Yes, they threw a SHOE at me …
My family just returned from a whirlwind 40 Days for Life speaking tour all across Australia — speaking to over 1,200 people at 35 events and meetings over 13 days in Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, and Sydney. WOW — God showed up in a powerful way!
(Thanks to the many wonderful Australian groups that sponsored the tour and flew our family “down under”!)
I had already planned to send you a praise report about the trip, but this past weekend when I spoke at the big Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C., I was inundated with questions about the “incident” we experienced that made international news … so let me address that first.
On the final Saturday evening of our trip, I spoke at a banquet in Sydney for New South Wales Right to Life.
Right after I was introduced, two young women jumped up from a table in the back of the room. They began yelling “this is for the women,” and one of them threw a pink sparkly ballet shoe at me (fortunately, it missed).
That was the cue for another ten people to burst into the room, chanting abortion slogans. They ran around the room throwing glitter on banquet attendees while distributing brochures depicting Mary and baby Jesus along with “prayers” demanding that abortion be affordable and accessible, and that pro-lifers would “keep their vitriolic nonsense to themselves.”
Then they ran to the front of the room and locked arms around the podium, intent on shutting down the event. One young lady was yelling into what looked like a toy megaphone, which thankfully failed to work.
While I was a bit surprised by the sudden barrage, I was saddened more than anything else. As I looked at the anger and hatred in the eyes of these young people, I realized that some of them had probably experienced the pain of abortion in their own lives.
It was at that point that I asked the audience to bow their heads and join me in praying the Lord’s Prayer.
Here’s the photo of that moment:
Then we prayed for all women and men who have been harmed by abortion, that they would find healing … and that they would experience love and compassion from pro-lifers, without judgment or condemnation.
After about ten minutes, security guards were able to remove the abortion advocates from the room, and the event continued on — with the audience more motivated than ever before.
If that wasn’t enough excitement, on Monday morning I spoke to 60 college students from the University of Notre Dame (Australia) and the University of Sydney at a breakfast. Desperately trying to disrupt us once again, abortion advocates organized an even bigger protest outside with 30-35 people. We simply moved our event half a block away to avoid confrontation, and they never figured out that they were protesting an empty room.
Sydney’s largest newspaper covered the twin protests, and we learned that one of the most prominent feminists in Australia was among those protesting on Monday morning!
- Read the Sydney Morning Herald news story
- See a picture of the protests
- Listen to the audio of my talk to the university students (recorded by one of the attendees along with Q&A):
Click the arrow below to start the playback:
Download MP3 (right-click the link below to save to your computer):
A top pro-life leader in Australia told me: “Your ministry has stirred up more public opposition than any other visiting speaker in the history of the Australian pro-life movement!”
As I explained to my wife Margaret and our children Claire and Patrick (who experienced these events with me), we should consider this a compliment. Matthew 5:10 assures us: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
And, as I told the college students at the breakfast, abortion activists wouldn’t bother protesting our events if 40 Days for Life wasn’t having a tremendous impact.
By comparison, the rest of the trip wasn’t quite as eventful, but we did experience many more blessings.
The tour organizer, Warwick Marsh, summarized our efforts across Australia:
- Spoke to over 1,200 people face to face in 13 days, including nearly all of the key leaders of the Australian pro-life movement
- Reached hundreds of thousands of people through newspaper, video, web and radio
- Conducted and filmed a full-day training seminar for 40 Days for Life leaders that will be used to expand 40 Days for Life from its seven current locations to dozens of other sites across Australia
- Activated and encouraged many pro-life leaders and volunteers who were on the verge of giving up
- Reactivated and brought many new leaders and players into the pro-life field
- By the grace of God, brought an unprecedented level of unity, cooperation — and even healing — to the Australian pro-life movement
- Set the stage for the 2013 Australian National Day of Prayer and Fasting — which, for the first time ever, will be focused on the Sanctity of Life
- Laid the groundwork to launch a massive expansion of 40 Days for Life across Australia in 2013 and beyond
As Warwick e-mailed me after I returned home, “I can safely guarantee from the amazing events and the record and response to the whole tour that Australia WILL HAVE A LIFE BREAKTHROUGH IN 2013.”
