LOCA L L Y S OUR CED
Christian Sisters and Brothers United in Prayer Sarah Lindquist Praying outside of abortion centers has encouraged me in ways I did not expect. Connecting with fellow members of Christ’s family spurs me on and turns my thoughts toward Christs return. I have been so encouraged to persevere by Don, a faithful sidewalk counselor on Saturdays. His gentle grandfatherly demeanor is disarming and approachable as he shares pro-life brochures with those who choose to roll down their windows on the way in or out of Planned Parenthoods driveway. Midweek at Auroras Planned Parenthood, would- encoun terawhite-hairedmannamedWally.Hesatperchedonhis stool at the edge of the street, wearing a fedora and holding a large sign. After a few months of sitting at the vigil site, he tearfully sobbed that his ex-wife had an abortion with and snuggling a tiny baby in a Baby Bjorn front carrier. his support. Later, he watched the 4lm, The Silent Scream( An older African woman from South Carolina coming to and realized what had really happened during his ex-wife’s pray alone in her vintage lawn chair. She often prayed at abortion. He now called out to those entering Planned Parthe vigil site while staying with family for a few months. enthood, ts not safe in there.( How true. Football players in letterman jackets from a parochial
high school lined up in prayer. Two women tightly hudCatherine Walker introduced herself as we sweated in the dled under an umbrella and praying in Spanish. Tears of summer heat. She has served as a 40 Days for Life prayer joy and sadness rise to the surface. How wonderful to see vigil site leader at Aurora’s Planned Parenthood for years. others who call upon the Lord but what a dark reason After a few times of running into each other at the site, draws us together in prayer. I think of the new heaven Catherine and I shared tears for innocent lives lost. Then and new earth when I pray outside Access Downers Grove she told me her story. or Planned Parenthood Aurora. With my Christian sister For years,nobody atherchurchknewaboutherfour abor and brothers, I long for no more death, no more tears and tions. Catherine’s healing journey began after she heard no more innocent lives lost—and praising God with those her pastor and a couple of congregants speak in a church I’ve met in prayer. service at Christ Community Church in St. Charles about their abortion experiences. The healing process then led her into pro- life ministry leadership at her church, Join thealong Sanctity of Human Life Task Force prayer for the with her friend Ricki. Catherine and fellow 40 Days for Life unborn, their parents, abortion industry workers and site leader, Ricki Giersch, have generously shared advoour community. cacy advice and connections with me over the phone and Saturday, March 19, 1-2 p.m. in emails. ( To hear an interview featuring Catherine and Ricki interviewed, start https://www.40daysforlife. at 7 : 0 ParkatMarianosorbehindAutoZoneandmeetonWaterleaf com/en/healing-the-wounds-of-abortionpodcast-seapregnancy resource center’s property across from Planned son-4-episode-47). ParenthoodAurorasdriveway. I’ve encountered others in prayer who have made a lasting impression. A young mom, clad in running apparel, praying the Lord’s Prayer with her preschooler at her side,
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