Monthly Archives: March 2011

My Journey Home To The Catholic Church – Why I Am Converting To Catholicism

UPDATE April 1: How My Conversion To Catholicism Will Effect The Work Of Stand True – Show Your Support

Dear friends,

I know this may come as a shock to many of you; I am in shock in a way my self. I have spent the past 23 years living my life for Christ always wanting to serve Him and know His truth.

I have been a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church for almost 10 years as I was so inspired by the liturgy and reverence I found there. I have also been in a constant journey for God’s truth, studying His Word as well as church history. After many, many years of resisting a calling that I tried to suppress I have finally felt the peace of God with my decision to join the Catholic Church.

I know that many of you will be confused, even concerned for me. I know that you will have many questions and even be tempted to try and dissuade me from this decision. While I will most certainly talk to you about what God is doing here, I will not be entering into any debates about this right now.

I want to let you know this is not made lightly; I fought against this for years. There are several things that led me to search and finally choose to go back to the Church. I will share a few things in brief here and would love to sit down in person some time with you if you want to peacefully discuss them in more detail.

Church authority: There are simply thousands and thousands of denominations and every time someone disagrees with another teaching of their church they simply start a new one. The Catholic Church has had it’s teaching since the beginning of the Church in the scriptures. There is no way God can be happy with thousands of denominations or so-called non-denominational churches. It seems that when people disagree on doctrine it often results in another break off church. The fact is that current Christian teaching can differ so much between two churches that it really constitutes different religions and different Gods. There must be one established truth that God gave us, one that has remained from the time of Christ.

Pro-life and Contraception: There is only one church that has been consistent from the time of Christ to today on the teaching of pro—life and contraception. Before 1930 there was never a single Christian church in history to accept any form of contraception and today there is only one that absolutely has kept this Christian teaching and truth.

Communion or the Eucharist: I have always believed that communion was more that just a symbol and in looking back at early church teaching it is crystal clear that this was taught from day one. St Ignatius of Antioch a student of John the Apostle taught on this and clarified it well.

These are just a few of the things that drew me back into the Catholic Church; however there is so much more. I was baptized Catholic as a child so the process is not as complicated for me. I will be starting RCIA classes and working towards confirmation.

I am asking my friends to pray for my family’s journey and me as I truly seek to be closer to Christ. My relationship with Christ is the most important thing in my life and I hope my friends will stand by me, as I grow closer to Him.

As for the work of Stand True; it will remain focused on educating, activating and equipping young to stand up for life and Christ. We have always been an organization that reaches out to and works with all Christians and we will remain true to that.

For Christ I stand,
Bryan Kemper

UPDATE April 1: How My Conversion To Catholicism Will Effect The Work Of Stand True – Show Your Support

bryankemper@standtrue.com

http://www.bryankemper.com

http://www.facebook.com/iambryankemper

http://www.twitter.com/bryankemper


Planned Parenthood President Caught in Another Lie

Cecile Richards Lies again about mammograms.


A Glimpse Inside Planned Parenthood

On Tuesday, March 15, Joshua Edmonds conducted a scheduled and approved interview with Planned Parenthood Southeast in Atlanta, Georgia. Joshua has given me permission to repost the interview here on Bryan’s blog. Note that the nature of the interview is not outrageous or overtly shocking, however I found it enlightening as to the way Planned Parenthood and its workers operate. Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion business in the United States. It is our strong commitment to continue to raise our voice on behalf of the unborn so that one day soon, Planned Parenthood will no longer be able to line the pockets of child-murderers with blood money. It is my conviction that fundamental to ending abortion, is understanding how the abortion industry and the abortion lobby think and operate. This is my purpose in copying the interview below. I will also make a few comments. Joshua writes,

That's a bucket of condoms on the receptionist's desk.

“I entered the headquarters for Planned Parenthood Southeast on the 8th floor in the 75 Piedmont building on Georgia State University campus and was greeted by signs that read “NO CELL PHONE OR LAPTOP USE IN ENTIRE HEALTH CENTER!” I walked down to the lobby, past the receptionist desk with a jar of condoms next to a pamphlet stack about how to have the most fulfilling oral sex, and sat under a painting of Margaret Sanger as I waited to be seen.

