Case dismissed! Babies saved! Glory to God!

Our final court appearance on Monday was quick and easy, unlike our previous experiences. Within just a few minutes we were out of court and Terri was back on the sidewalk helping women whose children were at risk of being aborted.

As we waited in line to go through the courthouse metal detectors, we stood right behind a woman whose child had been saved from abortion a few years ago. She smiled as she told Terri how much better her life is now, proudly showing off her wedding ring.

Photo by Micah Palmquist Tim and Terri and supporters thanking God for the victory outside the courthouse.

Then we were pleasantly surprised to see our friends Vernon and JoElla Reimer, retired missionaries who were a backbone of support for us throughout the years of the Chinese refugee crisis.

Before prosecutor Chris Hinkle entered the courtroom, Judge Robert Tafoya informed us that our case would be trailed to 1:30 pm because he would be involved in another trial. But within moments, Hinkle appeared, telling Tafoya "your honor, I have a motion. I move to dismiss this case per section 1385. I spoke to the security guard the other day and he informed me that the Palmquists have never been in the parking lot."

Judge Tafoya looked stunned.

We thanked the judge and the prosecutor as we quickly hurried out the door. We told the Reimers, "look how quickly God answered your prayers -- we should have had you here a long time ago!"

As we exited the courthouse, we saw the Zobel family waiting in line, so we told them they didn't need to wait anymore. Our pastor, Rollin Strode, was somewhere inside the courthouse trying to find us; we never saw each other, but we reached him on his cell phone to tell him that the case was already over.

Returning to the sidewalks outside the Family Planning Associates abortion chamber after our brief appearance in court, Terri walked up to security guard Johnny Stanley. "Thank you for telling the truth," Terri said as her eyes filled with tears.

Johnny kiddingly replied, "I'm gonna call them up and tell them you really trespassed."

Within minutes, Terri called over to the LifeHouse asking for another baby gift. We give these gifts to women who change their minds after abortion. Usually the gifts contain various items such as baby booties, a small toy, an outfit and a receiving blanket, but we have run out of receiving blankets so I grabbed a crocheted baby blanket as I hurried out the door. Terri gave the blanket to a tearful mother of a 17 week preborn baby. This blanket had been provided by a client of Ryan Chiropractic after they appealed for people to give baby gifts to the LifeHouse.

Photo by Amy Palmquist Terri and Tim point to "God is Victorious" banner outside the LifeHouse.

The next few hours of ministry were unusually busy and fruitful, with several other mothers choosing life for their children. One woman who came to the LifeHouse for a pregnancy test during that time is still agonizing over her pregnancy. She has four other small children and has had a hard time finding child care. If you know of anyone who might be willing to occasionally babysit the children of this needy woman, please contact us.

Psalm 20 had been a particular comfort to Terri throughout this crisis. She paraphrased this psalm to apply to our trial, "some trust in attorneys... but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Terri told God that when the victory was final, she would lift up a banner proclaiming His victory. This banner "God is victorious" is now being displayed outside the LifeHouse.

On September 14, 2004 (the day we were accused of trespassing), I had worshipped God outside the abortion chamber, singing "Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord." As God led us through this case, He helped deepen our trust in Him, knowing that in the end the answer would not come through attorneys or legal strategies but by answered prayer. Thank you for the key prayer support you have provided throughout this ordeal.

In Christ's service for those who cannot speak for themselves,

Tim Palmquist

> > Encouraging messages received during our trial