JFA Continues Campus Work in the Midst of Tumultuous Year
““When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts. When marriages stop talking, divorce happens. When civilizations stop talking, civil war ensues. When you stop having a human connection with someone you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group. What we as a culture have to get back to is being able to have reasonable disagreement – where violence is not an option.””
You may be wondering how our team is doing in the midst of a tumultuous year where we’ve seen more vandalism than in previous years and where we’ve watched, along with you, a shocking succession of murders unfold over the past few weeks, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the midst of a college campus free speech event. Our team gathered that night to pray for Charlie’s family, for college students, for protection over our work that likewise seeks to create dialogue with those who disagree, and to entrust ourselves to God.
JFA Intern Martha (left) creates dialogue at University of Kansas on September 10, 2025.
Our team continues to be eager to engage on campus and reports that our recent events (see below) have been very busy and active, with many people stopping and willing to engage. Our trainer Jeremy Gorr shared a quote from Charlie Kirk (right) at our online Love3 training event shortly after the murder. I think it captures an important part of why we do our work.
I also want you to read an excellent reflection from JFA’s Director of Community Engagement, Jon Wagner. You can read an excerpt below or read the whole reflection by clicking here. Thank you for praying for us and for supporting JFA’s work financially. We can’t do this without you.
“Prayer and Encouragement in the Midst of Grieving” (Excerpt)
Jon Wagner, JFA Director of Community Engagement
I’ll always remember where I was when I heard of the shot that took Charlie Kirk’s life at Utah Valley University. In between phone calls for setting up Justice For All speaking and outreach events, I was dropping off donations for our local pregnancy help ministry when one of the staff members alerted me...
As I reflected, I thought of the tens of thousands of people who have engaged our JFA team in dialogue or observed our displays. I am praying they each have a caring friend to process with during this trying time. I am praying they are encountering Christ and flourishing. I pray for our many thousands of seminar trainees, presentation participants, and volunteers to maximize their impact during this critical time – that now more than ever they would heed James 1:19 and be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger...
“My prayer is that this horrific injustice, this critical cultural moment would open doors for dialogue, forgiveness, and understanding in our communities, especially with those who oppose us most firmly. ”
Even as some opponents of Charlie publicly praised the horrific act, most condemned it as evil. Pro-life and pro-choice, conservative and liberal, various political parties united against this horrific act against a man and organization...
How do we grieve in a godly manner? I suggest we should refrain from either immortalizing or demonizing Kirk. Kirk himself would want us to focus on Christ rather than himself. Even most of Kirk’s opponents refuse to demonize him. Instead, can we unite against violence, unite for free speech, and unite in seeing the image of God in each other? Let us resolve to dialogue with, respect, and befriend others even if we don’t agree...
Kirk prioritized those with whom he disagreed, listened carefully, and stayed on point. He countered ideas much more than people. He was an earnest defender of the preborn... He challenged bad thinking, challenged young men, shared his faith in Christ unapologetically, and engaged culture.
Did you agree with much of Charlie’s worldview? You have an opportunity to grieve with those who are like minded, but you also have an opportunity to love those who are confused that a person they despised is being celebrated – by hearing their concerns and committing to healthy dialogue. Did you disagree with much of Kirk’s worldview, strategies, or his event optics? You have an opportunity to unite in grief and prayer for Charlie’s family and friends, to affirm the importance of free speech, to unite against violence, and to also commit to listening to those with whom you disagree...
Read Jon’s Entire Reflection, including specific prayers by clicking here.
Recent and Upcoming Events
8/26-27 Surveys at CO Colleges (Various, CO)
9/10 University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
9/11 Univ. of Missouri at Kansas City (MO)
9/15-16 Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)
9/22-24 Colorado State Univ. (Fort Collins)
10/13 UCSD (San Diego, CA)
10/14-15 Grossmont College (El Cajon, CA)
11/3-4 Kansas State Univ. (Manhattan, KS)
More Upcoming Events and Details: jfaweb.org/calendar
More Recent Events: jfaweb.org/impact-quick-look
Prayer and Encouragement in the Midst of Grieving
“... so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy...
”
I’ll always remember where I was when I heard of the shot that took Charlie Kirk’s life at Utah Valley University. In between phone calls for setting up Justice For All speaking and outreach events, I was dropping off donations for our local pregnancy help ministry when one of the staff members alerted me. The news seemed especially frantic in the midst of the shooting at Evergreen High School near Denver the same day, the stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train about two weeks before, the murder of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in June, and other acts of violence this year.
“As I reflected, I thought of the tens of thousands of people who have engaged our JFA team in dialogue or observed our displays. I am praying they each have a caring friend to process with during this trying time.” - Jon Wagner, who is shown above, speaking to a student just a few months ago at University of Arkansas in April 2025.
As I reflected, I thought of the tens of thousands of people who have engaged our JFA team in dialogue or observed our displays. I am praying they each have a caring friend to process with during this trying time. I am praying they are encountering Christ and flourishing. I pray for our many thousands of seminar trainees, presentation participants, and volunteers to maximize their impact during this critical time – that now more than ever they would heed James 1:19 and be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
Campuses hold a special place in my heart. College was a critical time for my growth as a young man due to discipleship at campus and our local church, friendships, classes, and being part of a championship tennis team.
“My prayer is that this horrific injustice, this critical cultural moment, would open doors for dialogue, forgiveness, and understanding in our communities, especially with those who oppose us most firmly. ”
Universities have been the main outreach venue for our educational and outreach endeavors around the sanctity of life. Our team has had tens of thousands of interactions about abortion, unplanned pregnancy, and human dignity. We’ve regularly discussed purpose, sin, salvation, and Jesus Christ, who reconciles us and invites us into His ministry of reconciliation (see II Cor. 5:17-21, a major theme passage for our team). We strive to make the unique college campus venue a better free speech opportunity for everyone, especially for those with whom we disagree.
Campuses should be a safe environment for learning, debate, and character building, so when we watched in horror on September 10 as conservative speaker and activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, it was heartbreaking. It would have been heartbreaking for any activist to be gunned down, especially in the midst of free speech activity, but this felt more shocking to me personally because of Charlie’s persistent defense of human life, willingness to engage those with whom he disagreed, and bold proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Even as some opponents of Charlie publicly praised the horrific act, most condemned it as evil. Pro-life and pro-choice, conservative and liberal, various political parties united against this horrific act against a man and organization – a despicable and cowardly atrocity that was an afront to decency and free speech.
