Approaching the November elections some candidates make known their pro-life or pro-choice positions. Some candidates, however, are mum on the topic preferring not to ostracize voters. The last thing they want is to be confrontational and simply talking about abortion is confronting issue. Journalists likewise choose to either include or exclude the abortion topic when covering candidate forums. The elephant is in the room but no one wants to say so.
Sadly, many voters think answers are always found through government. While governments, especially big governments, have more capability of designating funds, solutions are still unmet. In the case of abortion, the landmark case of Roe v. Wade is still ever present. It just will not go away. The point is that government is not the answer when the issue of abortion is the topic.
That is why pregnancy resource centers have been, are and always will have the answers for women and men facing crisis pregnancy situations. While governments, candidates, elections, and media go about their ritual endeavors to campaign, get elected and govern, pregnancy resource centers like PASS keep going standing in truth, love, and compassion. That is what we do 24/7/365. We keep upholding the sanctity of life because that is what Jesus teaches.
I will uphold the sanctity of life before I vote on Tuesday and after I vote on Tuesday. Because innocent lives in the womb need that protection.
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Rick Ligthart, President
rick@passhelps.org
708-614-9777
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thoughts for Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Lorerdana Vuoto in her article “Abortion: The Real African American Killer” (www.reflectionsebi.net July 2010 Issue) cites Mrs. Obama’s efforts to reduce childhood obesity to save lives. To quote Vuoto, “Although it may be true that one in three children in the United States is obese,” “the epidemic of childhood obesity in America is not what is really killing African Americans: abortion is.” Vuote goes on, “Put bluntly, for every three black babies born, two are aborted.”
Vuoto make the point that mass media disregards U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics that over 1/3 of U.S. abortions are African American. Vuoto clarifies that 78% of all abortion clinics are located in or near predominantly minority neighborhoods.
Vuoto is right. The irony of Mrs. Obama’s focus on childhood obesity when abortion is the greatest killer our nation’s children is astounding.
PASS ministers truth with love and compassion wherever abortion is advanced in Chicago’s southern suburbs and we want to do more. PASS lovingly receives those who have experienced an abortion. At PASS, personal relationship is paramount.
PASS devotes its time on “doing” more so than “talking”. This is why we are thankful for speakers and writers like Vuoto and pro-life blogger Jill Stanek (www.jillstanek.com) and others for their connections to public audiences. We are also thankful for CPC’s around the U.S. like PASS at what they do one heart at a time through love and compassion with women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. What joy to know there are those who speak and those who do. Like sowing and reaping, together we are saving lives and changing culture.
Sounds like a great partnership for life.
For His Children,
Rick Lighart, PASS President
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
Vuoto make the point that mass media disregards U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics that over 1/3 of U.S. abortions are African American. Vuoto clarifies that 78% of all abortion clinics are located in or near predominantly minority neighborhoods.
Vuoto is right. The irony of Mrs. Obama’s focus on childhood obesity when abortion is the greatest killer our nation’s children is astounding.
PASS ministers truth with love and compassion wherever abortion is advanced in Chicago’s southern suburbs and we want to do more. PASS lovingly receives those who have experienced an abortion. At PASS, personal relationship is paramount.
PASS devotes its time on “doing” more so than “talking”. This is why we are thankful for speakers and writers like Vuoto and pro-life blogger Jill Stanek (www.jillstanek.com) and others for their connections to public audiences. We are also thankful for CPC’s around the U.S. like PASS at what they do one heart at a time through love and compassion with women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. What joy to know there are those who speak and those who do. Like sowing and reaping, together we are saving lives and changing culture.
Sounds like a great partnership for life.
For His Children,
Rick Lighart, PASS President
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thoughts for June 30, 2010...
Living in America as we approach July 4th is becoming increasingly challenging for real Christians. Judeo/Christian biblical sexual, reproductive, and sanctity of human life values are under attack. Recently, the Chicago Gay Pride Parade affirmed the pain and consequences in people’s lives before and following a pride-filled life. The Judeo/Christian Biblical view is clear; pride is not a good thing. Prov.11:2 “Pride comes before the fall, but with humility comes wisdom.” Pride precedes a fall; sometimes sooner, sometimes later, but the fall is unavoidable without renewing the mind that transforms a life.