I wholeheartedly agree.
Between pro-life events, we did get to cuddle with koalas …
… try to recruit new Australian 40 Days for Life leaders …
… but those experiences didn’t compare with the blessing of meeting the amazing people of Australia.
On the opposite side of the globe, faithful believers are praying and fasting, standing in peaceful vigil, and conducting grassroots community outreach — just like we do back home in the United States. And, just like you, their faithful efforts are changing hearts and minds, saving lives, and impacting eternal souls.
Here’s a 5-minute video of short testimonials from several of the Australian leaders sharing blessings they’ve experienced from 40 Days for Life (the quality and sound aren’t great – this was shot on my phone):
As together we prepare to launch the largest 40 Days for Life EVER this coming Wednesday, know that you are a part of a worldwide movement … that is changing the course of history.
Let’s give this fall’s 40 Days for Life our best effort!
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
PS: To answer the most frequent question I’ve heard since returning home from Australia … YES! I got to keep the pink sparkly shoe! Here I am with my favorite Australian souvenir:
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:57 am
What a blessing our God brought about by your standing firm in His love and promises! (Ephesians 6). May He turn the hearts of many angry women to Himself, and may the pro-life movement in Australia multiply exponentially! Praising Him!
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 am
It sounds like a great trip and hopefully participation for pro life. As I look at your new pink shoe it actually tells me you were very lucky she did not throw the actual pink ballet “shoe”. That would have hurt and maybe drawn blood. I know since both my daughters took ballet. What you are holding is only a light weight ballet slipper.
Regardless the interruption you received should have been more embarrassing for them in their ignorance of life and how precious it is.
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:20 am
I will pray for you AND for the protestors! God bless you in your work!!!!
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:26 am
God bless you, David.
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 am
Thank you for you and your precious family in taking the 9/40 across the seas, even so graciously moving through the adversities in love and prayer.
This update has been encouraging as I continue to pray. God bless you all.
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:37 am
Thank you for all your time and effort in the Pro-Life movement! God is on our side and we are winning!Please be cautious in your travels!
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 am
Hi David,
Not funny really but had to chuckle at the ’shoe’ incident. “Sorry” we didn’t give you such a good time here in Brisbane! :-) By the way, did it fit?
On a serious note, great to have you here to motivate everyone to prayer and to join the campaign. God bless your lovely family and thank you for hitting our shores.
Warm regards,
Teresa
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 am
What a powerful email. I wish we were having the 40 Days here in Plattsburgh, but support is so lacking from the entire area, especially our clergy of all faiths. We will keep trying and praying.
Thanks, David and Shawn for all you have done for the children!
Nancy
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 am
Dear David,
I would like to thank you and your family for your courageous testimony to the Dignity of Life. I am the mother of 7 beautiful children and have raised my children in a culture of life. My oldest child is 19 and is helping organize small groups of people from our parish for peacful vigils in front of the abortion center. All my children will be involved with the 40 Days For Life. This family knows how very important this year is and we will stand united as a family, to witness to all, the beautiful gift God has bestowed on us LIFE! Thank you for all you do for the unborn children and may Our Lady of Guadalupe be with all of us during these 40 Days for Life. Our Lady of Guadalupe Pray for us!
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 am
Keep fighting the good fight, we also have a 40 days campaign for Life in my city of Moncton, N.B. Canada and although we do get nasty comments thrown our way once in awhile or the one finger salute i have never experienced anything that you’ve described. If i ever do i hope i handle it as well as you guys did.
God bless.
Roland Robichaud
Moncton,N.B.
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:41 am
Love the shoe not so much the one who threw it. ;0 a little levity. God Bless you and your family and thank God for your safe return seems you had a very sucessful visit to Australia. Glory Be to GOD
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:49 am
David,
Thank you for going the long extra miles on behalf of the unborn.
I met you in Lansing at a 40 DFL vigil, am from Jackson, Mi.
For the first time, Jackson is holding a 40 Days for Life campaign. My wife and I will be participating.
Your steadfast, encouraging, and enthusiastic leadership is needed, and, appreciated.