How do we grieve in a godly manner? I suggest we should refrain from either immortalizing or demonizing Kirk. Kirk himself would want us to focus on Christ rather than himself. Even most of Kirk’s opponents refuse to demonize him. Instead, can we unite against violence, unite for free speech, and unite in seeing the image of God in each other? Let us resolve to dialogue with, respect, and befriend others even if we don’t agree.
Should Kirk have sometimes used a slower, more measured approach, pausing or asking more clarifying questions before making a strong statement? Perhaps. But whatever is true about the best strategy in various high-pressure contexts, I want to focus on something else: Kirk prioritized those with whom he disagreed, listened carefully, and stayed on point. He countered ideas much more than people. He was an earnest defender of the preborn even at a time when many other leaders, especially the powerful and popular, were not. He challenged bad thinking, challenged young men, shared his faith in Christ unapologetically, and engaged culture.
Did you agree with much of Charlie’s worldview? You have an opportunity to grieve with those who are like-minded, but you also have an opportunity to love those who are confused that a person they despised is being celebrated – by hearing their concerns and committing to healthy dialogue.
Did you disagree with much of Kirk’s worldview, strategies, or his event optics? You have an opportunity to unite in grief and prayer for Charlie’s family and friends, to affirm the importance of free speech, to unite against violence, and to also commit to listening to those with whom you disagree.
My prayer is that this horrific injustice, this critical cultural moment, would open doors for dialogue, forgiveness, and understanding in our communities, especially with those who oppose us most firmly.
Here are some of my prayers as I grieve and reflect…
I pray for Charlie’s family, friends, supporters, as they grieve this unspeakable loss. For this injustice to guide these folks closer to Christ rather than further away.
I pray for each person involved in or defending this murder to be reconciled to God.
I thank God that Frank Turek, Marco Rubio, Erika Kirk, and others proclaimed Christ at Charlie’s memorial. Rubio said, “God took on the form of a man and came down and lived among us and He suffered like men and He died like a man, but on the third day He rose unlike any mortal man... because He took on that death, because He carried that cross, we were freed from the sin that separated us from Him.”
I thank God that Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, is showing the courage and faith to forgive and graciously press on. Look at her statement at the memorial: “On the cross, our Savior said: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That man – that young man – I forgive him. I forgive him because it’s what Christ did. And it’s what Charlie would do.” Taking a cue from Erika’s model, “Is there anyone you or I need to forgive? Is there an old friend or family member with whom you are angry and don’t think you can forgive?” I pray God will help you seek His strength to forgive.
I pray for our JFA community to take this tragedy as yet another opportunity to employ our Three Essential Skills: listening to understand, asking questions with an open heart, and finding common ground when possible. People are grieving, talking, processing, hurting, and angry. The opportunities are right in front of us.
May we be a people who are ready to forgive, humbled by our own need for forgiveness. I often reflect on the names of those at our events who have been the most disrespectful, loud, and crude – and by God’s grace I take joy in praying for them, asking God to guide them, and re-affirming my forgiveness and love for them: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Charlie would want you to put your hope in Christ rather than any man, woman, or strategy. I am reminded of 1 Peter 1:13-15 which states, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Which Path: Equality or Inequality?
In this Dialogue Example, Jeremy Gorr shares the strategy he uses in many of his conversations to help people see more clearly the problems with arguments that divide the human community based on functional abilities.
Would you like to join us for an upcoming outreach event? Go to jfaweb.org/register to sign up for an upcoming event or to let us know you’re interested in participating when we’re nearby. Or, go to jfaweb.org/love3 to register for upcoming online courses. Thank you for partnering with JFA through financial support and prayer as we seek to reach more people.
-Steve Wagner, Executive Director
On a recent visit to the University of Wyoming I had a conversation with “Grace.” We established early on that the unborn is biologically human, but Grace then pointed to the differences between the unborn and the rest of us.
Grace: I don’t consider abortion killing. You’re stopping a heartbeat so it’s technically killing, but consciousness and awareness is what matters for me.
Jeremy: Do you think human rights and value are grounded in the fact that we are human? Or do you think human value comes from the capabilities humans have?
Background: Jeremy interacts with a student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie in April 2025.
Foreground: JFA’s Art of Life Exhibit signs encourage students to reflect.
Grace: You’re asking if you and I should be compared based on our capabilities? I would say no. After the fetus is born it should not be judged by its capabilities, but before viability I think it’s different.
Jeremy: Do you see how judging any humans, even young ones, based on their capabilities destroys the whole basis for equality? Treating humans before viability differently is the definition of inequality because they are equally human.
Grace: I see what you’re saying.
Jeremy: I look back at history and see that we’ve killed tens of millions of humans because they were different in some way. Each one of those killings was an atrocity, right?
Grace: Right.
Jeremy: I think we’ve learned throughout history that there’s no good reason to kill unwanted humans. Can you think of any?
Grace: No. When you say “unwanted” I think I see where you’re going. The fetuses that are aborted are obviously unwanted.
Jeremy: They are different in some ways to you and me, right?
Grace: Yes.
““We should strive towards equality. On the path of equality our differences don’t matter, and that’s why we can’t exclude the unborn because of their differences. That’s antithetical to equality.””
Jeremy: What I think we’ve learned throughout history is that there are only two paths we can follow – the path of equality or the path of inequality. I think we both want equality, right?
Grace: I think everybody wants equality, but I don’t think that’s completely achievable for any society.
Jeremy: I agree, but we try. We should strive towards equality. On the path of equality our differences don’t matter, and that’s why we can’t exclude the unborn because of their differences. That’s antithetical to equality.
Grace: I guess, but we’re always fighting inequality. The idea of equality is really nice, but everybody’s different opinions will forever keep us from equality.
Jeremy: Then let’s stand against inequality together. We can start by treating all humans equally under the law, and protecting all our lives, even those young humans in the womb. Wouldn’t that be a start?
On this trip we conducted outreach for the first time at the University of Wyoming. See also Kaitlyn’s reflection here, and see more spring 2025 photos here.
Grace: I don’t know. It’s a super important conversation to have. It was really good to talk to you about this.
