What is it like to join a TFP Student Action Pro-Life Caravan?
What is it really like to spend two weeks on the street defending the unborn?
Twenty young men are traveling with TFP Student Action for a two-week pro-life caravan. Each day brings spirited debates, unexpected encouragement, and countless opportunities to stand up for innocent life.
Morning Routine
On July 17, the caravan reached Washington, D.C. At 7:00 a.m., the young men rose, prayed, and prepared for the mission by ironing their clothes, cooking breakfast, and polishing their shoes.
There was a short pro-life slogan practice. Next came Holy Mass. Before entering the public square, the caravaners first sought the spiritual courage needed for the day.
Farragut Square
Soon vans were loaded and on their way to D.C.’s financial district. Farragut Square is normally busy. Today was no different.
During the thirty-minute drive, the caravaners reviewed the most common pro-abortion arguments and how to answer them.
On arrival, they raised the TFP standard and pro-life banner while holding signs reading "Honk Against Abortion" and "Smile, You Survived Abortion."
“Yes,” shouted a black man almost as soon as the campaign began. “Margaret Sanger [founder of Planned Parenthood] was evil and a Nazi.”
TFP videographer John Wagner replied, “She also said ‘the most merciful thing a family can do to one of its young is to kill it.’”
“She was messed up,” said the man. “I give her two thumbs down.”
Can Pro-Aborts Debate?
Most pro-aborts refuse to address the central issue: Killing an innocent baby – born or preborn -- is always immoral.
Seeing the TFP campaign, the pedestrian screamed “[expletive] you.” But this time, he calmed down enough to talk.
Leftist: “I don’t have any arguments. You just make me mad.”
TFP: “If you don’t have any reasons to support abortion, you should read our flyer. It might change your mind.”
Leftist: “Okay, I will read it. Thank you.”
At the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument was the next stop, where crowds of tourists filled the grounds.
“Oh, it’s you. I have seen your videos,” said a Secret Service officer on a bike. “Look, if anyone gives you problems or even another police officer gives you problems, let me know, and I will take care of it.”
Later on, another Secret Service officer in a patrol car used his loudspeaker to say, “God bless you, gentlemen. Keep up the good work.”
International Support
People from Iraq, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Brazil, and Jamaica congratulated the volunteers.
“Does this mean no to abortion?” asked one Hispanic couple in broken English.
“Yes, of course.”
“Bueno, we are against it too.”
A group of Dominican ladies wanted a photo with the TFP bagpipers. As a TFP volunteer took their picture, another cried out, “Viva Cristo Rey!” The ladies responded, “Que viva!”
Another interaction was amusing. A feminist pro-abort was debating a TFP volunteer when a Hispanic man snuck up behind her and said in her ear, “He’s right, you know.” This provoked a slew of insults and curses. A few minutes later, the same man spoke again in her ear, “He is still right.”
Pro-Life Message Inside Union Station
Heavy rain threatened to end the afternoon campaign.
"If it's too wet to campaign on the street," said caravan leader Kenneth Murphy, "we'll campaign underneath it."
Thus, the caravaners split up in teams and spread out on the different floors and subway platforms. In less than twenty minutes, almost everyone in Union Station was reading (or tearing up) a TFP flyer, 10 Reasons to Protect the Unborn.
“I walked into the dining area to hand out flyers,” said 15-year-old Killian, “and I was surprised to see most diners already reading the flyer.”
Prayer is the Most Powerful Weapon
At the end of a long day, the caravaners headed back to the nearby TFP center for a delicious pizza dinner. The conversation revolved around the debates and feedback of the day, especially the comment from a supporter who said, “Thank you for putting the words ‘pray and act to end the sin of abortion’ on your banner. Prayer is our best weapon.”
Prayer truly is the greatest weapon in the pro-family movement.
During the caravan, the young men pray three rosaries each day and several litanies, asking Our Lady to bless every conversation and convert hearts. Without the help of God and His Blessed Mother, there can be no lasting success in this noble battle to end the sin of abortion.