Jun 22 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Religion and Abortion

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief, News and Events, Planned Parenthood, Sanctity of Life | No Comments

 

I have some hard news.  Thirty-seven percent of women obtaining abortions identified as evangelical or Catholic.

Though self-identification may be a poor form of measuring religious engagements, these findings show that women getting an abortion are willing to be thought of as religious, but are still willing to get an abortion.

This is a tragic failure of the Church to truly educate women on what it means to trust God’s providence and forgiveness in difficult circumstances.

What can we do to help our churches teach pro-life values and support girls who get pregnant?  I think this is a fundamental question that every Christian church has to face, and I hope you will take it in prayer today.

Join us on the front lines, defending critical issues like the sanctity of life through prayer and action. Together, we’ll bring Biblical and constitutional values back to our nation. Stand with us, and give today at www.CapitolHillBrief.org.

If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.

 

Jun 21 2017
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The 17th Annual Day at the Capital – A Great Success!

By | North Carolina | No Comments

Last week, we spent a wonderful day in Raleigh for our 17th Annual Day at the Capital event. We were joined by Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of NC Values Coalition, as well as Anna Scott Marsh, Miss North Carolina International 2017.  It was a full day that included visiting all 170 legislators’ offices at the General Assembly. Over 50 people attended this extraordinary day!

It is our tradition and joy to co-host a chapel service in the Legislative Building’s sanctuary room with our legislators.  Our Associate Director, Mary Frances Forrester, led the service with a message to be intentional as we shine the light of Jesus Christ. During the service, Forrester said, “No amount of darkness can hide even a flicker of light. As we illuminate this light, may we witness a spiritual revival in our nation.”

We briefed the attendees on three bills that we want to see passed in the legislature this year.  They are as follows: HB 527, “Restore/Preserve Campus Free Speech”; SB 548, “Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws”; and HB 910, “Human Trafficking: Resistance and Rescue”.  An e-alert will be sent out soon regarding these important bills, and it will give you both prayer and action points.

Having Miss North Carolina International accompany us was a lovely addition. Anna Scott Marsh shared her own life experiences which significantly added to the briefing. With multiple copies of talking points in hand, attendees broke up into groups.  We were able to systematically visit every one of the legislative offices to express our support of these bills.

In addition, we gave each legislator a book by evangelical leader and author, Pastor James Garlow, called Well Versed. It’s an excellent resource for legislators that provides insight on 30 public policy issues. This book has been distributed all over the nation and to other state legislators. These books were well received, and we were blessed to deliver them to our state’s leaders.

Last but not least, at the conclusion of the day, we attended a reception given in our honor at Lt. Gov. Dan Forest’s office! We were very grateful for their gracious hospitality and for the time Lt. Gov. Forest spent with us.

It was indeed an outstanding day! We learned the importance of visiting our legislators and how it often results in pushing bills towards becoming law. We made many new friends and received many positive comments. After the event, one attendee shared his enthusiasm and conviction:

“The importance of actually visiting our legislators is very appreciated. It is very easy to send off an email or make a phone call, both of which we should all be doing. However, emails may be deleted; phone calls may be ignored. But it is very difficult to ignore a constituent who is standing at their door! If legislators think their constituents are not concerned about the issues, they will be less motivated to represent them. Be not afraid if you feel you are too weak, not articulate to speak on an issue, or too disabled to speak with power; remember Jesus will enable you with His power.”

Special thanks to Tami Fitzgerald and NC Values Coalition for co-sponsoring this event with us this year.  The expertise and organizational skills they contributed were exceptional.

To all those who attended or held us in prayer, thank you! We encourage you to continue contacting your state legislators and to keep praying as opportunities continue to arise.

For Truth and Freedom,

Jill Coward
State Director
[email protected]
nc.cwfa.org

Ready to take the next step?  Get more involved with CWA of North Carolina.

  • Join a Prayer/Action chapter.  Contact me today to find out if there is a CWA chapter in your area.
  • Please DONATE to CWA of North Carolina. Our state is run exclusively by volunteers and supported completely through donations.
  • If someone forwarded you this e-alert and you would like to be on our e-alert list, contact me, and I will be happy to add you.
Jun 21 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Planned Parenthood Services

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief, Planned Parenthood, Sanctity of Life | No Comments

 

What does Planned Parenthood actually do? Mammograms? Nope.

What about prenatal care? Actually, only 8% of their clinics do that.

They boast about GYN exams and STD testing, but those are available through the more than 11,000 community health centers in America.

In fact Planned Parenthood only does about 1% of the nation’s pap smears and only about 2% of breast exams.  Yet they perform a full third of the nation’s abortions.

Abortion accounts for 86% of their non-governmental revenue.   94 out of 100 of their pregnant patients get one.

It’s time to stop funding them with our tax dollars.

Join us on the front lines, defending critical issues like the sanctity of life through prayer and action. Together, we’ll bring Biblical and constitutional values back to our nation. Stand with us, and give today at www.CapitolHillBrief.org. If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.

