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Saturday, November 16, 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019
My Sister’s Eulogy
At three months old Janet was enrolled at the University of Miami Debbie School at the Mailman Center for Child Development. My mom worked at the Mailman Center as well. During this time, she started a support group called PODS (Parents of Downs Syndrome) where she held monthly meetings to help parents navigate the challenges of special needs kids. Over the years, my mom estimates 1,500 families were served by PODS. Later my mom came to work at the Association for Retarded Citizens where she worked in administration, information and referral and guardianship until she retired a few years ago. Her life's work was helping children like Janet and their parents.
When my sister was three, she enrolled at the Marian Center in Opa Locka where they taught her basic skills, socialization, art, music and even partook in Christmas plays. It was around this time that my sister's mischievous personality set in. Marian Center was run by nuns and one of the things Janet liked to do was run and be chased. The nuns, in their habits, would chase her all over the school until they caught her and Janet would just laugh. She was so quick on her feet, a virtual whirlwind that I actually nicknamed her the Tasmanian devil! With a wry smile and twinkling eyes it was hard to get mad at her. She had so much fun being naughty! One time I remember her taking a marker and decorating our nice yellow couch. When my dad or her caretakers took her shopping she would dart under the racks or slip away to the hide in the lady's room. In her adult years she was no longer fast but she became sneaky! When no one was around she could do a quick raid of the fridge and secretly eat a gallon of ice cream or a Hitachi full of rice! My mom, finding the empty pot on the floor, would call me so upset but I would just laugh. Janet's joy in life was food. She also liked to embarrass my parents by belching quite loudly in public places. They would reprimand her of course, but she would just laugh in her knowing way and let out another big burp.
After the age of 8, Janet left Marian Center and attended Olympia Heights Elementary and then Rivera Junior High. Each had Special Ed programs. She graduated high school and transferred to RTK Activity Center for adults where she would work on an assembly line. After three years, Janet retired and was happiest at home. One of the things that made this possible was a program called CDC through the Agency of Persons with Disabilities (APD). My mom was one of the trailblazers of this idea years prior. As these children became adults, parents were faced with the difficulty of
working and having to care for their disabled adult kids. They did not like the option of placing them in a group home or institution. My mom and two other parents went to Tallahassee to convince legislators that it would be more beneficial and cost effective for parents to be paid to stay home and care for them. They heard their presentation and told them it was a good idea but didn't pass it. The next year she returned more prepared. She brought developmentally disabled adults with her to speak for themselves and a movie on the conditions at one of the state run institutions. This time they were convinced and CDC began slowly as a pilot program in Miami. When President Bush, Sr. championed the American Disabilities Act in 1990, it paved the way for more funding for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CDC began to grow all over the state and the nation. Eventually Janet and my parents came to benefit from that work and she was able to remain at home under their care and that of some wonderful caretakers. I want to acknowledge some of them now. Cecilia, Maybi, Aidil, Laura, and others. Thank you for all that you did for my parents and my sister. I also want to thank Janet’s Case Worker Mercedes Franco. Her help with the CDC program was invaluable and she always went above and beyond to help my mom. Mercedes, we have been extremely blessed to have you in our lives!
working and having to care for their disabled adult kids. They did not like the option of placing them in a group home or institution. My mom and two other parents went to Tallahassee to convince legislators that it would be more beneficial and cost effective for parents to be paid to stay home and care for them. They heard their presentation and told them it was a good idea but didn't pass it. The next year she returned more prepared. She brought developmentally disabled adults with her to speak for themselves and a movie on the conditions at one of the state run institutions. This time they were convinced and CDC began slowly as a pilot program in Miami. When President Bush, Sr. championed the American Disabilities Act in 1990, it paved the way for more funding for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CDC began to grow all over the state and the nation. Eventually Janet and my parents came to benefit from that work and she was able to remain at home under their care and that of some wonderful caretakers. I want to acknowledge some of them now. Cecilia, Maybi, Aidil, Laura, and others. Thank you for all that you did for my parents and my sister. I also want to thank Janet’s Case Worker Mercedes Franco. Her help with the CDC program was invaluable and she always went above and beyond to help my mom. Mercedes, we have been extremely blessed to have you in our lives!
