January 22, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

Below is a poem about abortion that I recently came across on the internet.  I printed it out and included it in Sunday’s church bulletin as an insert.  Its author is “anonymous” but it is written from the perspective of a woman who struggled mightily with guilit after having an abortion…and then finding forgiveness in Jesus Christ. 

          Today is the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decsion that effectively legalized abortion.  And as we remember and continue the fight to save future unborn lives, let us not forget to minister to the women who have been savagely duped by the “Planned Parenthoods” the “Hillary Clintons” or the “Barack Obamas” of the world that have told them they have the Constitutional right to kill their unborn kids.  The Liberals speak the Devil’s lie on abortion.  Let’s commit to lovingly, yet boldly speaking the truth to these women and the world at large.  Abortion is heinous beyond words….But the grace of God is greater than any sin, for those who will turn in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as Lord of their life.  Even those who have had abortions…can “Begin a new day” with Jesus Christ.

…….

I Began a New Day (A Post-Abortion Poem)

By an Anonymous Author

In a far away place and a different time,
I killed my first child, a most heinous crime.

The state didn’t come, and I didn’t stand trial.
Judge Blackmun was calm when he said with a smile,

“Killing is legal,” say we the High Court
“But don’t call it murder, Just call it ‘abort.’”

The judge in my heart would not let the case rest.
I had no defense when once put to the test.

Found guilty I was by my heart’s “supreme court.”
“You murdered your baby!” it screamed in retort.

With tears on my cheeks it was too late, I knew
to bring back the life of the child I once slew.

The gavel slammed down, and it rang in my head,
“You are guilty as charged, and deserve to be dead.

We now give you torment to pay for your sin,” was the
sentence passed down from my own court within.

“You will never escape. You’re branded. Don’t hide.
Your just due is death. You should try suicide.”

I was beaten in prison by daily attack.
I was paying a debt, so I never fought back,

No hope of escaping, and this I knew well.
I cried out to God from my own self-made hell.

That day I met Jesus. He smiled in my face.
He said, “I forgive you. Come walk in my grace.”

“Lord, I believe you forgive me, and yet,
Blameless you are. Can you pay for my debt?

“And Lord, please don’t touch me, for I am unclean.
I’m filthy with murder, a most wretched being.”

I poured out my story. He showed no surprise.
I gazed up with awe at the love in His eyes.

“I paid for your crime, yes, was nailed to a tree.
There’s no condemnation, if you’ll trust in Me.

“I took on your blame and your curse on My soul
So you may be free without judgment and whole.”

I sputtered, “Dear Lord, where’s the justice in this?
I killed my first son, and you offer me bliss?”

Tears blurred my vision, yet there on His face
Were eyes of compassion, blue oceans of grace.

I thought to myself, “Now the past has been buried?
I’m free of the guilt that for years I have carried?”

He said to accept. It’s a gift that is free.
This is atonement, not justice for me!

My judge was dismissed, my accusers, and jury.
The truth of His love made them leave in a fury.

He smiled,”Walk with Me and come learn My way”
And grasping His hand, I began a new day.

( If you are hurting from an abortion, please call “Project Rachel” toll-free at 1-888-456-HOPE.People are waiting to help you .)

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January 18, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

“The word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…’” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

Every generation has its great moral issues to face.  In the 1700’s our founding fathers stood up to a tyrannical monarchy and won our Nation’s freedom.  In the mid 1800’s the abolitionists stood up against an oppressive system and won the slaves freedom.  Likewise, our generation faces a great moral crises that all people should unite and defeat, thus winning the unborn’s freedom. 

            January 22^nd marks the 35^th anniversary of the diabolical Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade, which effectively legalized abortion in America.  Since that time approximately 50 million children have been “legally” killed with the full blessing of the United States government.  Some recent good news reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute was that in 2005, abortions in America reached their lowest point since 1976, with a “mere” 1.2 million children being exterminated in our country.  While its promising to see abortions decrease, it is a far cry from what we should see in a country that boasts of how “civilized” it is.           

            One of the greatest tragedies on this issue is the seeming indifference of so many people, including Christians.  The argument is that abortion is a “political” issue and should therefore not be discussed by people of faith.  But with all due respect…if seeking to protect the very lives of our most vulnerable would-be citizens isn’t a moral issue, then I don’t know what is.  It’s time for Christians, and indeed all Americans, to “step up to the plate” on abortion.  And by God’s grace, in this glorious country of ours, we have that opportunity through our political process.

