by Brian Walker, Program Director
On May 26, Andy L. and Erik A. were sidewalk counseling at the St. Paul Planned Parenthood (PP). I stopped by on the way to the office. Around 11:40, a couple walked up the sidewalk from the south. Andy, working the north side of the driveway, spotted them and motioned for Erik to turn around.
Erik went down to meet them and conversed with them up to the PP driveway and then they turned onto the blacktop. The two PP escorts motioned aggressively for them to come in. I did not talk over Andy as the couple turned onto the blacktop. I called to them a few seconds later and pointed to the man to come and talk with me.
I shared I was there to help. I had just restocked Erik with literature and unfortunately, had nothing to give them. (I had just planned to check on the sidewalk counselors and pray for a while.) The man did all the talking; the woman had a face covering on. I said there was help around the corner (Abria Pregnancy Resource Center) and that I would walk with them there.
As we were walking, I learned they were from Detroit and needed housing, and that he needed a job. I told him not to kill their child and if they did they would still be looking for housing and a job, and to let Abria help them and not to go back to PP. I gave him my business card and number.
Later, I got a text from the man that they are keeping the baby! He did not answer my question (via text) about what changed his mind, but I’m sure our presence, prayer and Abria worked together for good.
Back story:
As I had walked around the corner off Charles Ave., Andy told me he was just thinking about me since Erik was low on supplies. (When I drop in on PP [any location], I ask if any of the sidewalk counselors need supplies.) Andy also mentioned a priest had called him and said that he would be praying for the sidewalk counselors and for babies to be saved. I had prayed that morning whether to stop by PP or go straight to the office. To God be the glory for the things He has done.