Bizarre Benevolence
Joe Slater

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, numerous volunteer organizations stepped forward to assist the victims. We might wish some had done a better job of handling the massive donations they collected; perhaps they were simply caught off guard by the sheer size and scope of their task. One group, however, deserves top billing in the Hall of Shame. As its contribution to the relief efforts, Planned Parenthood of New York City offered "free reproductive health care for women affected by the World Trade Center disaster." Of course they made no direct reference to abortion, but Planned Parenthood doctrine always couches the killing of unborn babies under the guise of health care. When asked, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson confirmed that the offer included free abortions.

Words like crass, callous, cold, and cruel seem entirely inadequate to describe such an insulting offer. Feature it! Thousands of innocent people in and near the World Trade Center are killed along with everyone in the jetliners. Innumerable family members and friends are devastated. And Planned Parenthood’s benevolent response is . . . more death and destruction!

Such an unvarnished attempt to exploit vulnerable victims shocks our sensibilities. Picture a pregnant wife whose husband has just been murdered by the terrorists. Given time to think through her situation, she would never give up this precious link between herself and her late husband. But in the shock of the moment, magnified by depression, she hears of Planned Parenthood’s offer and allows them to destroy her baby. Only later does harsh reality set in; the horrid act haunts her for the rest of her life.

Happily, not one person is reported to have taken advantage of Planned Parenthood’s two weeks of ghoulish generosity. May God bless those courageous mothers. May their children be strong and healthy. And may this rejection of the culture of death be of some small comfort as, this Tuesday, our nation mourns the twenty-ninth anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision that made abortion-on-demand the law of the land. ❦

Restored
We rejoiced with the angels in Heaven at the response of Junior and Marie Howard this past Sunday morning. The Howards came forward confessing that they had been unfaithful and asking for God’s forgiveness and for the prayers of the church. We are encouraged at their decision and pray God will provide them strength to run the race that is set before them.

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tom Howard (the brother of Junior Howard) who passed away this past Sunday morning (Jan. 13^th). It is our prayer that God will give the peace and comfort that only He can provide in this time of loss and sorrow.

This Evening
The elders would like to meet with the congregation at 4:45 this afternoon.

The scheduled teacher for the children's class this evening at 5:40 pm is Bob Bauer.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Jan. 21-24, 2002 - Starts Tomorrow (Mon)
Florida School of Preaching
27^th Annual Bible Lectureship

• Jan. 25-27, 2002 - Venice church of Christ
Creation Seminar w/ Bert Thompson

• Mar. 16, 2002 - Ladies' Day
Orange Street church of Christ
Speaker: Joyce Kidwell Stearsman