Courtesy photo
By Deacon Gary and Valerie Streff
Special to the Herald
In Joshua 1:6-9, we read, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That is good advice for those who gather in front of Planned Parenthood offices to pray for an end to abortion.
Helping them is an organization called Sidewalk Advocates for Life, which trains, equips and supports those who have volunteered to be the hands and feet of Christ, offering love, life-affirming alternatives to anyone considering an abortion. Christ disciples seek those who are lost and hurting with boldness, love and prayers.
Bringing Sidewalk Advocates for Life training in Hawaii is local Knights of Columbus pro-life director Paul Maple. “After many years standing in front of Planned Parenthood, I believed there was a more effective way to reach people in a crisis situation,” he said. Maple underwent extensive training to become the Hawaii director for Sidewalk Advocates for Life.
Maple trains advocates for life to be better informed and equipped when meeting men and women facing the dilemma of an unexpected pregnancy. The program provides updated information on the abortion industry, comprehensive knowledge of specific medical procedures used for different stages of growth, what is meant by abortion pill reversal, and the legal rights of those on the sidewalks.
If you are interested in being trained as a sidewalk advocate, please contact Paul Maple at prolifedirector@gmail.com or call 726-5096. Training takes place at St. Elizabeth Church, 99-312 Moanalua Road, Aiea, HI 96701. Maple will also do instruction on the neighbor islands.
Words of praise for Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Abby Johnson, founder and CEO of And Then There Were None: “Sidewalk Advocates for Life is the most effective sidewalk outreach program out there. Their training is incredibly comprehensive and addresses just about every situation you may encounter.”
Steve Karlan, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life: “When the fate of an unborn baby hangs in the balance, knowing what to say to an abortion-minded mother or father means the difference between life and death. Sidewalk Advocates for Life can empower you with everything you need to know to initiate the most important conversation in the world in front of your local abortion facility.”
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America: “Being on the sidewalk of an abortion facility is one of the most important works of a pro-life activist, but individuals often stay home because they don’t know what to expect on the sidewalk or what to do. Sidewalk Advocates for Life assist in equipping students for continuous involvement on the sidewalks of abortion.”
Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International: “There is nothing as powerful, as unselfish love in action. Sidewalk Advocates for Life consistently and faithfully fulfills that type of love to rescue lives by reaching women and men with care and compassion.”
