- Archives -

I want to share with you a letter from Linda Watson, a truly amazing person who, through God’s Grace, escaped the world of prostitution. In spite of not the best health & violent attacks by vested interests, she gives herself courageously & unceasingly to help young people already snared, & fights to prevent legalization of prostitution. Linda needs both spiritual & financial support. See Page 2..….

In May a group of 12 people gathered at St. Carthage Parish Centre to share & to learn from the personal experience of Brendan & Michael in their Courage work. You’ll find a report on page 3…..

Many of you will remember that, at our anniversary meeting last August, Dr. Deirdre Little spoke to us on “Whatever Happened to the Hippocratic Oath?” & later a printed version of her talk was advertised in October 2002 AFL News. Well, Human Life International’s Gail Instance got a copy & was so impressed that Deirdre has been invited to present “Whatever Happened to the Hippocratic Oath?” to the Health Professionals’ Seminar of HLI’s Humanae Vitae Conference to be held in Sydney, 25-27 July at the Sacred Heart Monastery Kensington. More on this conference on page 4………..

“Come Away to a Quiet Place and Rest a While”

Our retreat plans are now well underway. I will be wonderful to get together with others involved in pro-life work and prayer. I hope you can take the opportunity to come & make new & renew old friendships, & be refreshed, renewed & inspired to carry on this most important work for the coming of His Kingdom. Applications will be received on a first-come first-served basis. Hopefully we will be able to accommodate everyone who would like to take part. Details on page 5, and application form page 7……

And you’ll find suggestions for possible actions where you may be able to effect a change for the better and we have a tribute to a very special lady! on page 6…..

May Our Lord continue to shower His richest blessings on you, your family and your work for Him,

Linda’s House of Hope, PO Box 5640 St George’s Terrace WA 6831

We continue to get many calls from girls wanting to find a way out of the prostitution trap. Our shelter can only house 4 girls at one time. The recovery time is usually lengthy; we can only help a limited number of girls in this way. We also support girls who live independently, who are in various stages of recovery, encourage them to keep on the road to recovery, and make them aware of the appropriate support services for them.

It is a real joy and delight to see girls arriving with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, moving forward to take control of their lives. There are many pitfalls. They need to establish a new social circle. They need to learn how to budget – and believe me it is no mean feat to manage on Centrelink benefits after living on the lucrative earnings of prostitution. Sadly, for some 98% of our girls, the bulk of their money was spent on drugs. So, for all the income, there is nothing to show for it.

We have a zero tolerance policy to drugs, so most girls are referred to drug rehab facilities, and from there they come back to us, and continue the path to recovery. Because of the huge psychological and emotional damage that prostitution does, the road to recovery is long and difficult. One of their struggles is to go out and about without thinking that everyone can see they are prostitutes. One young volunteer has taken two girls under her wing including them in her social life, so they can experience a normal birthday party, a church outing and more.

In the past year, I have been very involved in fighting legalization of prostitution in the various states and NZ, accepting many speaking engagements to expose the truth about the prostitution industry. Those promoting legalizing are claiming that it is just like any other job. From my experience of over 20 years in the sex industry, I can tell them what it is like. And no one can argue that “you would not know”. I am devoting significant time to the fight against legalisation, because throughout the world, legalisation has always increased the size of the sex industry. E.G. in Victoria there were some 50 brothels and escort agencies in 1984 prior to legalizing, and now there are around 1,200! That means more broken lives. I see opposing the legalizing of prostitution as part of the preventative side of my work.

At this time, I am living in the house that serves as the office for Linda’s House of Hope. The lounge room is our office, where a p/t person helps out with admin and secretarial duties. A p/t bookkeeper also helps with the financial management. I find it increasingly hard to relax at home, due to the constant pressure. Another house, a few doors down, is used as the shelter. Since the fire bombing of the shelter last year, and various other events, we are extra careful with security. We normally do not give out our location, only phone number, and P.O. Box.

To assist the many girls who contact us, to leave the industry, we need to restructure our work. My dream is to be freed to work with the girls – which is what I do best. To do that we need a person in the office 5 mornings a week, answering calls, doing admin and keeping supporters informed. We would love to engage a social worker to help with the rehab work, training the girls in budgeting and other life skills, and helping them move into the community.

