Thank you .

New York City

There were so many wonderful experiences as I spent a week in New York. Seven days that I hope to remember for ever. The first full day I was there I went to one of the EMC centers in the Bronx. There I met Liz who counseled three girls in the time I was there. All of these three young ladies had a different story and they all wanted to terminate their pregnancy. Liz's main objective is to let women know what an abortion is and the consequences of it. I had the privilege of sitting in while she talked to them and showed them videos that showed abortion procedures and explained the many consequences of it. I had this same experience when I visited another one of the EMC centers in Queens. This day, we had many more clients -about seven when I was there. Again, young women with different stories and with the same objective. Here I also got to sit in as Greg and Jowell talked to them. I have a lot of respect for these two young men; they listen, talk, support and give hope to women that are in a desperate situation. While I was at the EMC centers I did intakes, which allowed me to talk to the young ladies coming in and I learned a little more about their life and current circumstances. I was very sad to see that all of these women were young, hispanic and Catholic. What a tragedy. Every time I asked what their religion was and as they answered "Catholic" my heart would break.

Later I understood, more than ever, that women do not turn to abortion because they want to, but because they see it as their only way out and secondly, because they just do not know what an abortion is. They don't know that abortion has many physical, mental and spiritual consequences. Young women are led to believe that abortion because is legal, is a normal procedure, that there is nothing wrong with it and that their problems will be quickly resolved thanks to having it. This is a lie. A lie that pregnancy centers work to unmask. This is why most women walk out of pregnancy centers with a changed heart. What side walk and pregnancy center counselors do is speak the truth about the evil of abortion and encourage women to choose light, to choose life even if it's the harder choice. So often the right thing is the hardest thing to do. But is also the only choice that brings peace and joy. If people knew what an abortion really is, very few would remain pro-choice.

I felt God's presence the entire time I was there. He knew the desires of my heart and he took me on an adventure where I enjoyed every single minute of it. He granted my desire to go see Andrea Bocelli live in Central Park, but not only that, he added Celine Dion and Tony Bennett to the list! There was nothing like sitting in Central Park, listening live to Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion as they sang "The Prayer" on a lovely chili evening in New York City. Also, what are the chances of me running into a Mexican parade in New York City? I mean, there a lot of spanish-speaking people in NYC but very few Mexicans. Before I ran into the parade I had only met one Mexican person during my trip. And just like that, out of no where, I was surrounded by hundreds of "mis paisanos" with Mexican flags and shouting "Viva Mexico!". It was great. Later that evening turned into one of the best days thanks to the company of Marnee and Manolo. God really spoiled us that day with good chai tea, great weather, great view, free coffee, free kayaking, free tango lessons and a BBQ gathering with Manolo's friends from Berlin.

My time there ended with a lovely night where Chris took us out to dinner in Little Italy. Most of the team was there. The people there are truly amazing, there was an immediate connection I felt as if I had known them for a very long time. Again that night, God spoiled me with Italian food at an Italian restaurant with good wine and good friends. A perfect way to end my trip in this lovely city.

I hope this is the first of many visits to this city.

I want to thank Chris and the whole team in NYC that fight every day to end abortion. My prayers will always be with you.

40 Days for Life - Be a Part of the Witness

We have started a new 40 Days for Life campaign and I am very excited. This year we've decided to include a vigil from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at abortion facilities in the Bronx and Queens.

Praying at abortion facilities is nothing new to me, but I had an exceptional experience at Dr. Emily abortion facility in the South Bronx at our candle-lit vigil, praying as the sun went down. Something about being there when the clinic is closed changes the perspective, and allows the individual an opportunity to focus on the witness and prayer aspect of the ministry.

Along with only a handful of people, we prayed continuously all four Mysteries of the rosary, and were only interrupted briefly by rainfall that lasted only one or two minutes, during the period of time that we were meditating on the Crucifixion (go figure).

I am grateful for this experience because it has really rejuvinated me - hopefully next time however we get more folks out!

option of ad-option

She came today for second day. She wanted to speak to the father of the unborn baby to clear the situation of their relationship. She was really surprise: like an ostrich don't confront the lyon and hide its head in a hole, he didn't want to see the sonogram of his own child!

After have seen, that she won't reckon in the future with his help and preoccupate to last more her sister, she felt much more insecurity and fear. As natural consequence of this she was decided to abort her child, despite have understood (and seen!) what is an abortion.

In this moment I spoke to her about adoption. Her first and quickly reaction was: - I can't do this! And mine: - so, you can't put your child under the protection a couple who is loving him, but you can kill him?! I know, this words were very crude (she broke in tears a long while) and I apologize me for this, but she realized how contradictory her maternal feelings were by the situation.

in the street

A few days ago I was informing the pedestrian about EMC's services i Queens. At the same time I asked them what do they think about abortion. Most of them (over 95%) were against it!

It was specially interesting to converse with Antonio, a robust mexican man. At the beginning he was defending the abortion for girls who are still too young (he could not decide which age, 13? 15?). Slowly the conversation became more and more personal. And in a moment two tears began to flow down in his row and hard face while he explained me how his mother had two abortions before he was born. It was his father who was punching his mother at this time (!).

It was the first time he told someone how much he miss his unknown brothers. And after hugging me he promised me to help every woman, who would think to abort her child.