Testimony No. 1
Paul Patterson
The following account is from pro-lifer Paul Patterson of Abbotsford, B.C. Mr. Patterson describes for his parents and others in Fort St. John the experience of being held in jail overnight for taking part in the rescue at Vancouver’s “Everywoman’s Health Clinic,” on February 7. The letter had been shortened for reasons of space.
To the members of the Body of Christ in Ft. St. John and everywhere else. From your loving brother in Christ, Paul Patterson:
I thank and praise God for the love of Christ that was shown to me through you. I also thank you for the many hours spent in prayer for myself, Mark and the rest of my family. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness.
Before I say anymore, I want to make absolutely clear that through this letter I in no way intend to break the court order posted by the Supreme Court of B.C., Honourable Mr. Justice MacKenzie, presiding, dated Saturday, the 21st January, 1989, concerning the Everywoman’s Health Centre.
I am not encouraging any of you to act as I have. My intent in writing this letter is to inform you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, as to my personal experiences while being held in the custody of the court of B.C., and to my personal beliefs and concerns.
I believe this is within my rights concerning freedom of speech, in this our beautiful and free country of Canada, I thank and praise God that I was born in a free country, where we may express our thoughts, feelings and convictions freely.
Court
At approximately 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 7th, 1989, I arrived at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, B.C. All of the Deputy Sheriffs were extremely courteous and considerate of our rights and well-being. I was not at all upset with my treatment and I am not aware of any complaints by others who were arrested with me.
We appeared before Justice MacKenzie at about 5:00 p.m. – the day we were arrested. As we entered the courtroom, we got a standing ovation from the majority of the spectators. We give all the praise and glory to God, for it is by His grace, and His alone, that we are able to exist on this earth.
The Judge was visibly upset with us and he ordered us remanded in custody until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday. At this point to my knowledge, all the people who had not identified themselves when arrested gave their full name and addresses.
Oakalla Prison
When we were remanded, most of us went to Oakalla Prison. I was fortunate. I was sent with sixteen others to Vancouver pre-trial services at 275 Cordove Street. Upon arrival there, we were photographed and booked into the Centre. I thank God they allowed us to keep our Bibles. They do not normally allow you to take any personal possessions to the remand cell blocks. Once again, the Sheriff’s deputies treated us with utmost respect as to our rights.
We were interviewed by a nurse and another person who I believe was a psychiatrist as to our physical and mental well-beings.
On admittance, one of the questions asked of me by the Sheriff’s Deputy was what was my religion. I stated that I was a Christian. However, that did not fit into his computer, so they registered me as a Protestant. Many others also first stated they were Christians. It looks like they will have to program a new category into their computer under the heading of religion. Praise God.
We were then issued institutional clothing and sent to the cell blocks. Myself and one other brother had prior criminal records, so they placed us individually with the regular population, since there were not enough beds in the one empty cell block in which the rest of us were placed.
I was amazed with the accommodations. They were extremely clean and well cared for. The common area was spacious and included such conveniences as a color TV with cable, the unlimited use of two telephones, a microwave oven for reheating meals, a fridge stocked with milk and juice, all the bread you could eat, and a good supply of coffee.
We all had private rooms in which we were locked in for the night. They were adequately furnished with a full sized single bed, toilet, sink, closet, desk and chair. We were issued clean bedding. I can in complete honesty say that the worst experience I had while in custody was the static electricity I had to deal with while making my bed.
I feel for my brothers who were sent to Oakalla. Their situation was no where near as nice, but I heard no complaints.
I spent most of the night devouring the word of God in prayer, and praising the Lord for uniting His family in the defence of life, as did many of my brothers and sisters.
The next morning I got up and talked with a number of my fellow inmates. They knew why I was there. Not one of them in any way gave me a rough time. In fact, the people I spoke to all agreed that this so-called health care centre should not exist.
I played a game of Backgammon with one of my fellow inmates. We spoke about abortion and then he told me he was awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge. He said jokingly to a friend that they should have charged him with a late abortion, since it is the same thing. His friend agreed.
