“I’m just a simple guy, but because of answering this first call, and saying ‘yes,’ He’s opened a door to so many other connections and resources I get to speak to and be involved with,” says Jerry Kapp, an Illinois Sidewalk Advocate.
Jerry started his pro-life ministry journey in 2018 when he and his wife, Stephanie, volunteered for their first 40 Days for Life campaign. By 2020, Jerry was praying outside an abortion facility in Granite City, IL, every single day, and Stephanie was training as an diagnostic medical sonographer for ThriVe’s mobile pregnancy care unit. 
After learning about Sidewalk Advocates for Life, Jerry applied and was approved to lead a local team in Granite City, IL. The last three years he has faithfully built up his Sidewalk Advocates team, in addition to serving on the 40 Days for Life core team in Granite City and on the Pro-Life Leadership of Southern Illinois. However, his ministry has been far from easy.
Serving in an Abortion Destination
Illinois touts itself as an “abortion destination” for many women in the Midwest and South – so understandably, reaching out to abortion-vulnerable women there has been difficult and at times incredibly discouraging for Jerry’s team. The day immediately following the Dobbs decision, they saw an overwhelming increase in traffic from neighboring states. There has also been an increase in abortion escorts who are very aggressive and hateful towards both Jerry’s team and to the clients coming in.
“We had to decide as a team early on that, no matter how many cars are here, no matter where they’re from, no matter the obstacles, we just reach out to one at a time and try to make that connection to provide hope, healing, and resources,” Jerry says. “Our heart is in that ‘don’t panic’ mode. They’re all women needing help and love that they’re missing.”
Using Former Skills and Hidden Talents
The connection between his earlier career in IT and his current volunteer work with Sidewalk Advocates for Life may not have been absolutely clear at first, but over time, Jerry began to see ways he could use his previous career to powerfully benefit sidewalk outreach in Granite City. He has developed vital spreadsheets with local resource information, and updated print resources and handouts with QR codes, making it easier for both volunteers and clients to access information.
“God leads us to where he wants us – he equips the called – but I never guessed I would be on the sidewalk,” says Jerry. “I’m a small guy with a soft voice, so I’m approachable, I guess. So it’s a blessing. Everyone has a talent; here I am using mine in a way I never imagined.”
A few times a week he also gets to work with Stephanie, directing women and families to the mobile care unit where she is working across the street.
“We share stories, we encourage each other, and it’s helped me know more about the resources I’m sending these women and families to,” says Jerry, who has been married to Stephanie for 49 years.
“It really is a blessing that we have this together, and we can share the joyful moments and troubling times with one another. We never would have guessed that six years ago we would be here! It’s something special that we have.”
Humbly Serving
If you ever speak with Jerry, it’s evident that his heart exudes selflessness; he is set on helping others and glorifying Christ, not receiving praise – so when he learned that he and Stephanie would be honored as Everyday Heroes during the Celebrate Life Weekend in Washington DC, he was shocked.
“There are so many awesome and inspiring SAFL location leaders out there, and that makes this award even more meaningful and humbling,” he says.
“This recognition is deeply moving and deeply appreciated; it means a lot to us, but we would like to accept this on behalf of all the Sidewalk Advocates – everyone out there day after day, doing what the Lord has called them to do.”
Join us in Washington DC for the Celebrate Life Conference, June 21-23, 2024: celebratelifeweekend.com.