Dear Friend of Life,
We often hear the question, “Does your training really make a difference?”
Today, I am going to let Mark, a Sidewalk Advocate in Nashville, TN, share how his training through Sidewalk Advocates for Life not only made a difference — but helped save a life!
“Today, God allowed me the privilege of speaking to a young college student and her mother who came from out of town for an abortion. Neither seemed receptive at first, and in fact, only rolled down the window a little bit because her mother was smoking. Through the fence, I let her know that we had been praying for her, and I began respectfully offering information about all the free resources available to her during her pregnancy and after her baby’s birth. I also mentioned the joy she could bring to a family who is desperate for a child should she choose adoption. I stressed that most post-abortive women suffer regret, guilt, and sadness, which I did not want her to experience. Nor did I want her to enter an unsafe facility than has never been inspected and is not licensed.”
“When I said we could help her get her money back, she asked me how. I was immediately able to get …our Program Director on speakerphone to walk her through that process. At that point, she was willing to get out of the car to receive the handouts I had for her. She was also willing to give me her contact information, so I immediately texted her phone so she would have my number and so I could follow-up with her. I was elated when she and her mother left for home.”
“I feel that my sidewalk advocacy training was invaluable in preparing me for today. I was able to apply the tools and suggestions in spite of the fact that I do not consider myself a good communicator since I am often shy. The truth is I never would have imagined that I had the ability to be a sidewalk counselor. God had to bless me with the courage to even attempt it. I encourage anyone who is reticent to try sidewalk counseling to allow God to empower you. He is able!”
“Much credit also goes to my prayer warrior, Bill. I could feel the power of his prayers changing the atmosphere and the outcome.”
This is why we do what we do. Many times, our Sidewalk Advocates have no idea what impact they had that day on the sidewalk; and yet, many times (after perhaps some perseverance, as well), God shows them how their YES has made a heart-changing, life-saving impact!
In just 2 years of ministry, there have been over 1,220 lives saved from abortion — that we know of! To God be the Glory!
YOU can bring this life-saving program to your community!
Would you like to learn how to help save lives, right in the community where you live? Here is what our sidewalk advocacy training program provides for you and your community:
- Comprehensive, 4-hour sidewalk advocacy training DVD
- Opportunity for comprehensive, in-person training
- BRAND NEW online, advanced sidewalk advocacy training
- Professional training workbooks
- Online forums with ready-made tools to support your program
- Monthly Q&A calls with experts in the pro-life movement
- Full-time staff support
- Free legal support from a network of pro-life attorneys
- Identification with a national organization that is peaceful, prayerful, law-abiding andeffective!
Fill out our 5-minute application here: sidewalkadvocates.org/apply,
Once again, applications are open now through May 31st atsidewalkadvocates.org/apply.
Please let us know how we can best serve you!
Thanks and God bless,
Chantel Poisel
Communications Coordinator
Sidewalk Advocates for Life
chantel@sidewalkadvocates.org
sidewalkadvocates.org
DEVOTIONAL (May 1 – 31, 2016): “Stand Firm”
by Chantel Poisel, Communications Coordinator, Sidewalk Advocates for LifeVerses: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Reflection: We all have moments where we wonder if all of our time and sacrifice on the sidewalk is worth it. We don’t always receive confirmation that what we are doing is having a positive impact.
In this passage, Paul is admonishing us to stand firm and to always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. In our pro-life work, we need to not give up and persevere in sharing the truth. Continue showing up on the sidewalk and reaching out to women-in-crisis with truth and love. And we aren’t to be passive about it: While we are peaceful on the sidewalk as we reach out to abortion-minded clients, we are to “give ourselves fully” – with our best effort and our whole hearts.
Sometimes, that takes a lot. We may receive persecution when we speak with those who disagree with our position. It is sometimes a hardship to stand on the sidewalk every month, every week or every day. Paul assures us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. There is worth to what we are doing when we are doing it for the Lord — seeds are being planted every time we go out, and we never know what amazing victories will suddenly blossom!
Faith Challenge: I want to challenge you to stand firm. Keep pressing on in this work. Do not give up! We might never meet a child that was saved from our efforts. We may never receive earthly recognition for our sacrifices. But we are assured that if we are doing it for the Lord, it is worth it, and there are, at the very least, victories that go unseen that will reveal themselves in Heaven.
So therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and let nothing move you!
