For five years local pro-life supporters have gathered at the gazebo on the bluff to observe the anniversary of the ill-advised Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision which has ushered in 38 years of unbridled legalized abortion resulting in the loss of more than 50 million children’s lives, almost 4,000 deaths every single day in our country alone.

Each year many of you have asked what you can do to bring this dreadful practice to an end. You were urged to pray and to contact your legislators and many of you have, but you want to do more.

Remember the motto:

“I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. Lord, what will you have me to do?”

Since we are not in the legislature, nor are we in a position of power in Washington, D.C., just what is it we can do to make a meaningful difference? One answer to that lies in this adage, a wise and simple piece of advice: “Bloom where you are planted.”

The reality is we are planted here in Natchez, Miss., and here in Natchez is where we can help prevent the heartbreak of abortion and preserve the lives of unborn children in our own community.

With the help of the Knights of Columbus, their ladies auxiliary and others in the community we are working to establish a pregnancy resource center to serve the needs of expectant mothers who find themselves in difficult circumstances and in need of assistance in order to continue their pregnancy and give the gift of life to their unborn children.

At the candlelight vigil this year you will learn more about this exciting and promising undertaking and the services we plan to provide from co-chairman Ruth Powers.

Our immediate need is for a location for the center and our hope is that someone has a vacant space in an accessible location that could be used for this worthwhile project without charge. The offer of space for use by a designed non-profit cause may even be tax deductible.

In addition to Ruth’s message, as a very special feature, local pediatrician, Dr. Brian Stretch will address that group, reflecting on a physician’s view of abortion and its effects.

The 30-minute program promises to be an important and informative one, so join your fellow pro-life supporters as we gather at the gazebo on Broadway at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

You will be glad you did.

Virgina O’Beirne is the co-chairman of Pro-Life Natchez-Adams County.