It started out as a typical Friday for Ruth and her fellow Sidewalk Advocate, serving on the front lines at the local abortion facility. Some of the pregnant moms they met were open to a conversation about life-affirming options and received a gift bag with resources. Everyone they encountered received prayers from the entire SAFL-South Bend team.
As activity at the abortion facility wound down for the day, the Sidewalk Advocates continued to pray that God would use them as vessels to affirm life for those who were hurting and needed their help. To their surprise, around 4 PM, another car pulled into the parking lot. This woman did not look like a pregnant mother arriving for an abortion consultation appointment, but Ruth pursued a conversation with her anyway.
After signaling for the woman to come over from across the driveway, Ruth greeted her warmly and let her know she was loved. She discovered that, indeed, the woman (we’ll call her “Kathleen”) was not there for a consultation – she was a food-delivery driver. Kathleen was also a pastor and glad to see what the Sidewalk Advocates were doing.
Kathleen then shared with the ladies that she herself experienced trauma surrounding abortion. “She was forced by her mom to have an abortion when she was 16 and is still haunted by it,” Ruth explained. After hearing her story and thanking her for her openness, the Sidewalk Advocates offered her a gift bag with healing information in it. Kathleen “helps other people … and hopefully will get some counseling for herself,” reflected Ruth.
While the Hoosier state continues to fight to enact laws that protect and preserve preborn life, the presence of Sidewalk Advocates is more vital than ever. “Since [beginning this SAFL location] in June 2019, I have been shocked how many people, whether [clients or people] walking by the abortion facility, share with our Sidewalk Advocates that they have an abortion in their past,” shared Program Co-Leader Melanie. “I’m so grateful that the Sidewalk Advocates for Life training prepares our volunteers to reach these people in love and connect them to healing support.”
Submitted by Sidewalk Advocates for Life – South Bend