Every day PASS volunteers and staff compassionately with wisdom and humility respond to the consequences of a client’s choices. We care for women and men facing the consequences of a crisis pregnancy, or the consequences of a broken heart following a sexual relationship gone awry, or the consequences of a broken spirit following an abortion choice, or the consequences of a confused teen without a job wondering how to provide for a baby who will arrive in a few months.
PASS staff and volunteers understand pain can exist before the pride. Pain can lead to pride and occurs following pride. In either situation love, compassion, wisdom, and humility are how we respond.
It is hard to be humble and hurts to be humbled, but the wisdom that follows is as precious as gold. Renewing minds and transforming lives is what we do at PASS and what we do is a result of wisdom that follows humility.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart
President, PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
Every day PASS volunteers and staff compassionately with wisdom and humility respond to the consequences of a client’s choices. We care for women and men facing the consequences of a crisis pregnancy, or the consequences of a broken heart following a sexual relationship gone awry, or the consequences of a broken spirit following an abortion choice, or the consequences of a confused teen without a job wondering how to provide for a baby who will arrive in a few months.
PASS staff and volunteers understand pain can exist before the pride. Pain can lead to pride and occurs following pride. In either situation love, compassion, wisdom, and humility are how we respond.
It is hard to be humble and hurts to be humbled, but the wisdom that follows is as precious as gold. Renewing minds and transforming lives is what we do at PASS and what we do is a result of wisdom that follows humility.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart
President, PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father’s Day at Crisis Pregnancy Centers
For many fathers, Father’s Day is celebrated with new ties, summer shirts, sweet colognes, printed coffee mugs that read “World’s Greatest Dad” and family celebrations. For some dads, their children and spouses, Father’s Day can be a great day.
For expectant Fathers in a crisis pregnancy situation celebration is not always what they feel. Emotions of an unwed, expectant teen father waiting months until his girlfriend gives birth can be overwhelming. Father’s Day for these expectant dads may include giving his own father a gift as he thinks about how to tell his dad and mom that his girlfriend is pregnant. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Some single teen dads may find themselves shut out from their fatherhood experience if the mother says, “I want nothing to do with my old boyfriend, the guy who got me pregnant.” The bitterness can be hurtful. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Others single teen dads may completely abandon their responsibilities and potential joys because they don’t know the facts about fathering and family. They only know what culture and peer pressures have taught them. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
On the other hand, many crisis pregnancy fathers may want to be good dads but have little understanding of their fatherhood role. They are without mentors to help them be the fathers they really want to be. They don’t know how and have no one to teach them. Father’s Day is a day of fear. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Historically crisis pregnancy centers have focused on the needs of abortion minded or abortion vulnerable women with the sole purpose of preventing abortion. That is still the case in many crisis pregnancy centers in the U.S. because funding is not available to do anything but pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
How do we honor the father of an unwed teen pregnancy? Do we celebrate out of wedlock sex that resulted in pregnancy? Do we encourage additional unwed fatherhood opportunities? Where does marriage and responsibility fit in? Do we disregard the emotions of expectant mother and father and focus only on joys and not the challenges they will face as single parents? Some father’s days are not so easy.
That is where PASS can help. We centrally focus on abortion minded and abortion vulnerable women with the mission to reduce abortions, and we go further. Expectant Dads in crisis pregnancy situations are also offered services because we believe Fathers and Mothers when working together and in harmony is best for families.
At PASS we like celebrating Fathers and Mothers and the gift of life.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
For expectant Fathers in a crisis pregnancy situation celebration is not always what they feel. Emotions of an unwed, expectant teen father waiting months until his girlfriend gives birth can be overwhelming. Father’s Day for these expectant dads may include giving his own father a gift as he thinks about how to tell his dad and mom that his girlfriend is pregnant. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Some single teen dads may find themselves shut out from their fatherhood experience if the mother says, “I want nothing to do with my old boyfriend, the guy who got me pregnant.” The bitterness can be hurtful. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Others single teen dads may completely abandon their responsibilities and potential joys because they don’t know the facts about fathering and family. They only know what culture and peer pressures have taught them. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
On the other hand, many crisis pregnancy fathers may want to be good dads but have little understanding of their fatherhood role. They are without mentors to help them be the fathers they really want to be. They don’t know how and have no one to teach them. Father’s Day is a day of fear. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.
