With nearly 20,000 people jammed into New York City’s Times Square, this past Saturday’s historic “Alive from New York” ultrasound event exceeded all expectations.
Some of you may have been there. Many others may have watched.
As an event, it had it all: beautiful and inspirational music from Christian recording artists Francesca Battistelli and Phil King, passionate and compelling speeches from evangelist Alveda King, former NFL star Benjamin Watson, actress Ashley Bratcher, pro-life stalwarts Marjorie Dannenfelser and Christina Bennett, and abortion survivors Melissa Ohden, Josiah Presley and Claire Culwell – and the live 4D ultrasound of former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson’s baby.
Hollywood couldn’t have scripted the day and event any better.
After a rainy morning, and just minutes before the program was set to begin, the rain stopped, the clouds lifted, and a warm spring sun filled Manhattan’s iconic plazas.
But the highlight of the event and the star of the show was clearly Abby Johnson’s baby, whose ultrasound images and heartbeat caused a hush to fall over the crowd.
Here’s how Townhall columnist and Salem talk show host Kevin McCullough described it:
In the middle of literally the world’s busiest intersection, a quiet fell across the multiple blocks that was so deafening you could literally have heard a pin drop.
No angry chants in protests. No applause of agreement. Just a sleepy little baby’s face, in beautiful 4D, staring out across New York City’s busiest neighborhoods.
It was a tiny little person having his picture taken for maybe the very first time.
It was a joyous day.
Thank you, Kevin. In my 30 years at Focus on the Family, I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to represent the ministry. I was thrilled to co-emcee the event with my friend Jeanne Mancini, who is the president of the March for Life. Earlier in the day we appeared on the popular cable morning news show Fox & Friends, and had the opportunity of speaking out in defense of preborn life.
Standing in the middle of Manhattan this past Saturday, I had the strong sense that the tide is turning toward life. The climb is still steep and the forces aligned against us are substantial, but the Lord is mighty and moving in wondrous ways.
I want to invite you to watch a short video below and click here to watch more highlights from the unprecedented event.
And please share with me and others your reaction to Alive from New York in the comment section below.
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