40 Days for Life Feb. 22 – April 1

I'm taking a quick break from the ThriVe Client Advocate training where just this morning I was asked to present our sidewalk training for them.

With over 40 people in attendance at the training everything has been very well received, so I'm even more excited and encouraged about our strong partnership to bring an END to abortion in our great city and across Missouri.

Below are some great upcoming events.  Please feel free to participate and support 40 Days for Life and the other great local pro-life groups.

40 Days for Life Kick-Off Rally

Sunday, February 19, 2012 (Tomorrow)
6:00PM
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis – Boland Hall
4430 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108

>> www.coalitionforlifestl.com/spring-2012-kick-off-rally/

Come join hundreds of faith and conscience as we join together in one voice to speak out against abortion. There will be prayer, music, speakers and much more.

* Optional: Prayer procession from the Cathedral to Planned Parenthood immediately following the Kick-off Rally

Students for Life Winter Affair

Students for Life are hosting an exciting Winter Affair.  Come and get to know some fellow pro-lifers in the St. Louis area, learn about SFLA and hear our local guest speaker, Brian Westbrook (ME) from Coalition for Life St. Louis.

It will be at Hannegan’s in downtown St. Louis, on Thursday February 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

See the link below for more details! You can pay $40 at the door by check or cash — or ahead of time online:

>> sheri.studentsforlife.org/2012/02/15/youre-invited/

Midwest Students for Life Conference

On Saturday, February 25, we will be hosting our first-ever Midwest Students for Life Conference!

We will have an array of speakers from local and national organizations. The conference will be from 9am-6pm at Saint Louis University, with a social on the Friday night before the conference. Cost is only $15 and includes a full day of excellent speakers, breakfast, lunch and housing.

Please register here ASAP: 

>> sheri.studentsforlife.org/2012/02/15/midwest-students-for-life-conference/

Defenders of the Unborn Banquet

Defenders of the Unborn will hold a banquet to share ways on how to be effective outside the St. Louis Planned Parenthood Abortion Center.

Guest speaker: Joe Schiedler

Joe is the Director of Pro-life Action League in Chicago.

Columns Banquet Center in St. Charles, MO Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Adults-$25.00, Students- $15.00.

>> www.stl-defenders.com/index.cfm?load=event&event=32

We look forward to working with you on another amazing 40 Days for Life campaign!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers,

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition For Life St. Louis

40 Days for Life Feb. 22 – April 1

I’m sitting here this morning at my desk with the kids running around playing with their toys and I’m so amazed by how fast my children have grown and developed. Just a few months ago my daughter was beginning to walk, and now she is running and jumping and throwing line drive pitches. Regardless of our age we are all growing and developing. It’s a process.

This argument can be made in support of the pre-born child, but many times we forget about the oldest among us, like Harold.

I met Harold just a few weeks ago at a Concerned Women for America breakfast where I had the pleasure to speak. Harold was touched by the amazing things that everyone is doing here in St. Louis and just had to come out for the first time. Harold is 91 years old.

Not only is Harold on fire like never before he has committed to change his life starting with talking to his pastor about promoting 40 Days for Life in his church because lives are at risk right here in our community.

The message I had for Harold that day is the same message I have for you today…It’s YOU.

God can only work through those who choose to act in accordance to his will. Will you be that one person? Watch below and learn how you can get involved in Ending abortion in your community.

Now it’s your chance.
This Wednesday we are holding our last weekly prayer vigil before the launch of the 40 Days for Life campaign on February 22nd. There are still empty spots in the afternoon, so come out and pray with us.

Also, if your church would like to commit to one day of prayer during the 40 Days for Life we have six (6) days still available. Sign-up now and watch as God works in your church.

OPEN DAYS:

February 24, 2012
February 27, 2012
February 28, 2012
February 29, 2012
March 2, 2012
March 4, 2012
March 5, 2012

Kick-Off Rally

Finally I wanted to remind you about our upcoming Kick-Off Rally with our special guest Sheri Krotzer from Student for Life of America. It’s going to be a great event.

Print out the flyer and share

Join the event on Facebook and invite your friends

As always, thank you for your never ending support and prayers. Together we will end abortion in St. Louis.

