Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 11, 1994 TAG: 9405110130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Many in the group come to the abortion clinic each Wednesday to protest. This night, they were part of a nationwide campaign called Turn the Hearts America.
The weeklong event, which encourages protest through prayer, began in 1990 in 100 California cities. Last year, the campaign spread to 176 cities nationwide.
Turn the Hearts America director Tom Cizmar said in a telephone interview Tuesday that the campaign is a tool to get local churches involved in protest against abortion. And what attracts so many to this campaign, he said, is the loving support given to pregnant mothers.
"It's one thing to say you're pro-life," he said, "but it's another to go out to the clinics and offer help for at-risk pregnancies."
Cizmar said he had experienced success - in terms of preventing abortions - in California since the campaign began.
"We've had women see us praying, and they approach us. Then we counsel them on everything from the danger of the abortion procedure to housing and medical assistance," he said.
This is the first year the event has been held at the Roanoke abortion clinic. The clinic was not open Tuesday - it operates every other Tuesday night and every Wednesday - and Don Reed of Roanoke said he wished clinic patients could have seen them praying.
"I wish it would feel like we could do more," he said.
"But," added Paul Laukaitis, "we prayed to God for his help tonight. We prayed for the nurses, the doctors, the entire operation."
Two circles formed during the hour-long vigil. Several held rosary beads as one circle repeated Hail Marys. Others held hands and sang hymns. Children stood on the fringes, each taking turns holding a wooden cross covered with a blue baby dress and booties.
Tony Conrad said what distinguished this from more confrontational campaigns, such as Operation Rescue, was the peaceful manner in which they show support.
"I abhor violence ... And I think this draws Christians from all denominations, because we are loving people who want to help these women from the pain that abortion puts them through."
Clinic workers could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
by CNB