So what will I remember about my sister? She had a great sense of humor and was tender hearted. She adored books and could be easy to bribe with hamburgers! She loved music, Legos, swimming and puzzles. She adored my father and would probably say he was her best friend and him likewise. She could be stubborn at times. When she was young she had a scheduled photo shoot with Miami Vice actor Edward James Olmos. For some reason, her nerves got the best of her and it took me hours to get Janet out of our car and for her to calm down. When she did,we had a wonderful time taking pictures and he was very gracious. Janet had her share of health problems and complexities that made life challenging. It was true what the doctor said that it would not be easy but my parents loved and adored her and wouldn't have traded raising her for anything. In my youth, Janet and I spent a lot of time together because my mom worked two jobs and my dad worked nights and weekends. In a lot of ways I felt like her second mom. It was fitting that I became her CDC representative in place of my father. The day she passed I was going to take a guardianship course so I could protect her interests if something happened to my mom. I last saw her a week ago. She walked out to greet me and gave me one of those big joyful grins and stroked my arm. That is how I will always remember her. As she aged, slowed down and her hair turned grey, she still had that sparkle in her eyes but even more so a gentleness that was so precious. I was able to capture that in the picture of her and my father on the board. She mourned him to the end always asking where he was. It makes me happy to think of them together again. And this makes me wonder how she will be when we do reunite in glory. Her identity will no longer be a child of disability with health issues. It will be exciting to see her true self for the first time. My sister never could speak or communicate well so I want her to tell me some great stories of what it was like to navigate this world with her limitations. Thank you, Janet, for all the laughs and tender moments. Life was more colorful with you in it and for that we were blessed. Until we meet again.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Join me in the Freedom Challenge to help those trapped in Human Trafficking!
Hello!
I haven't written in a while but I wanted to share my plans to join Operation Mobilization's Freedom Challenge this summer! The plight of human trafficking has been on my heart since I first wrote "Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things,"in 2011. I will be joining 200 women to climb the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to raise funds and awareness. Every year the gals conquer a new mountain. In just four years, The Freedom Challenge has raised nearly $4 million for programs working to end the oppression of women and children in slavery globally. The movement has attracted hundreds of women across the US as well as from other countries. The money raised to date represents the opportunity for over 50,000 women and children living under oppressive conditions in countries such as India, Moldova, Ghana and France who have already been impacted and put on the path to freedom.
Funds raised support programs and activities facilitated by Operation Mobilization (OM), the founding organization of The Freedom Challenge and an international missions organization working in over 118 countries worldwide. OM’s four-part strategy to impact modern day slavery includes: Prevention, Development, Rescue, and Restoration activities which have proven successful in several target regions. In some countries, self-help group models are being employed where successful graduation of programs spawn new self-replicating groups reaching more and more women in the area over time.
Below is the link to my support page. Thanks so much for joining me in this worthwhile endeavor. Our challenge is their freedom!
http://opmi.convio.net/site/TR/Climb/General?px=1016001&pg=personal&fr_id=1150
In Christ,
Lisette
Update - The Freedom Challenge was a big success! I raised over $5,000 and as a group we raised over $700,000! Thankful 😊
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Rocketown Florida - Meeting the Need (Published in OnCourse Magazine, April 2011)
Connection, authenticity, belonging--all essential needs in the life of every person, but what do they mean for today's teenager? For the modern day latch-key kid, these needs are met in a community of available and caring mentors. For the unchurched, it is the fostering of authentic friendships with Christians instead of being viewed as a one-time prayer or "project." For those with a life story of personal brokenness, fulfilling their needs means their learning to trust God and release those burdens to someone greater than themselves and, ultimately, finding they belong.