 

Jun 20 2017
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What a Trip to the Grocery Store Taught Me About Israel

By | Blog, News and Events, Support for Israel | No Comments


I have been in Israel for less than a week and I have already learned so much! In the Holy Land, God and history permeate the atmosphere wherever you go.

It’s Ramadan, the Muslim month-long religious observance, and tensions are noticeably high. At the Shabbat (Sabbath) meal my friend Anna and I were invited to, the host made it clear she would not recommend we go anywhere on our own.

I can’t help but be nervous as I remember stories I’ve heard on the news about terror attacks. In Israel, the possibility of an attack is a daily reality. How do Israelis live this way? I suppose they get used to it – but the fact that they have to get used to it is a tragedy in itself.

Keren, a Fellowship staff member who lives in what most of the world would call a “settlement,” drove us around her neighborhood the second day we were here. Two things she showed us stood out to me.

First, we saw the bus stop where three Jewish boys – Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali – were kidnapped in 2014. They were murdered – today, at the spot where their bodies were found, there is a beautiful park built in their honor. Kids play and family events are held in this park, and the mothers of the boys attend regularly.

The second site was a grocery store where Keren shops with her beautiful family. Here, Arabs, Jews, and Christians stand side by side as they pick out their items, and stand in the check-out line together just like any other country.

But this isn’t any other country. In this country Jews are threatened, hurt, or killed regularly by Palestinian terrorists, simply because they are Jews. Yet Jews and Arabs still stand next to each other in mundane places like the grocery store.

In light of the tension I can feel here during Ramadan, and the fact that terrorists have been waging war against Israel for decades, this seems like a miracle. Maybe, after the recent attacks in London and Manchester, the world is getting a taste of why it’s such a miracle that Israelis are still able to go about day-to-day life – that Jews and Arabs are able to mix freely and peacefully at places like that little grocery store.

There’s so much to learn here in Israel and I’m so excited to see what God has in store. I’ve already seen Him move and I’m confident He’ll show me more. God has such a heart for Israel, and I can’t wait to see more of it through His eyes.

Editor’s Note: Claire Nance is a Christian college student interning with The Fellowship in Israel this summer. She’s from Washington, D.C., and studies Communications with a minor in International Relations at Liberty University in Virginia. This post was first published on the blog of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Jun 20 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Born on the Table

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief | No Comments

 

Listen carefully to what this Planned Parenthood official says they do with an unborn child that is born as a result of a botched abortion:

[Audio Clip] Florida State Rep. Jim Boyd: It’s just really hard for me to even ask you this question, because I’m almost in disbelief. If a baby is born on a table as a result of a botched abortion, what would Planned Parenthood want to have happen to that child that’s struggling for life?

[Audio Clip] Alisa LaPolt Snow, lobbyist representing the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates: Um … Well we believe … we believe that any decision that’s made should be left up to the fam- … to the woman, her family, and the physician.

The Florida representatives can’t believe their ears, but this is who Planned Parenthood is and why our tax dollars should not be funding them.

Source: https://youtu.be/rQta8x6GyOo

Join us on the front lines, defending critical issues like the sanctity of life through prayer and action. Together, we’ll bring Biblical and constitutional values back to our nation. Stand with us, and give today at www.CapitolHillBrief.org. If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.

 

Jun 19 2017
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New Anti-Science State Procedures Dismiss Fact and Demand the Promotion of Falsehood

By | Illinois | No Comments

CWA of Illinois condemns the latest procedures by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) that forces the acceptance of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) lifestyle upon ALL social workers and foster families. Failure to adhere to these new policies will result in dismissal from one’s role.

On May 6, 2017, Illinois DCFS Director George Sheldon signed enhanced department procedures to be followed when providing services to LGBTQ children and youth in the department’s care.  The policy states, “… will not tolerate exposing LGBTQ children and youth to staff/providers who are not supportive of children and youths’ right to self-determination of sexual/gender identity.” Click here to read the DCFS press release concerning these new procedures.

For more information about this issue, please read an excellent op-ed, Illinois Purges Social Workers And Foster Families Who Don’t ‘Facilitate’ Transgenderism, by Mary Rice Hasson. She is an attorney and a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C.!

Take Action: Please contact the following individuals and tell them you do not approve of the latest Illinois Department of Child and Family “enhanced” LGBTQ policies and demand that these policies be rescinded.  Be sure to let them know that you are member of Concerned Women for America of Illinois.

  • Write George Sheldon at Director’s Office, DCFS, 406 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701 and/or call (217) 785-2509.
  • Email Bruce Rauner
  • Contact your state senator and state representative.  If you do not know who your legislators are, click here to find out their name and contact information based on your address.
  • Pass this alert on to everyone you know, especially your pastors!
  • If you haven’t already, be sure to take action on last Thursday’s e-alert concerning the transgender birth certificate bill.

