JFA @ UCLA

Here's the scene at UCLA's Bruin Walk on JFA's second day of outreach in early June.  JFA staff and volunteers set up five tables inviting people to dialogue with us (one of them is down the walk to the left of the frame).  As you can see, one-to-one conversations were happening at every table.  JFA was invited by the Live Action club at UCLA. On the first day, JFA staff and volunteers created dialogue with the JFA Exhibit on Bruin Plaza (the first time in that location since 2003).  The picture below includes an interesting juxtaposition of the facts about abortion (shown in a photo on the JFA Exhibit) with a common viewpoint in defense of abortion (expressed on JFA's Free Speech Board).  You can see the JFA Exhibit panel with the picture of abortion more clearly here.

See more of the UCLA outreach, including more pictures from the first day on Bruin Plaza, by clicking the pictures in this post or by clicking here.

A Slice in Time

When I reviewed the photos from JFA's recent outreach event at the University of Kansas, I was especially encouraged and struck by the photo above.  My brief May newsletter decodes the photo, discusses why it's special, and explains JFA's passion for...More Conversations.

"I Couldn't Stop..."

Most of us have fears about discussing abortion.  Corrie was no different.  She recently attended a mission trip that JFA led for Christian Heritage Academy's Salt and Light program.  Here's what she said about the outreach to the University of Oklahoma:

I was terrified to talk to anyone, and made a goal to talk to just one person.  Once I talked to one, I couldn't stop.  I realized they're just people.

In this month's Impact Report, we hear from one of Corrie's classmates and from students in Arizona and Nebraska, who through their experiences with JFA also became...

"Ready and Eager for the Next Conversation"

Other JFA Links:  About JFA     Donate Recent Event Pics & Updates

JFA Team at the University of Kansas (and Benedictine College, etc)

KUSpring15_727

The JFA Team just returned from two days of outreach to the University of Kansas, along with seminar events at Benedictine College and a community seminar in Lawrence, Kansas.  The events are illustrated in the gallery below, which you can access by clicking the picture or link.  In the picture below, JFA training specialist Jeremy Gorr discusses the JFA brochure with a student.  Click the gallery for other pictures of trainers in action, free speech board responses, and conversations!

Picture Gallery: Click the picture above or this link to see more pictures from KU.

Ready and Eager for the Next Conversation

Impact Report April 2015

At Justice For All, we’re mindful that every pro-life student with whom we interact will meet scores of people throughout their lives—people we ourselves will never have the opportunity to engage. This is why our mentors energetically impart to these pro-life students the tools that will prepare them to change hearts and minds on their own.

In this Impact Report, you’ll meet a few of these students who have become ready and eager to create conversations about abortion. I hope their words will give you a glimpse of the impact of your investment in JFA, and I hope they’ll help you see that, with the help of JFA mentors, you also can become ready and eager for your “next conversation.”

Steve Wagner, Executive Director

The next conversation. That’s one of our passions at JFA. After three recent JFA projects, students reflected this same passion back to us, expressing that they are now ready and eager to create conversations in order to change hearts and minds about abortion.

JFA trainers Rebecca Haschke and Catherine Wurts led a workshop in January for Nebraskans in Washington D.C. after the annual March for Life. About one month later, one student wrote to Rebecca:

Catherine Wurts (left) leads a portion of a two-hour JFA workshop for 220 students and 43 chaperones from the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln after the March for Life.

“Today…three of my friends [and I] were waiting in a lobby to do interviews for Girls State. There was also a girl from [another high school] that was waiting along with us, and somehow we got on the topic of abortion and she was pro-choice. It was the perfect first encounter and chance to use the skills you taught us. She was very good about hearing our side, and we were good about hearing hers. She [gave] the exact reason most [give]: ‘Just a clump of cells.’ We were able to ask questions and stay on the same page with her without overwhelming her, thanks to you and your presentation!” - Elizabeth

Students from St. Mary’s Catholic High School survey a student at Arizona State University.