Understanding these concepts, Rocketown Florida opened November 2009 to answer the call. In just over a year, 30,000 kids have walked through its doors, 400 bands have performed and over 150 have committed their lives to Christ. At its heart, Rocketown's mission is to impact the lives of teens by creating a safe haven that is culturally relevant and eternally significant.
"Kids lives are changed through relationship rather than praying a prayer and never seeing them again; there is follow up and a trust level," says Danny Kanell, Rocketown's President.
Modeled after the Rocketown that opened up in Nashville eight years ago, Rocketown Florida is within a five-mile radius of several public schools. Its central location and its programs attract a diverse group of students from different socio-economic groups. From the underprivileged kid lacking a support system, to the private school rich kid who sees religion as mundane--all are welcome.
"Every kid who walks in the doors is worthy of love and attention," says Theresa Mazza, Operations Director. "What all these kids find is that they are the same as everyone else, and they find identity in that."
Rocketown does not consider itself a "Christian teen center" exclusive to Christian kids. Rather, it is a place where kids are accepted as they are. Mazza says, "If you come having preconceived ideas and stereotypes, you're going to miss the message of what Rocketown is about."
Attracting teens is the fundamental building block to Rocketown's success. Kids come for the great music venue, skate park, coffee bar and a variety of programs that speak to their interests. While there, Rocketown staff members build relationships and create an inviting community of acceptance and fellowship. Through discussion groups and Bible studies, teens are connected with local churches and youth groups. Rocketown's goal is for kids to discover God's purpose for their lives. Through their creative programs, they expose the kids to new interests and talents. For 19-year-old Shane, Rocketown was pivotal in guiding him towards a future in ministry.
Shane battled crippling feelings of low self worth for most of his young life. Eager to prove himself, he excelled at sports but did not find the validation he desperately sought. As his personal life continued to spiral out of control, Shane attempted to take his own life. In the hospital, he cried out to God for grace, and his life was spared.
Although he faced other doubts and trials, Rocketown planted the seeds for equipping Shane to find his true purpose. He enrolled in the discipleship training school where he trained intensively for three months and went on a two-month missions trip to Angola, Africa. "God is everything and a part of every big decision in my life," he states. Instilled with a passion for a vocation in youth ministry, Shane is a notable example of how God uses a place such as this. Rocketown shows teens, like Shane, that they are worthy and their validation does not come of their own accord but from God.
Online link to story:
http://oncourse.ag.org/oc/features.cfm?targetBay=06d52a80-8681-49b2-871b-a4e5dc1c7708&ModID=2&Process=DisplayArticle&RSS_RSSContentID=18962&RSS_OriginatingChannelID=1202&RSS_OriginatingRSSFeedID=3459&RSS_Source=
Understanding these concepts, Rocketown Florida opened November 2009 to answer the call. In just over a year, 30,000 kids have walked through its doors, 400 bands have performed and over 150 have committed their lives to Christ. At its heart, Rocketown's mission is to impact the lives of teens by creating a safe haven that is culturally relevant and eternally significant.
"Kids lives are changed through relationship rather than praying a prayer and never seeing them again; there is follow up and a trust level," says Danny Kanell, Rocketown's President.
Modeled after the Rocketown that opened up in Nashville eight years ago, Rocketown Florida is within a five-mile radius of several public schools. Its central location and its programs attract a diverse group of students from different socio-economic groups. From the underprivileged kid lacking a support system, to the private school rich kid who sees religion as mundane--all are welcome.
"Every kid who walks in the doors is worthy of love and attention," says Theresa Mazza, Operations Director. "What all these kids find is that they are the same as everyone else, and they find identity in that."
Rocketown does not consider itself a "Christian teen center" exclusive to Christian kids. Rather, it is a place where kids are accepted as they are. Mazza says, "If you come having preconceived ideas and stereotypes, you're going to miss the message of what Rocketown is about."