Historically crisis pregnancy centers have focused on the needs of abortion minded or abortion vulnerable women with the sole purpose of preventing abortion. That is still the case in many crisis pregnancy centers in the U.S. because funding is not available to do anything but pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
How do we honor the father of an unwed teen pregnancy? Do we celebrate out of wedlock sex that resulted in pregnancy? Do we encourage additional unwed fatherhood opportunities? Where does marriage and responsibility fit in? Do we disregard the emotions of expectant mother and father and focus only on joys and not the challenges they will face as single parents? Some father’s days are not so easy.
That is where PASS can help. We centrally focus on abortion minded and abortion vulnerable women with the mission to reduce abortions, and we go further. Expectant Dads in crisis pregnancy situations are also offered services because we believe Fathers and Mothers when working together and in harmony is best for families.
At PASS we like celebrating Fathers and Mothers and the gift of life.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Join us this Friday evening--special class being offered!
PASS aims at ministry excellence in all we do including relationships with clients we serve. To that point, this Friday, June 18th at our PASS Tinley Park location (17214 Oak Park Avenue) we are providing our first “Cultural Diversity In-Service Training Seminar”. This is our first series of seminars for those who minister through PASS. It is for all PASS Volunteers, Advocates, Facilitators, Teachers, Presenters, Staff, Board Members and any guest that feels led to attend. The cost is free! For further information please contact us at 708/614.9777 x24.
We are excited about this seminar and the future trainings PASS will make available on issues that matter for life.
We are about renewing minds that transforms and saves lives.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelp.org
We are excited about this seminar and the future trainings PASS will make available on issues that matter for life.
We are about renewing minds that transforms and saves lives.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelp.org
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thoughts for Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Day Reflection and Life
This Memorial Day has come and gone. I thought about my deceased Father and Grandfather. Dad served in WWII and my Grandfather fought in the trenches in WWI. I still have their uniforms and my grandfather’s WWI gas mask and helmet.
Memorial Day brings special memories for me as it does millions of Americans. I think about what my Father and Grandfather and their fellow soldiers fought for. I also think about the unborn innocent lives killed in the womb since Roe V. Wade and how we as a Nation have disregarded these lives.
For comparison consider that approximately 1,309,000 Americans have died in service since the beginning of our nation (www.militaryfactory.com) and since 1980 approximately 46,500,000 lives have been aborted (www.abortionfacts.com). That is quite an alarming statistic, 1.3 million since the Revolutionary War compared to 46.5since the 1980’s.
God bless the 1,309,000 service men and women who sacrificed to keep our Nation free. And God bless the 46,500,000 lives that have been aborted within our Nation’s borders. Makes one wonder what were our soldiers fighting and dying for then and what are they fighting and dying for now.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
This Memorial Day has come and gone. I thought about my deceased Father and Grandfather. Dad served in WWII and my Grandfather fought in the trenches in WWI. I still have their uniforms and my grandfather’s WWI gas mask and helmet.
Memorial Day brings special memories for me as it does millions of Americans. I think about what my Father and Grandfather and their fellow soldiers fought for. I also think about the unborn innocent lives killed in the womb since Roe V. Wade and how we as a Nation have disregarded these lives.
For comparison consider that approximately 1,309,000 Americans have died in service since the beginning of our nation (www.militaryfactory.com) and since 1980 approximately 46,500,000 lives have been aborted (www.abortionfacts.com). That is quite an alarming statistic, 1.3 million since the Revolutionary War compared to 46.5since the 1980’s.
God bless the 1,309,000 service men and women who sacrificed to keep our Nation free. And God bless the 46,500,000 lives that have been aborted within our Nation’s borders. Makes one wonder what were our soldiers fighting and dying for then and what are they fighting and dying for now.
For His Children,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thoughts for Tuesday, May 26, 2010...
MEN, CRISIS PREGNANCY, AND MINISTRY
This weekend, a PASS employee and I attended the “Fisher’s of Men” conference in New Lenox which was attended by approximately 200 men.
PASS provided a display booth and our purpose was to invite men to volunteer at PASS to be one-on-one mentors with the men who often come to PASS with their expecting girlfriends.