The young lady who submitted to the interview is named Dominique Doyle, she is a Community Health Educator for Planned Parenthood of Georgia. The interview was scheduled, Dominique met myself and my interview partner in the lobby. She greeted both of us, my partner first, with a smile and a handshake as we all introduced ourselves by first name. Dominique led us into her office and we sat down in to rolling chairs against the far wall, looking towards Dominique’s large desk lined with pamphlets and calendars.

We asked for permission to use an iPhone to record the interview session so that we could more completely transcribe the conversation. Dominique got very hesitant, and after stuttering an answer for 30 seconds, she excused herself from the room to consult her supervisor – Leola Reis.

Hang on – I thought these people were all about improving access to women’s health care. What have they got to hide? Why aren’t they prepared to go on record to proudly answer questions about the thousands of babies that they murder in the name of choice? They don’t think there’s anything wrong with it do they? Do they?

After about 5 minutes, Dominique returned and informed us that they would not allow us to record our interview. We understandably agreed and moved on. Dominique seemed ready to cut to the chase, and we began the interview:

Us: “Do you conduct programs to educate and inform individuals in the community about reproductive health and abortion?”

Dominique: “Yes. We have Teen Action Groups that focus on goal setting, reproductive options, birth control, and other topics.”

It is crucial that we understand how these people speak. A wise man once told me “he who defines, wins” – in other words, the winning side is the one that controls the language – the way in which ideas and actions are discussed. In this case, Dominuque refers to “reproductive options… and other topics”. This is whitewash – a polite way of referring to child killing. The longer you all stand with us in this most crucial fight for life, the more you will become accustomed to the pro-abortion side’s propensity to use intentionally vague terms to describe the particularly shameful aspects of their industry.

Us: “What would you say your goals are for those community programs?”

A photo of eugenicist & racist, Margaret Sanger hangs in pride of place in the lobby

Dominique: “To educate on available resources, health, how to use condoms, etc. Essentially, to help people make better decisions.”

Us: “How do you conduct your programs to achieve those goals?”

Dominique: “We just try to get into schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, After-School Programs, Boys To Men groups, detention centers, and even Churches. We reach young people wherever we can find them.”

They’re everywhere. Planned Parenthood is trying to reach young people “wherever we can find them”. So where is the battle ground? Is it in Washington DC? Is it down the road at your local clinic? Yes. But it is also right outside your front door, in your church, in your school – literally, everywhere. It is Planned Parenthood’s firm goal to make abortion normal, accepted, celebrated – to saturate the hard-won American soil with the blood of countless innocents.

In The Lord of the Rings, King Theoden says: “I will not risk open war.” Aragorn boldly replies, “Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not!” And in The Patriot, Benjamin Martin states, “Mark my words. This war will be fought, not on the frontier, or on some distant battlefield, but amongst us. Among our homes. Our children will learn of it with their own eyes…” It’s the same today. This fight for life is being fought not just on some distant battle field in Washington D.C. – Planned Parenthood and other abortion businesses are bringing the assault right into your neighborhood – even into your church.

Us: “What sort of education and information do your programs use?”

Dominique: “We just give facts. We don’t make attempts to prevent actions or outcomes or anything like that.”

That’s right. Planned Parenthood doesn’t attempt to prevent actions (read teens having sex) or outcomes (read pregnancy, abortion). They just want to help young people by giving them their “facts”. Because Planned Parenthood cares about women and young people, remember?

Us: “Would you say your programs are based on prevention of negative factors regarding reproductive health and abortion or on  promoting positive factors regarding reproductive health and abortion?”

Dominique: “A lot of times we will have large groups of people at a program, but very minimal involvement. Some kids don’t want to be there, so they’re just cutting up and talking amongst themselves; they don’t really take it seriously. Some people won’t come back after their first program.”

Us: “Do you have issues getting into any of those outlets you mentioned before, like schools?”

Dominique: “Getting into schools is easy as long as we mention something about abstinence once or twice during the program.”

They’ll mention abstinence once or twice – it’s an option for you – take it or leave it… Notice here what Dominique has apparently let slip – abstinence is not an existing part of their program – it is just something they’ll tack on if they need to, to get into certain schools.

