By Ellen Vander Bleek
Prayer is the most powerful thing in the whole world. Every time someone says a prayer, God is listening and answering. God hears everyone’s prayers of joy, the prayers of worship, prayers of sorrow, and prayers asking for help.
On Tuesday Dec. 29, God heard and answered our prayers. Members of the “Love Squad,” a newly formed prolife club at Prince of Peace College Preparatory in Clinton, ventured out on the 11-degree winter day to pray the rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet. We didn’t just stand anywhere, we stood on the sidewalks in front of Planned Parenthood in Bettendorf. I felt that by standing in front of that building we were not just praying, but also echoing God’s message on the sanctity of life.
When we arrived outside of Planned Parenthood, a gentleman named Charlie Burke (a cousin to me) greeted us. Charlie, who is from DeWitt, goes to Planned Parenthood every Tuesday because that is the day that abortions usually are performed there. He drives to Bettendorf early in the morning and stands outside and counts the cars and number of people who go into the building. He directs the pray-ers to the parking area and gives instructions on the proper protocol required to stay within the law. Charlie does not leave until the last employee leaves. That is true dedication and it makes me realize how much more we could be doing for everyone.
I know our prayers were heard and answered that day because two babies were saved by the divine grace of God. That makes me feel so great. If two babies were saved because 12 people said prayers, just imagine how many babies could be saved if there were 120 people praying or 1,200 people praying. Prayer is our most powerful defense against abortion; if 100 people a day stood on the sidewalks outside of Planned Parenthood, there would be so many babies that would actually get to celebrate their birthdays.
(Ellen Vander Bleek is a student at Prince of Peace College Preparatory in Clinton and member of Prince of Peace Parish.)
