Local March for Life seeks to knock abortion out cold (SLIDESHOW)

MANSFIELD — Organizers of Sunday’s March for Life held a rally at Central Park Gazebo to commemorate Sanctity of Life Sunday, marking the forty-seventh anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The weather and the pro-life gathering both had something in common: the wind chill and the group’s tolerance for abortion were both zero.

The annual occurrence was sponsored by Protecting Life in Ohio (PLIO) which will also be hosting an upcoming #6Thursdays4Life Campaign starting February 27, 2020.

According to Spokesman Greg Jevnikar: “The purpose of this event is to repent for our nation’s unjust abortion laws and for the millions of murders that have occurred. We are praying that more people and churches will join our effort to stop abortion.”

In 2019, abortion was the leading cause of death in the world. Sarah Cleveland, an Ultrasound Technician and Abolitionist encouraged those in attendance to be active in fighting abortion in their daily lives and exhorted them to be more faithful in their duty to rescue. “Pro-life laws currently regulate how, when, and where babies can still be murdered. It is time we demanded abolition. Killing babies is not acceptable. When GOD says ‘Thou shall not murder,’ He means it.”

Another speaker, Amanda Clark, Executive Director of Richland Pregnancy Services (RPS) commented “Some of us are waiting for Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade so that abortion will become illegal again. At RPS, our prayer is that whether abortion is outlawed or not, our hope is abortion becomes unthinkable.”

According to Amanda Clark, studies show that four in ten women that had abortions were actively attending church on a regular basis. “If we can overturn abortion in the Church, we can eradicate almost half of the abortions in our country!” She mentioned the movement called Making Life Disciples and a support group program called Embrace Grace as key ministries churches can get involved in.

Greg Jevnikar adds “We believe the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision is on the horizon. We need legislators who will have the courage to defy this court decision which was never a law in the first place. We were encouraged to have two candidates with us today running for state office in both the House and Senate.”

Shelby City Councilman Nathan Martin, who is running for State Representative, shared to the crowd about his strong pro-life convictions and his experiences involving miscarriages. “My wife and I never questioned their humanity when they (stillborns) died. We now have six children and recently adopted a new daughter.”

Another one of the speakers Cory Branham, a Crestline school teacher, is running for State Senator in the 22nd District. He shared that he was the second child born to a teenage mom. “I am a survivor in a generation where abortion was at its high point. If elected, I intend to make sure abortion ends. The Bible is clear that GOD knit us in our mother’s womb and each baby is fearfully and wonderfully made. “

Opening and closing invocations were given by Pastor Randy Raynes of Mansfield Fellowship Baptist. The Pastor prayed, “We ask you LORD that you would allow this event to be the funeral service for the millions whose lives were taken and whose passing was never mourned. Let this be the memorial for those who were granted no grave and a battle-cry for those cold and calloused in heart.”

Abortions by Richland County citizens have dropped steadily since 2002. In 2018 the number of abortions (112) are almost half of what they were in 2002 (216).

Pre-rally activities for the National March for Life in Washington D.C. are set to begin this week on Wednesday, January 22nd. Last year Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the massive event, becoming the highest ranking official to ever attend.

Pro Life activists stand their ground (Photo courtesy of Nigel Hardin) For more pictures of the event, view slideshow below.

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“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16