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition For Life St. Louis

“There is always hope in Christ we just have to be willing to bring Him to the sidewalks and allow Him to work miracles.”

~Shawn Carney

40 Days for Life Feb. 22 – April 1

Dear friends I would like to invite you to our upcoming 40 Days for Life Kick-Off Rally on February 19th at 6:00PM.

Watch the quick video below to hear all the details:

LINK

We’re so excited to have Sheri Krotzer from Students for Life of America as our featured speaker. Join us for with prayer, snacks, drinks, music and much more.

Following the Kick-Off Rally will be an optional prayer procession from the Cathedral Hall to the Planned Parenthood and back.  I hope to see you there.

40 Days for Life – Kick Off Rally

February 19th, 2012 6:00PM

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis – Boland Hall

4430 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108

Results

I have simply been amazed at the results over the last few weeks.  God is transforming the people of St. Louis and he is using a simple sidewalk in front of the local abortion facility to do it.

Last Wednesday we saw 5 women choose life while one was still on the fence.  I’m happy to report the Sarah has decided to carry her child to term making 6 women that choose life last Wednesday.

This week was full of excitement when we tripled down and witnessed even more amazing results.

On Tuesday we referred 5 abortion minded women to ThriVe.  One was pregnant and has decided to carry.

On Wednesday I spent some time training 4 new sidewalk counselors.  We had 2 very abortion minded women reffered to ThriVe.  Niether of them returned to Planned Parenthood for their scheduled appointment, but we are still unsure what their final decision will be.  Continue to pray for Molly and Megan as they receive counseling and assistance from our friends and ThriVe.

On Thursday ThriVe’s MMU was called off to serve our friends in Columbia Missouri as the Planned Parenthood abortion facility there has resumed their deadly business.  I was able to train 3 new sidewalk counselors with heavy literature distribution as a result.  Several referrals and conversations were held, with many still unknown results.

** We cannot ignore the results from the last few weeks.  We are learning and making mistakes.  Changing our approach and learning some more.  If you have never been to the sidewalk NOW is the time.  Right now God is working in St. Louis unlike any other city in the nation.  I’ve received calls from national groups encouraging us and letting me know that the world is watching St. Louis.  Let’s end abortion here NOW.

Together let’s make Missouri the first abortion free state!!

Here’s that link again for the Kick-off Rally invitation.  I hope to see you there.

http://www.coalitionforlifestl.com/spring-2012-kick-off-rally/

We look forward to working with you on another amazing 40 Days for Life campaign!

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition For Life St. Louis

“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.”

~John Paul II

Dear friends today I had the pleasure to spend some time on the sidewalk in front of the local abortion facility with the LIFE Runners who committed to stand and pray with us.

But they did much more. I worked with many of them to educate and equip them for sidewalk counseling. The results are amazing.

Stephen will tell the rest of the story.

Brian,

Thank you for being out there on the sidewalk. I’m back in my warm office now and I have a couple of minutes to reflect on this morning and I wanted to thank you for the sidewalk counseling training you gave me this morning. That was not what I expected to be doing when I signed up for this. Usually when I go to the clinic I come armed with my rosary and I pray and hold a sign.

Even though my strength does not lie in sidewalk counseling it was still a very valuable experience and one I’m glad I did. I was only able to engage a few people in conversation, but it makes it so much easier to approach this endeavor with love. You can’t really love someone until you know them. Talking to people coming in and out of the clinic, even for just a moment allows you to know them, if only in the minutest way, but it allows you to love them and to bring love into what you are doing on the sidewalk. It opens up a whole new dimension and perspective on what one is doing out there. I recommend everyone try this at least once.

Stephen

I’ve heard Stephen’s story over and over. Those who come out for the first time almost always have a life changing experience, and even more so if they take the leap of faith to try sidewalk counseling.

If you would like to give it a try please join us tomorrow, next week or during the upcoming 40 Days for Life campaign starting February 22nd.

Sign-up today!!

>> www.coalitionforlifestl.com/get-involved/signup/

40 Days for Life Downloads Ready

If your church / organization is signed up for the Adopt-A-Day program I wanted to let you know that we have posted several documents to assist you in your sign-up drive.

Check them out below.

