In concert with 211 other sites in 45 states and around the world (8 sites in Washington State alone), Kitsap County residents participated in the first day of the 40 Days for Life campaign, standing in prayerful vigil on September 23rd at the Planned Parenthood facility in East Bremerton. This was a Wednesday, a particularly significant day at this site because that’s the day of the week on which Planned Parenthood actually kills unborn children by abortion.

From now until November 1st, the vigil goes on from 7am to 7pm daily. We invite all who respect life to join us in public witness during these days of intense prayer and fasting, that we may end the scourge of abortion in our beloved nation – and first, in Kitsap County.

As Mother Teresa put it: “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want.”

Kitsap County 40 Days for Life participants pray and display at East Bremerton Planned Parenthood on the first of 40 days

Jennifer Atsma, our Church Coordinator, started us off right acknowledging the ultimate force behind our efforts – that is, with a prayer asking God’s blessings on us as we battle the culture of death. Father Derek Lappe further emphasized the vital importance of remembering our foundation; he wasn’t able to be present for the kickoff rally, but had recorded a video (thanks, Andrew!). To further uplift us, Jeryl Struble sang a song of her own composition, “You Are so Loved”.

Then we were treated to the keynote address by Lee Anne Martinez. Her theme was “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right”. She shared her own story as a post-abortive woman: how she trusted those who told her that abortion would solve her ‘problem’ – but it just brought different problems and pain; how she eventually found healing and is now determined to do what she can to prevent other women from the same destructive path. She encouraged us all to persevere with her.

Michael Ferman, one of our great vigil warriors, shared a few stories of challenges and saves he’s seen while standing in public witness, followed by Glenn Stockton outlining the logistical side of the upcoming campaign, including an explanation of the Statement of Peace, showed a brief exhortational video by a Georgia participant in last fall’s 40DFL campaign, and closed with a moving personal story about the wake-up call that brought him to put his own pro-life beliefs into action.

The vigil, prayer, fasting, and outreach begins on September 23rd and continues through November 1st. Join us to end abortion – first in Kitsap County!

Lee Anne delivers her story and encourages faithful commitment in defense of the unborn

Don’t Miss the Kick-off Rally:
Date: Tuesday, September 22^nd, 7:00 PM
Location: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church
500 Veneta Ave, Bremerton, Center Room #1 (across the street from the sanctuary)

Opening Day of the Autumn 40 Days for Life campaign follows on Wednesday, September 23^rd, beginning at 7:00 am.