Food for Thought

Fr. Michael Arey, Associate Pastor at St. Philip's in Bemidji, recounts his personal adoption story to Tom Lano.  His unwed mother rejected marriage, choosing to return to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to give birth before continuing her Hollywood career.  At five weeks old, Fr. Mike was adopted. When he was eighteen, he read a letter from his birth mother. Near the end of his college years, he met her, which led to discovering the source of his artistic traits and other relatives, including a younger brother.  "Every day is a gift," Fr. Mike declares and he is always eager to hear other adoption stories. 

Travis Thom joins Tom Lano in the studio to discuss his role preventing infection at McIntosh Senior Living. He discusses the opportunities open to those looking for jobs to serve their residents. He goes on to discuss the education they offer to surrounding businesses like daycares and other care facilities.

Senator Mark Johnson joins Tom Lano to discuss a proposed Bill in Minnesota. It would generate a fundamental right to abortion. This would create a standard that any law passed to protect children, for instance, any sort of a check on abortion at all would be ruled unconstitutional in our state. The extremity of this bill would create an opportunity to intrench abortions in our state. Tune in for this insightful explanation of the ramifications of such an unreasonable law.

Joining Tom in the studio is Bishop Andrew Cozzens to share a very interesting story. At 20 weeks, his mother's water broke. After some tests, a doctor told his mother that her child was severely deformed and encouraged her to terminate her pregnancy. She asked for a new doctor and spent the next four months in bed. Bishop Cozzens expresses his gratefulness for his parents choosing to accept the life of their child no matter what it would look like. He was born a month early and to all appearances was normal, they discovered he was allergic to the amniotic fluid and other things as well which is the only lingering affect of his unusual birth experience. He also recounts his pro-life efforts when in college as a peaceful, non-violent protestor blocking an entrance to an abortion clinic. He knows of children who are alive because their mothers could not enter the building to have an abortion. His experience also granted him opportunities to share the value of life with other people in his process of being jailed and sentenced. He states the importance of consistently standing up for the dignity of every human life because cheapening one life cheapens all life. He urges us to build a culture where all life is reverenced.

Mike Brouse joins Tom Lano in the studio to address concerns he has as a citizen regarding Pro-Life efforts around the nation. He points to the politicization of the issue surrounding the value or perceived value of life, depending on which viewpoint you ascribe to. In his opinion, the progressive narrative is marching toward a police state. DVE's (Domestic Violent Extremists) who have traditionally supported a pro-life stance have been investigated by the FBI, for instance those in the Catholic faith who have advocated for life. Conversely, he has not been able to uncover FBI investigations of perpetrators of crimes against pro-life individuals. He touches on the legalities of injustices and the most serious example of police state tactics: the Mark Houck Case.  

Minnesotan Beth Burris joins Tom on the monthly MCCL #45 update on FFT to highlight her upcoming LIFE MATTERS speaking event. Hinting at her story, which involves teen pregnancy, abortion and the bondage which impacted every area of her life, she also mentions the forgiveness she experienced and the ensuing abundant life. Referencing all of the victims of abortion, the importance of valuing all stages of life, she highlights some of the ministries she has become involved with as a result of her experience: Hem of His Garment and Save One. The Save One Chapter in Minnesota is preparing to begin another chapter to support fathers, who need to be recognized as victims of abortion too. Her presentation promises to be a wonderful opportunity to learn about how all LIFE MATTERS! All Stages. All Ages.

Holly Breckel joins Tom Lano in the studio to share an update on Freedom Christian Academy which opened the Fall of 2023. The goal of the school is to provide a faith-based, safe learning environment to encourage students to discover their full potential. A unique component of their learning environment is to involve multi-generational community members who have shared their time and knowledge with the students. Service projects are also part of their weekly routine. She expresses gratefulness to the community for their support of the school and everything they are building to provide an alternative education option in our area.

On this LIFE MATTERS segment, Dan Gazelka, a 13 year law enforcement veteran from Rampart Defense in Clearbrook MN, brings awareness to the very real threat of sex-trafficking which exists in our rural area. Minnesota is the second largest importer and exporter of Human Trafficking in America because the Duluth harbors. He states grimly: if you have internet and depressed children in your area, you have sex-trafficking. He goes on to cite instances and cases involving children and abusers and the disparity of the consequences compared to the atrocity of the crimes. Dan goes on to report that our state legislature has rejected support of bills which would safeguard our children and require crimes against children to show up on background checks. He encourages healthy, consistent parental involvement in the lives of their children to safeguard against social contact which might involve adults posing as children. Pursuing education and hands-on training to equip parents and children can be very effective when seconds matter and police are minutes away.

