February 16, 2009
Reported by Chen Yi-shuan
Written by Lydia Ma

Ray of Hope chose Valentine's Day, an occasion celebrating love and life, to stage a "Walk-for-Life" event in Tainan city. With the partnership of Tainan city government, local churches, and other social organizations, over 700 participants took the streets to urge Taiwanese society to cherish unborn babies and stop abortions.

Participants convened in downtown Tainan on the afternoon of February 14th for the march and held up banners and flags they had made at home. The crowd also held pink or red balloons with the words "Cherish unborn babies. Please don't choose abortion." Several mothers also brought along their babies in baby strollers to support the event.

Tainan city's Deputy Mayor Hong Cheng Chung also attended Walk-for-Life and urged society to respect the lives of women and unborn babies. Ray of Hope Executive Director Rev. Juanita Hebard urged Taiwanese to choose adoption instead of abortion and emphasized, "God will not bless a country that continues to shed the blood of innocent, unborn babies."

During the walk, event organizers taught the public about "True love waits" – a concept encouraging teenagers to reserve sexual relations until after marriage. They also spoke about resisting abortions and maintaining virginity. The event also included prayers for forgiveness as many gathered to pray for God's forgiveness on Taiwan for ending the lives of so many unborn babies.

As thousands of balloons were released into the sky in memory of babies whose lives were ended by abortions, participants celebrated God's forgiveness and love.

Ray of Hope is a Christian organization dedicated to promoting sanctity of life and sexual purity, and helping women in the midst of a crisis due to sexual assault or unwanted pregnancy.

Taiwan Church News