Hundreds gather for candlelight vigil and celebration
On the final day of the Spring 2010 40 Days for Life campaign, hundreds of people gathered to pray outside Bakersfield’s abortion center and to celebrate what God had accomplished during the past 40 days.
The evening began with a delicious barbecue meal hosted by Tomis Solis and the OLPH Knights of Columbus. Music was provided throughout the evening by Lamar Hagan and the Saulo de Tarzo group, along with others. Inspiring words were provided by pastors and other speakers.
25th Street between the LifeHouse and the abortion chamber was closed to traffic and filled with tables where 40 Days for Life participants dined and watched the evening’s events unfold.
Testimonies from women whose children were saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life provided encouragement to those who had labored in prayer for many long hours outside the killing center.
As the sun began to set, white doves were released into the sky above Bakersfield’s FPA abortion center as a memorial to the babies who were killed during the 40 days. During a solemn prayer time which followed, participants prayed for the families of the babies who were recently killed in this abortion chamber.
Just before the candlelight vigil began, Pastor Fred Fies of McKee Road Baptist Church made a special 25th anniversary presentation to Tim and Terri Palmquist (more details and photos of the presentation are posted on the LifeSavers Ministries blog). After all of the candles were lit, participants surrounded all four sides of the abortion center during a time of prayer.
Many thanks to those who made this event and campaign a success, including:
- The Tovar family
- Tomas Solis and the OLPH Knights of Columbus
- United Site Services
- Holy Wings White Dove Release
- Lupita Morelos
- Rodrigo Orozco
- Pastor Fred Fies of McKee Road Baptist Church
- Luis Cisneros (La Hacienda Rentals)
- the 40 Days for Life leadership team
- Fr. John Schmoll, St. Augustine Church
- Universal Graphic Design (Patty Tello)
and of course our 40 Days for Life sponsors.
If you are interested in helping to plan our next 40 Days for Life campaign, please fill out this form. We are especially looking for bilingual volunteers who have consistent Internet access and are able and willing to make many phone calls.