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-Sponsored by Mike & Liz Brouse

An MCCL member, Dick Roue, joins Tom Lano in the studio this month for the MCCL monthly update. He provides an update on agendas presented in the MN legislature. The PRO Act (Protecting Reproductive Options) was the first bill introduced. A bill which will expand access to abortions and make Minnesota the most liberal abortion state in America. He shares pertinent information revealing the exact intent of the PRO Act. You will need to listen more than once to absorb the import of everything he shares.

This month on the regular MCCL monthly update, Alison Opdahl, shares a recap of the inaugural Fosston March for Life. Then she highlights the President's Day, all day, movie event which they sponsored at the Fosston Theater. She expresses her gratefulness for the response in the area to MCCL's focus on bringing the message that LIFE MATTERS, all stages, all ages. She hints at upcoming events which MCCL is planning to facilitate in our area.

On this Life Matters segment, Patty and Sylvia Munter join Tom in the studio to highlight the opportunities at the Ignite Youth Center across from the High School on Highway 2. They have been operating for 5 years providing a gathering place for teens to socialize, work on homework together, grab a snack, wait for a game. They find they are primarily serving the students at the Fosston High School. Sylvia states they are always open to finding more volunteers, especially men since many of their students are boys. The Ignite Center is available on Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-7pm. They are also open to coordinating more events which would attract more students. Food donations are always welcome since the students are always hungry! They touch on the upcoming LIfe Matters movie event at the Fosston Theater on February 20, 2023.

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Sponsored by Mike & Kathy Lavoi - Fosston, MN

On this Life Matters segment, Cooper Wilson from the East Polk County DAC shares about the opportunities provided by the DAC. They are staffed by thirteen members and currently serve thirty clients. They arrange employment, social and leisure opportunities for their adults with disabilities. Some of their in-house projects include making fire starters, collecting cans for recycling and building duck houses. A sense of accomplishment and community integration are benefits clients of the DAC experience. Cooper shares his gratefulness to area businesses who take advantage of the DAC cleaning services, and community members who contribute with monetary or supply donations which keep their operation running smoothly.

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Sponsored by Gordy & Cindy Ostenaa - McIntosh, MN

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Join Alison Opdahl and all the Speak LIFE babies, Dinah Opdahl, Rosie Subbert and Charlie Subbert, for this Life Matters segment, in the studio as they talk about their experiences with both of the Baby O Speak LIFE series. Running for 97 weeks, these children provided the voices for the babies in the womb as they chronicled their development from 6 weeks to birth. As you listen, you will hear their personalities and realize Alison captured their nuances in the segments she authored. Tom and Alison discuss the upcoming local March for Life and Alison shares a glimpse of MCCL #45's plans for the upcoming year.

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Sponsored by Marial Harbor Body Wellness Center - McIntosh, MN

MCCL 45 Member, Todd Lundell, joins Tom in the studio to highlight the opportunities in our local area to Speak LIFE. Regular chapter meetings are on the third Thursday of the month, 7pm at Mt. Carmel Church in McIntosh, MN. He share various rallies and marches occurring in Minnesota during Sanctity of Life month: January. Our most local march is Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at 10 am. The march will begin uptown, circle through downtown businesses then gathering at New Journey Church. He shares a moving, personal testimony about his commitment to march for all the babies who have perished, drawing attention to the fact that God is pro-life. Leaving listeners with a plea to find ways to become involved in the effort to Speak LIFE.

Kathy Lavoi joins Tom in the studio, for a Life Matters segment, to share the background on the sanctity of life month: January. The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. Overturning Roe vs. Wade is not the end of the battle for protecting unborn babies, it is the beginning. Compelling listeners to "Speak LIFE", she outlines the many resources available for those who may not feel confident sharing their perspective because they don't feel informed enough to speak. "The only way to correct not being informed is to get informed." She concludes by giving an overview of the efforts of MCCL 45 in our local area and outlining opportunities to Speak LIFE in the upcoming months. John 10:10, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." That is what sanctity of life is about: full life for all.

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Sponsored by Jered's Grocery - McIntosh, MN

Kathy Kjollhaug shares, a Life Matters segment, about their adoption story. Miracles are messy, Kathy states more than once, pointing out that even as they were praying for their miracle, their eventual daughters were experiencing the trauma of their family falling apart. As their first opportunity to adopt from Costa Rica evaporated in heartbreak, the process underway for others to adopt Esther and Rebekah in India, their future daughters, ground to a halt. The Kjollhaug's were able to slide into that opportunity: their messy miracle. Her heartfelt and grounded account will touch you and encourage you to view the option of adoption in a new way. Is there room in your inn?