Elizabeth left the January workshop feeling both that it was important to put the workshop material into practice in a conversation about abortion and that she was ready when an opportunity presented itself. In February, students from two Catholic high schools in Phoenix (St. Mary’s and Bourgade) showed the same eagerness for conversation after participating in JFA’s full training program:

Through practice, students are ready to share images respectfully in future conversations.

“I would not have even known how to begin a conversation with someone about abortion… The training gave me conversational tools and gave me confidence to use them whenever possible.” - Miranda

“After the outreach I really thought more about the influence I have on people and how… just bringing up the subject could influence a lot in their lives. JFA really made me realize that I need to be more confident in being able to speak my opinion on the subject because it could have a bigger impact than I know.” - Mikhaila

“I have labeled myself ‘pro-life’ probably since I first heard the term being used. I didn't fully understand, however, how extremely meaningful and valuable that term really is. I realize now…my role as a spokesperson for those who cannot speak. I am here to defend human life, whether it be inside or outside of the womb. I had a sense of this notion before attending JFA, but my experiences in the seminar and out in the real world…solidified my views and my beliefs; [they made] them real.” - Emilio

Of the 44 students (and one faculty member) from these Phoenix schools who participated in a day-long seminar (Seat Work) and a day of outreach at Arizona State University (Feet Work), all but a few made a commitment to create a conversation about abortion in their everyday lives within two weeks (what JFA calls “Repeat Work”). JFA’s carefully sequenced training program had helped them become ready and eager for the next conversation.

In March, another high school student in Oklahoma had a similar experience during a camp that JFA trainers led for Christian Heritage Academy’s Salt and Light program. After one day in a JFA seminar and one day of outreach, he wrote the following:

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had, ever. From this trip, I hope to encounter people and have tough conversations with them. I plan to use the exhibit brochures in the future and hopefully be able to pass out the ones I have currently before next year… I would do [the trip] again because of the value of knowing how to lead a conversation about hard topics with people… I feel like God gave me a tool to build bridges across to people and show them the straight and narrow path… My takeaway is that no conversation is too tough and everyone matters no matter if they are ninety years old or one month in the womb.” - Jack

These students are now ready and eager to change hearts and minds about abortion on their own. Let’s pray that God will provide opportunities for many “next conversations” and that he will cause their efforts to result in many changed hearts and saved lives.

7 Days of Outreach in 3 Weeks in KS and GA (Late February / Early March JFA Update)

JFA trainers led three Abortion: From Debate to Dialogue seminars (Seat Work) in Georgia in early March.  A total of 46 attended.  The team led 5 days of outreach to Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia in Athens.  Seven attended outreach for the first time, and volunteers from previous events also joined the team to change hearts at these two universities (15 "days" logged). JFA's Kansas Regional Team led 11 people through one seminar in Wichita and led two days of outreach at Wichita State University, with four seminar participants attending outreach for the first time.  Three others from past outreach events joined the team to create conversations.  The Kansas Team also gave five presentations to a total of 120 students at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita.

See pictures from events in both of these regions by clicking the galleries below.

Steve's March Letter: "Wait!  I Think I Can Help!" (A True Story of Common Ground)

Other Recent JFA Event Updates: JFA's January and Early February Events (2015)

JFA on the Radio, on the March, on the Ground, and on the Metro (Jan/Feb 2015 Update Links)

On the March for Life

JFA training specialists Catherine Wurts and Rebecca Haschke participated in the March for Life JFA-style: they turned it into an opportunity to teach pro-life advocates to dialogue!  See "JFA Equips 263 at the March for Life" for more, including what happened to one student when she returned home.

On the Ground in Arizona

JFA's training team mentored 44 students and one teacher from St. Mary's Catholic High School and Bourgade Catholic High School in the Phoenix area.  All but a few of these students committed to create a conversation about abortion in their everyday lives after volunteering with us during the ASU campus outreach.  See "Almost 100% Commit to Repeat Work after Arizona Outreach" for quotes and pics.

On the Metro

JFA's January Impact Report, Charity on the Metro, tells the classic story of how a new JFA volunteer used her new skills immediately in an everyday-life situation on the MARTA in Atlanta.