Attracting teens is the fundamental building block to Rocketown's success. Kids come for the great music venue, skate park, coffee bar and a variety of programs that speak to their interests. While there, Rocketown staff members build relationships and create an inviting community of acceptance and fellowship. Through discussion groups and Bible studies, teens are connected with local churches and youth groups. Rocketown's goal is for kids to discover God's purpose for their lives. Through their creative programs, they expose the kids to new interests and talents. For 19-year-old Shane, Rocketown was pivotal in guiding him towards a future in ministry.
Shane battled crippling feelings of low self worth for most of his young life. Eager to prove himself, he excelled at sports but did not find the validation he desperately sought. As his personal life continued to spiral out of control, Shane attempted to take his own life. In the hospital, he cried out to God for grace, and his life was spared.
Although he faced other doubts and trials, Rocketown planted the seeds for equipping Shane to find his true purpose. He enrolled in the discipleship training school where he trained intensively for three months and went on a two-month missions trip to Angola, Africa. "God is everything and a part of every big decision in my life," he states. Instilled with a passion for a vocation in youth ministry, Shane is a notable example of how God uses a place such as this. Rocketown shows teens, like Shane, that they are worthy and their validation does not come of their own accord but from God.
Online link to story:
http://oncourse.ag.org/oc/features.cfm?targetBay=06d52a80-8681-49b2-871b-a4e5dc1c7708&ModID=2&Process=DisplayArticle&RSS_RSSContentID=18962&RSS_OriginatingChannelID=1202&RSS_OriginatingRSSFeedID=3459&RSS_Source=
God in the Trees (Children's article published in Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine)
Summer is the perfect time to climb a tree. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, grab a blanket, head outdoors and get ready for a nature walk through God’s Word. The Bible mentions trees nearly 300 times. Again and again, God compares us to trees, growing up under His care. Kids in the early church knew all about cedar, fig, palm, olive and acacia trees. Now you can, too.
Acacia
The acacia symbolizes reverence, or a holy fear of the Lord. God instructed the Israelites to carve the ark of the covenant out of acacia wood (Exodus 25:10-22).
Everything about this tree says, “Stay away!” Its branches are covered with sharp thorns, and its leaves are poisonous. By choosing acacia wood for the box that held the Ten Commandments, God reminded the Israelites to be careful. His holy presence was so powerful that anyone who touched the ark would die.
We don’t have arks anymore; Jesus paid the debt for our sins, which allows us to draw close to Him without fear. But it’s always good to remember that we worship the awesome God who made the universe. He is powerful and there is no foe He can’t defeat.
Cedars
The cedar tree symbolizes strength and magnificence. Kings used it to construct palaces that were meant to last forever. So when Solomon built the Lord’s temple, he chose cedars from Lebanon, the finest wood in the world (1 Kings 5:1-6).
Cedars can grow 130 feet high and can live up to 2,000 years! They survive so long because their wood secretes a fragrant oil that is toxic to insects, fungus and disease. God’s love is like that oil. If we read His Word and let it burrow deep into our “heartwood,” it protects and strengthens us.
Solomon’s temple didn’t stand forever. But with God’s love flowing through us, our impact on those around us can outlast even the mighty cedar.
Palms
The palm frond symbolizes triumph over adversity. When Jesus made the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the crowds rejoiced and laid palm branches at His feet (John 12:12-13).
A welcome sight to the weary traveler, palm trees offer food, shade and the promise of water. But the palm can serve many other purposes as well. Did you know palm fronds can be used to make rope and baskets or that its seeds are food for camels? Every part of the tree is useful and strong. The palm’s roots are able to dig deep underground and search for water, even in the driest places on earth. Jesus is our source of “living water.” He gives us life, no matter what difficulties surround us.
Like the palm tree, we should try to be useful and strong as we tap into Jesus’ living water.