We really need to expand our support base, and so I invite you to let us know of other people, who you think might like to support us, and to whom we might send this newsletter. Donations to Linda’s House of Hope are tax deductible. Thank you for standing with me in rescuing women from prostitution. I look forward to your ongoing support. With Christian greetings, Linda Watson, Founder

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Courage Comes to Lismore (again)

Everyone who attended our Courage meeting was pleased that they had come. Everyone said that they had learnt a great deal, and were reassured by the message of hope that Brendan and Michael brought to us.

After a prayerful introduction from the Psalms, each person gave a brief personal resume to the rest of the group. Then Brendan spoke to us, (revealing his great love and knowledge of Scripture which was a joy to observe), on the work of Courage particularly

• his wealth of experience in counselling persons with same sex attraction,

• stressing the importance of the whole person,

• rather than an identification with the presenting problem,

• the importance of patience and prayer, and

• the aim of developing chaste friendships, and growth in the spiritual life,

• the importance of Catholic prayer and the Sacraments

• not orientation change, which may or may not eventuate.

After a chance to mingle over p.m. tea, we regathered for further questions, comments and discussion. Most persons present had some personal experience of a loved one affected by same sex attraction, whether family member or friend, while some had a pastoral interest as well. Some were pleased of the opportunity to discuss and share, in a safe Catholic environment, their dilemma about what to do and say, in order to be able to help their loved ones.

Some misconceptions, “born that way”, “once gay - always gay”, etcetera, were brought to light and corrected. One of the biggest obstacles that most people have to overcome is misinformation and the negative media portrayal of same sex attraction as immutable. This affects us all, and priests, while being absolutely crucial to helping those who experience SSA, are not exempt. Many persons coming to Courage say that priests, whom they sought out for help, unhelpful. We need, somehow, to publish far and wide the full message of Courage, which is synonymous with Catholic Teaching, that chastity is not only possible, but the only way to wholeness, and fulfilment. It may seem like one of those “hard sayings” but it is crucial.

There are many men and women who have never identified with the euphemistically labelled “gay-scene”, who struggle bravely alone to defeat SSA. There are others who, having identified with the “gay-scene”, find it difficult to leave, because it offers a sense of camaraderie and lessens their isolation. Nevertheless they find that it does not satisfy. Courage is always careful not to label persons “homosexual”, “gay” and “lesbian”, as this reductionist way of labelling can prevent a person moving beyond their sexual attractions, and relating as whole person to whole person.

The latest update from the Catholic Medical Association - called Homosexuality and Hope - was recommended. As the title suggests, it is a great source of hope – talks about the nature, prevention and therapy of SSA, and addresses recommendations to families, medical practitioners, teachers, priests, bishops and the general community. It is available on www.cathmed.org  A wide range of practical reading material, videos and audios, testimonies is available, and I would recommend you check out Courage on www.couragerc.org

It seems that the need for an Encourage group could grow from the present embryonic stage. A few expressing that need have come forward or are in contact with those who were able to attend. There is certainly a great need to publish the truth about the nature of same-sex attraction. As information about Courage and EnCourage becomes better known it is likely that more will come forward. After 5pm Mass which there was an opportunity for fellowship and relaxation over dinner, which wound up a wonderful day with new friends.

Humanae Vitae 35th Anniversary Conference

This Conference marks the 35th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Letter, Humanae Vitae, which was largely rejected as being “unrealistic” and “too hard”, with devastating consequences for the Church, and for society. Today we are seeing the results that he so accurately predicted, if artificial birth control was not rejected, when he said:

Most of us would agree that these things have indeed come to pass – widespread divorce, infidelity, promiscuity, sex abuse, abortion and its dreadful aftermath, abuse of children through sex-ed in state and even Catholic schools, coercive programs for sterilizations and abortion in the less developed countries (see report P.5) – the list goes on and on. It makes one wonder how our society would be - if we had been faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church instead of arrogantly thinking that we knew better. We can’t go back, but we can REPENT and start anew. There’s no better time and no other time than NOW.

There will be a Day for Priests and Religious and a Health Professionals Seminar as well as the Main Conference. There is a great lineup of speakers including Bishop Cesare Bonivento – Vanimo (PNG), Father Thomas Euteneuer - President of HLI (USA), Raymond de Souza - Catholic Apologist (Perth), Anne Lastman - post-abortion grief counselor and founder of Victims of Abortion.

It will be a new beginning, as pro-life missionaries will be commissioned go out from the Conference to spread the message throughout Australia. Be part of it if at all possible!

(I hope to take in at least some of it as I will be going to Sydney to visit my Mum at that time, and she lives quite close by. If you are thinking of going down, can you let me know?)