On our Knees

In my February letter, I challenged myself, our staff, and our supporters to set aside time to pray each day for JFA.  You can take the challenge, too!  The letter includes seven specific prayer requests for JFA, including one of JFA's 2015 goals that I feel is well beyond our abilities.  Projects like these help us remember that we are especially in need of God's help.

On the Radio

JFA's Jordan Newhouse and I recently appeared on Chris Fabry Live on the Moody Radio Network.  You can listen to a recording of the show here.

On the Platform

I was privileged to deliver the sermon to Christ Community Church in Tucson, Arizona earlier this month.  See this previous post to listen to the entire sermon or brief segments from the sermon (including the story of one big failure that helped me to learn to listen and the one-minute challenge from a pro-choice advocate).

Links to other recent JFA letters, blog posts, and pics:

• 2014 Year-End Report: JFA Helps Volunteers Escape an "Easy Escape"
• 2014 Year-End Report - Extras, including a post on ISIS
• Steve's Christmas Letter: A Tale of Two Gifts
• A Tale of Two Gifts - Extras, including Steve's "Don't Be Like Me" Story
• November 2014 Update with Pictures
• October 2014 Impact Report: Crippled by Fear?  Rise and Do Feet Work.
• September 2014 Update with Pictures

Let's Talk About the Same Thing

Refocusing the conversation on the question, “What is the unborn?”

I hear a lot of justifications for abortion. Sometimes I think, “Yes! This is exactly what we need to talk about in order to resolve our main difference on this issue!” Other times I think, “No! This is not going to help solve our core disagreement about abortion!”

“We can’t answer this question, “Can I kill
this?” until we know what “it” is”

What do I mean? I’ll explain by adapting a story from Greg Koukl at Stand to Reason). As many of you know, I come from a large family. The number of nieces and nephews I have is growing, and because of this, when my family has dinner together, the number of dishes in the sink is exponentially greater than in previous years.

Let’s imagine that I’m at the sink cleaning the dishes when my nephew comes up from behind me and asks, “Aunt CK, can I kill this?” My back is towards him, so of course the first question out of my mouth is, “What is it?” If I turn around and see his hands outstretched and holding a bug, my reaction will be much different than if I turn around and see him with one of his cousins in a headlock. I may be okay with him killing a bug, but I would not be okay with him killing another human being. In fact, I would probably suggest that it’s time for counseling.

When it comes to the topic of abortion, most people will agree that abortion kills something, but what is being killed? Is abortion just a “surgical procedure to remove cells”, or does it kill a human being? You see, we can’t answer this question, “Can I kill this?” until we know what “it” is.

If someone tries to explain why abortion should remain legal by arguing that the unborn is not a valuable human being, at least we’re “on topic.” In other words, we’re focused on the central question, “What is the unborn?” and we can discuss whether or not the unborn is the same kind of thing as you and I. If it is the same kind of thing, it should therefore be treated equally to the rest of us.

In February, I taught students in Arizona how to refocus a conversation about abortion onto the central question of “What is the unborn? The next week, these students participated in an outreach event at ASU. Not only was the weather gorgeous, but we met some wonderful people and had thought-provoking conversations.

Some of the other reasons people give for their pro-choice views, however, do not address that central question at all. Instead, these reasons assume that the unborn is not a valuable human being and that circumstances determine whether or not abortion is right or wrong.

When someone brings up a justification for abortion that does not address the question, “What is the unborn?” it is important to help him see that we must answer this question before we can move forward in our conversation. We must discuss what the unborn is because this is where our core disagreement lies. One conversational tool that helps people understand this more clearly is called “Trot Out the Toddler (TOTT)” from Scott Klusendorf of The Life Training Institute).

For example, earlier this month when “Rick”, a student at Arizona State University (ASU), claimed we need abortion because of overpopulation, I addressed this by using the four steps of TOTT that we teach in our Abortion: From Debate to Dialogue seminar: Agree, Apply, Ask Why, and Ah! Here is how I “Trotted Out the Toddler” in our conversation:

Rick: I just think that the world is overpopulated and that we need abortion to keep our population under control.

