Orlando is known for Walt Disney World and other entertainment attractions. But the city has its poor neighborhoods as well … and one of them is home to a large Planned Parenthood abortion facility.
I visited the Orlando campaign this week, where 150 people attended their mid-point event — including one woman who came to angrily protest the event … but ended up thanking us for being there.
That is just one of the moving stories from my visit to Orlando … and my stop in Springfield, Illinois.
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA
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Travel issues prevented me from arriving for the Orlando kickoff rally – so I rescheduled my visit. I was moved by the efforts of Irene, the local leader, and her team.
Attendees included the directors of three local pregnancy resource centers. There was music, prayer and joy – and Planned Parenthood staffers listened to the talks just a few yards away. One of the pregnancy centers had even brought an RV, fully equipped with an ultrasound machine!
I met a volunteer who brings her son, who has Down syndrome, to Planned Parenthood to pray weekly. She said, “He is such a powerful witness that every life is sacred, when so many want to disregard those with disabilities. When we come here to pray, it is like jumping into the water to save a drowning child. We are honored to do it. Where else can you save a life just by showing up and being a witness to God’s love?”
The event drew one counter-protester. But at the end of the evening, she came over and put down her sign, saying she had misjudged our intentions. She thought we were there to judge women. But she soon realized that the campaign is driven by love and compassion – and it saves lives.
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Irene gave her some information and invited her to pray on the sidewalk. The woman had spoken to a member of the Knights of Columbus, whose explanation helped her realize that 40 Days for Life was something she could support. “If it saves one baby,” she said, “it is worth it!”
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SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
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After speaking at a pregnancy center banquet, I went to visit the 40 Days for Life team in Springfield, Illinois. The Planned Parenthood center in Springfield does RU 486 abortions just a few blocks from the Abraham Lincoln presidential library.
I was inspired by the local leader, Andrea, who also works for Springfield Right to Life. “I’ve been involved in Right to Life for 30 years and 40 Days for Life is the most important thing we can be doing,” she said.
Andrea has led four campaigns in Springfield because “it puts prayer first — and that’s what we need.”
Here’s the link to today’s devotional.
Reprinted with permission from 40 Days For Life