by Marc and Julie Anderson
mjanderson@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — For many Americans, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, dawned like any other.
For Mark Houck, husband, father of seven and pro-life advocate, the day marked the beginning of a trial of faith, courage and perseverance.
Houck will share his story Sept. 11 during the annual banquet for the Wyandotte County Pregnancy Resource Center and the Olathe Pregnancy Resource Center. The fundraiser will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center and has a goal of raising $550,000, according to Leah Conner, executive director of the Wyandotte center.
“We are seeking to provide quality care for women most at risk and to be relevant to these highly vulnerable women,” Conner said. “We have increased our medical staff and have created a more medical environment, offering medical support — including sonograms during all hours of operation at each of our clinics.”
Since the Dobbs ruling two years ago, both clinics, she added, have seen an uptick in clients, especially those from other states and those who are more abortion-determined.
Conner and other clinic staff decided to invite Houck to tell his “beautiful story of heroism” that sprang out of actions he took while praying outside an abortion clinic in conjunction with his pro-life ministry, The King’s Men.
“It’s been a great gift to me to be able to inspire others through the compelling story that I have,” said Houck in an interview with The Leaven. “To do more, to be more invested, to be more involved — whether it’s financially or with your time and talent as well.”
Previewing his remarks, Houck said, “My message is just going to be, ‘The fight has just begun. We may have won that battle, the Roe v. Wade battle, but the war is far from over.’ Of course, we know that God is faithful and sovereign, but we have to do our part.”
“All we have to do is light those candles in our area,” he continued. “That’s really what it’s about. It’s about making sure those candles are lit in that area and letting God handle the rest.”
For more information about the banquet, visit the website at: lifeandhopeteam.org/events.
To Marc and Julie: so sorry to see the news of the loss of your son in 1997. Are you aware of our memorial in Topeka, “Heart of America Memorial for the Unborn”? People have had the names of their babies (stillborn, miscarried, or aborted) engraved on the Memorial Wall there. Every year we have a service there on the day of the National Day of Remembrance for the Unborn. This year that will be Saturday, September 14 (usually begins at 1pm), and they have Father George Rhodes from Most Pure Heart coming to lead the prayer. The shrine is located at 1216 SE Republican Ave. It is east of the Topeka and Mt. Auburn cemeteries (which are along California Avenue). Maybe you would like to come and do a story for the Leaven? Contact person is Barbara Saldivar.