Me: I would agree that there are some parts of the world, like some cities in China, that are extremely overpopulated. Can we agree that we want people to be in healthy environments and have enough resources? [Acknowledge some aspect of Rick’s concern with which I can agree.]

Rick: Of course.

Me: So we are definitely on the same page about that. Let me ask you a question that doesn’t have to do with abortion. This example should also be something that is really clear to the both of us and I think it will help us in this conversation.

Rick: Okay.

Me: Let’s say that there is an orphanage of a thousand two-year-olds in one of those densely populated areas of China. The orphans don’t really have a healthy environment and resources are limited. Would you say that it would be right to kill these orphaned two-year-olds because of overpopulation? [Apply the situation raised to a toddler.]

Rick: No way!

Me: I agree with you. Why do you think it’s so clear that we can’t we kill a thousand two-year-olds? [Ask, “Why?” until Rick reveals that it’s wrong to kill two-year-olds because they are human beings.]

Rick: That’s mass murder! They are human beings.

Me: Ah! So, would you agree then, that if the unborn is a human being like a two-year-old, then it would be wrong to kill him even if the world is overpopulated? [The “Ah!” step of a conversation helps Rick see for himself that we must first address this question of “What is the unborn?” before we can move on in the conversation.]

Rick: I see what you are saying, but I don’t think the unborn is like a two-year-old.

Me: I see. Do you agree, though, that that’s the central question we need to resolve?

Rick: Sure.

And, suddenly, we were back on the topic of “What is the unborn?” Now the conversation could move forward and we could discuss more about our core disagreement. “Trot Out the Toddler” is one of my favorite conversational tools to both teach and use in dialogue. It is very helpful for ensuring that both I and the person I am talking with recognize what things we agree on, as well as what things still need to be discussed.

The way I’ve communicated this concept here has been heavily influenced by Justice For All’s Abortion: From Debate to Dialogue seminar. If you are able, I would love for you to attend a seminar and learn more!

"Better than Saying Nothing"

Volunteer Charity Boaz had planned “to let others do the talking.”  Seeing a young man looking at the Justice For All Exhibit alone, though, caused her to gather up her courage.  Afterwards, she wrote,

I decided someone had to talk to him, and it looked like it was going to be me.  I was so nervous.  We talked for a good 15 minutes and the guy seemed like he was really listening.

I think at that point I realized I didn't need all the answers; and if I helped someone just get one step closer to being pro-life that was better than saying nothing.

The next morning on her way to a second day of outreach at Georgia Tech, Charity had another unforgettable conversation, this time on a MARTA train.  To find out what happened, read JFA’s Janaury Impact Report, entitled “Charity on the Metro” (www.jfaweb.org/Impact/Metro).

2014: A Snapshot in Recent Letters, Posts, and Pics

Here are links to recent JFA letters, blog posts, and pics:

• 2014 Year-End Report: JFA Helps Volunteers Escape an "Easy Escape"
• 2014 Year-End Report - Extras, including a post on ISIS
• Steve's Christmas Letter: A Tale of Two Gifts
• A Tale of Two Gifts - Extras, including Steve's "Don't Be Like Me" Story
• November 2014 Update with Pictures
• October 2014 Impact Report: Crippled by Fear?  Rise and Do Feet Work.
• September 2014 Update with Pictures

Give a year-end gift to JFA here: www.jfaweb.org/Donate

JFA Fall 2014 Events - Update #2 (Pictures)

See some of JFA's recent events in pictures: 

Wichita State (Wichita, KS): Oct. 2014 (gallery)

University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK): Oct. 2014 (gallery)

Fort Hays State (Fort Hays, KS): Nov. 2014 (gallery)

Kennesaw State University: Nov. 2014 (gallery)

Georgia State University: Nov. 2014 (gallery)

Related Recent Posts:

• JFA Fall 2014 Events Update #1
• JFA's 2014 Report (including McKinsey's reflection interwoven with JFA's 2014 numbers)
• JFA - 2014 in Numbers (in a list, including campuses on which JFA conducted outreach)

(updated with Georgia pictures on 11/25/2014)

Labor Days

August 2014 Impact Report

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer activities and the beginning of many new sports and academic seasons. In keeping with that tradition, training thousands to make abortion unthinkable in the 2014 to 2015 school year starts now!

