"When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John 8:10-11
I was reading a book that belonged to my Mother called All Things Are Possible Through Prayer. Chapter 6 is called Prayer and Peace of Mind. The Author says this, "I know a man who habitually brought his problems home with him at night. He talked about his troubles at the dinner table, brooded over them during the evening hours, took them to bed to keep him company during his troubled sleep. One night, as he turned off the sidewalk to the steps of his home, he hit upon a plan. "Tonight," he said, "I am leaving all my worries here on the steps. I'll pick them up in the morning." Now, to do something like that requires a lot of metal discipline, but it can be done! That night he enjoyed dinner, he found his family so much better companions; he even slept better. But the best part he explained was the next morning, when he picked up his troubles as he walked down the steps, he found they were not nearly so heavy, and some of them were gone entirely!
Instead of on the doorstep, there are some worries we need to leave to leave with God, at the foot of the cross. Study these words carefully ...
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
If there is one message people need today, it is the message of the forgiveness of sins! We do not need to be told of our sins; we already know about them. The author went on to say, A woman called me today to say she was 63 years old, sick and soon to die. Before she died she had to get something settled. She took $10.00 that did not belong to her when she was 20 years old. Imagine carrying that burden of guilt for 43 years for only $10.00!!!
I loved the stories the author told, this book was printed in 1958 and so many of us are still doing the same thing. We concentrate on our problems, instead of turning to our Heavenly Father who can heal our brokenness. We dwell on our fears instead of our Faith. We stew over our sins instead of seeking repentance of them and receiving the forgiveness our Father freely gives to us. Why do we make something so difficult for ourselves, when God has made it so perfectly easy?
Remember this verse when you are in a valley. Remember that Jesus loves you and He gave His life so that we could live eternally with Him. He has paid it all. Have a great day, encourage someone in the name of the Lord today. Love, Tracy
I wrote a few days ago about how many of the couples in our churches that are having marital problems can, with the right prompting, trace those troubles back to an abortion for one or both people involved. In addition to the intimacy issues, sexual dysfunctions, sexual addictions, infidelity, unforgiveness, etc. discussed in the recent entry, following are some other red flags to watch for:
Depression
Intense anger
Suicide ideation or attempts
Eating disorders
Drug or alcohol addiction (or increased usage)
Cutting
If three or more of these red flags are present, ask them if there is an abortion in their past. You may feel that some of these things are "average, everyday" problems that people in our modern society deal with, and that to pursue the possibility of abortion would be to travel down a rabbit trail. While these symptoms can be common to other sources of pain, many of the "average, everyday" problems people experience do indeed originate with an abortion. Don't be afraid to ask. But before you ask, make sure you are prepared to do so with compassionate understanding and a willingness to be an instrument of healing in their lives.
To learn more about this topic, write to us at staff@inourmidst.com. We are here to serve you for His glory.
 Philadelphia, PA (LifeNews.com) -- New details are emerging in a case in which a Pennsylvania man is charged with killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Local authorities say Stephen Poaches, the father of the baby, has admitted to killing his girlfriend, LaToyia Figueroa, because she refused to have an abortion.
Stories like the one above seem to be occurring at an alarming rate.
One myth about abortion is that it is "a woman's choice." Sure, sometimes it is her choice and she makes it entirely on her own. But many times women choose abortion because of pressures from the baby's father. Because abortion has been so accepted by our society and because the repercussions of abortion have been so minimized, many men believe it is as inconsequential as a trip to the dentist. When weighed against the seemingly greater consequence of fatherhood, child support payments, etc., these men can be quite adamant that their girlfriend or wife abort when the timing of the pregnancy does not suit them.
LaToyia Figueroa chose to keep her baby in spite of her boyfriend's demand that she have an abortion. LaToyia Figueroa died as a result.
...A woman's choice indeed....
Click here to read the full story.
Timken High School in Canton, Ohio reported today that of 490 female students, 65 are pregnant. While this is shocking, the most incredible part of it all is the response of the school officials... "School officials are not sure what has caused so many pregnancies, but in response to them, the school is launching a three-prong educational program to address pregnancy, prevention and parenting." Excuse me? They're not sure what has caused so many pregnancies? Sooooo, if they don't know what causes them, how in the world are they going to educate others in such a way as to prevent them?