At this point, I would like to state that beyond a shadow of a doubt, I believe that human life begins at the moment of conception and what this person said – though at first it shocked me – makes a lot of sense. The taking of life in an abortion is a pre-mediated conspiracy to commit and execute first-degree murder. I see no other way it can be interpreted.
I have come to fully realize through the Holy Spirit the peace that passes all understanding. I thank God and give Him all the glory and honour, which He so richly deserves for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, so we can be set free from sine to live a new life in Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Later that day, I met with one of my brothers, Jacob, who told me he had seen the Catholic priest who was visiting the Centre and he told me the priest said he was behind us 100 per cent. That was very encouraging.
Courthouse
Back at the courthouse, the Deputy Sheriff had to crowd us in the cells – six to eight people per cell – so they left the doors open so we would have fresh air to breathe. They even allowed people to leave the cells to use the washroom so they could have privacy.
Everyone I spoke to was praising God and talking about things the Lord was showing them. There was not one person to my knowledge, who regretted spending the night in jail.
There was a brother who was very quiet during the protest, but after the night in jail he was praising God from the bottom of his heart. There was also a brother who like me had a criminal record and had spent time in jail. He confessed that he had hated police and the judicial system most of his life. He was praising God for opening his eyes to his sin. An amazing transformation was evident in him. Praise God!
The group in my cell was comprised of many denominations. As we had on occasions prior to this with other brothers, we held hands and poured out our hearts to God. The substance of our prayers was mainly praise the Lord God Almighty, in whom we give all glory, honour and praise for evermore. Amen.
The Deputy Sheriffs allowed us to pass notes to the sisters and the brothers in other cells. Then they let us – sisters first, then brothers – consult with our lawyers. The lawyers told us we should enter a plea and decide if we would obey a condition for release, specifying that we obey the court order.
After hearing from the lawyers we asked if we could meet together to make a decision on this matter. They offered to give us 20 minutes to have a discussion.
When we met together it was indescribable the love we felt for each other, and the awesome presence of our Heavenly Father. We were overwhelmed, especially to see the husbands and wives together again. We had been warned to be quiet since court was in session, and we were directly behind the courtrooms.
Peace
A spirit of peace was prevalent. In the meeting we had a period of silent prayer together, and then a short time for discussion. A brother spoke about the fact that what he was doing was trying to stop murder from being committed, and that he did not intend to be in contempt of a court order.
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I can only speak for myself, but I was at the abortion clinic of my own free will. No one asked me to be there, or suggested to me that I or any one else should go there.
The reason I was there, was, I cannot sit down and do nothing when I am aware of a person or persons who in my belief are committing or planning to commit first-degree murder. As a believer of the Holy Bible as the revealed, undisputed word of God, I am compelled by the Holy Spirit which dwells within me, and in every member of the body of Christ. His Holy word states, “Greater love hath no man than this, the he lay down this life for his friends.” (John 15:11)
I consider the unborn children to be my friends, and I love them with all m y heart. I ask the Lord Jesus, with all my heart, to prepare me to lay down my life for my friends as many of my brothers and sisters world-wide have done, and are presently doing.
Show of Hands
I have no desire to be put in prison, but if that is what is required of me, I will go willingly with songs of praise in my heart. I have been asking the Lord to use me. I thank Him daily that he has found me, (through His grace alone), to be worthy to serve Him. I know that He has promised that He will never leave me, nor forsake me. My life and the lives of all the unborn children are in his hands.
I pray also, that I will continue to give all the glory to the Lord God Almighty, and that I will humble myself before Him daily for the rest of may days.
After searching our hearts, we took a show of hands, first for those whose personal belief that they were not guilty, and then asked if anybody believed they were guilty.
We all raised our hands in unison to show our belief that we were not guilty. I find this a little bit unusual. I have never before been part of a group of over 100 people (who in most cases, only met each other in the past couple of days), who were willing to express their agreement instantaneously when asked what they believed on any one issue.