​Sponsored by Jered's Grocery - McIntosh, MN (Jered was adopted)

Author of the ongoing series Speak LIFE Baby O 2.0, Alison Opdahl, joins Tom Lano in the studio for a thought provoking synopsis of the agenda of abortion. The writing is on the wall for those who can read it. She may surprise you with her statement that she does not believe abortion kills a child. Why not? What does she believe? Is that even the right word? You'll have to listen to discover her rationale. As a member of MCCL #45, she also hints at events to come in the New Year.

MCCL #45 Member Linda Blaser, joins Tom Lano in the studio for our monthly MCCL update. She shares information, shedding light on the details of chemical abortion such as the process, risks and results of such a procedure. Chemical abortions account for 55% of abortions in Minnesota. In 2021, the FDA changed requirements so chemical abortion pills can be mailed to a woman without an in-person, medical consult. There is a reversal period, up to 72 hours, in which an antidote can be taken after the first chemical abortion pill is ingested. The reversal success is 64-67%. Is Planned Parenthood really about women's health? Their annual report bragged they provide 82% of all chemical abortions in the United States, contributing to their financial income of over 1.7 billion dollars... all of this accomplished with our tax dollars.

MCCL #45 member, Eileen Hegg, joins Tom in the studio to discuss the very real impact abortion has on relationships, futures and everyone affected by it. Her heartfelt appeal encompasses her desire for her grandchildren, their potential children and all of us to be well informed about the facts of abortion. Facts versus fiction. There is a great need for accurate information to be shared compassionately and boldly. She shares some grim, hard-hitting facts... you only have to "follow the money" to discover the unfolding agenda to de-humanize not only babies, but all of us.

As part of MCCL #45's ongoing effort to highlight the impact of abortion, Margaritte Roue joins Tom Lano in the studio to share many facts and truths about abortion.  The long and short of abortion is this: for some women it is a decision that is made today and lived with for the rest of their lives. PTSD is a condition of having severe negative reactions to an event. She highlights the importance of recognizing that victims of abortion include the mothers and fathers, not only the babies. A thoughtful and thought provoking segment.

MCCL #45 member, Dr. Darren Swanson joins Tom Lano in the studio and clarifies why he is pro-life. Sharing interesting perspectives on the science behind the proof of life that a baby is a baby in the womb. He believes that abortion degrades women; treating their fertility as a defect. He is against violence, and views abortion as extreme violence against pre-born babies. The discussion touches on Roe vs. Wade, and the stance that many candidates are supporting: which is abortion up until birth. The interview wraps up with Psalm 139.

MCCL #45 member, Betty Syverson, highlights the helplessness of a newborn baby. She emphasizes the humanity identity of a baby in the womb or newly born and points out the irrefutable truths that those who support abortion subvert for their own gain. Touching on the overturned Roe vs. Wade decision, she clearly defines a godly understanding of the value of life, before we were even born. This thoughtful and provocative presentation will equip and inform you.

MCCL #45 members, Theresa Voxland and Alison Opdahl, draw attention to the need for voters to be informed regarding the issue of abortion as we approach our upcoming election. Theresa highlights the role of MCCL in Minnesota over the years. Candidate information is key to discerning the best way to make sure our voices and the voices of the unborn are represented by our legislators.

MCCL #45 Alison Opdahl and her daughter Dinah join Tom Lano in the studio for a very informative and thought provoking segment regarding the human status of a pre-born baby. Addressing concerns about a narrative push in our nation to de-humanize pre-born babies and relegate them to the status of disposable tissue. Dinah's simple answer, "A tiny baby," hits at the heart of the matter when Alison asks her what she sees when shown a picture of a pre-born baby at 3 months old. Baby Olivia is a video that shares the wondrous journey of the development of a child in the womb. Also highlighted is the 7pm MCCL Fall Rally on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the McIntosh Community Center.

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See the link for Baby Olivia at the top of this page!