There was no word on the number of abortions.
It's enough to make one go hmmmmmmm.
Click here to read the full story on the Canton pregnancies....
A Dream for those
Suffering in Silence in the Church
by Greg Hasek
 One day I decided to take a blanket and book to my favorite spot overlooking a meadow of wildflowers. There I sat. The smell of buttercups and fresh cut grass seemed to drift past me in the breeze. I had decided that while I relaxed, I would read the new book I had just bought on post abortion healing. It was not long though that my eyes grew weary and I found myself drifting to sleep.
I began to dream. There I saw myself walking into this big church. It was the same church I had gone to for so many years but something seemed different this time. The inside of the church seemed much brighter and warmer than I remember. There were children playing and a peace and love that seemed to fill the air. I continued to walk down the aisle closer to the front. I stopped and could not believe what I saw. There to my right was a table. Men and women sat at the table across from each other. They looked as though they were giving communion to each other. I looked to my left and there was the pastor saying in a quiet voice to the congregation, “We welcome those hurt by abortion to the table. Men and Women come.” I suddenly noticed tears in the pastor’s eyes. As if we were the only ones there, I came to the pastor and said, “What’s wrong?” “What’s happening?” He looked at me as tears dripped down his face and said, “ For too long I have ignored those hurt by abortion in this church. I was always worried about what people would think. I am so sorry. Forgive me.  I want this church to be a place where post abortive men and women come heal together. That when they walk in those doors, they will know they are welcome and accepted and will find a place of healing.” As he said this I could feel God’s grace like I never felt it before. I looked again to my right. Those at the communion table were men and women who have experienced abortion. They were offering forgiveness and love in Jesus name. They told me to come and join them. I began to cry as they offered me the bread and then the wine. They were hugging, crying, men and women. I knew something special was happening.
I felt the rain upon my face and I suddenly awoke. I had to remind myself I was only dreaming. I noticed I had been crying. I went back to reading the book about why churches are so resistant to reaching out to post abortive men and women. As I read, the dream seemed to fade into my memory at least for now.
Greg Hasek MA/MFT LPC is Executive Director of Misty Mountain Family Enrichment Center in Oregon and Washington. He specializes in working with post abortive issues and has a real passion for post abortive men and couples. He currently is developing new programs and curriculum for post abortive men and couples. Misty Mountain is in the process of building a retreat center in Washington State where couples will come for healing of post abortive issues in a retreat center experience.
[Reprinted by permission]
Many churches and parachurch organizations spend countless hours and resources trying to help people have biblically strong marriages by teaching them to improve communication and resolve conflicts, etc. But with all these seminars and marriage retreats the divorce rate among Christians continues to be just as high as it is for non-Christians. While most of these programs offer sound advice and practical applications, and are well worth the price of admission, I can't help but wonder if what we're missing isn't something along the lines of an unresolved abortion experience.
Two of the symptoms of post-abortion syndrome are (1) disruption in interpersonal relationships and (2) sexual disturbances. Many of the couples that experience sex and intimacy problems, intense anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness within their marriages can, with proper counsel, trace those symptoms back to an unresolved abortion experience.
If you regularly counsel couples struggling with sexual dysfunctions such as avoidance of sex or sexual addictions, or if there are obvious signs of intimacy issues or areas of intense anger or bitterness between them, ask if there is an abortion in their past, either together as a couple, or individually prior to marriage. These symptoms can be caused by other events of course, but many times abortion is the culprit. Either way, if they are coming to you for help the best thing you can do is ask them the tough questions that may help to reveal the root causes of their problems. Then, if either or both of them have experienced an abortion, compassionately walk with them through the healing process.
If you are interested in learning more about compassionate, Christ-centered abortion recovery, please contact us at staff@inourmidst.com.
I'll be the first to admit it. It is tough keeping the main thing the main thing. No matter how dedicated, how devoted, how passionate we are about keeping our priorities straight, the natural course of our lives is often in complete conflict with our priorities. It's that way at home. It's that way at work. And even when your work is "ministry," it's that way there too.
I've seen it time after time with pastors, ministers, ministry workers, and church leaders. Many of us have gone into ministry because that is God's call on our lives or because that is the passion He has given us -- or both. And when we begin the work of ministry, we are on fire, gung-ho, and radically devoted to the ministry at hand.
