Killing a child is a deeply unnatural act...
...so it makes sense that interactions with Planned Parenthood clients are often a little awkward.
Longtime Columbia, Missouri, 40 Days for Life leader Kathy met a student who stopped to talk with vigil participants because his mom was considering abortion and needed information.
Kathy shared a variety of resources with the young man and told him that her campaign team would be happy to help--but Kathy soon began to suspect that the teen wasn't being entirely truthful.
"As the conversation went on and he became more agitated, I truly thought it was his girlfriend who was pregnant," Kathy explained.
Earlier that afternoon, Kathy reached out to other Planned Parenthood clients: an older mother and her teen daughter, two couples, and a guy seeking STI testing.
Most of them ignored Kathy's outreach...but not all.
The STI testing client accepted information Kathy provided on free STI services at a provider that is not involved in abortion...plus a chastity pep talk.
"These are hard conversations," Kathy said. "But I have never had a young man refuse my care and concern for them as I speak to them as a mom or grandmother."
Bratislava, Slovakia
A few years ago, doctors told a Slovakian woman that she needed to have an abortion because her child would have a disability.
She refused the abortion--and now participates in the Bratislava 40 Days for Life campaign with her son!
"This brave, loving mother chose life, and today he prayed with us!" wrote Katarina, the local campaign leader. "God is just amazing!"
In addition to praying at the vigil, the boy enjoys writing poetry, which Katarina described as "deep and beautiful."
Green Bay, Wisconsin
The 40 Days for Life faithful of Green Bay are holding another 24/7 vigil in front of their local Planned Parenthood, and the community is responding.
A woman drove by the vigil, waved, rolled down her window, and told prayer warriors, "Some years ago, I chose life."
And she had proof--her son was in the back seat!
"I knew what I wanted, but someone else didn't," the mother said before accepting a prayer card from the volunteers.
But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
--Luke 6:27-28
Lord, you showed friendship to the sinners and outcasts. You have been merciful in offering friendship to me. I long for true friendship with you and a Christ-centered friendship with those who need me. Let me show your kindness to those who fight against the right to life. Let me be understanding of their misguided intentions and own experiences. Let me be a bridge over which people may cross to your truth, goodness, and love.
