UNITED TOUR: Washington and Oregon
The 40 Days for Life bus will pass an estimated 5 million vehicles on America's highways this fall.
We observed a passenger in one of those vehicles viewing the 40 Days for Life website on her tablet, having seen the web address on the side of the bus. Our message is getting out!
The general view is that the Northwest is not a pro-life part of the country -- but the crowds that have gathered in Washington suggest otherwise. In fact, the sidewalks were packed in Tacoma.
There was a lot to applaud, but the biggest cheers came after Bryce, the founder and president of Wilson High Students for Life, delivered one of the most dazzling speeches of the tour. The nearly 200 attendees agreed that the future of the pro-life movement is bright with leaders like Bryce at the helm.
We had an enthusiastic crowd, very eager to sign the bus in Vancouver, Washington. ?I've never written on a car before!" exclaimed one senior citizen. We met a number of folks who have always been pro-life ? but our vigil stop marked the first time they stood up, took action and made a difference.
Our state rally in Oregon took place outside a Portland abortion business called the Lovejoy Surgicenter -- a tragically misnamed place where there is neither love nor joy -- at least until the love and joy of Christ is brought to the sidewalks. Gayle from Oregon Right to Life told the crowd that in recent years, the state?s abortion numbers have dropped by nearly 40%.
It was especially touching when Deb from Silent No More told her story -- outside the same facility where she had her abortion years ago. Earlier in the rally, we?d experienced some drive-by hecklers. They didn't seem quite so bold when those sharing their personal experiences with abortion took the microphone.
We had folks from all over Oregon in Eugene for our last event of the day. The Planned Parenthood staff has repeatedly tried to intimidate the local volunteers by calling the police and claiming that the team is standing on Planned Parenthood's property.
Fortunately, local leaders have maps of the property lines, which immediately resolve any concerns about trespassing. It goes to show that Planned Parenthood recognizes the impact of peaceful prayer!
We?ve passed 10,000 miles now ? and it?s on to California.
Steven Karlen, Campaign Director
Prior to joining the headquarters team, Steve directed several highly-successful 40 Days for Life campaigns in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. As campaign director, Steve helps local 40 Days for Life leaders build and improve life-saving efforts in their communities.