The IPHC marches for life!
On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade allowed for legalized abortion in the United States. This year, around 100 representatives from around the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) joined together on the National Mall in Washington, DC for the 42nd March for Life. The theme for this event was “Every Life Is a Gift” According to Jeanne Monahan, President of March for Life, one in every five unborn children are aborted in America each year.
Falcon Children’s Home, led by Joey Leggett, and Royal Home Ministries in Falcon, NC are leading the way in preserving the sanctity of human life. John Wheeler, Director of Royal Home Ministries, shared that since its inception, over 400 unborn have been saved from abortion. Four young ladies from Royal Home Ministries joined us on the Mall to let their voice be heard that “Abortion is wrong. There are other options.” They are thankful for the second chance they have been given through Falcon Children’s Home.
Bishop Tommy McGhee, Bishop Abel Palomo, Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham
The Presiding Bishop of the IPHC, Dr. Doug Beacham, led the delegation of IPHC churches which included Bizzell Grove PH Church, Falls of Neuse PH Church (Wake Forest, NC), Westmoreland PH Church (Wilson, NC), and churches from the Mid-Atlantic Conference led by Bishop Abel Palomo. Executive Director of Discipleship Ministries, Bishop Tommy McGhee, greeted the delegation before departing for the march. Girl’s Ministries Director, Irvina Parker, expressed her sentiment that “every life matters”. She plans to continue championing the cause for life through the Baby Hope Club.
Mission M25 has always had a heart for caring for those at risk in our communities. This year fourteen bikers led by Rev. Gary Burd rode to Washington, DC to stand for life.
Gary Burd and Mission M25 riders.
As we stood on the Mall, we celebrated the fact that the March for Life is getting bigger and younger. With over 200,000 in attendance this year, organizers declared that the tide is turning. Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, reported that 84% of Americans want tougher restrictions on abortion.
Presiding Bishop of the IPHC, Dr. Doug Beacham expressed his desire for the IPHC to become more involved in this important issue.
“For decades individuals and small groups of IPHC members have participated in the March for Life. I’m thankful for their faithfulness. Now, the denomination has put its focus on this as well as Royal Home Ministries, part of the life ministry of Falcon Children’s Home. I’m praying that more IPHC people from across the nation will join us next January and stand with the estimated 200,000 who gather in Washington to pray for the lives of millions of children. I’m encouraging our college students to join us.”
Pastor Joe Ahn and New Hope PH Church in Burtonsville, MD
Whether you are able to join us in Washington next year or if you can organize a march or prayer group in your local area, the IPHC challenges you to stand for life. Pastor Joe Ahn, from New Hope PH Church, exhorts us, “Marching is good but prayer is also needed.”