Last week’s kickoff for 40 Days for Life drew an impressive 90-some joyful people to the sidewalk outside Alaska’s last abortion facility, the Anchorage Planned Parenthood on Lake Otis.

The event marks the beginning of a 40-day international prayer effort to end abortion locally through prayer, fasting, and public presence on the sidewalk. This fall there are 671 vigils in communities around the world.

On Sept. 24, speakers stood on the median of 40th Avenue in Anchorage, addressing the crowd on a calm and balmy fall evening. Shirleen Rannals, who has spent at least three decades on the sidewalks outside Anchorage’s abortuaries, shared several stories that encouraged listeners to sign up for hours and stand publicly in prayer – even when we do not see any positive results.

Leo Schafer, a young man helping start a prolife young adults group, challenged listeners to be willing to suffer for unborn children and their parents, as Jesus suffered for the many vulnerable people he healed (both spiritually and physically).  

State Sen. Shelley Hughes and her aide Eleilia Preston, spoke as well. Eleilia shared the powerful story of her own parents who, while very young, were struggling at the poverty level with two young children and one in the womb. They were very close to choosing abortion when the grandfather of the child prayerfully intervened, offering Christian support to the couple to allow the third baby to live. The parents continued to struggle, but they chose Christ and chose life. That third baby was Eleilia, who now blesses Alaska, working for Senator Hughes.

Senator Hughes addressed the many young adults and teenagers in attendance, stating that she was grateful and full of hope at seeing them: they will change our culture of death to a culture of life. Indeed, at least 15 teenagers and another 15 young adults were in attendance! 

Danielle O’Neill from St. Andrew’s in Eagle River spoke on behalf of area resources for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy – Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Center in Eagle River, Heart Reach in Wasilla and Community Pregnancy Center in Anchorage.

Jill Kanuit and Sheri Schmitz from Community Pregnancy Center emphasized the complementary work of 40 Days For Life prayer warriors and pregnancy center ministry – a powerful partnership rooted in Christ to protect babies and their parents from abortion. 

The evening began and ended, of course, with prayer, led by Father Ed Burke, who currently serves at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla, and Dominican Brother Anthony, from Holy Family in downtown Anchorage.

The crowd was also blessed by the presence of Father Robert Whitney, who currently serves in Kenai, along with Father Sebastian Palepu – a newly arrived priest from India who serves at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Anchorage.

Thank you to all pastors from churches across who support and promote the mission of 40 Days for Life! 

No wind, no rain, balmy temperatures, and many positive honks and waves from passersby increased the already vibrant energy of the crowd.

40 Days For Life will continue until Nov. 2. To learn more and sign up for hours, please click here or email Mary at 40DaysforLife-Anchorage@protonmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author.

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