Training Report

I'm sure you would have agreed: we had a great sidewalk counseling training session last night! I was so happy to attend Dick's training a second time, and learn more about counseling each time I attend. Dick's third and final training is on the 24th, and I'm hoping to get more details, strategies, and techniques as I listen in. Even without becoming a full-time sidewalk counselor, these trainings will help me be a better prayer warrior at the vigil, and more sensitive to the various situations that we regularly encounter there.

Several attendees made positive comments. Claire noted that she enjoyed the fellowship and met a local pro-lifer. Jennifer commented as follows:

"Found that the training was really informative. It's good to know that there are a variety of approaches to counseling to fit the situation. Recommend it highly to people who would like more assistance in taking the first step to sidewalk counseling."

Also I would like to share the following feedback from Mary:

"I don’t know why it took me so long to finally take action in stopping abortion, but 2011 is the year I am finally doing something. Is this the year the calling and/or desire is for you to take active faith steps too? Then the questions and fears about how and what to say outside an abortion clinic are their own challenge.

"But attending this comprehensive class was tremendously helpful. Dick shared much and offered a tremendous array of useful pro-life resources and information. This class provided much illumination to combat the darkness and deceit of abortion and abortion clinics--plus Dick's and the other attendees’ valuable personal insights enlightened and alleviated my own fears about how to proceed as an effective prayer warrior and/or sidewalk counselor.

"This class supplied a great deal of sound and practical advice, answers, and talking points to get positive outcomes. It strengthened and encouraged me to commit even more to getting involved in helping bring God's love to desperate people contemplating abortion and/or in need of post-abortion healing so instead they choose life and be able to enjoy life more.

"Grateful thanks to Dick, Jacinta, plus all the others working behind the scenes who sponsored it."

In case you are wondering, there are still a few training opportunities remaining (to register, email Sara at jandsdina@cox.net):

• Part I (The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion): Saturday, February 19, 9:30am-12:30pm - St. Lawrence Church, 6222 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

• Part I (The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion): Sunday, February 20, 3:30-6:30pm - Good Shepherd Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway Alexandria, Virginia 22309 (Note: This training is for Part I ONLY, this will NOT be bilingual or combined with Part II as originally planned. If you want to take part II there is only one option left, on Feb. 24th)

• Part II (Sidewalk Counseling): Thursday, February 24, 6:30-9pm - Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 830 23rd St S Arlington, VA 22202

I'd love to see you in the next couple of weeks, perhaps at Dick or Jonathan's training or going door-to-door with Paul, and hopefully with a 40DFL friend or two at our March 6 Kickoff Rally!

Blessings on your day!