We want to impact lives for Christ. We want to see souls won in Jesus' name. We want to see the hopeless find hope and the hurting find healing. But in the course of the daily grind, we find ourselves buried under mounds of paperwork and ever-growing "to do" lists, and inundated with phone calls from committee chairmen and department heads. Everyone has a need. Everyone has their own priority.
This group needs a room to meet in. That group needs an announcement in the Sunday bulletin. Other groups need copies made, extra chairs, donuts and coffee. And the list goes on. And suddenly, what should be about ministry becomes a scramble to locate things and shuffle words and scrape up supplies. Oh, I know. All these "things" need to be done so that ministry can take place in these areas, and that's fine. However, when aerobics classes and cartoons take priority over meeting people at the point of their need with the love, truth, and hope of Christ...well, that is a problem.
I don't mean to sound critical here. As I said, I'm just as guilty as the next person of getting distracted by details or side-tracked by drudgery. I needed to be reminded today to keep my own priorities in place. Maybe you needed that reminder as well. Whatever we do today, let's be sure we're doing it for the right reason and for the right Person.
"Whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...."
Colossians 3:17 NASB
 This one speaks for itself.... Click on the link, then click on "Video" in the sidebar on the right. Finally, click on "RealMedia" under the title: I Should've Been Your Hero. You will need RealPlayer to play it. (It took a while for this site to load....Just be patient. It's worth the wait!)
This video has been out several years, and if memory serves me, the man that plays the father was actually a post-abortive dad, and his child would've been about the age of the boy in the video.
This one is for all those dad's that should've been heroes...that wish they had been heroes....
Props and kudos to Project Grace for this quality production that so beautifully depicts the dad's side of the story.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what
God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
The Lord says - Get ready to be amazed! There are some days where we are so low in the valley that we can't "feel" what God is doing in our lives, maybe we even feel that He has left us - but never lose faith. The Lord is always with you. Everything, including the valley, the destruction in our lives - everything, happens for a reason. It may be to reveal sin in our lives. Or maybe to show us that the valley is deep, but the Love of Jesus Christ is deeper! Each circumstance can be used to draw us closer to the Lord and help us to realize many things about the life we lead.
Study the Word of God. Ask the Lord to show you what changes can be made in your own life (rather than trying to change others) to bring you closer to Him and help you in your daily walk. Even in our most wonderful thoughts I don't think we can comprehend what awaits us. God is good......all the time!
I love you all, have a nice day today - share a word of testimony of what God has done in your life!
Love, Tracy
Beginning today In Our Midst will be reprinting devotions written by Tracy Beckham, a gifted devotional writer. Tracy brings the truth of Scripture to light with warmth, compassion, and an understanding of what it means to walk with Jesus on this difficult path upon which we have been called to travel. I pray Tracy's devotions bless you as much as they have blessed me over the past few months.
Many thanks to Tracy for sharing her inspiring and encouraging words with us here at In Our Midst!
--------------------------------
Hearing What God Has to Say to Your Heart
"But now, this is what the Lord says, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I AM THE LORD, YOUR GOD, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom. Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you. and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:1-5
When I am feeling down, and I am facing a valley - one of my favorite verses to read is Isaiah 43. It just reminds me how much God loved the world and the sacrifice He made on my behalf.
I love this verse because here is what it says to me ... I am your Lord, your loving God, I will save you from harm. You are precious to me and I love you! Do not be afraid - I am always with you. You are my own dear child whom I have created for Glory. Even if you walk through trials and you will face valleys, you will not be harmed - because I am always with you!
Even if you question and say how can God love me that much? One translation says, "The Lord answers, can a mother forget her own child? Can she refuse to love the child she bore? No, Yet even if she could forget, I [God] will never forget you. I have written your name on the palm of my hand and I will bring you home one day."
That is awesome. Remember this verse. I hope it touches your heart today and you realize that Jesus loves you whole-heartedly. From the top of your head to the edge of your toes. Pray that He meets you where you are today and you are reminded of just how much He loves you. I pray that His Word touched your heart and gives you a desire to seek His Word for direction in your life today. I pray that you have a desire to read The Bible more each day. …Have a nice day today.
