Abby Johnson to keynote Midwest March for Life, April 20 in J.C.
In a new book titled Fierce Mercy, the former employee of the year for the nation’s largest abortion provider writes of how God has lavished relentless mercy upon her and expects people to do likewise for others.
Abby Johnson, a nationally-recognized pro-life activist whose first book inspired a major motion picture, will give the keynote presentation at the 13th annual Midwest March for Life (midwestmarchforlife.com) in Jefferson City.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, on the grounds of the Missouri State Capitol.
All are invited to join in praying, peacefully demonstrating and working for an end to abortion-on-demand and other intrinsic affronts to the sanctity of human life.
The day’s activities will draw thousands of people to the area.
Open-air activities will be held on the Capitol South Lawn. More than 35 exhibitors will be present to display their life-affirming ministries.
Participants are encouraged to wear red for life.
Events will begin at 8 a.m. with the praying of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by Father Anthony Viviano, diocesan moderator of pro-life ministry.
Ms. Johnson will sign copies of her book at 8:15 outside the Selinger Centre near St. Peter Church, 216 Broadway, across from the Capitol.
A pre-rally will be held at 9:15 am. The March will begin at 10 a.m. at the Capitol, with the main rally following the March.
Patriotic singer-songwriter Camille Harris of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will give a live performance, including a deeply inspirational song she and her sister Haley recorded last year, titled “March for Life.”
Only love
Ms. Johnson is founder of “And Then There Were None,” which helps people who are employed in the abortion industry to leave it behind.
She’s confident that the effects of this year’s Midwest March for Life will be concrete and long-lasting.
“I hope it convicts people to get involved in the pro-life movement in some way on a deeper level — perhaps praying outside their local clinic, volunteering at a pregnancy resource center or maternity home, or donating money to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy,” she said.
Ms. Johnson’s first book, Unplanned, tells the whole story of how she became involved with Planned Parenthood and why she left the abortion industry.
“The movie of the same name is a wonderful depiction of that part of my life,” she stated.
She believes any sacrifices people have to make to attend the April 20 event, such as taking time off work or traveling great distances, will be well worth it.
“It’s so important to stand in the place of those who have no voice, to be a voice for them and for all the victims of abortion,” she stated.
“We have to be an example of what we believe in and show others that we are there and ready to help,” she said.
Her own past experience makes her keenly aware of people who want to attend the March but are wrestling with guilt from the past.
“All you need to know is that we love you no matter what, and that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you,” she said. “We won’t judge you. We will only love you!”
Powerful slate
Other scheduled speakers include: Bishop W. Shawn McKnight; Fr. Viviano; Pastor Jon Nelson, president of the Missouri Baptist Convention; Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft; Bridget VanMeans, CEO vision leader of ThriVe Nation; Reagan Barklage, national field team director of Students for Life America; Lisa Rowe, CEO of Support After Abortion; Catherine Glenn Foster, president and CEO of Americans United for Life; Pastor Michael Salemink, executive director of Lutherans for Life; Rachel Blackmore, outreach & development director for Churches for Life; Susan Klein, executive director of Missouri Right to Life; Chuck and Linda Raymond of Silent No More; and Hope Miller, pro-life youth activist.
Members of Knights of Columbus Precious Blood Council 4454 from Fulton will be grilling hotdogs to sell as part of affordable lunches.
The day will also include 1 p.m. afternoon session on pro-life apologetics for young people, given by Hope Miller, granddaughter of a well-known pro-life pioneer from Chicago, and Reagan Barklage.
Stacy Washington, host of the syndicated “Stacy on the Right” radio program, will serve as emcee of a thought-provoking afternoon program at 2 p.m. in front of the Missouri Supreme Court Building, across the street from the Capitol.
She will also sign copies of her new book, Eternally Cancel-Proof.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph L. Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, a former Navy chaplain, will give the opening prayer.
The 2 p.m. program will include testimony from a couple representing Silent No More, an organization helping people find healing from post-abortive trauma; a nationally respected legal expert commenting on the possible ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision; and an overview of resources for helping people experiencing pregnancy in crisis.
With God’s help
Ms. Johnson offered a litany of prayer requests as the event approaches, including for good weather and for God to protect the event’s organizers and their families.
“Please pray for all women considering abortion,” she continued, “that their hearts may be turned to Christ, that they may know they are loved and priceless and that there is help for them.”
“I ask them to pray for all abortion workers and abortion doctors, that they may come to realize the true nature of their work and have a change of heart and walk out of their jobs,” she stated.
“And that abortion may become unthinkable, that every child be recognized as the irreplaceable gift they are,” she said.
Call 573-340-8444 for information about the Midwest March for Life.