Us: “What sorts of social, environmental, and individual factors do you encounter that prevent progress with conducting your programs?”

Dominique: “Not a lot. We go in and create relationships with organizations locally in Metro Atlanta, so we don’t have a lot of issues.”

Us: “Do you conduct programs to specifically educate and inform minorities in the community?”

Dominique: “(hesitant) I don’t think I should answer that question. But I can refer you to my supervisor if you really need to know.”

This is where Dominique starts to get uncomfortable and starts shutting down. Joshua and his partner had hit a nerve.

Us: “Research has shown (Joel Olser Brende, 1994) that abortions can result in symptoms in women that are similar to PTSD, but that it can be prevented by proper counseling before and/or after an abortion (Melissa Boulind & David Edwards, 2008) Do you believe that abortion is negative affects on a woman, whether they be psychological, physical, emotional, etc.?”

Dominique: “(hesitant) I don’t think I should answer that one either. I’ll refer you to my supervisor though if you’d like.”

Us: “Do you have community programs that specifically address those negative affects?”

Dominique: “Again, I won’t answer that.”

Us: “Do you offer counseling programs for women who may exhibit negative affects as a result of their abortion, such as depression, attempted suicide, and other symptoms of PTSD?”

Dominique: “I’ll just say that we don’t offer preventative programs for abortion or any counseling outside of a pre-op for an abortion appointment. We have pamphlets. I won’t answer more than that.”

They’re happy to provide counseling to encourage women to have their pre-born child killed by abortion – but once the money has changed hands and the child is dead – who cares if the mother of the dead child has a form of post traumatic stress disorder?

Click here to read the last two paragraphs from Joshua’s write-up of the interview, where he outlines the clinic’s follow-up communication – bordering on harassment, in which they expressed their frustration over aspects of the interview. Interesting, isn’t it. As Bound for Life Atlanta commented, “why are they so hesitant if they have nothing to hide?”


Pro-life Action In Belgium

Here is a video of some of our pro-life activism here in Belgium, at the University of Gent.

I have also uploaded about 45 photos of the trip so far.

Here are links to the first two updates I wrote:

One Heart Changed, One Life Saved and New Faith Found – European Mission Trip Update #2

Update from Scotland


Stand True to Co-host Very First International Youth Pro-life Youth Webcast

Dear Pro-Lifer,

Students for Life of America along with Human Life Alliance, Human Life International, Stand True Ministries, 40 Days for Life, and Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust will host the very first International Pro-Life Youth Webcast next Tuesday, March 29th at 4pm (North American Eastern Standard Time) for pro-life youth across the world.

This is will be an historic call. Unfortunately, the U.S. has been actively battling abortion for almost 40 years. As a result, U.S. pro-life organizations have tried countless different tactics throughout the years – some that were failures and others successful. We want to share these strategies with you and make resources available to you and your group. This call will be critical for young pro-lifers looking to take action, stand for Life, and start youth pro-life movements in their country.

On the webcast the coalition of U.S. organizations will offer ideas, insights, and resources to youth worldwide.  Each organization will also explain how they can contribute to each country’s pro-life movement. FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS INVITE ALONG TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS!

For more information about and to REGISTER for the International Pro-Life Youth Webcast, visit: http://studentsforlife.org/students-for-life-international/.


One Heart Changed, One Life Saved and New Faith Found – European Mission Trip Update #2

Dear Pro-life Friend

God is moving here in Europe, we are seeing lives changed and Christ glorified in amazing ways. I spent the weekend in Scotland at the 4th Annual Youth Pro-life Conference put on by SPUC Scotland.

Every year I am blown away by the opportunities God gives me at this conference and that did not change this year. After my first of three talks a young girl approached me and told me her heart had changed about abortion.  She said that she had just been sitting in the talks bored but during my talk she was captivated and is now pro-life.

Pro-life Youth outside the Scotland Youth Conference

On Saturday night after the Celtic dancing a large group of us went to the kitchen for a cup of tea. I began to share with the group and pour my heart out to them; it was definitely one of those Holy Spirit moments.  As we all left to go to bed a young man came to me and thanked me for sharing. He told me that for the first time in his life he wanted to live a life of faith; he had never took it seriously before. I was so excited and he actually thanked me at least two more times the next day.