Grace then had to leave because her ride home arrived. I had given her a lot to think about. While she didn’t tell me in that moment that her mind had changed, I trust that God is still at work. I pray the questions I asked will stay with her, and that God will use those questions to gently guide her toward the truth because we can build a world where every life – born and unborn – is valued equally.
"You're Changing My Thoughts."
Outreach at UCLA, May 2025
Many people who say they are against abortion believe it should be legal in the case of sexual assault or if the child won’t live long outside the womb due to an illness or fetal deformity. When I was at UCLA in May, I spoke to “Jake,” a Christian who held this perspective on abortion.
Our conversation went something like this:
Talking to “Jake” at UCLA
Rebekah: I think abortion in the case of rape is a really difficult topic. I understand emotionally why people want to be pro-choice in this case. If a woman feels like abortion will help her heal, it’s hard to tell her she can’t access it. You mentioned earlier that you are against abortion in most other cases. Why are you against abortion in general?
Jake: I’m against it because it kills a human being.
Rebekah: I am too. If you agree the unborn are human beings made in the image of God, and if there is a human being involved in both a consensual pregnancy and a pregnancy that resulted from rape, how does your faith inform your view on that?
He was quiet for a moment as he thought about this question. When I felt like it would be helpful to share more, I continued:
Rebekah: If we believe the unborn are human beings made in the image of God from conception, then they should be protected no matter how they came into existence. I understand that this is really hard emotionally though. Here’s something that might help. Imagine I show you two images of an ultrasound, and I ask you which child was conceived in rape? You wouldn’t be able to tell. Both are human even though one came into existence through something that was really awful.
Jake: I think you’re changing my thoughts on this.
I then asked him if he thought abortion should be allowed in the case of fetal deformity since that had come up earlier. He said yes.
Rebekah: That’s also really hard. If I got pregnant and found that my baby was not going to live very long, I think that would emotionally wreck me. I think it would help to think about it this way: Imagine that I am pregnant, and my child has some illness or deformity that makes it unlikely that she will live past a year, but I don’t find out about this until my baby is born. Do you think I should be able to kill my child after she’s born because she won’t live very long?
Jake was quiet again. I could tell he was really thinking. Then he said:
Jake: Yes, I agree you cannot kill your child after she’s born.
Rebekah: So if that human in the womb is equally human to the born child, then we should protect both of them. It makes sense that these are really hard cases emotionally. As Christians, we know that human beings are made in the image of God so our value stays constant despite the pain and suffering we experience.
Jake: Thank you for this conversation. You’re changing my thoughts on this, but I do need to think about it more.
In nearly every conversation I have about abortion, I confront the question of whether abortion should be legal in these hard situations. They don’t typically end with someone telling me they are changing their thoughts on the issue, and that makes sense because these questions can hold so much pain and trauma for some people.
When I was at the University of Nebraska in Kearney in early May, I talked to a student who was against abortion in general because he believed it killed a valuable human, but he thought there should be an exception in the case of rape. I asked him, “Since you are generally opposed to abortion because you think it kills a human being, how do you reconcile that view with allowing someone to kill a human in the case of rape?” He told me it was personal. He has a childhood friend who experienced assault and got pregnant as a result. She chose to keep her child. He told me he can see the pain in her eyes when she looks at her child.
Most of my conversations about this aspect of the abortion issue are like the one with the Nebraska student in that they bring up some of the most traumatic things a person can experience. Women who have experienced assault matter. Women who are pregnant and get a fatal diagnosis for their child matter. While we find common ground and sympathize with people in these situations, we must also help them widen their circle of compassion and concern to include the unborn child who is too often forgotten and ignored in these situations. We need to love them and protect them as well.
“I’ve Never Heard that Perspective Before.”
Impact Report, July 2025
In this Impact Report, Kaitlyn Donihue shares a conversation she had in April at our first-ever outreach on the University of Wyoming campus. Kaitlyn’s conversation with “Ian” illustrates what’s typical of many pro-choice people we encounter, that they are open-minded and ready to think about the case against abortion, especially if it is clearly articulated. This is why we’re eager for every Christian to participate in JFA’s “Seat Work and Feet Work” training program. We could change more minds if more of us were trained to do what Kaitlyn made look effortless here: ask good questions and give reasons that are easy to understand. Thanks for partnering with us to help us bring this training to hundreds more in 2025!
-Steve Wagner, Executive Director
Many of us hear hostile and extreme pro-choice perspectives in the media and assume that all pro-choice people are equally hostile and extreme. In reality, many pro-choice people are not hostile or extreme at all. Many are open to conversations. Many are even persuadable. As I found in one conversation recently, many have never heard a clear, reasonable articulation of the pro-life view, and if they did hear it, they might be willing to rethink their own position.
In April our team was at the University of Wyoming talking to students. It was cold and windy, but we still had many wonderful conversations. I was standing by one of our signs that shows images of unborn children at different stages of development when “Ian” walked up. I struck up a conversation with him, and it went something like the following:
Kaitlyn (right) interacts with a student during JFA’s Univ. of Wyoming outreach.
Kaitlyn: Do you have thoughts on this issue?
Ian: Yeah, everybody does.
Kaitlyn: That’s so true. What are your thoughts?
Ian: I don’t think the government should have a say in healthcare.
Kaitlyn: I’m definitely hearing you. Healthcare is really important, and our rights to get the healthcare we need are important. Do you think abortion should be legal for all nine months of pregnancy or just a window of time?
Ian: It’s really complicated, and there’s a lot more than just timing to consider.
Kaitlyn: I agree that it’s complicated. It’s a tough issue for sure.
Ian: Yeah.
Kaitlyn: Do you think the unborn is a human being at any point in pregnancy?
Ian: I don’t know. I haven’t really looked into the science.
Kristine (left) creates dialogue at JFA’s Univ. of Wyoming outreach.
Kaitlyn: Would you be open if I share my understanding of what biology teaches?
Ian: Sure, go ahead.
During JFA’s Wyoming seminar, Jeremy (left) and Kaitlyn (center) illustrated with a dramatic dialogue the tool Kristine (right) was teaching.
““If the unborn are human beings, do you think we should protect them?””
