40 Days for Life Q&A
Q&A From Karen Hess:
Help Women Find Hope
AlphaCare’s mission is to empower pregnant women and families by providing health and social services, and serving as a bridge to community resources. The trouble is, not every woman knows that free help is available. Most women who have abortions report that they didn’t really think they had any other viable options.
Why Not Just Pray From Home?
Praying from home is awesome and highly recommended, but praying in front of the Planned Parenthood gives women seeking abortions one more opportunity to learn of the hope and help that’s available before its too late, for the baby.
Why the abortion clinic at 12th and Locust?
The Planned Parenthood clinic at this location is the highest volume clinic in the entire state. Approximately 5,000 procedures take place annually. If you are going to make the effort, why not make the biggest impact? This is the busiest clinic in the state, and Saturday is the busiest day of the week.
What is likely to happen?
It is normal to feel a little intimidated or even fearful about doing this, if you haven’t done anything like this before. Getting outside of your comfort zone for Christ can be hard. I have spent many hours in prayer at this spot. I never enjoy going, but I’m always glad that I have. It helps tremendously to have another person there, so I would recommend asking a friend to join you.
What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you at 12th and Locust?
I have been cursed at by pedestrians passing by. Mostly people passing by either give an encouraging nod and smile, or a sneer and a head shake. (Oh dear!) Some times people want to talk, but there isn’t usually arguing. There is a lot of foot traffic that has nothing to do with Planned Parenthood. It is a safe environment. I am not aware of any violence or even attempted violence happening here in connection with a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil.
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you at 12th and Locust?
My faith grows when I pray at this location. I am reminded that I am weak, small and powerless. I am reminded that through prayer, I can communicate with the Creator of every living being and ask Him to have mercy on me, the workers, as well as the women and men going in and out of the abortion clinic. I am blessed to be part of the world wide 40 Days for Life community of prayer. I am blessed knowing that I no longer just churn with frustration each time 40 Days for Life roles around. I am proud to have played a small role in establishing the 40 Days for Life campaign in Philadelphia, where approximately 15,000 abortions occur each year.
What makes me think it is worthwhile?
Even though I haven’t ever directly helped a woman change her mind and choose life, I know that many women skip their scheduled appointments when people are praying near the door of an abortion clinic. Some women later report that seeing people out there praying reminds them that there is a God and He doesn’t want them to go through with the procedure. He wants to help.
40 Days for Life reports that so far in this campaign, 95 babies have been spared. Since 40 Days for Life started 14,000 lives have been spared. I am thrilled to be a part of this effort.
If you feel like the Lord is calling you to stand with us on Saturday, March 17 between 8 and 5, please email us at info@alphacarephilly.org and let us know what hours you are available.