Figs
Although the fig tree produces a delicious fruit, it has been called the “hypocrite tree.” Before His crucifixion, Jesus approached a fig tree, looking for fruit. When He found only leaves, He cursed the tree and it withered (Matthew 21:18-19).
Unlike apples or oranges, figs are green and are not easily detected among the leaves until they are nearly ripe. From a distance, you can’t tell whether a fig tree has any fruit or not. God tells us to bear good fruit—to share His love with others by how we speak and act.
Does our fruit look too much like everyone else, or is it ripe and easy to spot?
Olives
From Genesis to Revelation, the olive tree symbolizes God’s blessings: peace, prosperity, wisdom and honor. Samuel poured olive oil on David’s head to show that God had blessed him (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
Compared to majestic cedars, the olive tree looks small and stubby. But when you crush its fruit, you get olive oil. This remarkable liquid is one of the main ingredients in bread and also fuels oil lamps to light up the night. Even the poorest families (2 Kings 4:2) kept a jar of olive oil in the house. When mixed with fragrant spices, olive oil is used to anoint the heads of priests and kings, dedicating them to lifelong service.
In 2 Corinthians 1:21, it says that God has anointed you and me. We have been blessed like kings, but with that blessing comes the responsibility to serve God with all our hearts.
Respecting the Seasons
One last lesson from the trees: There’s a time to bear fruits and a time to grow roots. Take advantage of the “growing” time to: study the Bible, learn how to pray, memorize worship songs and train yourself to give your money and talents to God. Day by day, let Him grow you into the person He wants you to be.
This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of Clubhouse magazine. Copyright © 2012 Lisette Frevola. Photo © pfly/Flickr.com, used under Creative Commons license.
http://www.clubhousemagazine.com/truth-pursuer/god-in-the-trees
<< truth-pursuer
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Movie Review: October Baby
It can be easy, for some, to assign little value to “things” that have no voice and have yet to be proven in life. Such is the plight of a child in its mother’s womb. There is no history to derive its identity and meaning. No personhood in which to assign its uniqueness and importance. What if we looked backwards at the issue of life? If we followed a person who should have never existed and, in doing so, learn what a tragedy that alternate fate would have been?
In the beloved classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this issue is portrayed in a profound way. In it a despondent and desperate George Bailey is at the end of his rope. Crying out to his guardian angel Clarence, he laments that he is worth more dead than alive. To prove otherwise, Clarence grants him the rare opportunity to step into an alternate timeline where George Bailey had never been born. Together they go in search of the meaning George’s life had, not only to his family and friends, but to the community at large. Their many encounters reveal the incredible void left by George’s nonexistence and the revelation that every life is important and leaves an imprint on this earth and his fellow man.
True to that theme, on March 25th a movie will be released sharing a new perspective to the prolife movement. Inspired by true life stories, October Baby highlights a group of individuals many of us might never have known existed – the story of the abortion survivor
Hannah (played by newcomer Rachel Hendrix) is a beautiful 19-year-old college freshman who struggles with deep rooted personal issues and health problems. When she collapses during her theatrical debut, her doctor surmises that her problems are all attributed to her difficult birth. Confused, Hannah demands answers from her parents which forces the confession of their long guarded secret. Not only is she adopted, but she was premature and the survivor of a failed abortion attempt. Stunned by this revelation, Hannah sets out on a journey with her childhood friend Jason (Jason Burkey) and a group of friends to find answers and locate her birth mother. All does not go as she hoped, however. Amidst lost expectations and a heartbreaking revelation, Hannah is left to grapple with how to find the peace and closure she so desperately seeks.