And, keep your sense of humor, too!
Jim Best
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 am
David. What a wonderful testimony to the grace of God and how He manifests Himself through His faithful. God bless you and your family . Ifind the warmth and determination of the Aussies to be try motivating . I will be sharing this with as many people as I can!
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:13 am
David,
God’s blesssings to you and to your family. “Blessed are the Persecuted” – way to go!! You are right – 40 Days is making an enormous impact in our Country and in the world. Keep fighting the good fight and we promise our prayers and support.
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 am
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am so inspired and thankful to Our Dear Lord and Blessed Mother Mary for their protection and guidance on your trip to Australia. I will keep these pro-abortion young women in my prayers, for their conversion. I am so happy for your young children, who are truely blessed for having saints in the making for parents.
Yours in Christ,
Linda Middleton
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 am
Even when she/he is smaller than this shoe They’re still a human being. Take off your shoe and stand up for them!!! yeah
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:27 am
David -
We are so proud of you – You are a true fighting warrior in God’s Army – and may He bless you and your precious family –
We love you here in Texas – Don’t forget it – Looking forward to the beginning of the fall session of 40 Days -
Take care – the pictures are precious -
Ed and Patricia Adam – Navasota, TX
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 am
David,
What an inspiration our brothers and sisters in Christ are in Australia…from my own personal experience in leading a 40 Days for Life in Buffalo, I know the blessings that will accompany the movement of the pro-life community in their country.
With God’s help, the christian community will end the scourge of abortion all around the globe! Amen
Ellen Stanford
September 22nd, 2012 at 10:08 am
I love the photo’s and how you and your staff laid the groundwork for glorifying our God and Saviour.
I am sitting at the computer with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart.
Thank you for all you do. I am a sinner saved by grace that has had 3 abortions, but the greatest gift is the forgiveness of our God. The pain never goes away (tactic of the devil) but the joy that I will someday see my babies in Heaven sweeps it all away.
I love you all in the Lord. God bless.
September 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 am
Before I was a Christian, I too was pro-abortion. I didn’t realize the life I would be destroying was an actual baby and besides, it was my own body and how dare anyone tell me what I could or couldn’t do with it. Thankfully, I did not abort my baby…he’s the biggest blessing of my life! Looking back, there was just a veil of deception over my eyes. I became a Christian and had a personal encounter with God…that’s when my eyes were opened to what abortion truly is: a killing of an innocent life that God has given, no matter what the circumstances. So yes, knowing God and seeing what He tells us in His word, wow…what a difference!! So I can totally relate to the women who protest…they don’t yet know the One who created them or the life within their wombs…we need to continue in prayer for their salvation so they can see, truly see, what abortion is. Bottom line is…when you know what God says about abortion, it changes your mind big time!
September 22nd, 2012 at 10:28 am
Jackie Whittle Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 am
Hello Mr. Bereit, Praise God for all you do for LIFE! GLAD YOUR BACK SAFE AND SOUND! In the last week or so JMJ Divine Inspirations now has our new “PRO-LIFE ROSARY FOR PEACE ~ FOR EVERYONE,” endorsed by the Most Reverend Richard J. Garcia of Monterey, CA, up on our new blooming website. I hope you might see the merit of reading/praying these new prayers that took approximately 3 years to complete. My spiritual advisor, Fr. John Warburton, O.S.J. (Oblate of St. Joseph) was extremely instrumental in writing many of the prayers within this rosary. He (Fr. John) is a warrior for Life, Marriage, and Family. I kiddingly say that he is more pro-life that Fr. Pavone. THIS ROSARY IS FOR ALL PEOPLE ~ EVERYONE! My prayers is the 40 Days for Life will feel inspired to utilize these new prayers in the upcoming 40 DAYS. GOD BLESS YOUR LIFE! Mrs. Jacqueline Marie Whittle ( mrs. joyful marie jackie ) 916-791-3349 P. S. Please have someone respond, so I know you received this email personally. ~jmj~ xox
September 22nd, 2012 at 10:42 am
Reading the column on your trip to Australia I was moved to tears as I heard the comments of all the prominent people of Australia. They were so inspired by your visit and your mission to save lives. I have always fought against abortion from before it was ever made legal. I am the mother of seventeen children and have demonstrated against abortion since 1969. I was there at the beginning of this dreadful battle. Every one of my daily Rosaries include a petition to end abortion and euthanasia. I am seventy nine and I still get out there and demonstrate. I will be with you at the Planned Parenthood facility on Wednsday this week. God bless you and all your hard work in this fight. Sincerely, Violet
September 22nd, 2012 at 11:05 am
Be glad it was only a ballet slipper that cannot do any damage. When I was doing pro-life bake sales in the nineties, they once came to my table and threw hangers at me, which as you probably know was implying that getting rid of abortion would force women to abort themselves, which is insanity. It can get far more dangerous than shoes and hangers. Once when trying to reach the abortion minded women through the walls of an abortuary with a bullhorn, a pro-abort first turned on her car radio at full volume with the windows open trying to drown out our message, and then she gunned her engine as though ready to run us over. Thankfully, a policeman on the premises made her leave. May the Lord bless you for your dedication to the cause of life!
