Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.
Mark 11:24
I was present with my family this past weekend at the Totus Tuus conference at The Apostolate for Family Consecration in Bloomingdale, Ohio. It was a deeply spiritual experience focusing on Marian Consecration, being set apart for God’s holy purpose through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in union with Saint Joseph. There was Mass and confession every day, activities for the children and a beautiful candlelight rosary procession. A few hundred families listened to incredible speakers, including Abby Johnson.
Much of Abby’s conversion testimony was based on the power of prayer in her life. All who participated in the opening 40 Days Mass and procession or anyone reading the blog or joining us at the 40 Days vigil can attest to the truth that prayer changes hearts and minds. While she was still working in the abortion industry, a group of prolife volunteers decided to pray for each clinic worker by name. Each volunteer took on a specific abortion worker. She spoke of the young man who prayed for her by name outside the abortion facility where she worked. She met him some years later only to find out he had entered seminary and became a priest. She was told that in the last year of her time at the abortion clinic, the year she decided to leave the abortion business behind, he was praying for her every day.
Perhaps the truth that God hears our prayers is especially realized here because through a heavenly coincidence, that young man is now the pastor at her parish church.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
-Ken
Stories from the Sidewalk
By the time I arrived at 7:30, Bill and Barbara had everything set up for the day. Anthony arrived and began leading the Holy Rosary. We usually try to get all four sets of mysteries in! Fortunately, there was next to no traffic during our shift — mostly staff entering, as much as I could tell. Glad to see their day starting out S-L-O-W-L-Y!!!
Tracy
Beautiful weather at the ugliest place in town. Claudia and I were joined by Tracy, who graciously stayed after her shift, and Dean from McKeesport, who added this shift to his usual schedule. Barb encouraged us with her story — being at PP does work and can save precious little lives.
Many customers, more staff members and little harassment of any kind. Bill dropped by and we assured him of our continued prayers.
Beth
When we arrived at 12:45 there was only one person, I think his name was Ken, but don’t hold me to that. He said he was there from 11-1 with only the security guard. We thanked him for his courage to stand alone! The shift manager never showed up. I hope whoever was the shift manager is okay. During our shift, Sandy, the Sidewalk Advocate, passed out materials. One adult woman drove up with a teenage girl and escorted her into the clinic, purposefully blocking Sandy from approaching the teen. It was clear the adult thought she was doing the right thing — protecting the teenage girl from us. We prayed in Jesus’ words: Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. The security guard was very nice and talked to us for awhile. We were able to share our faith and invited him to pray with us. He said he wasn’t allowed and I responded that he can always pray with us silently. He was very supportive of defending the unborn. At the end of our shift a woman asked if she could have the pregnancy test kit because she thought she might be pregnant and told us she had other children (they were with her) and would never have an abortion. She thanked us for the test kit and being there. A lot of stares while we were praying but a very peaceful shift, praise God.
Kim & Mike
Bill, Mike, Theresa and I were present for this time period. Theresa left about 4:25.
There were some thumbs up gestures and a few derogatory comments and gestures. One young man pointed to the fact that God had “killed Egyptians (surely there were children among them)” therefore, abortion can’t be wrong. Unfortunately he kept moving as he was giving this sermon and wasn’t available for any discussion.
Several of the workers leave during this time, no one was interested in any literature.
One unfortunate young lady spoke briefly and took a rosary and a brochure, She could barely walk and appeared to be on drugs, slurred speech, eyes that could barely stay opened.
Lots of foot traffic, with workers appeared to be heading home.
Thank you
Virginia