Russia is truly an enigma. From a pro-life, pro-family standpoint, the situation there looks almost hopeless. There's at least one baby killed by abortion for every child born. Healthcare is precarious, to put it mildly. Life expectancy for men has dropped to 57 years and alcoholism is omni-present. Families, as we know them, are not common. Lifetime marriage is seldom seen, and some people whom we have spoken to tell us that the average cohabitation, legal or otherwise, lasts only a few years.

Seventy years of Communism have taken their toll. Lenin, and then Stalin, knew quite well that intact families who stayed together (and prayed together) were incompatible with their Communist ideals, so they set out to destroy the family. Wages were kept low enough so that the women had to leave the home and go to work. Children were put in state daycare as soon as they were out of the arms of their mothers. Almost every clergyman in Russia was killed. If you were known to be a Christian, you couldn't get a job or advance in the one you had, and other onerous restrictions were imposed. Over the years, this has brought Russian society to the point where there is no tradition of intact families, and almost no religious tradition at all.

On the other hand, through the ashes of this culture, there is springing up a plethora of new initiatives, both in the area of family life and religion. It was one of these initiatives that brought Mrs. Willke and me to Moscow recently. Our efforts and the trip were well worthwhile, and we hope will bear much fruit.

Our journey began in Warsaw, Poland, in May of last year, where we spoke to almost a thousand people at a major East European Pro-Life Congress. Mr. and Mrs. Lech Kowalewski, leaders of the Polish pro-life movement, sponsored the event. A Russian Orthodox priest approached us near the end of the meeting and explained that since Gorbechev had stepped down, they had opened almost 500 new churches in Russia. They had very few priests to staff these churches, so, with relatively brief seminary training, they had ordained a large number of priests. Their education had consisted of teaching the Liturgy and essence of the Russian Orthodox faith, but apparently not much beyond that. He told us, "These young priests know almost nothing about what you and Mrs. Willke have spoken about. We need you in Moscow. Would you come?"

It seemed that the Patriarch, Alexi II of the Russian Orthodox Church, had authorized and promoted a major teaching seminar for his priests and lay leaders in Moscow. These priests and lay leaders from all over the Russian Federation were invited.
Almost immediately, we packaged and sent a number of cases of Russian pro-life material in mailbags . Happily, these arrived intact prior to the November seminar. Our host, Father Maxim Obukhov, was most pleased. By the time we had gotten there, he had distributed much of the material and more was passed out at the seminar.

The only bad news was the weather. Temperatures ranged from ten to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit, and it snowed three of the six days we were there. There was no sun, just chilling smog enveloping the city. We had come prepared for the weather, so that didn't bother us much. Not trusting foreign equipment, I took the precaution of bringing our own slide projector which would accommodate 220-volts, and it performed flawlessly.
continued on page 3.

We gave one lengthy presentation on fetal development, beginning at viability, progressing down to the first cell stage. We then discussed at length new information and developments during the first week of life, including stem cells, cloning and fetal experimentation. We had a session on surgical abortion. Then we discussed known abortifacients such as RU 486 and progressed to abortifacient birth control devices, both mechanical and chemical. We discussed post-abortion stress in both women and men and gave guidelines to the attendees for counseling in this field, which was new to almost all of them.

Attendees came from all over the Russian Federation. There were priests and lay people from Siberia, the southern Ural Mountains, Archangel in the far north, St. Petersburg, Minsk in Belarus, and quite a few people from Ukraine. There were attendees from Crimea and, of course, Moscow. The only negative was a somewhat limited boycott from some Moscow people who objected to these foreign people coming in who were not Russian Orthodox, but this was not a major problem. Metropolitan Cyril, from Smolensk, is a top member of the Russian Orthodox hierarchy, and reputed to be a possible successor to the Patriarch, Alexi II. He came to the seminar, spoke and highly complimented what was being done. There were a large number of exhibit booths with religious articles, books and artisans showing their wares.

Father Maxim Obukhov and Mrs. Eva Kowaleski from Poland.

Father Obukhov was a very gracious host, inviting us to his home one evening on the outskirts of Moscow. We were pleased to enjoy some unique Russian food, to meet his wife and children, and take a fairly lengthy walk with him into a forest behind his home, culminating in a large bonfire in the woods. There he roasted meat on spits over an open fire -- a meal to remember.

