Owner Turns Sprinklers On Pro-life Prayer Vigil

In July, I wrote about a new movement springing up in Arkansas that seeks to combat abortion not with violent protest, but with peaceful prayer demonstrations.  It is called "40 Days for Life" and it is having amazing success all over the country.

One of the cities where its impact has been profound is Fayetteville.  They first began demonstrating outside abortionist William Harrison’s clinic until he closed his business. They then moved to the Planned Parenthood clinic where abortions are being performed using the RU487 abortion pill.  This year, Planned Parenthood moved its clinic to a different location on Crossover Road.

The "40 Days for Life" kicked off their current prayer vigil at this new location on Tuesday.  Organizers were thrilled with the large turnout of around 100 people, including former State Sen. Jim Holt and former State Rep. Jim Bob Josh Duggar (son of Jim Bob.) They met to pray outside the clinic on the right of way by the street, but were soon greeted by an unexpected surprise.

As they began their meeting, the owner of the building turned on the newly installed sprinkler system which was pointed in their direction.  As the water sprayed them down, the owner came out and began shouting at them to go away.  He even called the police and demanded that they be arrested.

The "40 Days for Life" organizers explained to the police that they were on the public right of way and not the owner’s property.  Organizers had notified the police in advance of their plans and made sure they had everything in compliance with city ordinances.

But the owner of the building persisted.  According those outside the clinic, he is continuing to turn on the sprinklers as the 40 days of events continue.

"It will not deter us," said Tiffany, who is one the event’s coordinators. "We just show up in our ponchos, hats, and rainboots and carry on."

Tiffany says that they feel no ill will toward the owners and are praying for them along with the women going into the clinic.

"We hope that we can be a witness to them by our prayerful response," explained Tiffany.

You can find out more about the demonstrations in Fayetteville as well as the one in Little Rock on the "40 Days for Life" website.