The prayer vigil was a very amazing and surreal experience for me. I went to the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in downtown Los Angeles around 11am with friends from SFC. I never participated in this kind of vigil and was excited. I saw HOLD praying the rosary with another group. I joined another group and prayed with them. 

My excitement turned to sadness, as I never thought I would actually see girls walk inside the clinic. It was an average of 5 girls during the hour. I felt the tension as I observed some of the girls who were unsure about it. But, there were some who really wanted an abortion. I was smacked in the face with the reality of abortion. I was hurt even when I was not the person going inside. So, we prayed and prayed. 

There was a man who anxiously went inside and out of the clinic. Some of the sidewalk counselors, who were Pro Life, approached him. Later, his girlfriend came out of the clinic, crying. Again, the sidewalk counselors on site spoke with them. As we watched them counsel the couple, we aggressively prayed for God`s intervention to change their hearts. The couple finally went with the counselor to the Natural Family Planning Clinic that was close by. It was an answered prayer right before our eyes. Everyone praised God. So, we continued to pray. After a couple of hours, there was a girl who left the clinic alone, limping. I was told that she had bloodstains on her pants but I could not bear to look. I was sad for her. 

Those few hours I spent at the prayer vigil truly opened my eyes to the reality of abortion. I was angry, especially with myself. I felt that not enough is being done. We have many prayers to lift up. I was ashamed. I saw how selfish I was during my challenges, especially when there were girls who are in worse situations, lining up and having their babies aborted. I was humbled by this realization. 

I now understand why it is important to pray for these women who are contemplating abortion, to pray for the end of abortion and to pray for the unborn. They do not know the power of God`s love. Therefore, they do not seek his forgiveness and healing. They need our prayers. And, I hope that our prayers and vigils will save more babies and lives be transformed to become Pro Life.

wow kailan eto bro????

wow kailan eto bro????

wow kailan eto bro????

Thank you for posting this reflection, Ian. This is one thing we do not see first-hand in the Philippines, but which unfortunately, is also happening albeit in secret. Your sharing calls us to look upon women who contemplate abortion with compassion and love, and to pray that they have the courage to choose life. We join you in prayer.