We then agreed that it would be up to each individual to decide for themselves whether or not to promise to obey the court order of Justice MacKenzie.
This court order, I believe, stops me from attempting in any way to save the lives of the unborn children who I believe to be the victims of premeditated murder by the operators, owners and employees of the ‘Everywoman’s Health Centre.’
We then returned to our cells to pray and worship and meditate on the Lord’s word and to ask Him to make His decision for each and every one of us, according to His will.
Justice Finch
We were then brought before Justice Finch, Our lawyers entered a plea of not guilty on our behalf. After submissions by lawyers representing both the plaintiffs and defendants, and statements by Justice Finch, the lawyers for the abortion clinic asked for a fine of $300 and a suspended sentence of one day in jail.
They stipulated we must obey the court order of Justice MacKenzie, if we had pleaded guilty. But as we pleaded not guilty, they believed that in order for us to be released, we must obey the court order.
Our lawyers requested that they speak with us regarding our decision, and the courtroom was cleared. After a short period of time, we split into two groups.
Forty-five brothers and sisters decided they could not live in accordance with the conditions. It was a difficult decision for me to make, but I believe beyond a shadow of a about that it was the Lord’s will for me to sign the court order and agree to the conditions for the time being.
I am leaving it to the Lord to decide whether I should turn myself in at a later date if I cannot live according to this order. I will strive to obey it, and rather than break it, I will return to jail to join my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I was released along with the 59 brothers and sisters who decided they could also obey the court order for the time being. The remaining 45 were held in custody. I thank and praise God constantly for the love of these 45 members of our family who have decided to follow in the steps of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, rather than buckle under to the pressures of this world which we now dwell in.
One final concern I would like to express is for my brothers and sisters who have children and are still in jail. Prayers would also be appreciated for all parties or individuals involved in this case on both sides.
I do not believe we should judge the abortionist, although as a human being it is very hard not to. I ask you to keep these words of truth in mind. “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord, Judge not, lest you be judged. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
If anyone feels compelled to write letters to the powers that be in this land, I would strongly encourage them to do it soon. My prayer is that the army of the Lord will rise up and proclaim the victory which is ours through our Loving Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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Testimony No. 2
John Chamberlain is one of the pastors of West Coast Christian Fellowship. With 104 others, he was arrested on February 7 while blocking the entrance to Vancouver’s Everywoman’s Health Clinic. The following is his testimony:
The decision facing me was one of action. My conflict was in the area of civil disobedience to the law. I needed to hear God personally.
I had written letters, made phone calls to members of Parliament and prayed. Yet, the abortion law of Canada was struck down and an abortuary was opened here in Vancouver, protected by an injunction. I turned to God’s word and this is what He said:
“We know that the law is good if one uses if properly. The law is made not for the righteous, but for the lawbreakers, the rebels and ungodly, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious Gospel of our blessed Lord” (1 Tim. 1:8-11) I ask you , which is lawful on the Sabbath, to do good or to de evil; to save life or destroy it?…Luke 6:9. “Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath”…Matthew 12:12.
My conflict was settled. On February 7, 1989, I stood in front of the abortuary, not defying the law, but obeying a higher one, the Word of God. I went there in full knowledge that it could lead to arrest and jail – and it did.
Injunction
Then came another decision. Would I sign the paper, promising not to go within 1 block of the abortuary or encourage others to do what I did. Again, it was time to hear from God. “Jesus, how can my tongue not be the pen of a ready writer to speak out for those who are led to innocent death? How could I not respond to your leading when some are being killed all day long? Peace entered my heart. Each of us responded to what the Lord wanted us to do. My hope is that my silence and separation from my family is speaking far louder than my voice could.
Jail
We are 11 in our prison unit, a combination of denominations and Catholics. God has knitted our hearts together in meaningful fellowship, prayer and worship, and interceding to the One above, the Lord Jesus Christ. We meet for Bible study and prayer in the morning for several hours, as well as in the evening. During the day there is opportunity to share spontaneously.