I left the conference on Sunday night to fly to Belgium to begin the of pro-life youth training we are doing here this week. I was surprised to get a message from Joe the Scotland conference director so soon; but was blown away when I read it. A girl at the conference was pregnant and changed her mind about abortion after listening to our talks.

Bryan Kemper and Hannah from Survivors at University of Gent

I am entering this week in Belgium on a spiritual high and have already been so blessed here.  Last night we had a great talk and training session with youth in Brussels.  Our team consists of myself, Eric Scheidler of The Pro-life Action League and three missionaries from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust from California.

Today we went to Gent to lead the first ever pro-life demonstration in front of the University of Gent. When classes let out it was non-stop conversation and ministry as the students were very open to discussion.

Hannah talking to socialists

I was shocked to hear some of the answers I got from students, some of which were downright scary. One student told me it was ok to kill two year olds because they don’t have a memory.  Another student told me that because in Texas everyone just carries around a gun that we cannot possibly be pro-life.

It was obvious to me that the students had such a twisted view of life in the United States as one told me that it was extremely hard for Americans to find fruit and vegetables and that is why we are so fat because they are just not available. This was one of his arguments for socialized medicine and welfare.

Jeroen Noel from Belgium passing out literature

Later in the evening we had another evening of talks before heading back to our host home for a few hours of sleep. Tomorrow morning we head back to Brussels where we will have a red life tape Silent Siege at the European Parliament building.

Charles from Survivors and Eric from Pro-life Action League

We will also be doing a few more university outreaches this week as we prepare for the big March for Life on Sunday.  Please keep our team in prayer as we boldly shine the Light of Jesus and the message of Christ with out ministry partners from Belgium.

For Christ I stand,
Bryan Kemper

PS: Have you made a donation for March yet? Please consider supporting the important life saving work we are doing at Stand True, none of this is possible without your support.

Donate online here or at StandTrue.com, or send a check to:
Stand True
PO Box 890
Troy, OH 45373


When the Pro-Abortion Movement Runs out of Arguments…

On Friday, LifeNews.com reported on an unidentified person who threw a “Molotov cocktail” at an elderly woman at pro-life prayer event.

“A homemade incendiary device was thrown at one of the participants of the 40 Days for Life pro-life prayer vigil at an abortion business in Kalispell, Montana on Thursday night.

The woman walked on the public sidewalk near the abortion business when an unidentified person threw the device — akin to a “Molotov cocktail” — in her direction. The woman did not see either the firebomb nor the assailant it exploded on the sidewalk behind her, making a loud popping noise like a big firecracker as it burst into flame. Fortunately, the woman was not hurt in the incident.

After she regained her composure, the victim called Karen Trierweiler, coordinator of the 40 Days prayer vigils in Kalispell at the All Family Health Care abortion center, over to her.”

From what I can see in the photo LifeNews.com provided, this particular bomb was made using a plastic bottle. Thus we can be pretty sure that the aggressor did not intend to kill any pro-life activists, but rather intended to harm them (fire bombs are designed to set things on fire), and scare them.

In my time in the pro-live movement, I have very often come across the “argumentum ad ignorantiam” – the argument from ignorance. Often I am confronted with an argument which relies almost completely on verbal abuse. However there is another form of argument: “argumentum ad baculum” – an appeal to force. Baculum is Latin for cudgel. Why are proponents of abortion so quick to resort to verbal and physical abuse? The answer is, quite simply, that they are frustrated, and ultimately unable to combat our consistent presentation of truth and science.

You’ll remember we discussed the propensity of abortion’s proponents to use embarrassingly childish and ignorant arguments in my March 16 post, “A Consistent Pro-Abortion Position Must Accept Infanticide“.

But wait, you say – I thought it was pro-lifers who were the violent ones… I’ll hand it over to AbortionViolence.com who aptly brings a bit of desperately needed perspective to the issue of violence in the abortion debate.

“We’ve heard endless stories in the mainline media about “anti-choice violence” and an “organized campaign of terror and intimidation against reproductive health centers.”