>> www.coalitionforlifestl.com/resources/downloads/

If you are still on the fence about picking a day I implore you to take the leap of faith and do it anyways. We are here to walk you through every step. We have over 30 days covered by so many groups, many of them new.

Get involved today!!

>> www.coalitionforlifestl.com/40-days-for-life/adopt-a-day/

We look forward to working with you on another amazing 40 Days for Life campaign!

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition For Life St. Louis

P.S. We will have some reports soon from the sidewalk, so make sure to watch your inbox.

Friends I am writing you today after some intense prayer time over the weekend focused on what our response would be to the Komen/Planned Parenthood fundraiser last week bringing in well over $3 million in donations along with the recent Health and Human Services mandate requiring that all health insurance plans pay for contraceptives, sterilizations, and some abortion causing drugs.

Well I’m excited to announce that we are not going to double down, but TRIPLE DOWN on our focused prayer & fasting and sidewalk counseling efforts. I recently received word that ThriVe has secured resources to allow the Mobile Medical Unit to operate Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday directly outside of Planned Parenthood, and we are going to stand with them.

Now it is your time to respond.

www.coalitionforlifestl.com/get-involved/signup/

Just minutes ago I’ve posted Tues 7th (tomorrow), Wed 8th, and Thur. 9th and I need you to sign up for three hours this week. If you simply cannot change your schedule around to be there, I ask that you commit to making three phone calls today to others who might stand and pray with us.

I ask you this. What kind of things would you change your schedule around for last minute? Maybe if you received 4 free tickets to the Super Bowl or the World Series. Or maybe you would receive a Free car if you simply rearranged your schedule for an hour to pick it up.

I am asking you to rearrange your schedule not for worldly things, but to save eternal souls.

I have presented your chance to act; now it is time for you to respond. It’s all up to you.

www.coalitionforlifestl.com/get-involved/signup/

Here are the hours:
Tuesday Feb. 7th 8:00AM – 2:00PM
Wednesday Feb. 8th 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday Feb. 9th 8:00AM – 2:00PM

Again thank you for your never ending support and prayers!!

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition For Life St. Louis

I am pleased to report that during our Wednesday prayer vigil this week FIVE (5) women chose life for their children.  This was an amazing day, and before I go on to tell the story I want to thank the many sidewalk counselors and prayer volunteers who worked together to make this possible.

The excitement started at 7:30 in the morning when Maria met Jessica.  Jessica is 15 years old and was brought by her stepfather for a $25.00 pregnancy test and counseling.  Maria informed them about the free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds and Jessica replied with “I didn’t know anyone did that.”  Before they pulled out to go to ThriVe Maria noticed that Jessica was touching and looking down at her belly as to recognize the humanity of her child.  At ThriVe she was offered everything Maria promised and more.  Jessica chose LIFE!!

In total eight (8) women left Planned Parenthood to seek help from are partner, ThriVe. Of those 8 we saw 5 who had a positive pregnancy test, but one of the women, Sarah, is still struggling with whether she is going to abort or not.  Please pray for Sarah.

Then I received a surprise message from a volunteer stating that another woman who was scheduled for an abortion chose LIFE. Jeanne had taken some medications without knowing she was pregnant and was concerned about fetal deformities.  After further discussion with the sidewalk counselors she chose not to abort.

ThirVe Partnership

We founded the Coalition for Life just three months ago with a commitment to End abortion in St. Louis by working in a unified way with many other organizations throughout the state.  As part of our close partnership with ThirVe we are conducting the first ever co-training on Feb. 17th & 18th right before the next 40 Days for Life campaign.  This training will include sidewalk counseling best practices along with client advocate training for those interested in working on the Mobile Medical Unit or other ThriVe locations.

RSVP to Diane at drumbo@thrivestlouis.org

OR on the Facebook HERE

Friday, February 17th – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

AND

Saturday, February 18th – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Best Choice Office

11780 Borman DriveSt. Louis, MO 63146

This is going to be an exciting event with a great deal to learn. I hope to see you there.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition for Life St. Louis
Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
www.CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

P.S. Please leave a comment on our blog below.

