Join the persistent and faithful ‘On Mission for Life’

by Debra Niesen

The pro-life community is a persistent and faithful lot. These characteristics were on full display last month as over 2,000 showed up to pray and publicly witness at IGNITE for Life, the Catholic rally and Mass that kicked off the Kansas March for Life.

Persistent, because despite recently receiving the Kansas Department of Health & Environment’s devastating 2023 abortion statistics, they refuse to give up.

After the “Value Them Both” amendment was defeated in 2022, abortion in Kansas is skyrocketing, increasing from 7,800 in 2021 to over 19,000 precious babies’ lives lost in 2023. Additionally, the abortion industry is suing many long- standing Kansas laws that protect women and babies from harm, and abortion can no longer be legally restricted in any way.

Faithful, because though the situation in Kansas is heartbreaking and challenging, they still gather to pray for a culture that understands the precious gift of human life, recognizes that each of us has infinite value and worth as sons and daughters of a God who created and loves us, and cherishes its preborn children no matter if they are healthy, wealthy, wanted, planned or convenient.

That’s why this year’s IGNITE theme was “On Mission for Life!” Inspired by the Eucharistic Revival’s Year of Mission and the Jubilee Year of hope, the theme encourages Catholics to boldly and courageously proclaim the “Gospel of Life” with love through authentic conversations, and also through tangible actions that give hope to pregnant women and families facing challenging pregnancies so they feel supported to choose life for their child.

We had three incredible speakers at IGNITE, each on mission for life but in different ways, giving us examples of how to share the “Gospel of Life” through how they live their lives.

Gabriel Cobb is on mission for life by sharing the message that every life is a gift. A young man with Down syndrome, Cobb has accomplished many things that most of us wouldn’t even attempt and his joy for life is infectious!

Dr. Lisa Gilbert, a board-certified family physician and state director for the American Academy of Medical Ethics, is passionate about life-affirming medical education and is on mission to spread the truth about abortion to protect women and children from harm.

As a model-turned- entrepreneur and pro-life activist, and now mother of seven, Leah Darrow is on mission for life by sharing her miraculous story of choosing life against all odds and proving you can have babies and your dreams, too.

Watch all of their speeches online at: archkck.org/ignite.

This year, be “On Mission for Life” by committing to support one of the many pro-life ministries that promotes the “Gospel of Life”!