Come Away to a Quiet Place and Rest a While

Mark 6:31

A time of prayer, reflection and sharing for persons involved in the pro-life apostolate in the Lismore Diocese.

At Mount Tabor Retreat House, 77 Northbank Road, Bellingen

*During Open Forum anyone who does a specific pro-life work will share with the rest of us about this work so we are all aware of what each other is doing, the joys and difficulties in that work, and how we can help each other. Please let me know your particular interest if you wish to contribute to the Open Forum. Bring whatever resources you have to share.

You are welcome to come to all, or part of, the retreat, as you are able.

Mount Tabor Retreat House is situated in an 80acre property, housing a small Catholic community, and overlooks spectacular views of mountain ranges. Accommodation is basic, with from 2 to 6-bed rooms and share bathroom, and is limited to thirteen persons. Depending on the number wishing to attend, we might consider the possibility of billets so, if you live close by, and can offer accommodation, I would love to hear from you. The weekend will be fully catered, and we will share the kitchen chores. You may arrive for Friday dinner (6.00pm) if you have to travel a long distance to attend. What you need to bring: • Bath-towel, and single-bed linen or sleeping bag (blankets provided),

• Anonymous donation, commensurate (if possible) with the cost of running the weekend.

Pregnancy Crisis line under Attack

If you look on the inside cover of your 2003-2004 Phonebook, you will find listed the Pregnancy Helpline – a 24hr counselling service for pregnant women and their families. However certain people have been making complaints to Sensis (Telstra’s wholly owned subsidiary which produces the directories). Now the General Manager of Sensis, Thomas Arthur, has told Right to Life Australia that this entry will be deleted from the books as they are reprinted. The service offered by Pregnancy Counselling Australia helps 8,000 callers a year, many suffering from post-abortion grief. They believe that this is the result of a campaign by anti-lifers to put a stop to the education of the public as to the affects of abortion, and to the help offered to women in danger of falling victim to the horror of abortion. Please consider writing a polite note to Telstra protesting at the injustice of this decision.

Is Your Money Killing Babies?

The Australian Government is paying out every year $2,000,000 of our money to UNFPA each year. UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund) is responsible for implementing aggressive population control programs, including forced abortions and sterilisations in developing countries such as China, Peru, PNG and Mexico. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is providing grants of your money to UNFPA. What can you do about it? Write your local Federal member and express your displeasure, or why not get together a group from your parish to visit him/her with the facts? The pro-abortion lobby already has organisatons selling UNFPA to parliamentarians. If you need more info, just yell! I’ll happily supply it.

To a Very Special Person!

I’d like to express sincere gratitude to Wera for all she has done to establish the work of the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants in Tweed Heads where there are (not one but) two killing centres. I met Wera at the Human Life International meeting held in Murwillumbah back in February 2001, where I put out feelers to see if there would be anyone who would be prepared to “take the bull by the horns” and launch a spiritual offensive against the killing of pre-born babies. Since that time Wera has put herself heart and soul into the protection of these little ones, with efforts to offer whatever was needed to turn women away from this desperate act. This work takes great love, persistence, courage and faith, and prayer, along with the ability to withstand the attacks of those who stand to lose “business”. Of course the rewards are great but it is not always possible to see them in this life. A friend of mine told me that she now has a living grandchild thanks to the work of Wera and the Helpers she has led. (Wera once told me that if she could save just one life, all her effort would be worth it – so there is at least one, Wera! Now it is time for Wera to step down and have a well-earned rest from her labours. We hope that, from time to time, we will be able to meet and share some more happy times together, and we pray that others will come forward to continue the work that Wera has pioneered. God bless and keep you, Wera!

Yes, I wish to attend “Come Away to a Quiet Place” Pro-life Retreat on the weekend of 27-28 September 2003

My special interest/work is………………………………………….. (Attach a separate sheet if necessary)

Name………………………………………………………………………….

Address……………………………………………………………………..

Phone ………………………E-mail……………………………………….