Mrs. Eva Kowalewski, who also spoke at the seminar, had organized a seminar for Catholic priests and laity on the previous weekend. Attendance was much less, as there are only two functioning Catholic church buildings in Moscow, a city of over 12 million people. We found out that there are about eight or ten "parishes" that haven't been able to obtain or build church structures, but are now staffed by priests. One large church building has been completed, and each individual priest, with his small congregation, takes turns using it for religious services. Archbishop T. Kondrusiewicz, who attended this meeting, is a very gentle but impressive man who was appointed the first Catholic bishop in Russia since the Communist revolution -- in our judgment, a wise choice. Accordingly, we also spoke on two occasions to this audience which was very appreciative of our efforts.

Upon our arrival, to our pleasant surprise, Father Obukhov presented us with the newly printed Russian edition of our book, Why Can't We Love Them Both. He explained that they had rushed a few hundred copies off the press for the seminar but that in a few weeks they would be finishing the first printing of 10,000 copies, all of which would be distributed throughout the Orthodox churches in his country. We were most impressed, as we had only given him the English edition of this book in May, and already in November the Russian edition was in our hands.

Mrs. Willke in Red Square.

Barbara and I have spoken in over 65 countries over the years. We have faced a bewildering variety of audiences, large and small. I'm sure that wherever and whenever we spoke, some good was accomplished, but this one was different. Here we faced the teachers of millions of Orthodox Christians in a country of almost 150 million people, a country that had been totally starved for the ethical type of information we brought to them. Further, through the materials we had sent and our newly translated book, we feel confident that the seeds we planted have a reasonable likelihood of sprouting, growing and flowering throughout the Russian Federation. We felt very privileged to have been asked and certainly wish our newfound friends the blessings of the Lord, for they will certainly need it. We unquestionably felt the truth of what the Bible says on this trip, that the harvest indeed is great, but the workers are few. 

Life Issues Today
with Dr. J. C. Willke

A Miraculous Story

Here is a true story that recently took place in northern Kentucky. Mrs. Chastity Cooper is a young woman in her early 20's. She and her husband, Steve, were the parents of two boys, ages 3 and 4.

It was a rainy night when she dropped the two boys off at her sister's to baby-sit. She was on her way to meet Steve at a family get-together. She skidded on the wet pavement, her car slid into the path of another car and their lives were changed forever. Chastity suffered severe head injuries and sank into coma.

Nobody, not even her husband, knew at that time that she was pregnant. Routine tests performed at the hospital revealed that she was two weeks into her pregnancy when the accident occurred.

She had good care after that time but remained in coma and continued to carry the baby until one week shy of full term. During the pregnancy, she had been slowly improving. Later she was able to open her eyes and follow people around the room but could not move or talk.

Abortion? Steve firmly shook his head and said no, that was never an option. And so what happened? Chastity went into labor and gave birth in a normal fashion, remaining in coma the whole time. She gave birth to a healthy little girl, seven pounds, seven ounces. Little Alexis's mother smiled after the delivery and seemed to respond when the little infant was placed in her lap.

The doctors have been dumbfounded. Dr. Michael Hant, a neonatologist at the University Hospital in Cincinnati, said, "This is one of the only cases ever in the United States where a woman was in coma throughout the entire pregnancy."

And how about little Alexis? Well, she slept through the news conference at the hospital, blissfully unaware of the amazing conditions of her birth. Her daddy said, "She's precious. We waited for this baby a long time; she's absolutely adorable."

But now comes the hard part. Steve lost his job because he took too much time off and had to find another one. Without that income, they couldn't keep up the payments on their mobile home, lost it and were living with relatives.

Steve says, "I try not to think ahead. I'm a firm believer in playing the cards you're dealt, but I have three precious children and I want to keep them."

There has been considerable publicity about this situation; in fact, it received national coverage. Steve was on the Paul Harvey Show, the British Broadcasting Corporation, a German TV station, and written up in a British tabloid. The story was told coast to coast -- and what happened? Well, let him tell you.

He said, "Words can't truly convey how much all of your support has meant to me and my family. At such a challenging time, your cards and letters really lifted our spirits. I never knew just how many caring and giving people there are in this world. I don't know what to think about all the attention, but if it wasn't for all the attention, we wouldn't have received so much support. It's extremely gratifying; it's also mind boggling."