Kaitlyn: According to biology, there are three characteristics of living things. Living things grow through cellular reproduction, metabolize food for energy, and respond to stimuli. We know something is alive if it is doing all of those things. The unborn is doing all of those things at every stage of development so we know they are alive. We also know they are human because they have human DNA. As soon as sperm and egg come together, both cease to exist and a new genetically distinct human organism comes into existence. That human organism is different from us in the same way an infant is different from us. An infant is less developed than you and me but we would never say she is less human. In the same way, the unborn are less developed, but according to embryologists they are full human organisms just like you and me. What are your thoughts on that?
Ian: I’ve never really heard that perspective before. That’s interesting.
Kaitlyn: If the unborn are human beings, do you think we should protect them?
Ian: Yeah, I believe every human has value and deserves protection. I’ve just never looked into the biology before.
Our staff and volunteers enjoyed creating numerous conversations at the University of Wyoming.
We talked a little more before Ian had to leave, but his comment that he had never heard the pro-life perspective laid out that way was a good reminder. As pro-life people, its easy to assume that people who reject our perspective at least understand it. Many reject it, however, because they don’t understand it. When we take the time to share it with them, they might be willing to think about it and even one day embrace it themselves. This is true of the abortion issue and the gospel. This is why conversations are so important and often so life-changing.
Thank you for supporting our work and helping to make these kinds of conversations possible!
How Feet Work Changed Four Volunteers
Impact Report, June 2025
A fishing seminar without casting a line into the water? A dialogue seminar without talking to people who disagree? Ever since David Lee, the founder of Justice For All (JFA), started talking about this in the early 2000’s (at least to me), it has been a deeply-held value at JFA to see that the training a seminar can accomplish (even a very interactive one like JFA’s) is incomplete without the step of putting things into practice in a real-life experience. In this Impact Report, Rebekah Dyer illustrates how important it is for every person we train to experience more than just a protected seminar environment (Seat Work). They also need practice in real-life conversations (Feet Work). Thanks for helping our team give volunteers “Feet Work” experiences that change their lives...and help them change the lives of others.
-Steve Wagner, Executive Director
An integral part of my work with JFA is helping others engage their world in dialogue about abortion. Recently, several friends and other locals have joined me as volunteers on campus. While many of our volunteers attend an Abortion: From Debate to Dialogue seminar (Seat Work) before volunteering on campus (Feet Work), these four California volunteers joined us for outreach first, and the seminar then provided additional training before venturing out on campus a second or third time. Whatever the order, we’ve found that both the Seat Work and Feet Work are important to helping people develop as Christ’s ambassadors. These four shared these reflections:
Jennifer
Jennifer (left) and Karen (right) interact with students at Cal State San Marcos in April 2025.
I’m so glad to have been introduced to Justice For All a little over a year ago. The JFA training is incredibly effective, and campus outreach opportunities have provided valuable times to implement the training in practice... One of the most encouraging conversations I’ve had was with a student I’ll call Tim. Tim believed that abortion should remain legal and was a woman’s choice. He agreed the unborn was a human being but denied it was a person. After taking Tim through the equal rights argument, he sat in silence a while, thinking. He would start to say something, then stop as if catching himself, then begin again, then stop and process some more. Finally, he confessed that he had never had a case made for the unborn in that way. Tim told me that he had a whole new outlook on the situation now and that this changed everything for him.
Colleen
Rebekah (center) and Colleen (right) engage two students at MiraCosta College in March 2025.
In my experience on the college campus with Rebekah I was asked one question more than any other… “Why are you here, why are you doing this?” Often times it came with a tone of dissension. Why was I there? I was there because I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless! I believe entering into honest, graceful dialogue with those who have opposing viewpoints will begin to open up truth into a social narrative that has silenced truth. College campuses are filled with diverse worldviews, and many young minds prioritize autonomy over reason. “It’s my body, my choice” rings loudly in the common square, yet disregards innocent body within her own. Even amid resistance, moments of genuine connection emerged. I interacted with students who paused to listen, asked sincere questions, and even admitted they had never considered the humanity of the unborn in such personal terms. These moments of mutual respect and curiosity reminded me that hearts can be stirred, even in hard soil.
Karen
Karen talks to a student at San Diego State University (SDSU) in March 2025.
The first time I stepped onto campus with JFA, I was incredibly nervous. I only managed to speak with one student, and he was already pro-life, which made my interaction with him feel safe and manageable. I spent most of the day observing the JFA staff and more experienced volunteers. Watching them listen with compassion and ask thoughtful, respectful questions was both inspiring and educational. By my second outreach, I felt more courageous… Thanks to JFA’s training, I knew how to ask good questions and search for common ground by listening with an open heart. As I got into a rhythm and stopped overthinking things, I found it easier to connect. My third visit to campus was especially memorable. I connected deeply with one young man in particular. He was thoughtful, compassionate, and genuinely engaged in talking with me. At one point he shared a poignant story about his uncle that brought him to tears and he ended up asking me for a hug. I had been thinking the same thing moments before so it felt natural and organic that we embraced. He let his guard down by crying on my shoulder. I felt such a strong sense of connection that I gave him my phone number with the hope we could stay in touch. For the first time, I felt prompted to share about Jesus with someone during an outreach.
This journey has changed me. Justice For All’s training gave me the tools I needed to step into these dialogues with humility and compassion. I’ve discovered the power of simply being a humble listener and asking thoughtful, respectful questions. That alone is enough to spark meaningful conversations –conversations that can save lives and transform hearts, including my own.
Shannon
My courage has been constantly challenged throughout my experience working with JFA. At times fear has been almost paralyzing. Being out in public has made me realize that I am fearful of what people will think of me, I am fearful of saying the wrong thing, I am fearful of what people may do to me. For me, it was a huge step just to show up and participate in other people’s conversations. Later, I was able to go out and conduct surveys. Finally, I was able to engage in conversations on my own… Two young women that I encountered while conducting surveys had never seen pictures of the results of abortions. We asked them if they would be willing to look, warning them that they would be graphic, and they agreed. The looks on their faces made it clear that they had not realized the gruesomeness of the process. My prayer is that after our conversation and the experience of viewing the pictures they will have new information with which to think about the topic. People are much more likely to change their minds later in private than in a public setting. Even though we may not always see the results, it is so important that Christians engage in conversations so that bit by bit people will come to recognize the horrors of abortion.
Thank you for your support that empowers my team and me to lead these events and help others gain confidence in having these important conversations.
-Rebekah Dyer, for the JFA Team
Clayton's Testimony
This testimony has always been very special to me.