For catering purposes, please answer the following questions: I will be attending both days………….…..YES / NO I am only able to attend Saturday/Sunday (please specify) I will need Friday dinner and accommodation..….YES / NO I will not need accommodation I can offer accommodation, please give details……………………………

To ensure your place, please send cheque for $20 payable to Angela Martello, 17 College Road, East Lismore 2480 Enquiries: Angela: 662 12348 or Mrs. Coby Bleys: 6655 0564 Mt. Tabor Retreat House: 6655 2093

I am unable to attend but would like to help with a donation. Enclosed please find…………

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BRAZIL LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO U.S. POPULATION ACTIVITIES A U.S.-sponsored program, which resulted in the sterilisation of nearly half of Brazil's women, prompted a formal congressional inquiry, sponsored by 165 legislators from every political party represented in the Brazilian legislature, after information about a secret U.S. National Security Council memorandum on American population control objectives in developing countries was published in the major Brazilian newspapers. That U.S. foreign policy document, National Security Study Memorandum 200, detailed a plan to target 13 large developing nations with intensive efforts to promote population "policies'' that would allow the U.S. to run massive birth control and sterilisation projects in those countries. Brazil was on the list of 13 target nations because it "clearly dominates the South American continent demographically,'' and its population was projected to equal that of the U.S. by the year 2000. The report, jointly prepared in 1974 for the National Security Council by the CIA, the Depts. of State and Defence, and the Agency for International Development (USAID), listed 12 other nations whose growth could give them increased political influence, and which were also to be targeted under the international population program. Those are Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico and Colombia. The document was written after a proposed "world population plan of action'' was denounced by large numbers of African and Latin America nations, by the Vatican, and by the socialist bloc (except Romania), during a UN population conference held in Bucharest in 1974. The formerly classified strategy document was approved as an integral part of American foreign policy in 1975. Brazil's Ministry of Health had begun an investigation into the sterilisation program even before the American population strategy documents were disclosed, which revealed that 44% of Brazilian women between the ages of 14 and 55 have been permanently sterilised. The older women apparently had the operation done when the program started, nearly two decades ago. News reports charge that many of these women underwent the operation without their knowledge or consent. The sterilisation program in Brazil, like those in dozens of African nations, started as a relatively small, "voluntary'' family planning campaign, which publicly stressed spacing children rather than reducing population growth. It quickly and quietly escalated, however, taking advantage of unfavorable economic conditions - largely imposed through the policies of the U.S. and other developed countries - to press for limitations in family size. The massive sterilisation activities were mainly orchestrated by BEMFAM, the Brazilian affiliate of the London-based International Planned Parenthood Federation, according to news reports. The document detailed strategy for persuading leaders in the developing world to cooperate with the population program, urging that various agencies of the UN, the World Bank, and USAID collaborate with other industrial country donors to influence leaders of targeted "LDCs'' [less-developed countries]. It warned that there was a "danger that some LDC leaders will see developed country pressures for family planning as a form of economic or racial imperialism; this could well create a serious backlash.'' The U.S. "can help to minimise charges of an imperialist motivation behind its support of population activities by repeatedly asserting that such support derives from a concern with (a) the right of the individual to determine freely and responsibly their number and spacing of children and (b) the fundamental social and economic development of poor countries.'' It suggested that, where diplomatic initiatives fail to persuade leaders their populations should be reduced, "mandatory programs may be needed and ... we should be considering these possibilities now.'' Specific forms of coercion proposed in the study were limited to food rationing and "taking account of family planning performance'' in foreign assistance payments. It further advised that in countries where leaders had raised strong objections to population control plans population funds "would have to come from other donors and/or from private and international organisations,'' although these groups would receive contributions from USAID. In other words, the U.S. planned to conceal its funding of such "private'' population activities. Nations in Asia and Latin America took most of the pressure in the early 1970s, largely because African leaders were strongly opposed to population control. But by the early 1980s, the World Bank had revised its guidelines, and began promoting population reduction projects as an integral part of development loans in Africa and as a condition for credit. Today, most African nations have adopted formal policies that state birth-rates are "too high'', thus opening the door to further pressure tactics by foreign governments and international lending agencies. The action of Brazil's legislature is an example of an effective response that comes too late. Already about 25 million Brazilian women have permanently, and in many cases unwillingly, been deprived of the capacity to bear children.

COPYRIGHT U.S.A. 1991 BAOBAB PRESS Vol. 1 Number 12

For more information about this story or about the Baobab Press, please contact us at P. O. Box 43345, Washington, DC 20010--U.S.A.

Some of you will already know of the work of C-Fam (Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute) defending life, faith, family & national sovereignty at the UN, & the Population Research Institute who aim to end human rights abuses committed in the name of "family planning," & premised on the myth of overpopulation. Their work deserves the widest possible coverage. An example of the type of horrific programs that they bring to light on Page 5.