March 2022 Connections

LOCALLY SOURCED

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 Christ’s 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 Parenthood’s driveway.

Midweek at Aurora’s Planned Parenthood, I would encounter a white-haired man named Wally. He sat perched on his 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 his support. Later, he watched the film, “The Silent Scream” and realized what had really happened during his ex-wife’s abortion. He now called out to those entering Planned Parenthood, “It’s not safe in there.” How true.

Catherine Walker introduced herself as we sweated in the summer heat. She has served as a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil site leader at Aurora’s Planned Parenthood for years. After a few times of running into each other at the site, Catherine and I shared tears for innocent lives lost. Then she told me her story.

For years, nobody at her church knew about her four abortions. Catherine’s healing journey began after she heard her pastor and a couple of congregants speak in a church 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, along with her friend Ricki. Catherine and fellow 40 Days for Life site leader, Ricki Giersch, have generously shared advocacy advice and connections with me over the phone and in emails. (To hear an interview featuring Catherine and Ricki interviewed, start at 7:00 https://www.40daysforlife. com/en/healing-the-wounds-of-abortionpodcast-season-4-episode-47).

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, and snuggling a tiny baby in a Baby Bjorn front carrier. An older African woman from South Carolina coming to pray alone in her vintage lawn chair. She often prayed at the vigil site while staying with family for a few months. Football players in letterman jackets from a parochial high school lined up in prayer. Two women tightly huddled under an umbrella and praying in Spanish. Tears of joy and sadness rise to the surface. How wonderful to see others who call upon the Lord but what a dark reason draws us together in prayer. I think of the new heaven and new earth when I pray outside Access Downers Grove or Planned Parenthood Aurora. With my Christian sisters and brothers, I long for no more death, no more tears and no more innocent lives lost—and praising God with those I’ve met in prayer.

Join the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force prayer for theunborn, their parents, abortion industry workers andour community.

Saturday, March 19, 1-2 p.m.

Park at Mariano’s or behind AutoZone and meet on Waterleafpregnancy resource center’s property across from PlannedParenthood Aurora’s driveway.

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