There are so many elements to this film that make it an absolute gem. Multi-award-winning music video directors and brothers, Jon and Andrew Erwin, created a film that hits every note well. October Baby is beautifully shot, well written, funny, romantic and - above all - life affirming. It is also a relationship driven film that will speak to an under-served faith film market, that of mothers and daughters. Packing significant star power, the role of Hannah’s father Jacob is played by veteran actor and singer John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman). Also cast in the film is Broadway and television actress Jasmine Guy (Different World) and 2007American Idol contestant Chris Sligh as the comical sidekick B-Mac. An interesting side story to the casting was choosing actress Shari Rigby to play the role of Hannah’s biological mother. Unbeknownst to the Erwins, Shari had her own personal story that was similar to the role she was asked to play. For the filmmakers, it was important to be sensitive to the post abortive mother and provide a healing movie for them. Shari’s heartbreaking scene in October Baby was not merely acting but a very real moment of healing and forgiveness. Her testimony can be viewed on the film’s website (www.octoberbabymovie.net). Also listed on the website are numerous practical resources including information on the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. Producers of October Baby have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to fund frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans. Abortion survivor and prolife advocate, Gianna Jessen, also contributed to the movie. Besides serving as inspiration for the story line, one of her songs “Ocean Floor” is part of the film’s soundtrack.
Towards the end of October Baby, Hannah once again takes center stage to reenact the scene that was dramatically cut short at the beginning of the film. Its symbolism is not lost on us. She will continue to play the role of a lifetime. Her lifetime. A role entitled to each of us by our creator to impact a world not only through us, but through scores of generations born from us. “You see George, you really had a wonderful life,” Angel Clarence tells an emotional George Bailey at the end of their journey, don’t you see what a shame it would have been to throw it all away?”
If we take anything away from this movie it’s the realization that behind the staggering abortion statistics are hundreds of millions of stories that will never be played out on this wordly stage. October Baby makes us realize the beauty we would have lost if Hannah was never allowed to exist and, tragically, hers is but one story.
For more information go to www.Octoberbabymovie.net
Published in The Good News of South Florida, March 2012
www.Goodnewsfl.org
http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0312/Broward/index.html#/32/
Living Miracles: Three Stories of Abortion Survivors
The release of the film October Baby this month will bring attention to a rare and, perhaps, little known group of individuals known as abortion survivors. Although the film is a fictional story, it is inspired by hundreds of true life accounts. Most of these survivors suffer health problems attributed to the abortion procedure itself. Many have chosen to become prolife advocates and use their story as a platform for public awareness. Here are just three survivor stories.
Gianna Jessen
At 7 ½ months pregnant, Gianna’s biological mother went to a Los Angeles clinic to have an abortion at the age of 17. The saline method she underwent was supposed to burn the baby from the outside in inside the womb. Giana lasted 18 hours in the solution before she was born still very much alive. Fortunately, the abortionist was not on duty at the time or she would have been strangled or left to die. The nurse on duty took Gianna to a local hospital instead. The traumatic procedure gave her, what she calls “the gift of cerebral palsy” due to the lack of oxygen to her brain. Doctors held little hope for her predicting she would never hold up her head, sit up, crawl or walk. Gianna, however, proved the dire predictions wrong. At the age of 12, on Christmas day, she asked her adoptive mother Diane why she had her disability. After learning the circumstances surrounding her birth, Gianna began sharing her story with others and speaking at prolife gatherings. On April 22, 1996, she testified before the Constitutional Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on the issue of abortion. Out of 13 members of the subcommittee, only 2 were willing to listen to her testimony; abortion supporters boycotted the meeting. “The best thing I can show you to defend life is my life," Gianna told the lawmakers. She has shared her story on many national television and radio audiences such as The Maury Povich Show, The 700 Club, and Focus on the Family. In 1995, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family published her biography entitled Gianna: Aborted and Lived to Tell About It. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Gianna’s song “Ocean Floor” is part of the soundtrack in the film October Baby being released later this month. For more information on Gianna visit her website www.GiannaJessen.com.