Love, Tracy
 In Our Midst has been "official" since around March 18th of this year. She's still a "baby," but this baby is learning and growing every day!
Media Exposure
Since March, we have sent two press releases out on the news wires. As a result In Our Midst has been highlighted by numerous Christian ministries and has been featured on a variety of web news reports. We have also been interviewed by several Christian news programs and talk shows, some which are nationwide.
Networking
Over the past few months we have networked with other Christian ministries and churches literally from coast to coast, and we have found many "soul mates" with similar goals and common passions along the way. Ministries, churches, and individuals from Florida to South Carolina to Illinois, Oregon, California, and Saskatoon, Canada have encouraged us and confirmed this journey we have begun.
 SafeHaven Ministries, Inc. remains our strongest ally, but we have made new friends and associations with others as well: CareNet, A.R.I.N., Women of Faith, and Misty Mountain Retreat Center to name a few. We cherish and highly esteem these friends, both old and new, as wonderful gifts from our God.
We have also developed our first ministry brochure which details what In Our Midst is about. If you would like a brochure -- to give to your pastor or pregnancy care center, or for your own information -- simply contact us and we will be happy to send that out to you free of charge.
Upcoming Events
September marks some other firsts for In Our Midst. I will begin teaching a four-week class on compassionate abortion recovery at Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma the second week in September, and In Our Midst will join SafeHaven for a two-day post-abortion recovery training conference in Rock Hill, South Carolina beginning on September 30th. (We will have online registration available for the Rock Hill conference soon. Please check back if you're interested in attending.)
 We are also joining with three pregnancy care centers (Foothills Pregnancy Care Center, Piedmont Women's Center, and York County Pregnancy Center) and SafeHaven for South Carolina's annual Ride 4 Life to be held in 2006. (Look for more details to follow in the months ahead!)
Staff and Finances
It's hard to call Anita Dost "staff." Anita is more like a full-fledged partner in this ministry. She possesses the same calling and passion for the church and the abortion-affected suffering silently within her walls. She has tireless energy and abundant enthusiasm, and is always quick to remember where her strength and sufficiency come from. In all honesty, I don't know where In Our Midst would be without her. She is truly a gift from God!
Anita came on staff officially in May, and takes an embarrassingly small paycheck for the enormous contribution she makes to this ministry. Even so, she gives all she has to the calling God has placed on her life.
As for finances, we began this ministry with an adequate nest-egg for the start-up costs, but those funds are dwindling rapidly. Up to this point we have been mostly privately funded, and will continue to operate in this manner as long as God provides. We believe that where God calls, He also equips. If you feel God has laid this ministry on your heart or if you would like to contribute financially, you may do so via PayPal or by sending a personal check or money order to us. Because In Our Midst is a non-profit 501c-3 corporation, all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Also, because this ministry is growing we are planning to add another person to the payroll for general office work. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done with the minimal staff we currently have -- which is a good thing! It is proof that we are growing! However, unless a volunteer surfaces, we will offer an hourly wage for these services, which will further deplete our current resources. However, please know that our dependence is on our God to replenish these resources. We trust that He will provide, by whatever means He chooses. :)
Prayer Support and Quarterly Newsletters
Beyond our need for financial support, we need prayer support! If you would like to be an ongoing prayer partner for this ministry please contact us at staff@inourmidst. Specific prayer requests and praises are sent out weekly via email, usually with a brief update on the activities of the ministry. We welcome all the prayer support we can get!
Also, if you would like to receive an occasional In Our Midst newsletter update via email, please send your name and email address to staff@inourmidst.com. Our plan is to begin sending out email newsletters quarterly, beginning in October. You won't want to miss these updates!
In Closing...
As I look back over the past year and see all that God has done through In Our Midst I stand amazed! And as I look ahead to where He is taking us, I am even more in awe.... What a privilege it is to have been chosen by God Himself to work in this much-needed ministry field. We are grateful beyond words for this assignment and as such, our greatest desire is to serve you accordingly. Please let us know how we can serve you...for His glory.
But when he sees his children,
the work of My hands, in his midst,
They will sanctify My name;
Indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob
And will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Isaiah 29:23 NASB
From my heart to yours,
In Jesus,
Mary Comm
President and Founder
In Our Midst Ministries, Inc.
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