Stories will be up by Friday

Never ending mass amounts of people, everywhere you look. Different ages, different beliefs, all gathered together because they all agree on one thing: All human life is precious. This was my second year in a row to come to the March for Life in Washington DC on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. It was one of thee most fruitful adventures I’ve been on yet. Life changing you could say. I didn’t really know what to expect this year; I knew it probably wouldn’t be much different than last year, but I was just leaving it up to God to decide what would happen. I did know why I was going, to show Americans that I am willing to stand true for this I am so passionate about: fighting against the slaughter of children that have no voice.

I went out to DC with 13 people from StormSafe a Dayton, Ohio ministry. We marched with Stand True, staying silent and praying the whole time. Beforehand, a sheet was handed out of things to pray for as we walked. The silence gave me reflecting time, it reminded me of why we were there. The silence was also thought provoking. No matter how exciting people think it is to go and do this event, we can’t treat it as a celebration. I kept thinking about what it would be like if we didn’t need this march. I kept thinking about how the babies are screaming out in pain, but silently. We were in a way, doing the same thing. Screaming out to God because He’s the only One that can change this. It was hard, but it was beautiful.

While talking with my Father, I watched the facial expressions of people. Along with the thousands walking down the street, there were people on the sidewalk: some random observers, a few pro-choice people, but mostly pro-life people. I watched everything from smiles to frowns, even the policemen's faces had interesting things to say, they kept me praying. Whenever I would notice people looking out their office building windows, I got the chills, what an amazing sight that would be. One of the strongest images that sticks out is a little old man that had a sign that said some thing like "thank you pro-lifers, God will honor your efforts."

Never ending people standing up against this murder is truly a wonderful thing, but at the same time I was thinking "How many of these people are actually doing something the rest of the year, how many kids are speaking out in their schools, praying at the clinics etc etc. How much more effective would that be?" Many people are willing to stand true for a day each year. America is our witness, but we have to keep that True Stance the rest of the year too.

I call heaven and earth to witness this day: I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life -- that you and your offspring shall live.-Deuteronomy 30:19

Having taken part in the March for Life for the first time, I came away with mixed emotions. It was a joy to stand together with friends and thousands of other pro-life supporters proclaiming the truth, seeking an end to this abhorrent practice. To be swept up in the sea of supporters as we walked down Constitution Avenue, each hoping to make a change for the better in what has become the American definition of life.

Yet, I was saddened, wondering where these voices of truth are the rest of the year. Where is the voice of truth when a scared young girl walks into a mill feeling she has no other option? Where is the voice of truth when this girl comes out of the mill in tears feeling that she has done something wrong and not knowing why? I'll be the first to admit that my voice has been relatively silent also. Christ was anything
but silent. The people around Him knew exactly what the truth was - He lived it, spoke it, breathed it - He is the Truth.

I learned that Bryan is right in his vision for Stand True. To effectively battle in this war over life, we need to love those involved, at every level (not just the babies), and stop proclaiming our righteous indignation on those who take part. The people around Christ new the truth because he proclaimed the truth through love. By loving those involved in and subject to the abortion practice we will see positive, lasting
results - eternal results.

Brent Welborn
Troy, Ohio

This was my first time at the March, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Marching in silence was an awesome experience, to pray to our Savior- WOW it was pretty emotional. Some BIG things that hit me from this trip are: God's love. He gave us His one and only son to die for each of our sins! His mercy and grace. And the power of prayer- how cool is it to be able to communicate with our Lord, the creator of life. Amy Welborn *John 3:16*

I thought that march was a great over all experience...despite the fact that it was freezing cold. It was a small price to pay to stand up for the children that do not get a chance. The march was crazy, I've never seen so many people in my life marching for the same reason. It was a very powerful sight. Praying in front of the abortion building was also a moving experience. Praying on the ice cold cement and singing in front all the people outside really made you think. What we were doing shouldn't be hard...we were just praying and singing things that we normally do everyday. But it seemed like a big deal when we had to do it in front on an abortion facility. I thinking being around Bryan Kemper's plan was too show us that, it shouldn't be just another detail that we should want to bring others to Christ, it should be our first and only plan. That's why I think Stand True is a great ministry, because we want to save the children, but the way we want to do this is through saving people's lives through Christ. Hanging out with Bryan Kemper in Washington D.C. was tons of fun. I can't believe that the hotel swimming pool cost $12 to get in?!?!! What is that all about. I hope that the next time we go back to D.C. we won't have to march.

Love,

AJ Gibboney

Going into D.C., I didn't know what to expect. I was very nervous and very scared, but at the same time I was excited to convey God's love in a way that Christ would. I noticed a lot of different groups at the rally - all coming together under one God, with very similar ideas and beliefs about abortion. Because of God's love, these groups were able to break down the walls of religious barriers and stand up for the gift of human life. This is something I strongly believe all Christians should do, whether it be for unborn babies, victims of war, refugees, or those suffering from poverty--even if they are not of our religion or culture. This is something I believe Christ would do. He would want us to stand up for ALL of the social injustices our world withholds.

I was glad to be a part of being a silent group and praying for the victims of abortion. I felt that because Stand True recognized that the
mother was also suffering, I was more comfortable being a part of that group than I would being a part of a group condemning mothers of killing their babies. Because it is such a difficult decision for women, I think we should reach out and try to understand why women feel as though they should have abortions and REALLY listen to what they have to say. In response, we need to try to help women understand the consequences of abortion-physically and emotionally-and support them as best as we can.Overall, the experience was one I will never forget and I am very pleased to have been able to attend.

--God Bless,
Kate Montgomery