By Nate Kellum*

June 2014 – The Bible describes prophets as voices crying out in the wilderness, bearing God’s truth to those who are willing to hear it. That’s how we see our friends and clients at Refuge in the Desert Ministries, pro-life advocates in the Tempe, Arizona, area.

Volunteers with Refuge in the Desert stand on a public sidewalk near a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic and offer help, hope and truth to those who enter and exit the clinic.

Their work isn’t easy. Because Planned Parenthood is strategically located in the middle of a commercial strip mall, 190 feet away from the nearest public sidewalk, these pro-lifers have difficulty reaching their intended audience. They often strain to lift their voices over the noise of the cars and trolley that travel the four-lane highway behind them. They are subject to abuse from passersby as well as the hot Arizona sun. Local police question and badger them like common criminals.

But reminiscent of the prophets of old, they keep going. They raise their voices and share good news with women about how God loves them and their babies. Though the volunteers grow weary and get discouraged, they keep going. 

And just when they think nobody listens, somebody does, and they are encouraged to keep on.

Last May, Rebecca arrived at the clinic for a scheduled appointment. She was five weeks pregnant, feeling scared and isolated. She had not spoken to her family for a long time, nor did she have supportive friends in her life.

Even though Rebecca was personally opposed to abortion, she believed her only viable option was to “terminate the pregnancy.” Planned Parenthood was pleased to oblige.

As she pulled into the parking lot, Rebecca noticed the Refuge in the Desert volunteers. As she walked into the clinic, she heard these strangers imploring her to consider the consequences of abortion. After taking a seat in the crowded lobby, Rebecca pondered more about the “choice” she would make. And every time the clinic door opened, Rebecca heard the prophetic cries of those volunteers calling out to her.

Rebecca’s heart was pricked and she became conflicted about the decision. So she stepped outside to get some air.

Once outside, Rebecca sought perspective from someone who didn’t have anything to gain from her decision, and approached Sherry Pierce, one of the voices she heard. Rebecca asked Sherry what she or anyone else in her situation could do.

Sherry supplied hope. Sherry told Rebecca that she didn’t have to go through with the abortion, and gave her options, describing local pregnancy resources Rebecca didn’t even know existed. Sherry offered to adopt Rebecca’s baby herself, if she would turn away from the clinic and spare this child’s life.

And Sherry did not stop there. She took Rebecca to the pregnancy resource center herself, ensuring that Rebecca would learn all she needed to know about available options to support her in her pregnancy.

Rebecca was soon convinced that the abortion would not terminate a pregnancy, but would terminate a life. She knew she couldn’t go through with it. Initially, Rebecca considered putting her baby up for adoption, which was a valid option for her.

But after finding out she was expecting twins, Rebecca felt bonded to the babies and chose motherhood instead.

Realizing the challenges that lay ahead for Rebecca, Sherry Pierce, this voice in the desert, continued to walk with her, offering tangible physical and emotional support. When Rebecca delivered two precious baby girls – Olivia Grace and Kara Shea  – in December, Sherry was there with them at the hospital. She has brought meals to Rebecca and continues to offer her hands to hold the twins when Rebecca is tired and weary.

Sherry’s tangible love for Rebecca and her babies all began on a sidewalk outside a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. Despite the obstacles, Sherry exercised her First Amendment freedom to share her faith and beliefs on the public right-of-way.

We must jealously guard the constitutional rights of Sherry, fellow members of Refuge in the Desert ministries, and others like them all across this nation. We need Christian voices in our desert of a culture today. We need prophets who — even at cost to themselves — present truth, compassion, and ultimately, the hope of the gospel.

Lives depend on it.  

*Nate Kellum is president and chief counsel for Center for Religious Expression. 

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