Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
Newsletter
Volume 20 Number 3
April 2010
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“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
As I am sitting here at my computer writing this article, the events of the past 24 hours are still central in my mind. All eyes were on Washington DC as on Sunday, March 21, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3590, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, by a vote of 219 to 212. This final vote took place after months of debate, deals, public opinion, and even the need for a corrections bill. The votes needed for passage came after there was an announced agreement between Representative Bart Stupak of Michigan (also, a group of Democrats who allied with him) and President Barack Obama (plus top Democrats who supported the bill) that President Obama would sign an Executive Order ensuring enforcement and implementation of abortion restrictions in the bill. This deal is nothing more than an exchange of a Presidential executive order for votes from pro-life Democrats to back the pro-abortion Senate health care bill.
According to LifeIssues.com [March 22, 2010], leading pro-life organizations are unanimous in their condemnation of the deal between Representative Bart Stupak and President Barack Obama. Teachers Saving Children® agrees with these leading pro-life organizations.
Representative Bart Stupak, the one who stood firm for five months, stunned everyone by trading away everything he stood for in exchange for a meaningless piece of White House paper. Unfortunately, the Executive Order will not prevent the pro-abortion effects of the bill. As National Right to Life stated: “The executive order promised by President Obama was issued for political effect. It changes nothing. It does not correct any of the serious pro-abortion provisions in the bill. The president cannot amend a bill by issuing an order, and the federal courts will enforce what the law says.” [Ohio Right to Life Press Release, March 22, 2010]. Other statements from pro-life organizations and legal experts confirm/agree with the National Right to Life statement.
There is hope as expressed by Family Research Council in its daily Washington Update: “As devastating as yesterday’s [March 21, 2010] result may be, don’t lose hope. If this debate proves anything, it’s that the abortion movement is losing supporters by the millions. America is radically shifting in its opinion of the unborn—so much so that the only way Democrats could pass this bill was by putting a pro-life veneer on it. Those who ignore the people on this issue do so at their own peril. During his victory lap, President Obama said smugly, ‘This is what change looks like.’ With all due respect, he hasn’t seen anything yet.” [Washington Update, March 22, 2010]
In the midst of grief and disappointment, there is hope. I still remember Dr. J.C. Willke sharing, during one of his lectures, about how the American people were educated about partial-birth abortion during the Clinton administration because President Clinton vetoed the partial-birth abortion ban twice. I believe the same thing has happened during the past several months. All the debate has educated the American people... and isn’t education what we, as educators, are all about? Let’s take what has happened and allow good to come out of it. Let’s continue to educate our colleagues and, when possible, appropriately educate our students about the sanctity of life.
Finally, let’s hold fast to our faith and our hope in God. He is in control and knows the final outcome of all this. In the meantime, friends, stand firm on His principles of LIFE!
Words cannot begin to express my praise to God for His provision through members. A number of individuals were led to give - over and beyond - towards the recent financial needs both in general expenditures and for “The Wonder of Life” exhibit. I also want to express my appreciation for all of you who were praying that our needs would be met. Since February 1, 2010, we received $1250.00 toward general expenses and $1240.00 toward “The Wonder of Life” exhibit.
To people she first meets, Elizabeth Trisler comes across as a petite young lady, lovely, reserved, and well-mannered. But once she approaches the podium, 19-year-old “Lizzie,” becomes animated, an informed and confident spokesperson for the pro-life movement, and a tough competitor at the microphone. This home-schooled, Sidney, Ohio native bedazzled the judges at the 2009 Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest, held at Otterbein College, winning the state title and the opportunity to advance to national competition in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she earned the year’s number one spot in the United States among all pro-life, teen speakers. Her incredible experiences didn’t end there, however. When Ohio Rep. John Adams requested that Elizabeth's national honor be recognized at the Capitol building in Columbus, Ohio Speaker of the House Armond Budish initially refused, saying the topic was too controversial. Budish’s refusal led to Elizabeth's appearance, along with her mother, on the ABC and FOX News channels, on The O’Reilly Factor; also to radio, newspaper, and magazine interviews, and even to a challenge of Budish (who subsequently relented) by the ACLU!
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So the preborn baby of pro-lifers was born and grew up to demonstrate her own determination at a young age. “I first became interested in the pro-life movement,” says Elizabeth, “when I was quite young. I asked my mom what abortion was, and when she told me, I was horrified. I stomped my foot and said, ‘THAT'S NOT RIGHT!!! I'm gonna stop that!!!’ and I have been working toward that end ever since.”
