Long before Georgia Stand for Life commenced at Liberty Plaza in Downtown Atlanta, a whirlwind of action took place including deep prayer and contemplation about God’s Biblical mandate for the sanctity of human life, reflection on the 44 years of standing for life, and many other thoughtful considerations. Despite the snowy conditions in the days leading up to this year’s event on January 24, scores of marchers joined Georgia Right to Life (GRTL) on that sunny Friday.
“We count on the sovereignty of God each year and He never disappoints,” said Zemmie Fleck, GRTL Executive Director. “We pray fervently for the event and all those who will stand on the grounds of Liberty Plaza, trusting that the Lord will do great things—and He always does.”
Prior to the event, all aspects of the program and every word spoken are carefully chosen and prayerfully considered in order to glorify God. Here’s a behind-the-curtain look at this year’s Georgia Stand for Life, which includes the Memorial Service and Silent March.
Opening Prayer
The Opening Prayer is the canopy over the event. It sets the tone for the day’s activities, serving as an open invitation for God to show up and His people to respond.
Pastor Steve Morse of Loganville Baptist Church prayed declaring God’s sovereign providence, His great caring watch over us and thanksgiving for the gift of life. As a noticeably light breeze blew through Liberty Plaza, Morse asked the Lord for mercy on the city, state, and nation, and he petitioned the Lord to stand in the gap, to work in the hearts of those who seek to take innocent life through abortion. He urged the Lord to crush the evil—to sanctify us and make us holy.
Scripture Reading by GRTL President Ricardo Davis
God’s word is always at the center of Georgia Stand for Life. One of the scriptures Davis read was Psalm 127:3: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward from Him.” He also read these life-affirming verses: Genesis 1:27-28, Proverbs 24:10, and Isaiah 1:16-17.
Pro-Life Testimony: April Chapman
April Chapman, a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, spoke of seeking a quick fix and a secret, private solution—when she was a pregnant, 18-year-old student at Spellman College. April later discovered that abortion was not a quick fix after all. Rather, it was a thief that robs, steals, and kills. And yet, she found redemption, hope and healing through Christ. Jesus saved her, healed her, and remained with her during her darkest moments.
April closed with hope: “No matter how sinful you have been or what you think you have done, God’s saving grace and faith in Jesus Christ alone is our only hope in life and death. He will forgive you, restore you and give you a newness of life that is overwhelmingly full of spiritual blessings—that you do not deserve but He is good and bestows His goodness freely to those who believe. If you have had an abortion, there is forgiveness at the foot of the cross.”
Keynote Speaker: Virgil Walker
Keynote Speaker Virgil Walker, G3 Ministries, spoke of an intensified battle after Roe was overturned and a pro-choice movement determined to keep abortion alive and thriving. He called for full justice for the unborn, a commitment to righteousness and boldness that must be undergirded with prayer. According to Walker, equal protection for all human life should be our only true measure of justice—anything less falls short of our calling.
“Attending the GRTL Stand for Life event this year with my 11- and 14-year-old boys was one of the biggest blessings we’ve experienced as a family!” said attendee Sarah Pedro of Warriors for Life. “The day has left an indelible mark on our hearts and strengthened our resolve to fight even harder for those who cannot fight for themselves. We sincerely appreciate all the effort that GRTL puts into raising awareness and changing hearts and minds.”
Praise and Worship
A key component of Georgia Stand for Life is praise and worship, which sets the tone for the program. Artist Kurt Scobie led worship. Later, ShonNeeka Wright’s beautiful voice gave us How Great Thou Art—a hymn written in 1885 about the beauty of God’s creation.
“May the women who have struggled through abortion find peace, mercy and forgiveness through Jesus,” said Athena Jennell, a pro-life advocate. “And, for those who are at a crossroads, I pray they will discover the resources available through GRTL—so that they may discover the wonders and beauty of life.”
Silent March
The event always closes with a Silent March featuring Georgia Stand for Life speakers, GRTL staff, legislators, volunteers, pro-life activists and others as they take a one-mile walk through the streets of Atlanta carrying signs to uplift the preborn. It is a day of remembrance for both those marching and for the people standing on the sidelines.
Georgia Right to Life is exceedingly and abundantly grateful for the devoted volunteers and pro-life activists, along with the Atlanta Police Department for their outstanding security during the Memorial Service and March.
“Frankly, we will never know fully on this side of heaven what our Great God will do and has done to impact the hundreds of people who join us for the day—whether it’s a mom who wants to stand for life in celebration of her children, a father who clings to the value of family, a woman who has had an abortion, a person who drove a friend to an abortion clinic, a pro-life advocate, media covering the event, a mother or father who would have been a grandparent had it not been for abortion or volunteers who support the work we’re doing,” said Fleck. “We know that the Lord is always working on the people created in His image—and that gives us tremendous satisfaction.”
We hope to see you next year, Lord willing!
Watch the entire 2025 Georgia Stand for Life livestream here: https://fb.watch/xq2w2MNK3A/
Sheryl Sellaway
Righteous PR
www.righteouspragency.com
Ministry Partner