"This Conversation Has Opened My Eyes."
Impact Report May 2025
Our trainers are working in the local areas where they live to create more training events, including interactive workshops (Seat Work) and outreach events (Feet Work). In this Impact Report, Andrea Thenhaus explains some of her experience getting events planned with Alora Tunstill in their local area of Northwest Arkansas, and Andrea describes in vivid detail a conversation that was made possible through those events. In addition, Andrea shares a reflection (blue box, below) from one of the young women who volunteered at the campus outreach events. Thank you for partnering with us through financial gifts and prayers. -Steve Wagner, Executive Director
I moved to Arkansas three years ago. Ever since then, I have been wanting to organize a Justice For All outreach event at the University of Arkansas (U of A) to start conversations. I was told that it would be challenging for an outside organization like JFA to set up outreach tools in a high-traffic area of campus.
Lauren (pictured second from right) and Alora Tunstill (center) in conversation at the University of Arkansas
My friend Alora started an internship with JFA last August. Together, with prayer and determination, we made it our mission to figure out how to get on the U of A campus. After a whirlwind trip all over the university and a series of referrals from students and other clubs, we were sent to the Event Services Office. They helped us understand the process to reserve a space. Our first outreach took place on February 4 and 6! Then on April 15-16, we went back to the U of A, and my colleagues Jon Wagner and Kristina Massa, along with some friends of ours, joined us for outreach. (See Lauren’s reflection below.) We are so grateful for their willingness to join us.
“It’s been such an honor to visit campus with Andrea and the JFA team these past few times! I had no previous experience with pro-life outreach, but it turned out to be an amazing experience. It was so neat to see God use us, give us the words to say, and just overall bless our time of outreach. Students appreciated how peaceful and “non-combative” pro-life conversations can be as we helped them contemplate their views. JFA outreach has helped me understand the pro-choice mind and has proved to be such a wonderful avenue to “open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.” (Proverbs 31:8) – Lauren”
Here’s my memory of one conversation that happened during our February event:
A student I’ll call “Mark” walked up shortly after we had finished setting up our poll table. The poll asked the question, “Should abortion be legal?” We had “Yes” and “No” signs with notebooks for the students to weigh in and express their views.
When Mark finished signing “Yes” to the poll question, I asked him if he had time to share his thoughts. Mark started by saying that he thought abortion should be legal. He was in the military where many of his female colleagues had experienced assault.
Andrea: Wow, that is terrible. Rape is a horrible crime, and no woman should have to go through that.
After talking about his time in the military, the issue of rape, and other related topics, we began to discuss the science related to when human life begins.
Andrea: If the unborn is growing, would you agree it is alive?
Mark: Yes, I would agree with that.
Andrea: If the unborn has human parents, would you agree it is a human being?
Mark: Yes, I agree with that as well.
Andrea (green jacket) in conversation at the University of Arkansas
Andrea: We can know the unborn is a living human being. Obviously, it takes time for the unborn to grow and develop, but science shows that life starts at conception. The development of the unborn is similar to a polaroid photo. Are you familiar with polaroid cameras?
Mark: Yes.
Andrea: After I take the picture, it takes time for the film to develop. However, as soon as I take a picture, that image has been captured. I just need to wait for it to develop in order to see it. From conception the unborn is a whole, living human organism. The unborn grows and develops [but it’s the same organism through all those changes]. Does that make sense? What are your thoughts on that?
Mark: Wow, I agree with what you are saying. This makes sense.
As we talked, I was able to show him images of abortion from the JFA brochure (jfaweb.org/brochure). After giving him a minute to look at the images, I could tell that they were having an impact on him.
Mark: Wow, this is terrible.
Andrea: I agree. After seeing these images, would you say that abortion is a medical procedure? Or does abortion take a human life?
Mark: Abortion is definitely taking a life.
Andrea: I agree. It comes down to whether or not the unborn is a human being. If the unborn are not human beings, then it does not matter if women get abortions. If the unborn are human beings, abortion is taking a life. We talked earlier about life starting at conception, so I agree with you that abortion is taking a human life.
Mark: I have had a lot of training on various things in my life, but I have never learned what you just taught me. Thank you so much for being out here today. I have learned so much, and this conversation has opened my eyes.
As I reflect back on outreach opportunities God has given us here in Arkansas, I am reminded of the power of prayer and of God’s faithfulness. At first it felt challenging to get an event confirmed at the U of A, but God led us each step of the way. I am thankful for the friends God sent to volunteer with us. I am also grateful for the opportunity to talk to Mark and witness the Lord working in his heart and mind. Please pray for us as we plan to do more outreach here in Arkansas.
-Andrea Thenhaus for the JFA Team
"Do you believe Jesus is God?"
Conversations about Jesus and the truth of Christianity come up often when I talk about abortion. The nature of this ministry not only helps people see the value of unborn children; it also helps people understand there is a God who is worth seeking and knowing.
I talked to “Mary” at San Diego State University in March. She was pro-choice. As we talked, I felt that I wouldn’t be able to make more progress with her on the abortion issue, and I wanted to go deeper with her, so I asked her what she believed about Jesus.
She told me she believed he was a man who lived, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Noting she said Jesus was a man, I then specifically asked her, “Do you believe Jesus is God?” Mary paused and said, “I’ve never thought about that before.”
Her response to this question illustrates how important it is to ask clarification questions because they help us understand what other people believe. When you understand a person you are in a better place to share the truth and challenge her false beliefs.
I shared with Mary that Jesus said He is God in human flesh, and that it’s really important to read God’s Word so we can know Him. As we talked, I also asked her, “If you died and faced God today and had to give an account for your life, would be you prepared for that?” She said, “No.”
I planned to share the gospel with her next, but she asked me a different question that turned the conversation in another direction. Then she told me she had to leave and walked away. Although this conversation didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I think it is really significant that I was able to ask her these important questions. She listened and took time to consider them.
This student’s ability to hear the gospel certainly does not rest on me, and I am confident that God will bring others into her life to finish what he allowed me to start that day on campus. We plant seeds, sometimes water the ones someone else panted, and we trust God to bring the growth in a person’s life in His time (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). No matter where we fit in the process, it’s an honor that God allows us to be ambassadors of His truth.
Spring Update
Thanks for supporting and encouraging us in our work. Our trainers have been busy over the past four months in 12 states (see events list below, and see recent pictures here). Go to our social media pages for photos of our team in action as well as videos and thought-provoking content.