Obstacles have not stood in Lizzie’s way, either. She is a young woman of faith and resolve. For instance, few people knew at the time of the Ohio oratory competition, the complications the girl had faced only hours before. “I had been in Germany,” she recalls, “and I flew back by myself (first international flight alone) to compete with amazing speakers from around the state. I DEFINITELY didn't expect to win, for many reasons. I had planned on staying with my grandparents when I returned to the USA, but when my great-grandmother (to whom I was VERY close) died, plans changed. Neighbors picked me up from the airport, and we spent the next day hunting for something to WEAR to the state competition. Then I was picked up by a close family friend, and we FINALLY found something to wear at 11 PM the night before the competition. I knew that the others would all be better prepared, and I just prayed that God would let His words be heard. The next morning, as I was preparing to leave for the competition, I opened the door to find my Nana [grandma] standing there -- She and my granddad had driven straight from Florida to be there for my competition!!! This was the best surprise of my entire life. And she told me not to worry, to trust God to take care of it all, and to just be myself. We were all thrilled and surprised when I won, and my family, on business back in Germany, was overjoyed. I had so many people praying for me and supporting me that I can honestly say that it was a LARGE group effort!”
Elizabeth has certainly made major strides already toward her goal of stopping abortion. When she won the 2009 National Right to Life Oratory award, her speech focused on abortion, the lie. She comments, “When [abortion clinic staff] advise girls/women to have abortions, they usually don't tell them what it will entail later down the road--the horrible, awful after-effects that last for years--sometimes until they die. I want people to know the TRUTH about abortion.” About the experience, itself, at the National Right to Life competition, Elizabeth says, “It is one I know I will never forget. I met many amazing young people dedicated to the same cause I was, and the most amazing thing happened. We weren't competing AGAINST each other--we were all working together to support each other. We prayed and encouraged each other, and it was so neat to see it! I made many friends, and it was TRULY a life-changing experience. I never expected to win THAT one either--there were SO MANY wonderful speeches, and I was glad not to be a judge! But my mom told me to go all out, not be afraid, speak for the voiceless, and stand strong. And it was perhaps one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done!”
The adventures of Elizabeth Trisler continue on. She was seated onstage with prominent pro-life leaders during Ohio Right to Life’s recent Sarah Palin event, March 5th, in Columbus, and a surprise was in store for the teen! “I never expected Sarah Palin to call me over to her and ask me to speak!! She is truly an amazing and classy lady, and I am honored to have met her. She is a great example of standing firm for core values, and I hope to follow in her footsteps someday.”
Considering the way God has used Elizabeth “Lizzie” Trisler already, does anyone doubt that her “hope” might come true? Now a Christian Academy senior, she plans to attend a local community college and take basic courses; then to transfer to a 4-year school afterwards. Though she says she probably won't make it her major, Elizabeth plans to work further in the area of—you guessed it—politics!
By faith, decisions regarding the exhibit, the cost of exhibit application, and purchases of materials are made. There is an investment of over $2000 for the exhibit space rental fee and miscellaneous fees alone. The application has been sent, and the $1400 space rental fee has been paid. Monies have been set aside for the exhibit’s miscellaneous fees which will be invoiced and paid in late May.
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As stated in the Financial Update article, monies were received to pay the balance for the exhibit space, and remaining monies have been set aside for additional miscellaneous fees. Now, only as additional funds are available, are materials purchased for distribution. It is our hope to raise the additional money needed to purchase a reasonable quantity of these materials that will be given away free of charge. At the present time, no materials have been purchased for distribution as the funds are not currently available. We could use approximately $1500 to purchase the variety of materials needed to reach educators across a wide spectrum of teaching responsibilities. Each year we rely on the goodness of God and His people to raise the money for this effective pro-life education ministry. We have never been disappointed with His provision.
During the April 10, 2010 meeting, the Board of Trustees will be considering a special feature for our exhibit this year. Unfortunately, the details and possible monies needed will not be known until after the Teachers Saving Children® Board of Trustees meeting. Please check the website in late April for exhibit updates.
We appreciate all the suggestions and assistance received to help cut expenses and raise the monies needed. It should be noted that the Executive Director does not receive any monies from Teachers Saving Children® for personal expenses such as lodging, travel, and meals since her way is paid through another means.
Through your giving of $5, $10, $20, and more, the Lord has each year miraculously provided the finances for this special ministry opportunity, and for that provision we are grateful. Thank you for prayerfully considering being a part of this special endeavor in 2010 by sending in your contribution today.
Note: Please make checks payable to “TSC Inc. – National”. Carefully note how the amount given is to be designated (“NEA Exhibit”) so that the contribution will be appropriately allocated. As a tax-exempt organization approved under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions received are NOT tax deductible.
For more information about Pro-Life T-shirt Day,
contact American Life League (Rock for Life)
at 1-540-659-4174 or www.all.org
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