Day 21: Halfway Rally Report

The pro-life community mourns the tragic deaths of Kortney Blythe Gordon, her unborn child Sophy, and fellow Students for Life worker Jon Scharfenberger following an auto accident October 8. Kortney and Jon were two young heroes in the pro-life movement, and they will be dearly missed. Please join me in prayer for their families and the ongoing work they leave behind.

Photos courtesy of John Meyering,
www.archispherix.com. Thank you John!

Our campaign midpoint was celebrated at the vigil site with pink and blue balloons all around, joyful songs led by Bob and Miranda, testimonials and stories of God's blessings, as well as a simple prayer agenda. 

Around 20 people attended the event including core team leaders and vigil participants. The rally began shortly after 3pm with the opening songs, "Praise to the Lord" and "Come, Holy Ghost," and an opening prayer. Campaign leader Jacinta welcomed everyone and noted that to date the number of children saved through 40 Days for Life this fall is 205 [now 302!]. She related a story of a woman in Manassas, VA, who kept coming to the clinic for an abortion but couldn't bring herself to go in when 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers were praying on the sidewalk last spring, and finally decided to give her baby up for adoption.

Vigil participants at our halfway rally Sunday afternoon.

Several team leaders and prayer volunteers offered remarks. Keith related several personal details showing how adoption can indeed be a wonderful and life-affirming choice. Tracie related how she has been able to minister to several people during her scheduled vigil times, and Tom read some positive reports from participants in the vigil log. Matt asked for prayers for longtime sidewalk counselor Dick Retta, who is facing a Department of Justice lawsuit.

An appeal was made for help to fill the schedule. The latest tallies indicated 45 hours still completely empty, and 101 hours with only 1 person signed up (the preference is to have at least 2 people scheduled at all times). With 434 hours already spoken for by at least one person, vigil coverage has been wonderfully inspiring so far this fall, but everyone was invited to bring another person on board, and to help finish stronger than we began!

Vigil participants at our rally Sunday afternoon.

The rally concluded with the Lord's Prayer and the hymn, "Be Thou My Vision." Attendees had the opportunity to pick up pro-life signs for home or vigil use, as well as pro-life flyers and hoodies. The rally ended around 3:45pm.

May the Lord and his holy angels accompany our efforts during this second half of our campaign, as we renew our commitment to the unborn through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach. Please take a moment to sign up for a few additional hours this week on our vigil calendar, and consider coming out for door-to-door outreach this Saturday. 

Mark your Calendars for our final celebration potluck dinner, to be held in Queen of Apostles Church hall at 3pm on Sunday, November 6. More details to be announced soon! We look forward to seeing you there!