October 17, Uptown Minneapolis Planned Parenthood
by Gary Gillet, Sidewalk Counseling Manager
A car pulled in to the parking lot but they did not take any literature from me or talk to me; they drove right past me. They stopped in a place which was not designated for parking and sat there. I really didn’t notice it at first, but after 10-15 minutes I wondered why the car was parked where it was. Finally, the head of security was leaving and pulled up beside the car and must have told the driver to move.
So the call pulled into the handicap space right by the fence next to the sidewalk. I offered our literature and free pregnancy resources. The man (driver) stuck his hand out as if he wanted the literature, but I told him I couldn’t go in and give it to him; he would have to come to me.
Then a PP escort come by to talk to him and soon I heard someone say, “We are keeping the baby.” I kept talking to the man about the free pregnancy resources available and he finally pulled out to leave. I met them at the driveway and gave him our literature. He said again that he decided to keep the baby. I asked him if my presence there had an impact on his decision and he said it certainly did. The woman did not seem to be in agreement with that decision, but for at least that day they did not kill their child.
Finally I gave the man my card with my email and office phone and asked him to send me a picture of his baby. As they drove off, the man yelled out that he would and that he was naming the baby Gary, after me. I didn’t really do much in this instance, it was just by being there that my presence was a witness for life. All the glory goes to God. (Editor’s note – Please pray that this woman, too, would get excited about this new life, as she accepts the support of her companion.)