“The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that outlasts it.”
~William James

Before we get into the details of the last few weeks I want to invite you to read the entire e-mail all the way through.  At the end you will have an opportunity to become actively involved with ENDING abortion in St. Louis.

So let’s jump in…

Midwest March for Life

In collaboration with several other great organizations we were pleased to participate in the 2nd annual Midwest March for Life.  With well over 400 in attendance from all across the state our voices were heard loud and clear.  We want abortion to End NOW.  The march was followed by a rally with speakers including Dr. Alan Keyes, Bridget VanMeans, and Coach Dave Daubenmire.  All did a great job to inspire us all to take immediate action to save the lives of those at risk for abortion and end abortion in our state.

Following the rally were information tables and the first ever Life NOW event bringing over 100 of the top pro-life leaders in the state together to put together a plan of action to finally defeat abortion.

Law of Life Summit

Less than 24 hours after the Midwest March for Life I was on a plane to Washington DC for the Law of Life Summit hosted by the national LIFE Runners and Ave Maria School of Law.  We were able to meet and talk with Kristan Hawkins, Sam Lee, Reggie Littlejohn, Nellie Gray, Anne Carmichael and many others.  This was a great start to a powerful weekend.

Students for Life Conference

The next day we were off to the Students for Life conference with Kristan Hawkins, David Bereit and many others and we learned a great deal and were inspired by the over 2,000 students in attendance.  This full day conference was packed full of information and opportunities to get involved locally.  While we were there we were able to set-up a table for the national LIFE Runners.  As thousands walked passed our table we were able to talk to them about running, prayer and the importance of standing on the sidewalk in front of the local abortion facility.

Life Really Matters

A few months back we were asked by Greg Robeson of Life Really Matters to present to the over 1,600 high school students from St. Louis at the March.  I was able to share the stage with Julie Leber, a local volunteer sidewalk counselor, to present tangible action items of how they could end abortion.  Our focus was on the conversation with an abortion minded woman, especially on the sidewalk.  As the pro-life movement we must never forget the women and men who are going through the abortion.  If we can’t reach them we will never be able to save the children scheduled to die.  This was followed by an address from Jason Jones producer of the movie Bella and Mass by Archbishop Robert Carlson.

The March for Life

There’s not much to say here, except WOW.  I was honored to travel with some really great people and be among the 400 – 500 thousand in attendance.

40 Days for Life Training

The day after the march I was blessed to attend the 40 Days for Life training in Washington DC.  The entire national staff was on hand to educate and equip those who will end abortion at the local level.  This was a powerful and action packed event.  This entire training was taped and will be available in the Fall.  I can’t wait to share it with you.

Time to take action

The common theme over the last few weeks is taking action, so here is your chance.

We’ve posted the next THREE WEEKS of prayer vigils on our website and I challenge you to take two hours every week.  Yes it will be hard, but it’s worth it to save a life and to save a woman from a lifetime of regret.  If you truly can’t do two hours per week take one hour, but make today the beginning of the END of abortion.  All it takes is for you to act.  Will you join me?

As always thank you for your never ending support and prayers!!

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition for Life St. Louis
Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
www.CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

P.S. Please leave a comment on our blog.

“The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that outlasts it”
~William James

Winning the abortion battle through the Church

Today I am honored to write you from the national Students For Life conference to learn from some of the best about how together we can End Abortion in our local community and ultimately throughout the United States of America.  I've been traveling with a group of about 10 Life Runners to Washington DC for the March for Life on Monday.  On Saturday we all went to the Law of Life Summit hosted by the Ave Maria School of Law and were able to meet and learn from Kristin Hawkins (Students for Life), Anne Carmichael (Vitae Foundation), Nellie Gray (Founder of the DC March for Life) and many other top pro-life leaders.

All these events have a common theme…that the abortion battle can only be won through the Church, and there is no plan B.

When WE, the body of Christ, stand up and say NO to abortion it will end.  And I've realized that simply there is no other option.  You and I must be the light of Christ to the abortion minded woman, the Planned Parenthood staff, our brothers and sisters and everyone in our community.

When we break free from the tight grasp of ignorance and apathy abortion will end.

And the world is changing quickly.  The tide is making a sharp turn in favor of LIFE.  We are seeing more and more priests and pastors speaking out on abortion, more youth involved, more great pro-life laws than ever before.