You can see many of our upcoming events at www.jfaweb.org/calendar. Please consider attending one of our new short-form online workshops, praying for our team, and making a gift to JFA to help us continue training Christians to change hearts and minds.
Recent Facebook Post Gets 1.3 Million Views
One of JFA’s recent Facebook posts has garnered over 1.3 million views and over 3,000 comments! (Numbers updated as of May 6, 2025). The post shows a vandal spray-painting the JFA display at CU Boulder in early April, and although the post isn’t focused primarily on dialogue or JFA’s arguments against abortion, it does illustrate how our trainers engage every human being at our events respectfully and peacefully, and we’re happy the post is bringing many new people to JFA’s page. Go to JFA’s Facebook post to read Rebekah Dyer’s thoughtful comments about the incident and share the post. Then join us in praying for the masked vandal, for the other students at CU, and that this post will help many more people learn from and support JFA.
New Trifold Brochure You Can Share
Share JFA’s work through this new trifold brochure. Use this link to share the virtual brochure via email or text. Request copies of the brochure at our “Request Printed Materials” page.
For years we’ve needed a brochure our trainers and friends can use to illustrate and explain JFA’s mission, so Kristina Massa created one. You can share it with a pastor, pro-life leader, or friend to get a conversation started about how JFA can help your community learn to change hearts and minds about abortion. Each copy of the brochure only costs JFA about 12 cents, so please don’t hesitate to give it away! You can get additional copies at www.jfaweb.org/request-printed-materials or by calling our office at 316-683-6426. You can also send a friend the virtual brochure via text or email: www.jfaweb.org/about-jfa.
Recent JFA Events (Seat Work + Feet Work)
See photos from recent events here.
TX — Feb. 9-10 — Workshop and Outreach at University of Texas (UT) (Austin)
AR — Feb. 4 & 6 — Outreach at University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
AR — Feb. 5 — Workshop at Fort Rock Family Camp (Combs)
MO — Feb. 15 — Workshop for Students for Life Club at St. Louis University (St. Louis)
MO — Feb. 17 — Poll Table Outreach at St. Louis University (St. Louis)
IN — Feb. 27-28 — Workshop & Poll Table Outreach at Indiana University (Bloomington)
NM — Mar. 1 — Seminar for Christian Student Center at Univ. of New Mexico (Albuquerque)
NM — Mar. 2 — Seminar for Summit Ministries Gap Year Program Students (Albuquerque)
NM — Mar. 3-4 — Outreach at UNM (Albuquerque)
CA — Mar. 1-2 — Seminars at The Gathering Church & Mission Hills Church (San Diego)
CA — Mar. 1-2 — Outreach at San Diego State University (San Diego)
CA — Mar. 5 — Outreach at MiraCosta College (Oceanside)
CO — Mar. 30 — Seminar at First Baptist Church (Golden)
CO — Mar. 31 — Outreach at University of Colorado at Boulder (CU)
CO — Apr. 1 — Outreach at University of Colorado at Boulder (CU)
CO — Apr. 2 — Outreach at Colorado School of Mines (Golden)
AR — Apr. 14 — Workshop at Gospel Light Baptist Church (Rogers)
AR — Apr. 15-16 — Outreach at University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Stand-Alone Presentations, Workshops, Outreach Events, & Other Activities
WEB — Jan. 10 — Workshop for Students for Life of America — Steve Wagner & Team
CO — Jan. 12 — Presentation at First Baptist Church (Golden) — Kristine Hunerwadel
MO — Jan. 23 — Workshop for MO Right to Life Western Region (Kansas City) — Kristina Massa
DC — Jan. 25 — Presentation at National Pro-Life Summit (Washington) — Steve Wagner
MO — Feb. 16 — Workshop for Archdiocese of St. Louis Respect Life (St. Louis) — Kristina Massa
CA — Feb. 10 — Outreach at Palomar College (San Marcos) — Rebekah Dyer
CA — Feb. 11 — Outreach at Miramar College (San Diego) — Rebekah Dyer
CO — Feb. 12-13 — Poll Table at CSU (Fort Collins) — Kristine Hunerwadel & Andrea Thenhaus
TX — Feb. 12-13 — Outreach at Texas State University (San Marcos) — JFA Team
KS — Mar. 1 — Workshop for Heritage Christian Academy (Olathe) — Kristina Massa
KS — Mar. 8 — Workshop for Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Overland Park) — Kristina Massa
MI — Mar. 9 — Presentation at West Cannon Baptist Church (Belmont) — Kaitlyn Donihue
MO — Mar. 12 — Workshop for Archdiocese of St. Louis (St. Louis) — Kristina Massa
MI — Mar. 14-16 — Deeper Still Retreat — Kaitlyn Donihue (Also in Ohio on Mar. 21-23)
MN — Apr. 6 — Presentation Including Stories from the Field, Q&A, and “The Baby’s Heart Beats Like Mine” (jfaweb.org/kids) — Andrea Thenhaus, Alora Tunstill, & Paul Kulas
MN — Apr. 7-8 — Outreach at University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) — Andrea, Alora, & Paul
OH — Apr. 13 — Workshops at Franciscan University (Steubenville) — Steve Wagner
CA — Various Sidewalk Counseling Conversations in Escondido — Rebekah Dyer
You Don't have to be Afraid
San Diego State University, March 2025
I’ve done several events at Cal State San Marcos in the past year. Here are two stories I want to share with you:
You don’t have to be afraid.
“Rachel” described her pro-choice view by saying she thought abortion should be legal through 12 weeks because the unborn didn’t look human earlier in pregnancy. We spent time discussing the value of humans in the womb, and I made the case that the appearance of the unborn does not negate the innate value she has from the beginning, in virtue of the kind of thing she is—human.
As we talked, Rachel told me she agreed abortion kills a human being, and she didn’t care. When people say they don't care that abortion kills real human beings I typically shift the conversation from abortion to a larger worldview conversation, and I try to understand what might be causing that indifference toward the killing of humans.
We started talking about God and when the topic of Jesus’ return came up, she told me she would be scared if Jesus came back right now. I asked her why, and she said if that happened, she would wonder what she did wrong. I asked her if she was interested in hearing about a way where she didn’t have to be afraid of Jesus’ return. We talked about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross and how that allows us to have hope and confidence in the return of Christ.