September 22nd, 2012 at 11:20 am
THANK GOD FOR YOU AND ALL OF OUR PRO-LIFERS.
September 22nd, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Way to go Bereits! We love you! All for the Glory of God!
September 22nd, 2012 at 1:06 pm
You need to turn that ‘pink sparkly shoe’ into a Christmas Manger!
I can see Mary and Joseph, the Magi, Shepherds, even Santa himself, kneeling before the Infant Jesus laying in a pro-death weapon!
Oh, the irony!!!!!
September 22nd, 2012 at 1:18 pm
I am so proud of 40 Days for Life and for all pro-lifers. I have been in the abortion battle since 1973 and pray that it ends soon. But in the meantime we will continue to pray and do all we can to protect the babies and their parents. God bless you and keep up the good work.
Denise Sauser
September 22nd, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Good on you, mate.
September 22nd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Brother David, how blessed I feel to be a follower of Christ and see your loving response to the hateful behavior from the protesters. !
Yes, they are our mission-field, they need our love (His Love), “they know not what they do.”
What a blessing you are; praise God.
Harold
September 22nd, 2012 at 2:55 pm
David truly you saw the power of God. When we have stood then we stand again. Never give up never give up never give up. Look what Jesus went through for us then we have to do what we are doing for these innocent babies.
September 22nd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Praise the Lord for your efforts to stamp out the plague of abortion!!! So many eyes/ears have been opened to the truth–whereas satan has been stealing, killing, & destroying lives–NOW he is being exposed as the father of lies, etc.! Will be SO GLAD to meet you , your family, & all supporters in Heaven–& it’s NOT FAR away. Blessings & love to you all, brother!!
September 22nd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Thank you for all you do! I am ashamed that I do not put as much effort into the pro life movement as I could. You are a refreshing reminder of God’s love.
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:40 pm
David—great email. I think you should start to us this exact pink, glitter slipper in a major way to advocate for women. (MAYBE it can replace the pink ribbon that has been hijacked by the Komen Foundation.
Great witness! Thanks for all you do!
God Bless,
Jenn
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Awesome! It brings tears to my eyes, as most of 40 Days for Life messages do, to see God moving so powerfully in the heart of His people, and to hear of how His power saves babies and transforms hearts.
I will be praying and sacrificing in my home for the upcoming campaign, as I have in several past campaigns, and as I choose life in caring for my severely disabled, grown daughter.
May God continue to bless your faithful efforts!
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:58 pm
How significant the “empty shoe” is. Unbeknownst to the young protesters is that it symbolizes all the missing little girls
killed by abortion whose precious little feet could have filled that”iconic” pink
sparkly ballet slipper. It made me sad to see the empty shoe and to think about all the missing children who could have danced in such a beautiful ballet; both boys and girls alike. How sad that they (protesters) couldn’t see this. Praying The Lord’s Prayer was a perfect response.
Thank you for all that you do.
A fellow prayer person.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:41 pm
I think that shoe will be a reminder to pray for those who truly do not understand what abortion is, and for those who have been hurt by abortion.