Steve received several hundred cards and letters from as far away as Europe and over $25,000 in donations. He has used part of this to make a down payment on a home. In the meantime, his wife Chastity has been transferred to a top-notch rehabilitation facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since she has been there, she has made continuous progress. She now opens her eyes more and can use her fingers to respond to questions.

Her doctors still say that the odds are against a full recovery, but I'm a physician; I've been around a long time now, and I'll tell you, in situations like this, as long as recovery continues, more recovery is yet to come.

Steve sends his thanks to the many people who have sent money, offered prayers and support, gave him an automobile, and -- more good news -- he's had several good job offers.

Life Issues Institute Moves Into New Headquarters

On December 8, 2001, Life Issues Institute held an open house to celebrate its new international headquarters. The structure, built in 1905, was purchased in August of 2000. Construction workers then reinforced the building and tore out everything that wasn't essential. We then hired an architect to redesign a floor plan to fit our needs. The entire staff is thrilled with the result! The following are pictures of our new building and the open house festivities.

A focal point is this life-sized bronze sitting in our entry. It depicts Christ nesting a baby in His arm while holding the hand of the woman who has aborted this child. There is an open space on the rock next to the female figure so that women who have experienced abortion can sit there and look into the forgiving face of their Savior. The bronze depicts our central theme, "Love Them Both" and is appropriately titled, "He Loves Them Both."

Dr. Willke (right) with Beverly Paddleford, the artist of the bronze, and her husband, Monte.

The new conference room is already being used for meetings and gatherings of pro-life leaders.

A central stairway was installed beneath an 8'x 8' skylight, which bathes the second floor in natural light.

Dr. Willke at home in his new office.

A cherished feature of our new building is the chapel. Staff and volunteers are encouraged to use it individually or collectively at anytime. The Cincinnati Archdiocese donated the pews and 150-year-old crucifix. Volunteer craftsmen retrofitted the pews and built the cabinet which lights the stained glass window designed and built specially for this room. The window is dedicated to the many nameless volunteers who work to protect innocent human life. The chapel has been appointed with several fine amenities to set it apart from the rest of the office building.

The executive director, Bradley Mattes, spearheaded the renovation process and finally enjoys his new office.

Dr. Willke's office was designed and appointed for high-level meetings and media interviews.

A handsome stairway, reminiscent of the era of the building, greets visitors in the entry.

During the open house, the building was officially dedicated as the Donald P. and Marianne Klekamp Building. There is a special reason for this honor. The Klekamps, especially Don, were instrumental in founding Ohio Right to Life back in the early 70s. Over the years, their dedication and financial support to unborn babies has been instrumental in the success of pro-life efforts in Ohio, the US and around the world. This early activism started a close friendship between the Klekamps and Willkes that has endured for many years.

Don and Marianne Klekamp cut the ribbon with Brad Mattes (left) and Dr. Willke looking on.

Brad Mattes visits with Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, who traveled from Staten Island for the event.

Guests enjoyed great food and fellowship during the open house. It was catered by local businesses, emphasizing a community event.

Don and Marianne Klekamp (left) with Dr. and Mrs. Willke.

Life Issues Institute would like to thank those that have donated materials and/or labor to assist our Building Campaign:

Abercrombie and Associates
Angert's Appliance
Carpetland/Carpet One
Cincinnati Archdiocese
Gilkey Windows
Greiwe Interiors
Ken Hebeler
Hebeler Wood Working
Langenbrunner Masonry McCormick Equipment
Oakland Nursery
Bill Reuter and
Smith & Butterfield Furniture.

From The Executive Director
Bradley Mattes

"Tragic" is an Understatement

January 22, 2002 marks the twenty-ninth anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the US Supreme Court decision that imposed abortion-on-demand throughout pregnancy on America. Here we are, nearly three decades later, and abortion is still the law of the land. Every day, nearly 4,000 unborn babies are sacrificed on the altar of "choice". That's more than all of the victims of September 11. Since 1973, over forty million babies have been killed.

It's hard to put 40 million lives into perspective, so let's look at it this way. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of people killed by America's liberal abortion laws would equal wiping out the entire population of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina and Nebraska. Could we possibly fathom the impact on our nation and society if anthrax or some other terrorist attack had killed all of these people? Abortion has, in stealth-like fashion, robbed our nation of as many American citizens.

Imagine the toll abortion has had on our society. Picture in your mind the missing brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers or neighbors. For a moment, contemplate the lost teachers, doctors, engineers, sales clerks, laborers, scientists and airline pilots.