“I think abortion is murder, and I’m okay with that.”
I am often reminded that I can’t assume too much about what someone believes in the beginning of a conversation. I saw “Matt” looking at our pictures of humans in the womb, and I asked him what he thought about abortion. He paused and then said, “I think abortion is murder, and I’m ok with that.” I stood there for a moment thinking about how I wanted to respond to him. I was taken back by his seemingly cavalier attitude towards killing other humans. I started asking him questions to get a better understanding of his view, and as I did, I was surprised to find out that he would actually support banning abortion after eight weeks of pregnancy. I think he cared more than he had let on in the beginning.
Justice For All’s dialogue training involves teaching people to listen to understand, ask questions with an open heart, and find common ground whenever possible. Time and time again, using these skills has enabled me to understand people better and to have productive conversations with people who say really extreme things and may not initially sound open.
A Conversation, a Seed Planted, and a Life Saved
Impact Report, March 2025
In this Impact Report, our newest intern Alora Tunstill (Northwest Arkansas) shares one of her favorite conversation stories. She underscores how important it is to engage those around us in conversation about important topics like abortion, lifestyle choices, and spiritual things.
Our mission is to help you to learn the same conversation skills Alora discusses in this letter, and to help you teach others around you in your church and community. See jfaweb.org/calendar for upcoming workshops, both in your community and online anywhere in the world. Thank you for partnering with JFA through financial support and prayer as we seek to reach more people.
-Steve Wagner, Executive Director
My mom, Rachael, grew up in a lukewarm Christian home only going to church on holidays like Easter and Christmas. She had a basic understanding of who God is. She knew she was a sinner and that if she died she would be forever separated from God.
Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center made an eight-minute video of Rachael (right) and Alora (left) sharing this story. Watch the video here.
Her parents divorced when she was three years old. She didn’t have a real relationship with her siblings; her friends were her priority. During high school she often spent her time with the wrong influences.
She got a job working at a small barbecue restaurant when she was in 10th grade. It was here she met my dad, Nicholas. He was a country boy who had no spiritual knowledge. They started dating, partying, and drinking together. Their lives revolved around themselves.
My dad’s family unit was also a wreck. His dad was an alcoholic, and his mom was completely uninvolved. He lived with his great-grandparents, and some of his aunts and uncles took an interest in him.
Shortly after my mom graduated from high school, she moved in with some friends and began using drugs. She continued to work at the restaurant but also got a job at a dental office. Three of her co-workers began speaking to her about making good choices with her life. Her aunt also took time to encourage her and share truth with her. My mom felt safe to open up to her co-workers and her aunt because they took the time to start conversations with her about hard things and remained her friends even when they disagreed. They found common ground with her through everyday conversations. They accepted her for who she was. They challenged her with truth by their own right living.
Around this time, my mom discovered that she was pregnant and that she was already five months along. She was only 19. She was still using drugs and still dating my dad, but they weren’t married, and she felt alone. She felt the only option she had was an abortion.
Since she was so far along, the procedure would take two days. The first day the doctor would implant laminaria which is used in the dilation and evacuation abortion procedure. The next day she would go in for the surgical part of the procedure. The clinic was cold, unwelcoming, and lonely.
After the implant was finished, they did an ultrasound, and she saw her baby and heard the heartbeat. Suddenly she realized she couldn’t go through with the procedure. She felt God calling out to her, asking her to stop running and surrender to Him. She gave her life to Him right there and left the clinic.
Because her Christian friends at the dental office had taken the time to talk with her, listen to her, and challenge her toward truth, she knew she could call them and that they would help her.
(Above) Alora and her parents enjoy the snow when Alora was just four months old. (Below) Alora and her mom pause for a recent photo. Alora is now serving as an intern with JFA in Northwest Arkansas and raising support to serve as a Training Specialist. Learn more about her work here.
Through the scramble of trying to figure out what to do next, my parents made some phone calls to several OB-GYN doctors. No one wanted to take her as a patient since the abortion procedure had already been started. Her co-workers, however, knew of a local pregnancy resource center close by, and they decided to see if they could get care there. They went in looking for help and love.
The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center (huntsvilleprc.org) immediately called a doctor who was willing to help. The doctor didn’t promise that he could save their baby, but he said he would do what he could. He removed the laminaria that the abortion clinic had implanted. Everyone held their breath and prayed. They did an ultrasound and there was a heartbeat! What a miracle!
Shortly afterward, my dad gave his life to the Lord, and my parents got married. Four months later their baby was born – me! I was born with no health issues or side effects from the drugs or from the first step of the abortion procedure.
What can a conversation change? Turns out it can save a life! Because my mom’s co-workers took the time to talk to her about spiritual things as well as everyday things, she knew she could reach out to them. What if they hadn’t talked to her? I might not be here today. They never could have guessed that the simple conversations they had with my mom would lead to them helping to save my life.
Conversations are powerful. At Justice For All we work to equip Christians to have conversations with people around them about the important issues of our day because these conversations can have an incredible impact. Just like in my story, they can plant a seed and later maybe even save a life.
– Alora Tunstill, for the JFA Team
Bridge to Healing
Impact Report, February 2025
Sometimes our impact comes not in the form of changing a mind but rather in the form of being a bridge to healing, connecting someone who is hurting with the best resources available. In this Impact Report, Kaitlyn Donihue gives us an example and shares about her important work with Deeper Still, an abortion recovery ministry. We’re inviting you to avail yourself of the resources she suggests and also offer them to friends in need. When you mention your concern for unborn children at church or with friends outside of church, you’re likely to encounter people revealing their past experiences with abortion, experiences that for many continue to be unresolved. Offering them resources like Deeper Still can be life-changing.
-Steve Wagner, Executive Director
Recently I received an email from a woman I spoke to at the Justice For All (JFA) table a few years ago at a conference in Michigan. She shared that she’d had an abortion many years ago, and our seemingly insignificant conversation at the table led to a life-changing decision. Here’s her story, shared with permission:
Lori Navrodtzke (center) works for Hands of Hope in Tucson and directs Deeper Still Arizona (deeperstill.org). Lori has volunteered at many JFA events, like the one pictured above in Texas in 2011. Read Lori’s testimony, including a reflection on JFA, at jfaweb.org/healing-after-abortion.