September 22nd, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Congrats to all of you . I have a granddaughter in Australia so I forwarded your story to her.
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Thank you for sharing this. I’m so happy to be a prayer partner with you all. What a blessing to see and hear my brothers and sisters in Christ in Australis who love life, including all the unborn, living souls.
September 22nd, 2012 at 6:38 pm
David Bereit and his family have been a huge blessing to Australia. On behalf of the Australian organising team for David’s “Life Breakthru Tour” I want to say a big thank you to all the supporters of 40 Days For LIfe in the USA and all over the world. The tour would not have been possible without your generous help and support. Together we link hands and bend our knees believing for a Breakthru for Life starting the 26th of September 2012 with the next 40 days for life campaign. Together we are making a difference as the above report shows.
Yours for a Worldwide Life Breakthru
Warwick Marsh
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Hi David, thank you for making the long trek to our distant shores “down under” and providing such inspiration!
Regarding “that” shoe: What a God sent opportunity to nail home the point!! It certainly is “for the women” i.e. Women who are ‘missing’ because they were denied the choice to be born… and wear sparkly ballet shoes!
What a powerful and poignant reminder it could be to adopt the sparkly shoe as a public memorial for those missing feet!
As a grandfather the sad thought of other potential grandparents missing out on seeing their children’s children through the evils of abortion seemed to be symbolised in the photo of the empty shoe!
Blessings and peace
September 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
I’m so proud of the way you handled the protesters. Glad that we are making an impact.
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Dear David Bereit and family,
It is so inspiring to hear the testimonies you have in your email from Australia. Thank you for your many years of faithfulness to the pro-life cause. I read Abby Johnson’s book Unplanned and found out that 40 days for Life was part of her conversion. God has been busy.
You are in my prayers and pray for our helpline here in Walworth County.
Pat Reynders
September 22nd, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Thank you so much for the 40 Days for Life Campaign in Australia. I agee that the protests are a good sign that you are doing God’s work.
There are probably thousands of young people that are in denial about the pain they are experiencing after
an abortion, young men, as well. They are being misguided by parents, lied to by the lawmakers( it’s legal, isn’t it ), deceived by healthcare worker, ( it’s just a glob of tissue ), they are pressured by ill-informed friends ( you don’t have a choice,etc.)
I am not too familiar yet, about the campaign, but does the campaign in clude info. about getting healing for so many that are experincing Post Abortion SYndrome?
I live in Hawaii, where the 40 days for life is fairly new. Please keep in contact with us vigilently to encourage us. Perhaps it is my own fault for not communicating better with the organizers.
Thanks again for the encouraging videos. I could really feel the joy and excitement felt by the Australian testimonials. God bless you and your sweet family.
Charlene
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Dear Mr. Bereit, they have a problem with shoes, for sure. Twice, when i was @ P.P. one of the security guards, dumped water on my sandals. Once, the Cross Roads group witnessed it. i did call the police the second time, & told them to talk to him, & if he did it again, i will press charges.
Keep on doing God’s work, Amen
September 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Dear David:
I am sad with what happened in Australia. But God is with you, and praying for all those hurt people, it shows how we forgive what they had done to you. You are protected by Our Laor Jesus Christ. We too, get many ugly words and obscene fingers up, when praying at the planned parenthood at Fort Myers. That doesn’t bother me, I continue do it what I came to do on that day. Pray for the unborn babies…..By the way, it was a soft sole ballet shoe, it wouldn’t hurt you, and pretty pink. Love in Christ, Darcy
September 23rd, 2012 at 12:29 am
David and Shawn, keep up the good work!!!
September 23rd, 2012 at 2:12 am
Dear David,
Thank God for smart phones. The quality is great and the testimonies themselves are beautiful. Thank you for your perseverance and for capturing the zeal and joy of the people of Australia involved in 40 Days for Life.
September 23rd, 2012 at 3:03 am
I do not see a location for the upcoming 40 Days for Life in Tucson, AZ. During the Spring campaign I visited the Tucson Women’s Clinic and Planned Parenthood building, however, I never saw any activity. Do you have any information about what is happening in Tucson. Thanks.
