Elijah Allen Martin of Tulsa was born on Jan. 22, 2009, the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. On Sept. 16, he and his mother, Becky Martin, were among volunteers meeting at the Chancery to discuss the Tulsa Pregnancy Resource Centers, a participant in Tulsa's 40 Days for Life, which kicks off with a rally from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Garden of Hope, 6135 E. 32nd Place.
All pro-life people of Tulsa – this is a national, ecumenical campaign – are invited to the kickoff rally, which will feature Bishop Edward J. Slattery, Father Scott Daniels of Priests for Life as guest speaker, choirs, prayers and more. The 40 Days campaign officially runs from Sept. 23 to Nov. 1.
Around the clock on each of those days, someone will be praying and keeping a peaceful vigil in the Diocese-owned garden across the street from Tulsa’s abortion provider.
The campaign also includes fasting and community outreach to take a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of the city through media efforts, church presentations, petition drives and public visibility.
When Elijah and Becky Martin visited the Chancery, the smiling boy was about a week shy of turning 8 months old. Becky and Phillip Martin have two other children, 23-year-old Zachary and 18-year-old Sarah and attend Christian Chapel in Tulsa. “Our church sends out people to pray with you guys,” Mrs. Martin explained, referring to 40 Days for Life.
Welcoming a newborn into their home “was an adjustment, for sure, but my husband and I definitely felt we were called” to adopt Elijah. She said they are inspired by Philippians 4:13, which declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
The Martins are in contact with his birth mother, whom Mrs. Martin said she respects for choosing life upon learning she was pregnant at just six weeks.
She could have chosen abortion, but she did not, and the Martins are grateful.
As the 40 Days for Life campaign continues, there will be a Midway Rally featuring Roe v. Wade plaintiff Norma McCorvey who now is a pro-life Catholic. The rally is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. The campaign will wrap up with a Victory Rally from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
Tony Lauinger of Oklahomans for Life will be the keynote speaker.
For more information, go to www.40daysforlife.com/tulsa, and if you have questions or want to sign up for a prayer slot, call 918-307-4939.
Summer
[9/19/2009 12:02:12 PM]Eli's entire family is blessed by his little life. We love him so much, and we are better because he is here with us. Every child is a gift!
Lisa
[9/19/2009 10:37:43 AM]Enter your comments here I thank God that we can be the voice of these babies. It is astonishing to me, that people will do more to save a tree than to save a life...a beating heart. Thank you for all you are doing and may God richly bless the efforts of those involved. Blessings to you!