How many times have would-be mothers missed the sound of laughter of their toddler in a sandbox, dandelion bouquets, crayon drawings or the words, "I love you mommy!"? Consider all the dads who daily struggle with that huge empty place in their souls. They will never watch their child take those first steps, teach a son how to fish or walk their daughter down the isle. Millions of these parents know what they are missing and they grieve.

Ponder the acts of kindness that would have been if these people not been violently taken from us. Nobody will be there to assist the 83-year-old woman as she struggles to get her groceries up the steps into her apartment. There will be no sympathetic listener for the neighbor next door who lost her job. Would Good Samaritan rescuers, aborted years ago, have been in the stairwell of the World Trade Center and lowered the death toll? It boggles the imagination to contemplate the magnitude of lost blessings these millions of individuals would have been to us.

Yes, the twenty-ninth anniversary of Roe vs. Wade is a time of reflection and mourning. Every living, breathing person in America has been affected in some way by those missing in action.

You may now be asking, "What's the use?" Why are we investing all this time, energy and resources into the pro-life movement when, after nearly three decades, abortion is still the law of the land? Shouldn't we crawl under our bed, curl up into the fetal position and wait for the Lord to return?

At times it is helpful to remember that it also took the abolitionists decades to reverse a tragic US Supreme Court pronouncement. In 1857 the Dred Scott Decision declared that Negroes were mere property of the white man. That decision didn't stand and neither will Roe as long as there are compassionate, determined people to bring about change.

Consider our nation's reaction to this cruel edict of seven black-robed justices. America has responded with compassion and action. There are an estimated 3,700 women help centers, operated mostly by volunteers, that will assist mothers and fathers facing an unexpected pregnancy -- and their services are free. Grieving parents who have chosen abortion can find an empathetic and nonjudgmental atmosphere in which to begin the road to hope and healing. Millions of lost souls are being ministered to.

There are an equal number of Right to Life chapters, scattered throughout the states, working to educate their communities while striving to pass pro-life legislation and elect pro-life candidates. Many are affiliated with national organizations that have a presence in Washington, DC. A few, like Life Issues Institute, are involved globally to protect unborn babies at home and in far-away countries.

These collective pro-life organizations don't comprise a "feel-good" movement or a passing fad. They have stood the test of time and, together, are making a difference for life. Slowly but surely the pro-life movement is pulling American society in the direction of protecting innocent human life from womb to tomb. Our efforts are working, and it's only a matter of time before the abortion industry comes crashing down around its precarious foundation.

Be encouraged! Your contribution, at whatever level, has been a wise and constructive investment. More importantly, you must continue to invest in this life-or-death battle to insure future victory. It's too late for the 40 million babies who have already succumbed to the abortion industry, but it's NOT too late for the millions more who are vulnerable to its lethal attack. Their lives depend upon your rededication to the most important humanitarian effort of society today. It's okay if you pause to reflect and mourn, but never, never, never give up!

STATES EXCHANGE
A New, Updated Message Every Month

Here's a great educational tool if you're not already using it.

• A sixty-minute, pro-life educational video.
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The video, Life Talk, is a sixty-minute magazine format available through Life Dynamics, Inc. in Denton, Texas. Hosts Mark Crutcher and Dzintra Tuttle have become familiar faces to 3,000 subscribers since beginning the program in June of 1999. They have addressed the latest developments regarding the life issues -- information you may not know or have access to.

The program begins with a ten-minute news segment, includes guest interviews and has an editorial segment called “Soapbox”. Pro-Life 101 is a four-minute segment presenting basic pro-life information. There's something for everyone.

Life Talk has been aired on Christian and cable television stations. In addition, pro-life groups use the program for gatherings, educational presentations and meetings. Home school parents have also used them as part of their curriculum.

At only $3.50 per month -- including shipping and handling -- Life Dynamics makes this effective educational tool within the reach of any pro-life group or individual. You may save even more by subscribing for a full year for $38.50. A free five-minute promotional video is available upon request, or you can order one full program to inspect for $3.50. Dr. Willke was the guest interviewed in the January 2002 issue.

Contact Life Dynamics, Inc, PO Box 2226, Denton, TX 76202. Phone 1-800-800-LIFE. They accept MasterCard and VISA to make phone orders easy.