 Pray:

  • Pray for the churches in Illinois. Pray they will stand up like never before for what is right and oppose what is wrong.  Pray for those who have been complacent, and that they might repent for their apathy.
  • Pray the fear of the Lord falls upon the Illinois’ legislator and departments. Let them see that they are responsible to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for their laws, policies, and actions.

 “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke.

Debbie Leininger
CWA of Illinois
[email protected]
815-297-2918

Ready to take the next step?  Get more involved with CWA of Illinois.

  • Join a Prayer/Action chapter. Contact me today to find out if there is a CWA chapter in your area.
  • Please donate to CWA of Illinois. Our state is run exclusively by volunteers and supported completely through donations.
  • If someone forwarded you this e-alert, and you would like to be on our e-mail list, contact me and I will be happy to add you.

 

Jun 19 2017
0

Don’t Let Them Win

By | News and Events, Religious Issues | No Comments

In late May, the world was once again struck by the evils of radical Islamic terror. Seven innocent lives were lost and countless more injured in a type of attack that is becoming all too common. In an increasingly dark and violent world, it can be difficult to find God. Where was He when three men decided to rampage through the streets of London? Where was He when innocent people died? And where was He when people cried out for help?

All around the world, people are asking these questions, longing to make sense of the chaos that surrounds them. As Christians, it is our responsibility to be ready to answer these questions, because we must “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that [we] have” (1 Peter 3:15). We are not defeated by the darkness, and we must fulfill our calling as the salt and light of the world.

Yet, every time we doubt the sovereignty of God, and every time we allow the terrorists to strike fear into our hearts, we let them win. However, it is important for Christians to acknowledge these questions that can be difficult to answer for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ.

While the world around us continually rejects the truth, we must live out this one fact: God is sovereign. This is our comfort and our joy as we face events such as the terrorist attack in London. This is also the answer to the question, “Why?” It isn’t an answer that the world likes, and it isn’t an answer that the world accepts, but it is an answer that allows us to trust that God is in control — no matter what.

Jesus reminded His disciples that, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But, after this warning, He offered a reminder that is extremely poignant for today: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” For the sake of those who lost their lives, don’t let the terrorists win. We must carry on with our heads held high. One day Jesus will return in victory, and all will be made new. This promise is our hope when the world turns upside down.

___

Kyle Permann is the 2017 Antonin Scalia Legal Fellow for Concerned Women for America.

Jun 19 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Every Beating Heart

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief, Sanctity of Life | No Comments

 

I remember hearing the heartbeat of my own children for the first time.

[Heartbeat audio]

Did you know that we can detect a child’s heartbeat beginning at 21 days? And can be heard by monitor at 8-10 weeks!   At 7-12 weeks old, an unborn baby has brain waves and developing features like a nose, mouth, and ears!  At this age in the womb, they can even hiccup and respond to touch!

Sadly, most abortions occur during this time — between 7-12 weeks gestation.

Just because an unborn child is small, doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of life.  Protecting the unborn should remain a top priority for our nation’s laws and culture.  Let us protect every beating heart.

Join us on the front lines, defending critical issues like the sanctity of life through prayer and action. Together, we’ll bring Biblical and constitutional values back to our nation. Stand with us, and give today at www.CapitolHillBrief.org. If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.

Jun 16 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Marriage, Morality, and Sexuality

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief, Defense of Family | No Comments

 

Some of the most difficult subjects for us to engage in these days have to do with marriage, morality, and sexuality.  I know it’s not easy to stand for truth in hostile environments.

I have the scars of many CNN interviews to prove it.

But there’s much we can do to alleviate some of the tensions we feel.  That is, we as Christian conservative women can make matters better or worse, depending on the way in which we speak and conduct ourselves.

That is why I wrote extensively and meticulously about the topic in Feisty & Feminine: A Rallying Cry for Conservative Women. I’d love to help you be more effective in your interactions in this area.

So I encourage you to pick up a copy today and give one to your family and friends.

Penny Nance’s latest book, Feisty and Feminine, empowers women to engage the culture and is our gift to thank you for your donation today. Request yours at www.CapitolHillBrief.org. If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.

 

Jun 16 2017
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Capitol Hill Brief — Fight for Life

By | Blog, Capitol Hill Brief, Planned Parenthood, Sanctity of Life | No Comments

 

If you care about the sanctity of life, I want to encourage you to read “Feisty & Feminine: A Rallying Cry for Conservative Women.”

I believe we are on the cusp of big gains in this area, and for the good of our nation, we need to be all hands on deck!

Time magazine recently said that, although abortion-rights activists “won an epic victory” in Roe v. Wade, “they’ve been losing ever since.”

That is no accident!

Roe was decided in 1973.  Concerned Women for America started in 1978.

That means we’ve been fighting this evil abortion for almost forty years!

So, let us equip you and give you the tools you need to join the fight for life.

Penny Nance’s latest book, Feisty and Feminine, empowers women to engage the culture and is our gift to thank you for your donation today. Request yours at www.CapitolHillBrief.org. If you’d like to hear these commentaries on the radio, find me on your local radio station.