Preaching to the Choir

By Mike Schell, PPCFL Chairman

“Why do we have a booth at the El Paso County and Colorado State Fairs – aren’t we just preaching to the choir?”

In many ways, we are. Most of our visitors are young families, often pushing strollers. They are clearly Pro-Life. Yes, we occasionally get a nasty look or a derogatory comment, but most visitors to our booths support our mission.

So why – “preach to the choir?” Three powerful reasons come to mind. First, our presence affirms parents’ choice to welcome children into their lives, fulfilling God’s wonderful plan for humanity. Our society tells them that children will stifle their careers, that they are expensive, and that they will have to make many sacrifices, such as foregoing a new car, special vacations, or even most of their free time – children require so much attention! (Note that many couples fall into these traps, which partially explains why the birth rate continues to drop.)

Our presence at the fairs sends a powerful, affirming message to parents – you made the right choice, and thank you for the sacrifices you made to become parents. You are a role model for our society.

Second, using the various plastic fetal models, we have a unique opportunity to teach children about life before birth. Children naturally gravitate toward these life-size models, often asking to hold them. It’s clear this is their first encounter with life in the womb. Hopefully, this brief interaction instills a conscience that, 10-20 years from now, chooses life over abortion and rejects the lie that this is just a clump of cells.

Finally, our presence at the fairs sends a message to everyone who passes by and to the booths around us. Children are a precious gift from God to be celebrated, and life is sacred from conception to natural death.

So, let’s keep “preaching to the choir.” Together, we can make beautiful music!

A special thanks to all the booth volunteers who affirm couples in their decision to become parents, teach children that life begins at conception, and unabashedly proclaim Pro-Life. May Our Lord bless you abundantly.