Kathy Forck receives national honors from 40 Days for Life
Fall campaign to be from Sept. 25 – Nov. 3, 2024, in Columbia — Kick-off rally on Sept. 24
Kathy Forck, a member of St. Andrew Parish in Holts Summit and long-serving coordinator of the Columbia 40 Days for Life campaign, was recently honored with the national organization’s Sue Thayer Leader of the Year Award for her work in curtailing abortions and promoting alternatives to abortion through prayer and sidewalk counseling outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood.
She was presented the award by surprise at 40 Days for Life’s July 12-14 national symposium attended by about 400 people in Nashville.
“Kathy really is a perfect example when we talk about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for God,” said Steve Karlen, national campaign director for 40 Days for Life.
Mrs. Forck has been praying, giving counsel and leading others into the gap on the sidewalk outside Columbia Planned Parenthood for 15 years.
40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign, held twice a year, that aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting, community outreach, and compassion for mothers, fathers, babies and abortion employees.
Throughout the 40 days, all-day, peaceful prayer vigils are maintained outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood, where about 800 abortions used to take place each year and where out-of-state abortion referrals continue to be given.
In 2020, Columbia became one of five pilot locations for 40 Days for Life 365, providing a year-round prayerful presence on the sidewalk whenever Planned Parenthood is open.
“It’s no accident that Kathy was one of our five pilot leaders for 365 when we started it,” said Mr. Karlen. “We wanted to go with leaders who we know are excellent, and she’s the cream of the crop.”
The award Mrs. Forck received is named in honor of the late Sue Thayer, a former Planned Parenthood manager who became 40 Days for Life’s Director of Outreach.
Mrs. Forck found out about receiving the award when it was announced at the national symposium in Nashville.
“We were about halfway into the intro when she realized we were talking about her,” said Mr. Karlen. “So, there was a little bit of drama in the announcement.”
Mrs. Forck said she doesn’t deserve the accolates.
“My people do!” she said. “This award is really an honor for 40 Days for Life and belongs to all the people who are on the front lines and at home praying for the end of abortion.”
Mr. Karlen noted that Mrs. Forck would rather be emulated than honored.
“I’ve been blessed to visit hundreds of 40 Days for Life vigils, and I’ve never heard anyone say they have more volunteers than they need,” he said.
“So, I’d encourage any pro-lifer to contact Kathy and ask how they can help, and not just with prayer, but also how to help organize it,” he said.
He added: “Since you have such a great leader, you don’t need to start from scratch. You can get on board and join a winning team.”
He suggested praying for Mrs. Forck and her family — “for their sanctification and that the Lord continues to bless her with strength but also with laborers in his vineyard.
“And that he will bless those laborers and their work,” he said.
Fall campaign
This fall’s Columbia 40 Days for Life Campaign will take place from Sept. 25 to Nov. 3, 2024.
This Kick-off Rally will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. in Flanagan Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 903 Bernadette Drive, near Stadium Boulevard and I-70 in Columbia.
Matt Britton, National 40 Days for Life Team leader, will be the featured speaker.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 7:15 p.m. at the Columbia Planned Parenthood, 711 N. Providence.
More information can be found at 40daysforlife.com/columbiamo.
