In recent days, a series of undercover videos have been released which appear to show that Planned Parenthood has been in the business of harvesting the remains of aborted babies for parts to sell to biomedical research companies, in violation of federal and state laws.  The most recent video, the fourth, was perhaps the most horrific one yet, with the VP of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains not only expressing her concerns over being discovered for selling these human body parts, but also expressing an unnerving jocularity regarding the dismemberment of these deceased babies.  No less a supporter of full and unrestricted access to abortion, at any time and for any reason, than Camille Paglia has clearly and unequivocally expressed her disdain with Planned Parenthood, an organization of which she is a former member.  When someone of her status on the ideological Left publicly makes such a statement, one can reasonably label the situation as dire for Planned Parenthood (somehow, I doubt that there will be any lament about this among our congregation!).

If you are anything like me, these reports have stirred up a host of reactions and emotions.  Disbelief, anger, grief, horror…each cascading over the other and often blending together.  In the face of such great evil (and let’s be clear on this:  if all Planned Parenthood did was perform abortions, it would be evil – but these actions elevate the degree of wickedness and depravity), we are tempted to fall into despair, yet to do so is to declare that God is not sovereign in His creation.  While it is difficult to reconcile the existence of such evilness with God’s rule, we must take refuge in the certainty of God’s Word which declares Him to be in utter and complete control (1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Job 42:2; Romans 8:28).

Yet at the same time, we must be voices of justice, speaking out for those who have no voice (Proverbs 31:8; Amos 5:24).  I am thankful for the voice of this church in this matter.  God provided us with an opportunity to be part of the establishment of Alternatives of Battle Creek, a ministry that has been a godly influence in the lives of many here in our community and that is growing in that influence each and every month (by the way, please remember to bring some baby items to the church picnic for Alternatives).  We have members who have served as members of the original Vision Team, who are currently serving on the Board, and who faithfully contribute financially to this ministry.  We have been blessed to see the Planned Parenthood of Battle Creek essentially shut down.  Brothers and sisters, now is not the time to rest on our laurels.  The battle continues, and let us remember we are not wrestling against flesh and blood; that is to say, let’s not become distracted by the people who are involved in this demonic industry and instead focus on the demonic influences themselves (Ephesians 6:10-20).  By God’s grace, we can see an end to the sacrificing of children at the altar of our personal convenience.  Will you resolve to pray daily for God’s forgiveness of our nation, for the boldness of believers to speak the truth in love on this issue, and for the end of this travesty?  I normally end these notes with “Just something to think about…”, but I’m counting on you to do more than just thinking about praying along these lines; I’m counting on you to be the prayer warriors I know you to be.