Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., hosted a Right to Life memorial service in honor of Value Human Life Week.
Participants remember the unborn in Right to Life’s annual March for Life.
Marking the 39th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion, roughly 300 people participated in the “March for Life” event on January 17 in downtown Holland, which was followed by the memorial service.
Among the nearly 400 who attended the service were Michigan state representatives Joe Haveman and Amanda Price and Michigan state senator Arlan Meekhof.
The service included a prayer led by Rev. Chad Steenwyk, co-pastor of Central Avenue CRC, as well as a short drama entitled “The Decision,” which highlighted a young couple’s difficult time facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Sandi Nyboer of Hamilton CRC played a small role in the play, which was written by her friend Mindy Driscoll. “I jumped at the chance,” she said. “It was amazing.”
“Everyone was very moved by the drama that was presented. The young people were riveted,” said Carol Brower, executive director of Right to Life of Holland Area. “Central Avenue has been great to us,” she added, noting that the church has hosted the event for the past four years.
“We’ve long supported the broader pro-life cause,” said Rev. Steenwyk, a father of young children. “I thought it important to bring my family . . . to learn compassion for those struggling to make such decisions in life. But I also want them to see that they are special creations of God and that their lives are precious—as is every life that is given.”
About the Author
Susan Vanden Berg is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Holland, Michigan.