In our 20 days so far, we’ve had opportunities to share the Gospel with some inmates and have prayer with some guards. I’d like to ask for prayer for one inmate in particular, Bruce. He is expecting to serve possibly 15 years in jail for his part in a prison break last year. Bruce has a soft heart towards God and has seen the power of prayer demonstrated in his life the past weeks that we’ve been together. I believe God’s hand is on him to give a future and a hope that no one or no system can take away. We have prayed together that Jesus would reveal Himself to Bruce. I believe he is a key man to be instrumental in many lives.
As for me, God has been saying that I need an undivided heart to pursue Him both in prayer and action that I might hear His voice and obey Him. I am not here to champion a cause but out of obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Giver of life.
The prayers that have gone up for us are greatly appreciated. I thank God for His Word and His saints. Along with the question of “What Next?” I leave you with the words of scripture Mary spoke concerning her Son. “Whatever He says for you to do, do it. (John 2:5)
Testimony No. 3
What does a law-abiding citizen do when she must choose between obeying a civil law and saving lives? I, a grandmother, chose to save lives if at all possible and at 70, for the first time in my life I am in jail.
Humiliating? No, rather I am relieved of the frustration and guilt of doing nothing about the willful destruction of unborn babies.
Although my effort is small, still its of great value in the sight of God who says in His Word “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”
The February 7 Rescue resulted in the arrest of 104 people in front of Everywoman’s Health Clinic in Vancouver, B.C.
As I write this, twenty-two men and nineteen women are in custody at Oakalla Prison for preventing the abortionists from taking the lives of innocent, helpless little people.
These little ones are not responsible for their conception, yet they must suffer the agony of violent destruction. Who are the real destroyers? I am one of them if I stand by and do not do what I can to stop this silent holocaust.
Among the women who put their bodies on the line for the pre-born?
- A young bride and her mother-in-law (the groom is also in jail for the same reason)
- A mother of three young children and her own mother.
- Nine gray haired ladies – some of them grandmothers. One of them had an abortion for a seemingly good reason, but regrets it just the same.
- Five single ladies in their twenties.
- A vibrant twenty-one-year old in her fourth year at university.
We women come from different backgrounds and most of us have never met before. Our unity, love and harmony are truly a miracle of God.
Our hearts are also with the mothers of these little ones – with the women who are offered the temporary solution of abortion instead of the encouragement to carry their child full term and know the joy and peace of living according to God’s will.
Rescue Canada To Date
Toronto – October 18, 1988: 40 were arrested at the first Canadian Operation Rescue. All were later released unconditionally.
Vancouver – December 15, 1988, 69 were removed from B.C.’s first freestanding abortuary.
Toronto – January 12-14, 1989: 200 were arrested during the three-day rescues. Canada’s contribution to the International Day of Rescue. The charges of “public mischief” were all dropped. One rescuer was charged with assault after accidentally touching the legs of a pro-abortionist falling backwards on the steps to the abortuary. He will appear in court on March 21.
Vancouver – January 21, 1989: 13 rescuers were charged with contempt of court when a rescue took place in spite of a civil injunction obtained by the abortuary operators. Four were given 24 days in jail, to be served on weekends, and one year’s probation. The rest received 15 days in jail and one year’s probation. All were held liable for court and abortionists’ costs, estimated at $50,000.
Vancouver – February 7, 1989: 104 were arrested. 44 decided to stay in jail until their trial by refusing to sign an undertaking to stay away from the abortuary. After three weeks in jail, Judge changed indictments from civil to criminal charges. 102 received a three-month suspended jail sentence, conditional on their not breaking the law within 12 months. On March 8, one day after sentencing, three of the rescuers attempted to block the abortuary and were arrested and taken to prison to serve their sentences.
Toronto – February 23, 1989: 92 arrested. All were later released unconditionally.
Calgary – February 18, 1989: 12 were arrested at a rescue conducted at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. They have been charged with petty trespass and will appear in court on April 12. They face fines or possible jail terms.
Toronto – March 11, 1989: 109 rescuers arrested. All were later released unconditionally.