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 am
Our prayers are with you and with 40 Days for Life. I have been speaking this month and will certainly encourage people to participate in every way possible…at least by prayer.
September 23rd, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Hello David!
Praise God, all of this protesting from the abortion supporters does INDEED prove that Pro-Lifers are making headway for abolishing abortion!
May God bless us all as we press on for Him, and the Babies, and all those hurt by the sin of abortion.
Praying for continued safety for all the 40 Days for Life location this Fall.
Sharon Horn
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:11 pm
What an amazing experience and testimonies! God is so good. Thank you for sharing with us. Hearing and seeing this encourages me to continue on and remain determined to continue on. I live in St. Cloud, MN and we are starting our 7th campaign on Wed. the 26. I have the honor of starting that day at 7:00a.m. We have struggled until this campaign to have other demoninations join. This evening our kick off rally is at a Baptist Church! Our Diocese is the sponsor in our area of central Minnesota. May we always remain faithful.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Hi David,
I met you last year with your son when we stopped to have a bite to eat on our way home. It was a pleasure. God bless you for all you do and all people involved. God’s plan for me is to head up our Church’s participation. I thought I could do it alone, but I have last year’s person who is a big help…she has eight or nine children and a wonderful husband AND she home schools! Yet, she is always involved in activities of the Church.
About the pretty ballet slipper…. I believe whoever threw it was giving you a message, not to hurt you; couldn’t with that shoe compared to President George Bushes’ experience! I believe she wants you to remember her every time you see it because she is hurting. Like you, I believe she may have had an abortion (pink for girl) and by their anger (sadness, really) try to rationalize and feel better about what happened to them. They are really hurting. We need to keep them in our prayers when we pray for an end of abortion so that mothers will never have to feel the way they do and their babies will have life.
For Life,
Sheila Taylor
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Oh what a great outpouring from the Aussies. Glad to know they feel re-energised and raring to make 2013 a year of Faith that will see great strides in the Pro-Life movement. God bless you Bereits,..so glad yo had a chance to have a little away time..We’ll have to invite you to Canada sometime..we have a real go-getter of a new priest and I am sure we’ll be able to do the 40 days for Life here. We hoped to do it this year but couldn’t get much support…but God is good.. He’ll do it for us..soon!
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Wow!! I hate to hear there being trouble at any pro-life event, but I know it does bring more public attention to the cause which can be very good (although the Herald’s use of words like ‘anti-abortion’ conference was euh, the paper did show us to be very much for open peaceful dialogue). But then the stunt seemed more of a comedy than anything else – they’re all smiling a bit sillily in all their pictures, and then ‘glitter bombing’? Persecution coming in a Cinderella-like style of a pink glittery shoe? It does seem more laughable than anything else!
Also, I really enjoyed the video of the Austrialian pro-life leaders – especially the bit by a man who said the best part of 40 days for life is us – ‘being awkward and vulnerable, out of faith and obedience’. In a sense it’s being like the unborn, and like Him who made Himself weak and vulnerable out of obedience for love of us!!! That really wowed me! I’d never thought about it that way (although I’ve been praying for years at a clinic – I usually just tried to ignore, put away feelings of discomfort), but that feeling, that experience draws us closer to Our Lord as we become images of Him, public witnesses to the (usually) unpopular truth. I guess it’s in part that because I’ve been growing deeper in my faith this past year that that intimacy, identifying with the crucified Christ has become more real.
Thanks so much for your pro-life ministry!! And your great perseverance and encouragement! And for resisting those slipper-throwing punks :)
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:26 pm
May God bless and protect you and your family for serving Him so courageously! Thank you for all you do for LIFE!!!
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
David,
It was very inspirational to read and listen to your videos. Your campaign gives more people around the world hope with a new light to follow. I say, they’re seeing God, feeling His love, and showing them the path to follow with encouragement, and not discouragement or despair in life.
God is building up a strong character, courage, & mercy in you to handle all those protestors! You are a very loving and emphatic person. God bless you on your 2012 Fall Campaign journey!
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:58 pm
“…Praise God from Whom all blessings flow….”