The reality of crisis pregnancy is that pregnant women are not the only ones in crisis. We must minister to the men who are their boyfriends who are also in crisis and can play a significant part in decision making, particularly for choices to abort, parent, or adopt. These men in crisis are also are important to the future wellbeing of the child.
Ministering to men in crisis pregnancy situations is another part of PASS that is focused on renewing minds and transforming and saving lives.
Please pray for us as PASS ministers to women and men in crisis pregnancy with the goal of transforming and saving innocent lives.
Blessings,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
This weekend, a PASS employee and I attended the “Fisher’s of Men” conference in New Lenox which was attended by approximately 200 men.
PASS provided a display booth and our purpose was to invite men to volunteer at PASS to be one-on-one mentors with the men who often come to PASS with their expecting girlfriends.
The reality of crisis pregnancy is that pregnant women are not the only ones in crisis. We must minister to the men who are their boyfriends who are also in crisis and can play a significant part in decision making, particularly for choices to abort, parent, or adopt. These men in crisis are also are important to the future wellbeing of the child.
Ministering to men in crisis pregnancy situations is another part of PASS that is focused on renewing minds and transforming and saving lives.
Please pray for us as PASS ministers to women and men in crisis pregnancy with the goal of transforming and saving innocent lives.
Blessings,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thoughts for Monday, May 3, 2010
Dear Friends for LIFE:
The abortion issue is clearly not going away. New abortion laws in Arizona (in addition to the immigration laws) are making news. We at PASS continue saving lives regardless of what city, township, county, state and federal taxes and laws bring forward or what media hypes.
We minister in truth and love one to one. That means we continue to minister one heart at a time to save lives. PASS is in relationship with people to save lives, and we do it every day because of you--through your prayers and donations.
We are not a church so we do not pass a collection plate. We are not a business to our clients so we don’t charge them for our services. We are not a government so we don’t tax people. What we do is provide a great Saturday of friendship, fun, friends, live music, games, radio interviews, food, and conversation with people who believe in LIFE and support us with financial pledges and contributions.
Come join us for our annual "Hike for Life" fund-raising event this Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 8am to 2pm on Old Plank Trail/130 South Route 45 in Frankfort (on Plank Trail/event on the grounds of Peace Community Church). You won't want to miss it! For more details, visit us on the web at: www.passhelps.org
Blessings to you and your families,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
The abortion issue is clearly not going away. New abortion laws in Arizona (in addition to the immigration laws) are making news. We at PASS continue saving lives regardless of what city, township, county, state and federal taxes and laws bring forward or what media hypes.
We minister in truth and love one to one. That means we continue to minister one heart at a time to save lives. PASS is in relationship with people to save lives, and we do it every day because of you--through your prayers and donations.
We are not a church so we do not pass a collection plate. We are not a business to our clients so we don’t charge them for our services. We are not a government so we don’t tax people. What we do is provide a great Saturday of friendship, fun, friends, live music, games, radio interviews, food, and conversation with people who believe in LIFE and support us with financial pledges and contributions.
Come join us for our annual "Hike for Life" fund-raising event this Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 8am to 2pm on Old Plank Trail/130 South Route 45 in Frankfort (on Plank Trail/event on the grounds of Peace Community Church). You won't want to miss it! For more details, visit us on the web at: www.passhelps.org
Blessings to you and your families,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thoughts for April 13, 2010
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed April to be “Abortion Recovery Month” much to the dismay and criticism of Planned Parenthood and NARAL.
The truth is that Post Abortive consequences are real often taking years before surfacing. Some people cope, some bury, some hide, and some pretend but no woman or man can avoid the consequences that accompany an abortion choice. Some come to grips with their choices soon and join recovery programs for the consequences they face. Others take years coping with inner guilt, shame, fear, the unknown, and a host of other consequences.
There is a continuous message of sex without consequences spread through government programs, mass media and groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Recovery from emotional, mental, social, and spiritual consequences of an abortion choice requires sincere safe relationships with knowledgeable leaders skilled in walking the recovery journey. Post Abortive recovery programs and gifted people to teach can be difficult to find. PASS Hope & Healing program is one of the best in Illinois.
