Here are a few pictures someone sent me from 40 Days for Life in St. Louis:
Columbia 40 Days for Life in the News
October 29, 2009 — chelseazThis is Kathy Fork (with her granddaughter) who is in charge of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Columbia, MO. She really began this whole thing back in February with her husband and a few others who call themselves Mid-Missourians for Life. Her passion for saving lives and the compassionate way she ministers to women considering abortion is a beautiful sight to behold:
Yesterday the Columbia Tribune caught up with Kathy and some of the other Columbia vigil pray-ers:
Kathy Forck wants to be clear about the purpose of the people praying along the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood at 711 N. Providence Road.
“We’re pro-life,” she said Monday afternoon as spotty drizzle fell during a chilly breeze. “We’re for everyone. We’re not ‘anti-abortion activists.’ ”
Since the middle of September, after launching 40 Days for Life at the Columbia First Assembly of God, a group of six volunteers has grown to 200 volunteers enduring all sorts of weather in shifts for a 7 a.m.-to-7 p.m. prayer vigil in front of Planned Parenthood. Mid-Missourians for Life sponsors the local event, which is coordinated with a nationwide effort that began in 2004. The length of the vigil — 40 days — is symbolic of many significant events recorded in the Bible, organizers said.
Some motorists have honked — giving a thumbs up of support — while others have made not-so-friendly hand gestures. But most interactions have been positive, said 19-year-old Dakota Hoard, who kept vigil by walking slowly back and forth on the sidewalk softly uttering a prayer while holding rosary beads.
The 40 Days for Life vigil and period of fasting for some ends Sunday, but Forck said she and many volunteers will continue to be on the sidewalk, praying every Thursday.
That’s the day the local facility provides abortions, she said. The Columbia clinic performs 15 to 20 abortions every Thursday, Forck said, explaining that three women had told her that the group’s presence recently dissuaded them from terminating their pregnancies
“We’re praying for the end of abortion,” Forck said. “God has the power to do it, so we are asking God to move in his infinite wisdom to touch the hearts of men and women here who are in such desperate straits.”
Tracey Weaver, a 40-year-old nondenominational pastor from Fulton, recalled having an abortion 20 years ago in Madison, Wis. She called it “the worst decision of my life.”
“They told me this was the best decision I would make and this was my choice,” Weaver said, beginning to fight back tears.
“But my baby never had a choice.”
Weaver, who now has three children, said she still suffers severe pain and depression from the decision she made two decades ago.
“Even today I am still healing,” she said. “I’m not here to judge anyone. I’m here to peacefully pray and maybe if God allows me to tell someone, ‘There’s a better way.’ That’s basically why I’m here.”
Here are some pictures from the vigil in Columbia:
40 Days for Life Mid-Way Rally
October 7, 2009 — chelseaz“As we are about to reach Day 20 of our 40 days of prayer, fasting, vigil and outreach, it is time to gather with pro-life members of the Mid-Missouri communities to share stories, enjoy refreshments and encourage one another, building towards a strong finish of our 40 Days for Life campaign,” said Kathy Forck, spokesperson for the Columbia 40 Days for Life campaign.
The rally will be held:
October 12, 2009 at 6:30pm
St. Andrew Catholic Church 400 St. Andrew Lane Holts Summit, MO
Speakers at the 40 Days for Life mid-point event include: State Representative Jeanie Riddle, State Representative and 6th District Senatorial Candidate Kenny Jones, 6th District Senatorial Candidate Mike Kehoe, and other prayer volunteers as they share about their experiences while praying at the vigil.
Music will be provided by the talented group “Renaissance” from southeast Missouri.
There is a lot of good news coming out of this campaign, too! On their website, Kathy Fork relates:
“Thursdays are the day that the Planned Parenthood in Columbia performs abortions. That is all they do on Thursdays, nothing else. Typically we see 15-20 young women go into the clinic for abortions on these days. This past Thursday, Oct. 1st, there were only 6 young women that went in for abortions. We have to believe that our prayers are working and that at the most 14 babies were saved as a result of the amazing turnout (or lack thereof). Praise God and let us remain faithful in our prayers!”
It is truly a blessing to have such a dedicated group sacrificing so much of their time to help rescue women and unborn children from the tragedy of abortion, but they still need your help. They continue to look for volunteers to keep vigil on the weekends and in the evening hours from 4pm to 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
For more information on the upcoming rally or to get involved please contact Mike and Kathy Forck at 573-491-3522 or 573-821-5130 Or visit them online at: www.40daysforlife.com/columbia-mo
40 Days for Life Begins! Join MRL for Peaceful Vigil on October 24
September 23, 2009 — chelseaz
Just a reminder that 40 Days for Life started today. Vigils will be held from now until November 1 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. everyday at Planned Parenthood in St. Louis and Columbia Missouri (addresses below). Missouri Right to Life Eastern Region has adopted October 24 for keeping vigil outside PP in St. Louis. If you would like to join MRL members on that day to be a witness for life and pray for the end of abortion call 314-434-4900 or email mrl.eastern@yahoo.com
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Planned Parenthood
4251 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, Mo. 63108
Contact: info@40DaysForLifeSTL.com
Or: Missouri Right to Life, 314-434-4900
mrl.eastern@yahoo.com
http://www.40daysforlife.com/STLOUIS/
Planned Parenthood
711 Providence Rd.
Columbia, Mo.
Contact: Kathy Forck, 573-491-3522
kathythebo@hotmail.com
Park next to vacant building next to Planned Parenthood
http://www.40daysforlife.com/columbia-mo
40 Days for Life in Missouri
September 12, 2009 — chelseaz“40 Days for Life” is an intensive pro-life campaign promoting 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day duration calls to mind Biblical stories in which God brings about world-changing transformation in 40 days.
This year St. Louis and Columbia will be participating in 40 Days for Life here in Missouri. A kick-off rally will be held in Columbia September 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm at:
First Assembly of God Church
1100 N 7th Street
Featured speaker will be Diann Foster from PROLIFE Across AMERICA.
40 Days for Life Vigils will be held September 23 – November 1 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. everyday at:
Planned Parenthood
4251 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, Mo. 63108
Contact: info@40DaysForLifeSTL.com
Or: Missouri Right to Life, 314-434-4900
mrl.eastern@yahoo.com
Planned Parenthood
711 Providence Rd.
Columbia, Mo.
Contact: Kathy Forck, 573-491-3522
kathythebo@hotmail.com
Park next to vacant building next to Planned Parenthood
http://www.40daysforlife.com/columbia-mo