Claire Culwell
Claire’s biological mother was 13 when her mother took her to a clinic to perform an abortion. A few weeks later, the young girl returned to the clinic visibly still pregnant. Unbelievably, the abortion attempt was successful. What none of them realized, however, was that the young girl was carrying twins. Claire’s twin brother had been aborted but she had miraculously survived. Although a late-term abortion was sought, the amniotic fluid leaking from Claire’s mother made it impossible. Two weeks later she gave birth to Claire 2 ½ months early. Weighing only 3 ½ pounds she suffered from dislocated hips and club feet. She was put in a full body cast and harness and was soon adopted by a loving Christian couple who sought a special needs child. After learning her birth story two years ago, she sought to make contact with her biological mother. Upon meeting her, Claire learned the full account surrounding her birth - that she was a twin whose brother did not survive. She called Claire a miracle. She is now involved in Coalition for Life and publicly shares her testimony. “My life is a miracle and I would be selfish to keep this gift of life to myself,” she writes on her website (www.ClaireCulwell.com), “I want to tell everyone what a gift I and even they have been given! I want to encourage them to seek alternatives to abortion because I would never want any woman/man to go through the grief and the pain that my birth mother went through simply because she didn’t know she had any other option. I also want to be a vessel to offer God’s forgiveness to the men and women who have previously had abortions. I know healing is possible and I have been given the gift of surviving an abortion so that I can tell these men and women that they are forgiven…coming from an aborted child, I hope they know the power of forgiveness and healing through meeting me.”
Melissa Ohden
Melissa’s mother was a 19-year-old, unwed college student when she underwent a saline abortion somewhere between five and six months pregnant. For five days the toxic saline was injected into her womb and Pitocin administered to dispel her dead body. When the procedure was over, a nurse was shocked to hear Melissa crying from the discarded medical waste. At 2 ½ pounds she was jaundiced and in respiratory distress but she was miraculously alive. Doctors were concerned that she would not survive very long and, if she did, she would be disabled for life. Melissa beat the odds, however, and grew up to be a happy and healthy child under the care of her loving adoptive parents. Although she knew she was adopted and a preemie, it wasn’t until Melissa’s sister became pregnant as a teenager and considered abortion herself that Melissa found out the true story from her adoptive mother. Devastated and filled with questions, she spent years seeking out her birth parents. Although, she never met them, she has forgiven them and has formed relationships with her biological relatives. In 2008 she gave birth to her daughter Olivia in the same hospital where her life was meant to end. Her daughter’s birth made her realize the ripple effect abortion has across generations and inspired her to found an organization called “For Olivia’s Sake” to bring awareness of the intergenerational impact of abortion on men, women, children, families, and communities. “Every time I go speak somewhere,” Melissa is quoted as saying in a 2010 newspaper article, “I am so surprised by the number of people who line up to speak to me. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, to tell me their story and tell how much they are hurting because of an abortion – they are missing out on that person in their lives”. Last year, Melissa was involved in the prolife film titled “A Voice for Life.” Its message was to offer love, hope, healing and forgiveness for all those touched by an abortion. She knows God saved her for a purpose. To be the voice of the voiceless and, her life, a representation of the millions lost. To learn more go to her website: www.MelissaOhden.com.
Published in The Good News, March 2012
www.Goodnewsfl.org
http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0312/Broward/index.html#/40/
Gianna Jessen
At 7 ½ months pregnant, Gianna’s biological mother went to a Los Angeles clinic to have an abortion at the age of 17. The saline method she underwent was supposed to burn the baby from the outside in inside the womb. Giana lasted 18 hours in the solution before she was born still very much alive. Fortunately, the abortionist was not on duty at the time or she would have been strangled or left to die. The nurse on duty took Gianna to a local hospital instead. The traumatic procedure gave her, what she calls “the gift of cerebral palsy” due to the lack of oxygen to her brain. Doctors held little hope for her predicting she would never hold up her head, sit up, crawl or walk. Gianna, however, proved the dire predictions wrong. At the age of 12, on Christmas day, she asked her adoptive mother Diane why she had her disability. After learning the circumstances surrounding her birth, Gianna began sharing her story with others and speaking at prolife gatherings. On April 22, 1996, she testified before the Constitutional Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on the issue of abortion. Out of 13 members of the subcommittee, only 2 were willing to listen to her testimony; abortion supporters boycotted the meeting. “The best thing I can show you to defend life is my life," Gianna told the lawmakers. She has shared her story on many national television and radio audiences such as The Maury Povich Show, The 700 Club, and Focus on the Family. In 1995, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family published her biography entitled Gianna: Aborted and Lived to Tell About It. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Gianna’s song “Ocean Floor” is part of the soundtrack in the film October Baby being released later this month. For more information on Gianna visit her website www.GiannaJessen.com.