September 23rd, 2012 at 11:37 pm
I pray daily for the success for all who are involved in Pro Life work.
Thank you for all you do. I will keep remembering you in my hours of Adoration. God bless you for all you do. I am hoping to start going to pray at the local abortion clinic very soon.
September 24th, 2012 at 12:22 am
Wow David you and your family are really spreading the word. Thank you for your help and support here in Ann Arbor last year. Our group is growing [I think]. I make calls and am getting more yes’s this year and it is encouraging.
September 24th, 2012 at 12:30 am
Thank you David and to your wife and family for all that you do to uphold the sanctity of life! May the Lord bless you and everyone involved in the 40 days for life campaign. How exciting to see this as a worldwide movement!
September 24th, 2012 at 7:10 am
All people of life are so blessed to have you and your family representing LIFE all over the world. I am thankful for your efforts. Keep up the great work.
September 24th, 2012 at 7:18 am
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!!!!!!!”
September 24th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Jim: We are so PROUD of you and praying daily for your success and the cause for which you lead…we are with you and participating in our community….thank you for your LOVING leadership…may Jesus and our Blessed Mother surround you and bless all our prayers in saving babies and closing clinics….sent in love-grace
September 24th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Excellent!! As my daughter would say : “One hundred thumbs up!”
I love it, and I think it is great testimony when I hear how Pro-lifers pray with compassion for the pro-abortion minded people who are sometimes vilolently protesting our work.
It is very important that we all realize that some of these people may be reacting to the pain abortion has put into their lives, and they don’t know how to find healing and forgiveness. Praying for their healing is the absolute prefect thing to do.
I am not so upset by their prayers for abortion however. As long as they are praying to God, even though they are asking for the wrong thing they have the lines of communication open. God writes straight with crooked lines. If they have not completely shut out God, He can melt even hearts of stone.
God bless and protect you and your family David, and may he bless and protect us all!
September 24th, 2012 at 10:56 am
Thank you for all you blessed work – your response to the “pink slipper” demonstrated how at peace you are in you heart and truly you believe in this cause. I am the pro-lifer in charge of recruiting parishioners to witness in front of planned parenthood at 104 Babcock here in San Antonio, Tex. This fall, 49 St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church parishioners have signed-up, last spring the number was 38 – yes, we Catholics are becoming courageous enough to “come out of the closet” and witness to the truth.
Thank you for this inspiring report.
Peace
September 24th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
pretty in pink =) Way to go!!!
September 24th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Hello,
I had to laugh when I saw this shoe that was thrown at you. It goes to show you that they are not thinking …..how did that person get home LOL.
I am writing to ask if I can link you to my blog. I am beginning a “Catholic Women’s Breakfast” (hopefully it too will be national) where women of the truth unite, share, hope evangelize and then sent out on a mission etc…
Please let me know your thoughts.
Peace of Christ be with you.
September 24th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
I was very excited to read of David’s Australian Tour for 40 Days for Life!
The energy that flowed from his description of the events that occurred was spirit filled and awesome. Thank you, David!!!
September 24th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
The pretty, pink shoe is a good reminder of the animosity of the opposition.
Keep up the marvelous and grace-filled work, David.
September 24th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
David,
We had the pleasure of meeting you in Little Rock, AR, when you spoke at an event here last summer. How fitting, and sadly ironic, that you would receive an empty pink ballerina slipper from the protestors. Have they given any thought to truly how many pink slippers are still empty, because there were no beautiful little girls born to wear them?
I think that shoe is the perfect symbol of exactly why our pro-life work must continue. May it be your motivation. Thank you for your courage and your continued sacrifice in working to change hearts and minds to recognize the dignity of all human life. May God bless you and your family.
October 6th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
David,
I enjoyed your testimony. I attended a prayer gathering this morning in Houston in front of America’s largest Planned Parenthood facility (also known as Auschwitz of Houston) for the first time. What an amazing blessing to be part of those warriors on the sidewalk. That pink sparkly shoe that was thrown at you should be framed as a symbol of hope for the little ones who could have been disposed of and weren’t because their mom’s heart was changed to want to save them. Thank you for inspiring us! May God continue to bless you and your family!