But where does the real violence lie when it comes to the abortion issue?

Pro-life groups have emphasized the violence that goes on inside the abortion mills—but what about the violence that pro-abortionists commit against born human beings?

The pro-life movement is unquestionably the most peaceful social movement of all time.

We have all heard about the seven murders committed by self-identified anti-abortionists during the time period 1994-1998. But to put this into perspective, according to the United States government, more janitors, bartenders, secretaries, hairdressers and cosmetologists have been killed on the job than abortionists.

The most violent social movement of all time is so-called “pro-choice.” Not only have “pro-choicer’s” killed tens of millions of innocent preborn babies in the name of convenience, they have murdered hundreds of men, women and children.”

Read more at AbortionViolence.com.

Watch this video [Warning: Language]. This is a woman who has suffered from an abortion, if ever I’ve seen one. Why does she resort to verbal and physical abuse? Why is she so distraught and angry? It is because abortion is the ultimate violence being carried out in the name of choice, every day in the United States. Every day in the U.S.A., 4,000 absolutely innocent and helpless pre-born human-beings are torn limb from limb. And every day in the U.S.A., 4,000 women are lied to – with their back up against a wall, and the men in their life either abandoning them or pressuring them, they are put through the unthinkable trauma of having their pre-born child ripped from out of them and thrown in a trash bin.

The pro-abortion movement seeks to defend the indefensible. It’s enough to drive anyone insane.

For the silent unborn,
Andy Moore


Day 13 and 101 Babies Saved So Far

From the 40 Days for Life Blog:

It’s always great to start your Monday with good news, so here it is:

So far, we are aware of at least 101 lives saved from abortion during this 40 Days for Life campaign — that we know of!

Here are just a few of the blessings that God has provided in answer to your prayers!

——————————————————-
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
——————————————————-

A tall man and a visibly pregnant woman walked up to the abortion center, only to find the door was locked.

“It’s closed,” said a 40 Days for Life vigil participant, “but I have information on free pregnancy help.”

The woman took information on fetal development, but the couple walked around to the back of the building to try another door. It, too, was locked. So they sat on the steps and looked through the brochure they were given.

Eventually, the building opened, and the couple went in.

Two hours later, they came out — to get more information. “Can I ask you a personal question?” the volunteer said to the woman. “Were you thinking about getting an abortion?”

“Yes, I was thinking about it. But now I’m not going to get one,” she answered.

What changed her mind? “That booklet,” she said. “I didn’t know the baby looked like that and was that size.”

——————————————————-
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
——————————————————-

A woman walked out of the abortion center, saying she needed a bite to eat. “But it was obvious she was reconsidering,” said Kathy, one of the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers.

It turns out that the woman decided not to go through with her abortion — and she phoned her boyfriend to come pick her up.

“This is the second time she has made an appointment to abort this child and not followed through,” said Kathy. “She really needs our prayer support in particular for the financial problems facing the family. But at least she will not have to deal with the guilt.”

As she left, she expressed her gratitude — and so did her boyfriend. Said Kathy, “God is good and merciful.”

——————————————————-
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
——————————————————-

There are many, many situations where your prayers are still needed.

40 Days for Life volunteers were able to speak to a woman who had arrived for an RU-486 abortion.

“She sat in her car quite a while, counting money,” said Betty in Manchester, “but it was obvious she was reluctant to go in.”

After speaking to her for a while, Betty invited her to visit a pregnancy resource center for an ultrasound. This woman is eight weeks pregnant and she has two children. Her husband is insisting on an abortion that she does not want.

“She cried all night and begged God to give her a sign,” Betty said. “When she saw pro-lifers praying, she knew that was His reply. Please pray that her husband has a change of heart.”

——————————————————-
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
——————————————————-

Outside the abortion center, 40 Days for Life vigil participants were able to talk with a couple — but couldn’t convince them to turn away. As they walked in, the volunteers resumed their prayers.

A short time later, they came out of the building. The young woman raised her hands in the air and said, “I didn’t do it!”

“They were so happy,” said one of the volunteers, “and they begged us to pray for them.

“Prayers — and the vigil — work,” she said. “Amen!”

Click here to read today’s devotional.

