Day 25…Thanks to Jeannette Holy Name Society, Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, Archangel Gabriel Parish, Cranberry Community Church & Our awesome volunteers!

Rejoice!

I feel sort of neglected if I get through a shift without receiving a single “You’re #1!” salute. When I do get one from a PP client, a sidewalk passerby, or a motorist on Liberty Avenue, it gives me a chuckle. I might even remark to my partners, “And, there it is!” That box has been checked for Tuesday morning!

It recently struck me how my reaction is so contrary to what I’m sure the gesturing individual hoped for. Perhaps she intended to ruin my day, to somehow cause injury to my happy little sense of well-being? But, instead, it brings me a degree of joy! Isn’t that strange?! Then, a couple Scriptural passages came to mind:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (MT 5:10-12)

And,

“As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” (Acts 5:41)

Standing up and proclaiming the Truth Incarnate comes with its drawbacks, but we are on the right side of this issue and are definitely in very good company! Rejoice, Team, and keep it up!

Joe, Tim & David

(From Tim) – I was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived to see over a dozen active people in prayer. Thanks to the faithful from Triumph of the Holy Cross parish and Saturday morning regulars Joe and David for setting up early. God bless everyone.

Andrew & Ann

(From Andrew) Sadly, a busy day at Planned Parenthood. But a lot of prayer support from local parishes and students from St. Vincent College.

Dean, Chris & Judy

(From Dean) Thank you, Archangel Gabriel, for praying with us today. Lots of women going in today. Nobody wanted support material.

Mary

(From Mary)
Judy and members from the earlier shift took most of the materials back to Little Lamb when they left at 1 where they’d be safe from the protesters who were out in large numbers today because of the anti-Trump demonstration (or whatever it was). Many of them felt the need to make their pro abortion stance known to us with the usual hateful rhetoric and gestures, but the two groups of prayer warriors on either side of the door continued with their prayers and offers of help. The group from Cranberry United Church passed out information and engaged many passers by; the pictured sign drew a lot of attention. The group from Cranberry prayed nonstop, bringing a peaceful atmosphere amidst the negative spewed comments. There were also many kind and encouraging words. The clinic had been busy earlier but not many went in after 1.

Nikki and Dan

(From Nikki) It was definitely an interesting time to pray and witness on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. The anti-Trump rally was just disbanding and so we were not really feeling the love from Most Passersby. I decided that I would pray on my knees as a witness Which I think helped defuse some hostility. One beautiful young woman walked out of planned parenthood and came right up to me and said that she left and canceled all of her appointments because they were trying to push things on her that she didn’t want. She did not go into any detail. She said she is not pregnant. But, she wanted some information about another place she could go for Gynecological help. I gave her some phone numbers to call. She thanked me and said she appreciated us being there. Then there was the Delta airline pilot From Sudan Who stopped and said that his rosary broke and asked me for a new one, which I was happy to do. He was supportive of what we are doing. He is just in Pittsburgh, waiting to fly out in the morning. Another man that was very high on something and was waving a pair of sharp scissors around asked me if he could give me a heart sticker that he was cutting out of paper. he was getting a little close, so Dan was praying the Saint Michael prayer and was keeping a close eye on the situation. He was harmless and luckily did not stay long.