The term “pro-life” isn’t a cause – it is a way of life.
If we identify as pro-life, then the belief that all life is sacred permeates all that we are and all that we do. It is who we are. It means that we work for legislation that brings an end to threats to the dignity of life – from abortion to laws that keep people in poverty to the legalization of euthanasia.
A call to Action
It also means that, while we push for legislation that protects life, we are working to protect it ourselves.
I’ve met many people that are disillusioned with the current state of affairs in the United States. They are angry (rightfully so) at the injustices perpetrated daily against the vulnerable, marginalized, and the weak. It is even more maddening when these injustices are protected by law.
I grew up in a home that was pro-life to the core. My mother was part of the “Right for Life” board in our state and ardently worked for an end to abortion and protection for the unborn. Growing up, I was taught that every person had dignity and you protected those that were powerless or oppressed. You stood up for the vulnerable and the voiceless – not because it was a nice thing to do, but because God demanded it of the Christian. It was our mandate.
Not only that, it wasn’t enough to simply talk a big game – we had to do something. We had to fight for life in the womb but also fight for the women that carried that life.
I Am Save the Storks
Years later, I am excited to be part of an ecumenical initiative called “I Am Save the Storks,” a movement that is part of Save the Storks, an organization that fights for the dignity of life and seeks to prevent abortion one mother at a time.
You can read more about them here . Their mission is simple: Provide free and accessible ultrasound and counseling services to mothers considering abortion. This mission is accomplished through mobile ultrasound units called “Stork Buses,” that park close to abortion clinics and provide invaluable services to women.
They are non-judgmental, compassionate, and effective: Four out of every five women that step onto a Storks Bus choose life.
We can support this incredible organization and get something in return. On January 22nd, the country will remember the landmark Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion in the United States, we will be raising money for Save the Storks with a goal of putting even more Storks Buses on the road. Many women choose abortion because they feel like they have no other options – let’s give them one.
How to Get Involved
Go to IAmSaveTheStorks.com and commit to hosting a Storks Coffeehouse to raise awareness of Save the Storks and raise money for them. Not only will you participate in this great mission, you will also showcase great talent from your church and potentially win a concert from a major Christian band – including Matt Maher, 7eventh Time Down, I Am They, Sarah Kroger, and John Tibbs.
Thousands of churches will be participating in this movement of life – will yours? Commit today and get all of the information you need at IAmSaveTheStorks.com – pro-life is more than a name, it is a way of life. Live it well.
JOEL STEPANEK has been actively and passionately involved in youth ministry for over ten years. What began as a simple internship in a parish youth ministry office evolved into an incredible adventure that led him on numerous middle school lock-ins, high school retreats, and ultimately to meet his wife, Colleen, who is a campus minister. Joel is the Director of Resource Development for LIFE TEEN INTERNATIONAL where he creates engaging youth ministry resources for middle and high school students. Joel is a sought after speaker and has traveled across the world training youth ministers and speaking to teenagers. He is the author of two books, “THE GREATEST JOB ON EARTH: SEVEN VIRTUES OF AWESOME YOUTH MINISTERS,” and “TRUE NORTH: A ROADMAP FOR DISCERNMENT.”
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