We as individuals and a nation can expect to see more men and women in need of Post Abortive recovery. Thank the Minnesota Governor for advancing the truth that Abortion Recovery in our nation is a reality. Thank your local pregnancy care center if they provide a Post Abortion recovery program. They are going to be very busy as the lie of abortion without pain and long term consequences are advanced in our nation.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
The truth is that Post Abortive consequences are real often taking years before surfacing. Some people cope, some bury, some hide, and some pretend but no woman or man can avoid the consequences that accompany an abortion choice. Some come to grips with their choices soon and join recovery programs for the consequences they face. Others take years coping with inner guilt, shame, fear, the unknown, and a host of other consequences.
There is a continuous message of sex without consequences spread through government programs, mass media and groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Recovery from emotional, mental, social, and spiritual consequences of an abortion choice requires sincere safe relationships with knowledgeable leaders skilled in walking the recovery journey. Post Abortive recovery programs and gifted people to teach can be difficult to find. PASS Hope & Healing program is one of the best in Illinois.
We as individuals and a nation can expect to see more men and women in need of Post Abortive recovery. Thank the Minnesota Governor for advancing the truth that Abortion Recovery in our nation is a reality. Thank your local pregnancy care center if they provide a Post Abortion recovery program. They are going to be very busy as the lie of abortion without pain and long term consequences are advanced in our nation.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thoughts for March 22, 2010
Dear PASS Friends for Life:
Historically, U. S. governments - federal, state, county, township, and cities have recognized the benefits faith-based ministries provide. Tax codes have permitted a percentage of contributions to faith-based ministries to be tax deductible affirming this understood benefit to citizens and the state. However, that seems to be changing as the Health Care Bill and, more importantly, the way the bill was passed confirms the church and state are at odds.
Non-profit groups, crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, shelters, meal centers, healing and teaching ministries, and churches are experiencing the changes. From the beginning of time, to the fall of the Roman Empire to contemporary history, when governments get big, the more difficult it becomes for non-profits to minister. Governments have always been intent on controlling its people and this is certainly the case in the matter of abortion and life decisions.
However, there is good news. History has also proven that no matter how governments have tried to control personal-life decisions, no government has ever been able to eliminate people from communicating truth through personal relationships.
Yes, there is sadness and resentment at both the bill and the way the bill was passed. But know that PASS does things governments cannot do--create life-affirming relationships and share truth. What PASS does best is one-on-one ministry to hurting women and men in crisis. Regardless of what has occurred in Washington this past week of which there is much disappointment, PASS will continue to minister one heart, one soul, one life at a time. At PASS we minister publicly and privately. It is what we do and will continue to do to save lives.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
Historically, U. S. governments - federal, state, county, township, and cities have recognized the benefits faith-based ministries provide. Tax codes have permitted a percentage of contributions to faith-based ministries to be tax deductible affirming this understood benefit to citizens and the state. However, that seems to be changing as the Health Care Bill and, more importantly, the way the bill was passed confirms the church and state are at odds.
Non-profit groups, crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, shelters, meal centers, healing and teaching ministries, and churches are experiencing the changes. From the beginning of time, to the fall of the Roman Empire to contemporary history, when governments get big, the more difficult it becomes for non-profits to minister. Governments have always been intent on controlling its people and this is certainly the case in the matter of abortion and life decisions.
However, there is good news. History has also proven that no matter how governments have tried to control personal-life decisions, no government has ever been able to eliminate people from communicating truth through personal relationships.
Yes, there is sadness and resentment at both the bill and the way the bill was passed. But know that PASS does things governments cannot do--create life-affirming relationships and share truth. What PASS does best is one-on-one ministry to hurting women and men in crisis. Regardless of what has occurred in Washington this past week of which there is much disappointment, PASS will continue to minister one heart, one soul, one life at a time. At PASS we minister publicly and privately. It is what we do and will continue to do to save lives.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thoughts for March 16, 2010
The Health Care Bill is no small matter for the unborn. After understanding the plus 2,000 pages government bill, at the heart of debate are only two points: 1. Do you want government controlled heath care? 2. Do you want tax dollars be used to abort babies? Regarding #1, when learned people consider history and realize bigger government has never been the answer, they conclude competition is always better than totalitarian government or monopolies that have total control over medical decisions and absolute power to tax for it. Regarding #2, if you consider yourself pro-life, taxpayer-funded abortions is the worst legislation any nation has ever advanced. It surpasses that of the worst wars and holocausts throughout history. This bill that uses government funds for abortion will begin killing and keep on killing innocent lives as history continues. Proponents and supporters of the health care bill do not believe live begins in the womb. Clearly this is a battle in the spiritual and physical realm.