Claire Culwell
Claire’s biological mother was 13 when her mother took her to a clinic to perform an abortion. A few weeks later, the young girl returned to the clinic visibly still pregnant. Unbelievably, the abortion attempt was successful. What none of them realized, however, was that the young girl was carrying twins. Claire’s twin brother had been aborted but she had miraculously survived. Although a late-term abortion was sought, the amniotic fluid leaking from Claire’s mother made it impossible. Two weeks later she gave birth to Claire 2 ½ months early. Weighing only 3 ½ pounds she suffered from dislocated hips and club feet. She was put in a full body cast and harness and was soon adopted by a loving Christian couple who sought a special needs child. After learning her birth story two years ago, she sought to make contact with her biological mother. Upon meeting her, Claire learned the full account surrounding her birth - that she was a twin whose brother did not survive. She called Claire a miracle. She is now involved in Coalition for Life and publicly shares her testimony. “My life is a miracle and I would be selfish to keep this gift of life to myself,” she writes on her website (www.ClaireCulwell.com), “I want to tell everyone what a gift I and even they have been given! I want to encourage them to seek alternatives to abortion because I would never want any woman/man to go through the grief and the pain that my birth mother went through simply because she didn’t know she had any other option. I also want to be a vessel to offer God’s forgiveness to the men and women who have previously had abortions. I know healing is possible and I have been given the gift of surviving an abortion so that I can tell these men and women that they are forgiven…coming from an aborted child, I hope they know the power of forgiveness and healing through meeting me.”
Melissa Ohden
Melissa’s mother was a 19-year-old, unwed college student when she underwent a saline abortion somewhere between five and six months pregnant. For five days the toxic saline was injected into her womb and Pitocin administered to dispel her dead body. When the procedure was over, a nurse was shocked to hear Melissa crying from the discarded medical waste. At 2 ½ pounds she was jaundiced and in respiratory distress but she was miraculously alive. Doctors were concerned that she would not survive very long and, if she did, she would be disabled for life. Melissa beat the odds, however, and grew up to be a happy and healthy child under the care of her loving adoptive parents. Although she knew she was adopted and a preemie, it wasn’t until Melissa’s sister became pregnant as a teenager and considered abortion herself that Melissa found out the true story from her adoptive mother. Devastated and filled with questions, she spent years seeking out her birth parents. Although, she never met them, she has forgiven them and has formed relationships with her biological relatives. In 2008 she gave birth to her daughter Olivia in the same hospital where her life was meant to end. Her daughter’s birth made her realize the ripple effect abortion has across generations and inspired her to found an organization called “For Olivia’s Sake” to bring awareness of the intergenerational impact of abortion on men, women, children, families, and communities. “Every time I go speak somewhere,” Melissa is quoted as saying in a 2010 newspaper article, “I am so surprised by the number of people who line up to speak to me. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, to tell me their story and tell how much they are hurting because of an abortion – they are missing out on that person in their lives”. Last year, Melissa was involved in the prolife film titled “A Voice for Life.” Its message was to offer love, hope, healing and forgiveness for all those touched by an abortion. She knows God saved her for a purpose. To be the voice of the voiceless and, her life, a representation of the millions lost. To learn more go to her website: www.MelissaOhden.com.
Published in The Good News, March 2012
www.Goodnewsfl.org
http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0312/Broward/index.html#/40/
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