TODAY you can make a difference.  You can sign-up for one hour of prayer this Wednesday in front of the local abortion facility, or maybe you and your church can Adopt-A-Day and commit to covering the abortion facility with prayer during the upcoming 40 Days for Life.

With still one month before the start of the 40 Days for Life on February 22nd we already have half the days covered through the Adopt-A-Day program.  This model has proven to bring hung numbers of people out to pray, grow pro-life groups, and break through the barriers of apathy.

coalitionforlifestl.com/40-days-for-life/adopt-a-day/

Will you join me today as we remember the Roe v. Wade decision in making 2012 the last year of legalized abortion in our country?

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition for Life St. Louis
Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
www.CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

Comment on our blog.

Save the Date: Kick off Rally Sunday February 19th

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
~ Proverbs 1:7

With both the Midwest March for Life and the DC March for Life our team is going to be stretched thin so we need your help to continue the prayer and counseling that our city so desperately needs.

Will you take just one hour out of your busy schedule this week to bring God to a place that needs Him most of all.

Sign-up today for your chance to save a life.

~Brian Westbrook

Now let’s dive in…

Adopt-A-Day Applications Open

Adopt-A-Day Applications for the next 40 Days for Life campaign are now live!

In just over one month, local Pro-Life leaders from across the St. Louis metro area will join together to pray and fast for an END to abortion in our city.

From now until February 15th we will be accepting Adopt-A-Day applications from churches or organizations who ready to stand and pray for one day from 7:00AM – 7:00PM in front of the local abortion facility.

If you are ready to apply to participate in the next 40 Days for Life campaign — from February 22 to April 1 — you can get started right now by going to:

>> coalitionforlifestl.com/40-days-for-life/adopt-a-day/

You do not need to rush to apply now. Applications will be accepted through midnight on February 15. But if you want to get a head start … go for it!

Here’s that link again:

>> coalitionforlifestl.com/40-days-for-life/adopt-a-day/

When your application is received, you will receive an automatic response from our e-mail system, which will let you know that this portion of the process has been successfully completed.

The next step is our review of your application.

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an e-mail message from us that will let you know what happens next.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at:

>> Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

REMINDER: The Adopt-A-Day applications are on a first come first serve bases, so please enter a first, second & third choice to make the application process easier for our team.

We look forward to working with you on another amazing 40 Days for Life campaign!

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition for Life St. Louis
Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
www.CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

P.S. Please leave a comment on our blog.

~ There is no such thing as freedom of choice unless there is freedom to refuse.
David Hume

Learn How You Can Save Lives.

You are invited to join us for the first ever 40 Days for Life Social with ice cream and hot chocolate.  Watch the video below to learn more…

Not only will you be sharing in the yummy ice cream and drinks, but you will have an oppourtunity to socialize and learn about how you can save lives right here in St. Louis.  Just RSVP below and tell us you are coming…

40 Days for Life Social
RSVP on Facebook or E-mail Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
DATE:Friday January 13, 2012
TIME: 7:00PM
LOCATION: office of Best Choice operated by ThriVe MAP
11780 Borman Dr # 120, St. Louis, MO
WHAT: We want to say THANK YOU for your support over the last three years and lay the foundation for a great upcoming 40 Days for Life campaign.

View Larger Map

Wednesday Prayer Vigil

As we continue to expand and grow we again are hosting our Wednesday prayer vigil in front of Planned Parenthood.  If you have never stood out on the sidewalk before, or it’s been a while, now is your chance.  Come out Wednesday to pray and offer alternatives to women.  Just last week there were 3 woman reffered and over 50 pamphlets handed out.  Those going in need an option and without you they will never receive it.  Will you be there to offer help for these women?

Midwest March Bus

If you missed the last e-mail, we are hosting a bus trip to the Midwest March for Life on Thursday January 19th.  The bus will leave from the St. Charles commuter lot at 7:00AM and return at 4:00PM.

Yours for Life,

Brian Westbrook
Executive Director
Coalition for Life St. Louis
Brian@CoalitionForLifeSTL.com
www.CoalitionForLifeSTL.com

P.S. Please leave a comment below.

“Be Not Afraid” ~John Paul II