Click here to download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends.

How many more lives will be saved over the next 27 days of this campaign thanks to your prayers and faithfulness?

I can’t wait to find out!

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

 

 


Update from Scotland

I arrived in Brussels on Thursday and had a planning meeting with Youth for Life leaders about our upcoming Youth Pro-life training week that starts on Monday in Brussels. I flew out on Friday morning for Scotland and arrived at the 4th International Youth Pro-Life Conference on Friday evening. Below are a few photos I took, along with an update on how the conference is going.

I had some amazing time speaking to the students from Cardiff and Exeter on Friday night, discussing the importance of action in the pro-life movement. Saturday morning the conference kicked off with talks on eugenics and euthanasia – as the theme of the conference is “no less human”.

The Stand True table

With talks from such amazing pro-life speakers as Andy Pollard, Fr. John Fleming and Stephan Barrie, I am humbled to be speaking on side such great men.

another stall with pro-life resources

Several students from the Pro-life society at Bristol University are here which started after I spoke to them at last years conference. I am so excited to see fruit from years past and can’t wait to see what God will do this year.

I finish up in Scotland on Sunday afternoon and head back to Belgium to meet up with the Survivors and Eric Scheidler for the training week.

Please pray for all the youth here in Europe as they are fighting hard for their generation and standing for the dignity of human life. Pray for our American team as we work with them this week.

for Christ I stand,
Bryan Kemper


Update from Capitol Hill: Gearing up for the Showdown

Harry Reid Planned Parenthood

Reid is prepared to shut down the Govt. to keep funding for Planned Parenthood

“After yesterday’s budget vote, it looks like the government will be able to scrape by for another 21 days. But unlike the last three resolutions, this one had an air of finality about it. Both sides are tired of funding Washington on an installment plan and seem ready to drop the gloves in the fight they’ve been postponing,” writes Tony Perkins in his Washington Update, Friday.

“As far as liberals are concerned, the quarrel is not just over how much is being cut but what is being cut. When reporters asked Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) whether he would be willing to defund Planned Parenthood, the answer was “not only no, but hell no.

“The Left’s [agenda] will be on full display if it follows through with the threat to shut down Washington over abortion funding. Maybe then Americans will get a true picture of how much these leaders will sacrifice to protect Planned Parenthood. “If that’s the case,” said Father Frank Pavone, “then shut it down. When a government funds massive child-killing, it has betrayed its very purpose anyway.

WHAT? You pro-lifers want to shut down the Government? Tony Perkins explains that “shutting down” is not nearly as drastic as it seems,

“What most people don’t understand is that a “shut down” is really a slowdown, which would force the government to operate as the Constitution intended it. The military would still be fully functional, so would Congress, border patrol, the U.S. Postal Service, the F.B.I., air traffic control, food inspection, etc. But all of the nonessential functions of Washington would fall away, freeing our leaders to focus on the crisis at hand.”

It is absolutely imperative that the GOP stands firm at this time. As the Susan B. Anthony List’s own Michele Bachmann pointed out to Republican leadership, “You don’t win if you don’t fight. If we do not stand our ground on the CR… and use it to stop the $105.5 billion… ObamaCare will be implemented on our watch, and… we will find it difficult–if not impossible–to regain the strategic advantage.”

I’m a Kiwi. I’m based here in New Zealand. I can’t ring my member of Congress, but I need each one of you to ring your member of Congress NOW, and explain to him or her why they absolutely must not back down – they must not accept a budget which continues to fund the abortion-funding provisions in Obamacare, and the funding of the States’ biggest abortion money-making scam, Planned Parenthood.

At the very least, it can go down in the history books for our children that in 2011 the pro-life movement was so dedicated to defending life, so vocal on behalf of those who had no voice, that they caused the Government to be “shut down” over this horrific, horrendous issue. If we achieve nothing else, we are at the very least honoring the memory of the more than 40 million innocent pre-born children mercilessly slaughtered in America, “land of the free”.

We need every hand on deck. The future of taxpayer-funded child killing in America; of child killing in America, is in your hands. Please, for the love of the children, do not remain silent. Stand true, be a voice for the voiceless, speak up now and pass this message on.


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