The nonprofit organization 40 Days for Life recently honored Susan Duffy, second from left, and William “Smitty” Smith, fourth from left, during a recent gathering. Also at the event were Mike Martinez, left; James Wallace, center; and Anne Shigeta Koch. (Courtesy Val and Deacon Gary Streff)
By Val and Deacon Gary Streff
Special to the Herald
In 2004, David Bereit founded the nonprofit organization 40 Days for Life. Since its inception, 40 Days for Life has grown exponentially and can be found in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and around the world.
The number 40 is often referred to in the Bible as a time of testing, penance and renewal. Noah and his family spent 40 days in the ark as God cleansed the earth. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai speaking to God and then was given the 10 Commandments. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert to be tempted by the devil and become stronger to endure the pain and suffering of his death on the cross for the sins of the world.
40 Days for Life’s mission is to bring an awareness of abortion and its consequences. Abortion is not the answer to a crisis; it only compounds the problem and can affect the mother psychologically and physically for years.
40 Days for Life want women to know there are other options that are life-giving and follows the precepts of God’s natural moral law.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we follow the natural law — that everyone, including the unborn, is afforded the same rights to live and the right to happiness.
40 Days for Life volunteers spend many hours and days outside of Planned Parenthood in Hawaii praying and fasting. Their goal is to seek God’s mercy in changing the hearts and minds of those contemplating an abortion as well as those working for an abortion facility.
40 Days for Life held a gathering recently to honor two very special people who have dedicated their lives to protecting the unborn.
Susan Duffy, former president of Pearson Place pregnancy resource center, received an award for her faith, dedication and inspiration in bringing an awareness of abortion to young adults and others.
Duffy is noted for the practice of giving a “goody bag” to anyone approaching Planned Parenthood. The goody bags include a rosary, prayer card, candies, gift cards, crotchet baby hat and other resources for mothers, and 40 Days for Life continues to distribute them.
The second awardee was William “Smitty” Smith, who was honored for being outstanding and encouraging. Smitty catches the bus weekly from Waianae to pray in front of Planned Parenthood’s Honolulu location.
What an honor to those giving of their time, talent and treasure pursuing God’s work.
Let us not forget the countless others who have dedicated their lives to be there on the sidewalk every week — never missing a day, rain or shine. We’d like to recognize Fred Hagen, the new president of Pearson Place; William Rodrigues, Matt Smolko and Patrick Guzman, members of the Knights of Columbus; Mike Martinez; Anne Shigeta Koch, former site leader for 40 Days for Life; and James Wallace, current 40 Days for Life site leader.
Please consider helping by giving one hour a week or one hour a month to be out there to join the mission of saving lives. Please contact James Wallace at (808) 695-9715 or sign up at www.40daysforlife.com/honolulu.