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​Kelly - the executive director of Northwoods Pregnancy Center in Bemidji, MN - joins MCCL #45 Member Earl Roed in the studio with Tom Lano. She highlights the services and opportunities for clients and sponsors of the pregnancy center. Among those opportunities are a HOPE Program for moms and dads which equips them for parenting, monthly care packages, abortion pill reversal, bi-weekly Bible Study, fatherhood classes and miscarriage support group. Earl shares the mission statement of MCCL #45, the importance of "humanizing" our babies and details of the upcoming MCCL Fall Rally on Thursday, October 20 @ 7pm @ the McIntosh Community Center.

​MCCL Chapter 45 President, Mike Brouse, joins Tom Lano in the studio for a discussion about recent changes to pro-life legislation in Minnesota. Specifically, Attorney General Ellison's Consumer Alert. Addressing the concerns of many who value the lives of the preborn, Mike emphasizes language choices have a great impact on how we perceive the the value of preborn babies. They are not clumps of cells or fetuses, they are children.

​MCCL Chapter 45 President, Mike Brouse, joins Tom Lano in the studio for a discussion about recent changes to pro-life legislation in Minnesota. Specifically, Attorney General Ellison's Consumer Alert. Addressing the concerns of many who value the lives of the preborn, Mike emphasizes language choices have a great impact on how we perceive the the value of preborn babies. They are not clumps of cells or fetuses, they are children.

Representative Deb Kiel joins Tom Lano for the monthly MCCL #45 update. Speaking of the challenge in Minnesota because of the Doe vs. Gomez decision. Discussion centers around the importance of the role of the legislature regarding the issue of abortion in our state. Deb highlights the importance of gleaning accurate information about what can be accomplished legislatively and the roles citizens can have in that process. The conversation needs to be centered around "life from conception to death." Abortion clinics in Minnesota are not licensed, why not? Many conversations need to be raised regarding this very important issue.

New MCCL #45 Members, Tom and Carrie Bahr, share about their convictions regarding the value of life. Tom speaks about their first experience viewing the movie, "Unplanned." The message and content in the film changed his life. They now purchase copies of the movie and distribute them wherever they can to spread the truth about the impact abortions can have on so many lives.

​MCCL #45 member Betty Syverson makes a point of connecting Resurrection Sunday with the fact that our Creator is pro-life, evidenced by the Resurrection of Jesus after He died for our sins. She shares the upcoming events and goals of this local chapter and the need for ongoing community support.

Speak LIFE author, Alison Opdahl shares about the recent MCCL #45 celebration of the "birth of Baby O" (completion) of the "Baby O" Series and shares a glimpse of the new series: "Baby O 2.0." She also highlights some of the goals MCCL #45 has in the upcoming year.

MCCL member, Dick Roue is in the studio sharing about a recent newspaper column he wrote regarding Safe Haven Laws. He highlights area Pregnancy Centers in our area and the free, non-judgemental services available to all who seek their help.

MCCL member, Todd Lundell highlights the upcoming March for Life in Bagley, MN. He shares about the focus of the citizen lead effort to preserve the life of babies and touches on available area resources.

MCCL #45 member, and author of Speak LIFE, Alison Opdahl shares a look at the past year of activities and an update on the chapter as it plans for the new year. She also shares her thoughts on the perception of conception.

MCCL #45 Members: Betty Syverson, Earl Roed and Rick Ford. Update on abortions in Minnesota, which are dropping since their peak in 1980. However, the role Planned Parenthood is playing in perpetuating their agenda is disturbing. Great news about local resources available through area Pregnancy Centers. Updates on states which are advocating for the lives of the unborn. The importance of the Hyde Amendment.

MCCL #45 Member, Dick Roue in the studio, reminding us of the MCCL Fall Tour, Thursday October 21, 2021 at the McIntosh Community Center at 7pm. Also sharing how MCCL speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. Touching on the political and social changes of the battleground in this fight for life. Highlighting options such as adoption.

MCCL #45 members, Theresa Voxland and Alison Opdahl share Speak LIFE updates. Highlighted are the upcoming WPC Annual Banquet and the MCCL Fall Rally. What does Speak LIFE look like in our area? Well, they discuss that too. It is easier than you think!

MCCL #45 member, Betty Syverson, discusses her personal experience in the pro-life movement in our area. Highlights include experiences at the Polk and Clearwater County Fairs, the similarities between Adoption and Abortion, the Vacation Bible School effort at Trinity Church to support the Women's Pregnancy Center in Grand Forks, ND.

MCCL Chapter #45 president, Mike Brouse. Updates on the Speak LIFE and MCCL float in the Fosston Parade and the Booth at the 2021 Polk County Fair. Information on in vivo abortion (organ harvesting) from babies paid for by our tax dollars.