DAY 38: Stories from the Sidewalk

Abortion is a painful and emotionally draining issue.  So I’m thankful you’ve been praying with me for the past 38 days.  And I figure you’re ready for some good news…

Thanks to the prayers and efforts of God’s people, since March 2 we know of 370 babies across the country that have been spared from abortion!

Here in Fresno, our church had 33 volunteers pray on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, with dozens more praying from home.  And God has done some amazing things!  

So far, we know of 5 moms who chose life!  That’s 5 precious children who have a chance to live because of the prayers and presence of God’s people, reaching out in love to those who are hurting and confused.

One of the women who chose life was 36 weeks pregnant.  After her exam at Planned Parenthood, they scheduled her for a surgical abortion in San Francisco the following week. But this woman noticed the pro-life volunteers on the sidewalk, and for the next few days she kept driving by the clinic, working up the courage to talk to someone.  Finally, she stopped and asked for help.  Pointing to Planned Parenthood, she said: “They can’t help me in there.”

She was struggling financially and worried about her relationship with the biological father.  So she asked: “How do I find out about adoption?”  Over the next few days, Right to Life staff members counseled her, connected her with Bethany adoption services, and just a few days ago they received a photo of her in the hospital.  Her text message said: “This is my baby girl, and these are her amazing parents.”

Another couple came to Planned Parenthood for an abortion, but ended up having a conversation with one of the Sidewalk Counselors.  The man was 25, the woman was 27.  They fooled around and ended up getting pregnant.  But after talking with Right to Life, they decided to keep the child.  They got a referral to a Pregnancy Care Center and left.

Another woman approached one of the volunteers on the sidewalk and shared a heartbreaking story.  She said: “Two years ago I had an abortion, and I didn’t think much about it.  But now I want to have a child and I can’t.  We’re struggling with infertility, and this is bringing up the pain of my abortion.  Who can I speak with to get some help?”

All of these stories reveal the tumultuous warfare going on at abortion clinics.  Sometimes there are spectacular victories and crushing defeats all within the span of a few minutes.

So let’s keep praying for the heroes down on the sidewalk – the prayer warriors and counselors who are willing to stand on the front lines to defend the unborn.  

Suggested things to pray for:

• Pray for God to strengthen and encourage the hearts of Sidewalk Counselors and volunteers who pray at abortion clinics.  Pray they will be able to see the fruit of their labors.
• Thank God for the 370 babies rescued in the past few weeks, and pray for their families!