In addition to our internship program and other regular training events this summer, we have been laboring to prepare a fall semester full of opportunities for homeschool and high school students, college clubs, and churches. Below you will hear from some of our spring and summer training participants. We hope that their testimony will move you to review our fall training schedule on the back and to come labor with us to bring about more “labor days” across this great land.

- John Michener, for the JFA team

“My JFA internship was simply the first step of my preparation, and a big step it was at that. It taught me not only how to dialogue with others about abortion, but also some of the best people skills ever.” -Anne Marie

Anne Marie Laville (right) is one of several stellar young people who participated in our summer internship program.

“I took a huge step closer to becoming the kind of woman, Christian, and activist that I have always dreamed of becoming. JFA…gave me a compassionate awareness of my audience… It was my joy and pleasure to step so far from my comfort zone that the Lord had to take control. Had the environment at JFA not been so safe and respectful, I would have never achieved such ambitious goals.” -Sarah Mary

Sarah Mary Toce, Regional Coordinator and Legislative Liaison for Louisiana Right to Life, participated in our summer internship program. Our summer internships were designed to train current and future leaders in the pro-life movement.

“It was great! I feel prepared to talk to almost anyone with different views than me… I got to share my faith with a stranger for the first time.” -Jacqueline

“I now feel fully equipped to explain and justify my stance on abortion. It would be great if [JFA] could come to my church.” -Olivia

Jacqueline and Olivia are high school students in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I would not be leading ASU Students For Life (or likely be involved at all) without your mentorship at Xavier [High School] in 2012. It made all the difference. I distinctly remember leaving training that day saying, ‘I want to be as knowledgeable, gentle, loving and active as she is!’ You also gave me the confidence to start those initial conversations at ASU that year and realize that I could actually make a difference. I have you to thank for all of that.” -Maggie

Maggie Otlewski, a student leader at Arizona State University, sent this message to JFA staff member Rebecca Haschke (right).

“A young woman was brought to me (I am post-abortive) because she tearfully shared with one of our youths that she had chosen abortion just eight short weeks ago. [She] was suffering from depression… We talked for quite some time and shared contact info. She is willing to join an abortion recovery group. I am confident that she will experience the healing power of the resurrection. I was reminded of the many who suffer from this violent abortion industry.” -Judy

Judy Caracheo is a regular JFA volunteer who helps us minister at outreach events to those who are hurting from abortion.

“It was exciting to see…the expression on their faces as they began to realize that maybe, just maybe, their ideas might be false. The ‘aha’ moments… I was encouraged as well by those who would themselves open up the conversation for sharing the Gospel. Nothing was forced, just natural. The idea of putting a proverbial pebble in their shoe became a reality. It is possible. It is doable.” -Kristi

Kristi Moore is a homeschool mom who went on a JFA mission trip to Denton, Texas with her two teenage daughters.

From Mum to Mom

Impact Report: July 2012

Mum was the word. She was too scared to tell even her mom.

Gloria & Josh at Metro State, Denver, CO (April 2011)

It was a sunny afternoon in April on the first day of our outreach at Metro State in Denver, Colorado. A petite, dark-eyes, raven-haired, Hispanic girl stood staring at the Justice For All Exhibit. "Gloria" had recently learned that she was eight weeks pregnant. She shared that she was trying to decide what to do and felt that God had been sending her signs not to abort. She said that she never walked through the area where the exhibit was stationed. Gloria thought our 18-foot-tall exhibit was definitely the biggest sign that God would send her way.

She had not yet told her parents and was afraid to do so. My good friend and fellow missionary, Bubba, put one hand on her shoulder and one hand on mine. In a holy triangle, he prayed one of the most touching prayers I have ever heard, asking for God's grace and courage to be upon Gloria. The next day Gloria sought me out and introduced her boyfriend "Josh." They had stayed up all night excitedly talking about their future. After encouraging them further and exchanging contact information, they left to go visit Alternatives Pregnancy Center to get free help and support.