Kaitlyn’s report, “Bridge to Healing,” (below) features results of interviews with many women discussing ways we as members of the body of Christ can be more helpful to those with abortion in their pasts. See jfaweb.org/bridge-to-healing to view or download the report.
I experienced some trauma as a child. As a result, when I became a teenager, I began living a secretive, promiscuous life. I became pregnant, and because I was a minor, I was forced to have an abortion. I wanted to have my baby even though I was a teenager. I experienced a lot of guilt, shame, depression, isolation, confusion, and doubt. I didn’t know how to communicate those feelings, and I became bitter and lost.
I got into another relationship and became pregnant again. This time I was able to decide on my own, and I determined that the guy I was with was not a responsible person and would not be a good dad. He wanted the baby and begged me to keep his baby. I was so emotional and irrational that I said, “This is my body, and I am the one who makes the decisions.” Even after he begged and pleaded with me, I went ahead and had an abortion. He was so hurt and lost – just broken.
We got pregnant again and ended up having my daughter. I cried out to God and asked Him to please help me raise my child because I was tired of being selfish. I prayed and trusted God.
I started going to church regularly when my daughter was three years old. I began volunteering in the nursery, in the choir, on the hospitality team, and in the church office.
Two years ago, I read a JFA newsletter, and it talked about Deeper Still retreats for post-abortive women. I felt compelled to learn more. I went to the retreat, and it was everything [Kaitlyn had said in her newsletter]. I found deeper freedom and healing.
The Deeper Still retreat took me to another level of healing, and I am so glad that I continue to go deeper in my healing. The retreat helped me do more work and process what I was experiencing. I felt so loved and cared for at the retreat. I never felt judged or looked down on because of my choices and mistakes. During the retreat, I felt safe. I was able to build friendships with women that I keep in touch with to this day. I now volunteer when I can, and I tell men and women about Deeper Still because men and women need to go.
As her story demonstrates, one reason talking about abortion is so important is that conversations about abortion can become opportunities to extend the message of Christ’s forgiveness to men and women who have lost children to abortion and to give them resources for healing. I never dreamed that God would use a simple conversation at a conference to connect someone to my JFA newsletter list, and through that to Deeper Still and healing.
I know this woman is not alone. We have other readers who have experienced abortion. If that describes you, I would encourage you to consider attending a Deeper Still retreat (deeperstill.org). Your local pregnancy resource center likely also provides resources for healing after abortion. Consider taking advantage of these resources.
““Some people might perceive our conversations to be mostly intellectual disputations about philosophy. In reality, though, because our dialogue method emphasizes listening, asking questions, caring for the whole person, and seeing people’s current beliefs on abortion as very connected to their histories, our conversations provide unique opportunities to serve as a bridge to healing for those who are hurting. We regularly teach in our workshops that our role is not to attempt to provide the therapy that someone may need regarding his or her past. Few of us are qualified for that role, and we should be careful not to assume it’s simple or easy to provide that care. Our role is to serve as a bridge to healing resources, and that is a role any of us with just a few minutes of training can begin to do.”
– Steve Wagner, Executive Director”
As part of my JFA work, I serve as the Director of Deeper Still West Michigan and Deeper Still Northeast Ohio. We encourage women and men that healing is a process, and, regardless of the healing God has already worked in our lives, He always wants to take us deeper in our healing and in our walk with him.
Reaching out for healing can be scary, but many women and men have testified that it was one of the best decisions they have ever made. Here are some testimonies from people who have attended Deeper Still retreats:
“I definitely feel lighter, freer, and like a weight has been lifted. Like I’m more positioned to go deeper.”
“I had significant peace from my Deeper Still retreat. I used to torment myself, and I do not do that anymore.”
“I came to the door with trepidation, uncertainty, and fear. It wasn’t but five minutes, and I felt the warm, welcoming acceptance and God’s holy, powerful presence. And I know without a doubt that God wanted me here for the weekend to do His work in my heart. I didn’t realize how deep I had stashed it. After 50 years it was so wrenching to dig so deep in my heart and memory because I had put the event so far back and so so deep for so long. But through God’s power and the angelic team I was able to get it up and out. It was a safe, loving environment, and I didn't have to do it alone. The team encouraged me to keep going on, and I did until I fully surrendered it to Jesus.”
“To be able to acknowledge my children, their life and such great value, was so healing.”
Some of us have personal experience with abortion and need this healing ourselves. Some of us have people dear to us who are hurting and need these healing resources. All of us can have conversations about abortion with the goal of being an ambassador of Christ’s forgiveness toward women and men who have chosen abortion.
– Kaitlyn Donihue, for the JFA Team
(Banner Image: Photo taken in Albuquerque, New Mexico by Rebekah Dyer)
"Just say it. Say I'm a murderer."
“Just say it,” she said. “Say I’m a murderer.” A student I’ll call “Allie” at Cal State San Marcos was looking at me waiting for my response.
To ease the tension, I calmly said something like, “I don’t think it would be helpful for me to sit here and call you a murderer. I want to be careful before using that word. I don’t know you, and I don’t know your story. Murder is a big word, and there is a lot of malice and intent involved with that so I’m not going to sit here and do that to you.”
Allie had come up while I was in the middle of another conversation. After the other student left, she asked me what I would say to someone who had had an abortion. She told me soon after that she had one.
I didn’t sidestep Allie’s demand because I didn’t have an answer for her. I’ve learned that it is often helpful to not directly respond right away to things people say when they demand an answer, especially in a tense moment. As we talked, Allie’s tense demeanor softened, and she apologized for coming off as aggressive in the beginning. When Allie asked what I would say to someone who had had an abortion, I said something like “I’m sorry you experienced that. How are you doing?”
It’s important to understand why certain questions are asked or what’s behind the demand for a response. For Allie, it was deeply personal. Our conversation was short, and I wish we could have talked longer. Allie didn’t need someone calling her a “murderer” for a horrible decision she had made. I think she needed someone to be gentle with her.
While I don’t sit around and call people like Allie or others that disagree with me murderers, I am direct about what abortion is and what it does to another human being. I do what I do because I love God, unborn children, and people like Allie. I can sense the pain and the darkness they are in when we talk. I know I could be just like them if it wasn’t for the grace of God in my life. I want them to be free from the grasp of the enemy. He “steals, kills, and destroys” people, but Jesus came “that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)