Just Another Day

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Today was supposed to be just another day… a day where we would spend a few short hours attempting to proclaim the Gospel and prevent the atrocity that is abortion. However, this day was different…

I began the day not feeling well, due to some form of stomach bug, but thought nothing of it, writing it off as something I ate not agreeing with me. Our team was planning to meet at noon in front of the local abortion clinic. It was a warm and sunny fifty-nine degrees when I left the house. As usual, I was running on Muniak time, which means I was late. When I got there, the sun was gone, the wind had picked up, and the temperature dropped drastically. We pressed on.

There were a few others protesting abortion today, men from the Catholic religion… and a few guys that they pay to hold signs for them. I was weary of them because our goal wasn't to protest abortion, although we were planning to do that while there. No, the goal when we are there is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen. Our team set up at the exit gate since one of the Catholic gentlemen was stationed at the entrance. We began our mission with prayer.

I began preaching through the amplifier, hoping the words would penetrate the brick fortress of the abortion clinic. Within minutes, the spiritual attacks began. We received a “one-finger salute” from a passing vehicle. A man on the street warned us that the apartment complex next to the clinic would call the cops if we kept using the amplifier. One of the Catholic protestors came over to warn us that we could be arrested. Some guy from within the clinic came out to tell us that what we were doing was illegal and that the police had been called. We persevered but I was getting discouraged… and scared.

Before finishing the message, a patrol car pulled into the gates and proceeded to the back of the building. Another member of our team arrived after that and we filled him in on the situation. I put on a brave face for the team and discreetly sent a text to my wife, asking her to pray for us.

After a few minutes, the officer came to talk with us. He explained that he understood what we were doing, but the people inside were complaining about the noise (PRAISE GOD). He didn't want to get involved and asked us if we would be willing to point the amplifier down the street, instead of directly at the building. We complied with the request since it wouldn't make much of a difference. We thanked the officer and wished him well as he returned to his car and left us to continue the task at hand.

We praised the Lord for his protection and for bringing the sun back out to warm us up. The mission continued and God was glorified. Were any babies saved while we were there? We really hope so, but have no idea… of course, that wasn't our ultimate goal. Was the outreach successful? Absolutely, the goal had been achieved. We've decided to return to the abortion clinic on a regular basis. Please pray for those that received the Gospel today.

(Photo Credit: Chris Fox)