            As you know, 2008 marks an election year in America.  And undoubtedly you will be inundated with political advertisements, mailings, and calls.  I would encourage you to ask those seeking your vote where they stand on this great moral issue of our day.  And if they piously praise their view of defending a “woman’s right to choose” kindly remind them of their duty before God to defend a “baby’s right to breathe.”  Manipulated women and slaughtered children are too often used as political pawns by some to gain votes, prestige, and power.  But the political games must stop.  All Americans, regardless of their party affiliation, should unite to defend children against this heinous moral calamity of our day. Will God bless a nation that murders its young?  Indeed, He will not! So stand up, speak out, vote, and pray to end abortion.  Millions and millions of future “heartbeats” hinge upon your courage, or lack thereof.

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January 3, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

Tomorrow is the Iowa Caucus…so I’ve done the Hawkeye GOPers a favor and ranked the Republican candidates.  Below you’ll see my order…and reasoning.  Now, please follow my counsel and “caucus” the right guy into office, please.  So, without further ado…

1. Mike Huckabee – He’s a solid and consistent conservative on the issues of abortion and the family.  He’s likable, comes from a “common” background, and acts like a normal person.  He’s a former Baptist minister who seems to genuinely know and love the Lord.  He seeks to do what he believes is right….even if others disagree.  What he lacks in foreign policy experience, he will make up for with good counsel and wise decision-making.  While, he’s accused of being “soft” on crime, he has actually carried out the death penalty on 16 people, which is something Mitt Romney CANNOT say.  When all of these things are combined; Mike Huckabee would be my number one choice for the Republican presidential nomination.

2. John McCain – He has been consistently pro-life as a Senator and has backed it up by adopting a child from overseas.  But he hasn’t pushed a pro-life agenda the way I wish he would have.  He is an American hero who was a POW during the Vietnam War; and he might be the best man to guide to the end of the Iraq war…and the next phase of the war on terror.  But Iraq is not the only issue.  McCain was dead wrong on his campaign finance reform bill.  And has been weak on immigration.  But, all things considered, I would currently rank him number 2 on my Republican list.

3. Fred Thompson – This election would have been his in a landslide, IF…IF he had acted like he really wanted to win.  His campaigning was dismal.  And in the debates he usually acted like he was about to fall asleep.  He apparently thought he would just walk in and win the thing in a landslide….but he was dead wrong.  I would expect him to drop out after Iowa and endorse his good friend John McCain, prior to New Hampshire.  This may give McCain the extra oomph he needs to beat Romney in N.H.

4. Mitt Romney – If I needed a CEO, I’d hire Mitt Romney.  But we need a strong leader with conviction…and unfortunately, I don’t see it in Romney.  He’s a very impressive individual, who’s smart, articulate, and a skilled politician.  But he has blatantly changed positions in an attempt to woo all Republicans.  This makes it appear as though he doesn’t really believe in anything….but getting himself elected.  He was the first one to start slinging mud (at Huckabee and McCain) and has shown himself willing to spend any amount of money to win the nomination.  He couldn’t relate to the common man if his life depended on it…and he looks foolish when he tries to.  He’s so polished that he looks robotic…and ultimately he would probably be the one Republican MOST LIKELY TO LOSE in November.  Add to that, his adherence to a heretical religious sect, and it adds up to a “non-endorsement” by me.  And by the way…. Mormons REALLY DO believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers….and if Romney had a spine, he would own up to it.

5. Rudy Giuliani – He’s a likeable guy.  He was an American hero after 9-11.  But he’s way WAY WAY WAY WAY toooooooo liberal.  End of story.

I can’t remember any of the other Republican candidates who are running…but after tomorrow, none of them will be running anymore anyway.  (In fact for the last several months I thought Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter were the same guy.)  If anyone from Iowa is reading this, then be sure to go out and caucus on my behalf for Mike Huckabee.  Since I live in Kansas, I’m not really allowed a say in who gets the nomination….we all pretty much let you Hawkeyes decide it for us….so don’t let me down…..But whoever you pick….I’ll support in November…but I’m hoping for Huckabee.

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