There is something you can do that governments have never done. Support LIFE one person at a time, one heart at a time, one soul at a time, one mind at a time. While we teach thousands of students each year, we also advocate for life and truth with women and men one-to-one. Pro-life advocates can use the democratic process through voting. Pro-life advocates also do not neglect responsibilities to be in one-on-one human personal relationship to save lives.
Thank you for what you do and thank you for what you make possible for us to do to save lives of the innocent in the womb, one at a time. You are not alone.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart
PASS President
There is something you can do that governments have never done. Support LIFE one person at a time, one heart at a time, one soul at a time, one mind at a time. While we teach thousands of students each year, we also advocate for life and truth with women and men one-to-one. Pro-life advocates can use the democratic process through voting. Pro-life advocates also do not neglect responsibilities to be in one-on-one human personal relationship to save lives.
Thank you for what you do and thank you for what you make possible for us to do to save lives of the innocent in the womb, one at a time. You are not alone.
Sincerely,
Rick Ligthart
PASS President
Monday, February 22, 2010
Weekly Blog for Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday night the First Church of the Nazarene (FCN) in Lemont presented to their congregation and the public a panel of speakers on Sex. Sermons on sexuality, marriage, and faithfulness are common. Youth pastors regularly answer challenging questions from teens and young adults about sex. And what Pastor has not faced a pastoral counseling session on marital unfaithfulness? But a public focus group with audience questions? That is a deeper level of edification. One might ask, “Why would a church do that?”
The Old Testament, the Gospels and Paul’s writings affirm that sex has always been an issue for the church. What is refreshing is a church unafraid to publicly speak about sex, a church unashamed to ask questions and dialogue, a church filled with the Spirit and confident enough in its relationship with God to speak about what many would say is the unspeakable.
When edified Christians know where they stand on any topic, they do not fear talking about it. Christians unafraid to speak the truth is leadership lead by the Spirit. It is the kind of Christian leadership that counts the cost and is unafraid. In today’s culture of crisis pregnancy, abortion, teen pregnancy, broken marriages, one-parent families, co-habitation, politicians, sports stars, cultural icons and media sex messages out of control, it is a joy to know there are some who are unafraid to speak truthfully through th church. It is the kind of truth that accompanies Jesus’ words from Matt. 25:25 “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
The Old Testament, the Gospels and Paul’s writings affirm that sex has always been an issue for the church. What is refreshing is a church unafraid to publicly speak about sex, a church unashamed to ask questions and dialogue, a church filled with the Spirit and confident enough in its relationship with God to speak about what many would say is the unspeakable.
When edified Christians know where they stand on any topic, they do not fear talking about it. Christians unafraid to speak the truth is leadership lead by the Spirit. It is the kind of Christian leadership that counts the cost and is unafraid. In today’s culture of crisis pregnancy, abortion, teen pregnancy, broken marriages, one-parent families, co-habitation, politicians, sports stars, cultural icons and media sex messages out of control, it is a joy to know there are some who are unafraid to speak truthfully through th church. It is the kind of truth that accompanies Jesus’ words from Matt. 25:25 “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
Monday, February 8, 2010
Weekly Blog, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Dear PASS Friends:
Two major events occurred last week: 1) Focus on the Family and Tim Tebow and his Mother had a commercial during the Super Bowl and, 2) a new study was released showing that abstinence education is effective.