On Cinco de Mayo I sent Gloria an email to see how she was doing, and I asked if she had talked to her Mom. She wrote back:

Some days I'm more worried than others, and this stresses me out almost daily... I can't stop thinking about the pregnancy and how it is going to change my life... I haven't told my mom yet. I really don't know when or how I'm going to tell her. I'm very worried she'll be disappointed and upset...but frankly this is something that I can't keep postponing... Josh and I are doing great. He is very supportive (just as he always has been), and I am very thankful for him...

Anyways, thank you for writing to me; it's nice to...know that there is somebody there willing to listen, or in this case read my thoughts, so thank you.

God did not mean for people to handle the pressure of major life events, like having a baby, alone. They need support. At this point, Josh was Gloria's only support. I advised her to talk to her mom soon.

How did we know Gloria was in need? How did we know she was struggling with hear and indecision? As Christians we cannot wait in our church buildings and homes for people in need to stumble across our paths or announce to the world that they are trying to make a life-and-death decision. At a minimum, we must be willing to ask questions and start a conversation. At Justice For All, that is our mission. We will teach you the questions to ask. We will model for you how to start a conversation. Then, we will model for you how to start a conversation. Then, we will go with you to find the next Gloria who needs you to be an ambassador for Christ (II Cor. 5:20).

Just after Independence Day I was sorting some pictures from the spring when I came across one of Gloria and Josh. I sent it to them immediately and asked Gloria if she had talked to her mom. She responded:

Gloria & Josh’s son, William, at five weeks

Oh wow...thank you so much for that picture! It's great! I can't wait to show Josh...it just showcases one of the many steps we have taken throughout my pregnancy...

Concerning my mom, you're not going to believe me, but I actually still haven't told her. My absolute deadline is next week because I'm having 21-week ultrasound... I would like for my mom to be there for that....

She finally talked to her mom. Just after Thanksgiving I sat by the fireplace basking in the radiance of our freshly adorned Christmas tree when I heard the familiar ping! from my computer. I only thought I was feeling in the Christmas spirit before, but then I read Gloria's email:

I am happy to announce that...our son was born on Monday...weighing in at almost nine pounds! ... He is beautiful and healthy and vivacious. Josh and I are very proud and very much in love with our son... My mom has also been an incredible support and was by my side every step of the way...

I wanted to let you know that...you and your team made a huge contribution to the quality of my life: You indirectly helped birth my son, and...this one life you did touch is breathing today because of the selflessness, love, and devotion your team has for the beauty of LIFE.

Your efforts are never in vain.

The people surrounding Gloria with encouragement may have made her choice easier. Beginning with Josh and the immediate pro-life community, then expanding to her mom and whole family, they were all there for her, encouraging her, throwing baby showers, and loving her baby. Still, she had struggled with what to do, and she had even waited through over half the pregnancy to tell her mom. Imagine how hard it must be to have no support, and on top of that, to have you peers and culture tell you that you have a fundamental "right" to kill your child.

Once we as Christians have been brave enough to ask a question and have a conversation, we can't stop there. After all, who is my neighbor? It is not enough to simply speak up for the unborn. We must surround women with strong support, emotionally and in practical ways. Fathers, families, churches, and resources centers must be more than passively poised for action--they must proactively find, encourage, and equip women to recognize the lies of our culture and to embrace the truth, knowing that they will be doing the right thing and knowing that they will be supported.

Gloria now looks back with clarity and confidence that she did the right thing. She wants other moms to know that they can get to the other side, too. They don't have to remain mum; they can go to mom, or to other sources of support to help them do the right thing. Here is Gloria's note from New Year's:

Happy New year! I hope 2012 brings you infinite joy, success, love, and many good, deep belly laughs.

My son is five weeks old today and beautiful and healthy as ever. I wanted to thank you for sharing our story. If William's life could save others, and provide hope and inspiration to other young moms who are confused and scared just like I was, then by all means, share our story with whomever you think may benefit from hearing about William...

--John Michener, for the JFA team