I had the privilege to be part of the ramp up and coverage of this year’s National Prayer Luncheon for Life in Grapevine, Texas. Thirteen-thousand pro-life advocates gathered online and in person on March 25 to elevate, celebrate, and accelerate the work of high-impact pro-life organizations.
This included announcing the awarding of $100,000 in grants to pro-life organizations. Being in the same room with some of the foremost thought-leaders in the pro-life movement in the nation (and world) was both humbling and inspiring, to say the least.
At this year’s event, world-renowned guest speakers included:
- Most Reverend Joseph Strickland, Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas
- Rev. Walter B. Hoye II, President of Issues4Life Foundation
- Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
- Sister Deirdre (Dede) Byrne of Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts
- Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life
- Karen Garnett with Heroic Media
The time to act and protect mothers and pre-born babies has never been more crucial as it has been in the environment we face today. Here is a call-to-arms from the movement’s influencers at this event that should motivate us all towards this life-affirming cause.
“Don’t waste a moment. Do not let a day go by where you are not actively thinking or preparing for what is to come and what you are being called specifically by our Lord to do about it.”
Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America
As the $50,000 National Prayer Luncheon for Life Grant recipient in 2021, Hawkins gave a call to action for those working in the pro-life movement to stand firm against a culture of death and speak out for life. She spoke at this year’s National Prayer Luncheon for Life to help pass the baton to the newly-selected honorees of $100,000 grants.
“No matter what, our work will be done. There will be more lives to save. We will do everything we can so no more women cry and no more children die.”
David Bereit, Founder / Former CEO of 40 Days for Life
As the emcee, Bereit encouraged us to support women and help them see their calling to protect the lives they create.
“Let us be inspired to turn away from the devastation of aborted human life. May our efforts continue to rejoice in your blessings. Let us be aware. Let us never despair, but always move forward in the light of Christ.”
Bishop Joseph Edward Strickland, Diocese of Tyler, Texas
The Bishop admonished the attendees, and those viewing the event via live stream, to think on the example of Mother Mary, and how God chose to enter into the world as a baby (Jesus).
“We are going to work hard each and every day to stop the slaughter. Because when we stop the slaughter, people realize that life is a gift.”
Sister Dede Byrne, Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts
The Sister condeemed acts of violence against pre-born babies and how societies that don’t value life deconstruct on themselves.
“Let me tell you about the number one crisis facing Black America. In order for a culture to maintain itself for more than 25 years, a 2.1 fertility rate is required. Today we are down to a 1.7 fertility rate. Long periods of infertility can have irreversible consequences. What Black America is facing is irreversible. I want to thank Heroic Media for what they do, because we need this type of group right now. More than any time before.”
Reverend Walter B. Hoye II, Issues4Life Foundation
The Reverend emphasized the shocking drop in our population’s fertility rate and its direct connection to our country’s prosperity and future success. He shared that the fertility rate for the African-American community is even lower and will have lasting damage.
“There is not a Supreme Court ruling that can dethrone the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. That’s the promise of the Gospel. So let not your heart be troubled. We know for certain that the best is yet to come. Let’s do one thing together. Let’s go change the world.”
Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
With a declaration of God’s control over the future, the Reverend proclaimed where our hearts should rest as we view the saddening effects of abortion in our world today.
Awarding $100,000 in Grants to Pro-Life Organizations
Pro-life organization, Live Action, was selected by voters from among six finalists and over 40 nominees to receive the top $50,000 grant.
Kimberly Bird, Vice President of External Relations for Live Action, accepted the title award and the top grant of $50,000, thanking the National Prayer Luncheon for Life and urging all present to support one another.
“We are all doing this together,” said Bird. “It takes all of us to end abortion.”
Live Action – started by founder Lila Rose when she was only 15 years old – is known for its investigative exposés of the abortion industry and its powerful influence in social media.
Other grant recipients
Each of the other finalists received grants ranging from $20,000 to $5,000 to fund their organizations’ work.
Second place vote getter, Texas-based, Embrace Grace, was lauded for equipping churches to support women in unexpected pregnancies and young moms. They claimed a $20,000 grant. The Radiance Foundation received $15,000 for its innovative work of using wide-ranging media platforms to change hearts and minds for life.
Remaining finalists were each honored with $5,000 grants. Those include:
- Passionately-driven Pro-Life Action League, which prepares people to be pro-life activists in their community.
- ProLove Ministries, which provides tangible assistance for women in unexpected pregnancies through a nationwide digital platform.
- Support After Abortion, a Florida-based group provides free training and resources to provide healing for those wounded by abortion.
About the National Prayer Luncheon for Life
Originating in 2016 as an in-person event hosted by Heroic Media, the National Prayer Luncheon for Life has evolved to encompass thousands of participants to unite in fervent prayer, and select the prestigious National Prayer Luncheon for Life Pro-Life Impact Award winner, and Pro-Life Impact Grant recipients. The event is produced by Heroic Media. Learn more at nationalprayerluncheonforlife.org.