I am all for professing Christians being involved in the culture wars, especially when it comes to the sanctity of human life. For those of us who are not Heisman trophy winners, we should not let the Focus on the Family / Tebow's commercial take the place of God’s call on our lives. I applaud Focus on the Family and the Tebows for their great message and courage. My prayer is for those playing sandlot football and attending small churches that you do not leave the cause of Christ up to mega-ministries and mega-sports figures through Super Bowl commercials. It is my prayer that every professing Christian advances the sanctity of human life regardless of if we play powder-puff football or sign the next NFL contract. Bless you and thank you Tim Tebow, Mrs. Tebow, and Focus on the Family. Bless you and thank you all of those who stand for the truth of the sanctity of life who have not made the big leagues of media, sport, or ministry. Even if you are not on TV commercials, You Tube videos, or radio, we know where you are. You are in the trenches of personal ministry daily carrying your cross and you are not alone. We are with you.
The recent study showing "abstinence works" is no surprise as will be the next study that comes out that says abstinence does not work (www.abstinenceassociation.org). And, a few weeks later there will be another study with some new findings. At PASS, we don’t teach abstinence because a study proves abstinence works. We already knew it worked because Jesus does not lie or base his teachings on secular or government studies. We teach abstinence because Jesus says “Teach what I have commanded you.” And, that is good enough for us.
Rick Ligthart
PASS President
Dear PASS Friends:
Two major events occurred last week: 1) Focus on the Family and Tim Tebow and his Mother had a commercial during the Super Bowl and, 2) a new study was released showing that abstinence education is effective.
I am all for professing Christians being involved in the culture wars, especially when it comes to the sanctity of human life. For those of us who are not Heisman trophy winners, we should not let the Focus on the Family / Tebow's commercial take the place of God’s call on our lives. I applaud Focus on the Family and the Tebows for their great message and courage. My prayer is for those playing sandlot football and attending small churches that you do not leave the cause of Christ up to mega-ministries and mega-sports figures through Super Bowl commercials. It is my prayer that every professing Christian advances the sanctity of human life regardless of if we play powder-puff football or sign the next NFL contract. Bless you and thank you Tim Tebow, Mrs. Tebow, and Focus on the Family. Bless you and thank you all of those who stand for the truth of the sanctity of life who have not made the big leagues of media, sport, or ministry. Even if you are not on TV commercials, You Tube videos, or radio, we know where you are. You are in the trenches of personal ministry daily carrying your cross and you are not alone. We are with you.
The recent study showing "abstinence works" is no surprise as will be the next study that comes out that says abstinence does not work (www.abstinenceassociation.org). And, a few weeks later there will be another study with some new findings. At PASS, we don’t teach abstinence because a study proves abstinence works. We already knew it worked because Jesus does not lie or base his teachings on secular or government studies. We teach abstinence because Jesus says “Teach what I have commanded you.” And, that is good enough for us.
Rick Ligthart
PASS President
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1, 2010
Dear PASS Friends:
I had the blessed pleasure of providing the sermon to the wonderful people at St. Andrews church in Tinley Park this past Sunday. What a joy to be with brothers and sisters in Christ Sunday morning with a commitment to both evangelism and discipleship and a clear understanding on the sanctity of human life. Christian hospitality was certainly evidenced with the wonderful pot luck luncheon following the worship and Holy Communion service. There is just something special when Christians break bread together.
Everyone who ministers through PASS faces immense spiritual challenges as each day we seek to save lives of the unborn, teach abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage, heal those impacted by past decisions through love and understanding, and help those in need with training. Thank you Rev. Frank and Rev. Derrick for your good work at St. Andrew, your unwavering position to the sanctity of human life, and your prayers.
It is a joy to walk together on the path in saving lives.
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Rick Ligthart
President
Dear PASS Friends:
I had the blessed pleasure of providing the sermon to the wonderful people at St. Andrews church in Tinley Park this past Sunday. What a joy to be with brothers and sisters in Christ Sunday morning with a commitment to both evangelism and discipleship and a clear understanding on the sanctity of human life. Christian hospitality was certainly evidenced with the wonderful pot luck luncheon following the worship and Holy Communion service. There is just something special when Christians break bread together.
Everyone who ministers through PASS faces immense spiritual challenges as each day we seek to save lives of the unborn, teach abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage, heal those impacted by past decisions through love and understanding, and help those in need with training. Thank you Rev. Frank and Rev. Derrick for your good work at St. Andrew, your unwavering position to the sanctity of human life, and your prayers.
It is a joy to walk together on the path in saving lives.
For Christ and His Kingdom,
Rick Ligthart
President
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