The hard, driving rain that swept through Madison Saturday morning couldn't put a damper on the 40 Days for Life Madison Kickoff Rally.
Despite ugly weather, the pavilion at Reindahl Park on the East Side was packed with pro-lifers eager to share food, fun and fellowship before this fall's vigil begins on September 24. Jack Koczela got the day started with an hour of praise and worship music as the crowd gathered. Koczela was followed by nationally renowned Christian recording artist Aaron Thompson, whose rousing set ramped up the festivities.
After lunch, Jane Frantz of Silent No More gave a powerful testimony on her road to recovery as a post-abortive woman. Eighteen years after undergoing an abortion, Frantz's direct encounter with the Holy Spirit led her to seek healing. Not just for herself, but for post-abortive women across the nation.
Photojournalist Michael Clancy delivered the keynote address. His emotional talk described his upbringing in an abusive household, his conversion to Christianity, and--just three months after his conversion--the picture he took that changed the world.
While photographing a groundbreaking in utero surgery in 1999, Clancy captured the hand of Samuel Armas reaching out of his mother's womb and grasping the doctor's finger. The controversial photograph was published around the world, leading to speculation that Clancy might win the Pulitzer Prize.
However, over the last decade, that spectacular image has proven to be a tremendous cross for Clancy to bear. The doctor who performed the surgery later claimed the picture was staged, calling it a "hoax." Clancy lost credibility among his peers.
Though the photograph has been a cross, it's one borne with love and with purpose. The previously pro-choice Clancy became an ardent pro-life activist, even though it meant losing his primary source of income when the Nashville Tennessean newspaper declined to hire him for future assignments. He hasn't been contracted to work as a newspaper photographer for years.
Clancy's work with the pro-life movement led him to the Capitol, where he testified before the Senate, and the White House, where he was present for the signing of the 2003 partial-birth abortion ban. Though he joked about the surprise of seeing "White House" on his caller ID, the pain in Clancy's heart was difficult to miss. His watery eyes and occasionally cracking voice betrayed the pain he carried. Here was a man who sacrificed his career, his passion, his disdain for public speaking and hopes for a normal life because God called him to stand up for the pre-born.
And stand up he has. Not a Christian a just a decade ago, Clancy has spent the last nine years doing the Lord's work.
The kickoff event also featured information booths and representatives from numerous pro-life organizations, including Pro-Life Wisconsin, CareNet, Pregnancy Help Line of Madison, and Our Lady of Hope clinic.
The rally ended with a somber prayer walk to Planned Parenthood, where the 40 Days for Life vigil will officially begin on September 24. To sign up for hours, visit 40daysforlife.com/Madison or call Amy Hying at 608-698-3877.
Despite ugly weather, the pavilion at Reindahl Park on the East Side was packed with pro-lifers eager to share food, fun and fellowship before this fall's vigil begins on September 24. Jack Koczela got the day started with an hour of praise and worship music as the crowd gathered. Koczela was followed by nationally renowned Christian recording artist Aaron Thompson, whose rousing set ramped up the festivities.
After lunch, Jane Frantz of Silent No More gave a powerful testimony on her road to recovery as a post-abortive woman. Eighteen years after undergoing an abortion, Frantz's direct encounter with the Holy Spirit led her to seek healing. Not just for herself, but for post-abortive women across the nation.
Photojournalist Michael Clancy delivered the keynote address. His emotional talk described his upbringing in an abusive household, his conversion to Christianity, and--just three months after his conversion--the picture he took that changed the world.
While photographing a groundbreaking in utero surgery in 1999, Clancy captured the hand of Samuel Armas reaching out of his mother's womb and grasping the doctor's finger. The controversial photograph was published around the world, leading to speculation that Clancy might win the Pulitzer Prize.
However, over the last decade, that spectacular image has proven to be a tremendous cross for Clancy to bear. The doctor who performed the surgery later claimed the picture was staged, calling it a "hoax." Clancy lost credibility among his peers.
Though the photograph has been a cross, it's one borne with love and with purpose. The previously pro-choice Clancy became an ardent pro-life activist, even though it meant losing his primary source of income when the Nashville Tennessean newspaper declined to hire him for future assignments. He hasn't been contracted to work as a newspaper photographer for years.
Clancy's work with the pro-life movement led him to the Capitol, where he testified before the Senate, and the White House, where he was present for the signing of the 2003 partial-birth abortion ban. Though he joked about the surprise of seeing "White House" on his caller ID, the pain in Clancy's heart was difficult to miss. His watery eyes and occasionally cracking voice betrayed the pain he carried. Here was a man who sacrificed his career, his passion, his disdain for public speaking and hopes for a normal life because God called him to stand up for the pre-born.
And stand up he has. Not a Christian a just a decade ago, Clancy has spent the last nine years doing the Lord's work.
The kickoff event also featured information booths and representatives from numerous pro-life organizations, including Pro-Life Wisconsin, CareNet, Pregnancy Help Line of Madison, and Our Lady of Hope clinic.
The rally ended with a somber prayer walk to Planned Parenthood, where the 40 Days for Life vigil will officially begin on September 24. To sign up for hours, visit 40daysforlife.com/Madison or call Amy Hying at 608-698-3877.
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