Commentary by James Compton, Kalispell Montana 40 Days for Life Campaign
(Editor’s Note: In Kalispell Montana it has been 1 degree fahrenheit, plus wind chill, for the past two days and nights and yet the 24 hour vigil in front of Planned Parenthood has continued, as it has since Ash Wednesday.)
KALISPELL, MT, March 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A woman sticks her head out the window and waves, yelling “Thank you!” at the top of her voice as she drives by.
A trucker waves and honks several times as he rumbles down the highway.
A young woman notices us as she passes by, then turns around and drives all the way back just to stop and say how much it means to her that we’re being there for the women. Shaking my hand and thanking me with a smile, she tells me of her cousin who several months ago had an abortion at this very facility.
The darkness of her relative’s tragedy, however, gives way to hope as we discuss post-abortion healing and the life-saving impact of the 40 Days for Life campaign across America.
It’s the little things.
A young man drives by, and noticing the vigil, stops to sign up. Several nights in a row, he comes back to stand and hold a sign for the babies. When asked if he attends any church in particular, he gives me a simple reply: “No, it’s just the right thing to do.”
After standing on-site during their scheduled time slot, nine members of a local church youth group stay an extra hour to accompany a woman volunteering alone after dark.
Taking turns warming up in a vehicle, the young people courageously endure the frigid weather.
It’s the little things.
A local minister brings his daughter’s baby doll as he shows up to stand in silent witness. Another church decides to join the vigil and signs up to cover two-thirds of a 24-hour-day.
A member of the campaign’s leadership glows with enthusiasm as she comes on to begin her scheduled shift. “We have a new family!” she said of the many dedicated volunteers joining together to create a 24/7 presence. She’s right. The sense of bonding is spreading. “Thank you for being a part of this family,” she says.
And here I thought I was the lucky one to be able to participate in such a noble effort. Here I thought I was the one having a great time.
Passing the site one night on my way home from town, I tap the horn a couple times and wave. Two arms bundled up in winter coats wave back.
People of all ages and backgrounds—people of all personalities and interests—all giving a little bit of their time and treasure.
Who knows, this week a baby might even be saved …
After all, when you want to make a BIG difference, it all comes back to the little things.
(To find out more about 40 Days for Life, visit www.40DaysforLife.com)