I have a very long and carefully orchestrated morning routine on the days before I show up on the sidewalk to minister at abortion centers. I believe preparation before we step on the sidewalk is critical to glorifying God and being as effective as possible. Some of these tips are practical, and some are more spiritual or philosophical. Everyone is different, of course, but these are the preparation strategies that help me to be the best I can be that morning.
Prepare for the Weather
The night before the morning of service, I always examine the hour-by-hour weather forecast. The night before, I get out all the necessary clothes to be properly clothed for battle whatever the weather is going to throw at me. I even load it all in the car the night before if there are extra things or layers I am going to possibly need. That helps me not to waste time if I’m rushing in the morning.
I always prepare for the worst-case scenario, weather-wise. It is very damaging to my effectiveness if I am too wet, too cold, or too hot.
Check the Calendar
In our ministry here in Charlotte, we have a team calendar that shows who will be there that particular day. I always want to be prepared mentally for whether we have a large team or a small team. I am already praying about and looking at the make-up of the team that day to determine where I might be best utilized. If we have an exceptionally small team, I will ask on our group page for people that might be available to come out at the last moment. If we have a very large team, I am considering strategy of how to best use all those team members.
Spending Time in the Word
This is the most important step in my preparation strategy. I have a daily “read the Bible in a year” plan. I always sit down with breakfast and open my Bible to that plan. I read it carefully, examining what God might be specifically telling me I need for the day ahead of me. I write down pertinent verses that God gives me that I feel would be perfect to use on the sidewalk that day.
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:14-15).
Elicit Prayer Support
I always post a brief recap of ministry highlights from the day before on social media. Then I ask people to pray for our teams today. I often include a link for people to sign up to volunteer with us. It is so critical to ask for and to know that there are people praying for our teams in this spiritual battle.
Personal Prayer
I pray most effectively when I am alone, especially in nature. Every single morning, before I need to be on the sidewalk, I either go on a long walk or bike ride and spend the entire hour to two hours praying. I know not everyone has the luxury of this kind of time. Certainly, people with young children at home are likely unable to do this; however, it is such a huge priority for me that I make sure I wake up in time for this to be possible. I am often up at 4 or 5 a.m.
Whatever your morning strategy looks like, it is likely to involve some sort of sacrifice and back-chaining of your evening the night before to make it possible. For example, I am usually in bed by 8 p.m. If I go to bed later, I struggle to do all that I know best prepares me for the next step.
Be Specific in Petitioning God
I always begin by praising God, remembering His past faithfulness. Secondly, I ask Him to fill me with the Holy Spirit and everything I need for the day. Thirdly, I put on the spiritual armor of God, going through the motions and saying it out loud. Then I pray specifically for what I hope to happen on the sidewalk.
I ask God for humility, and for myself and our team to be used by Him fully. I ask for peace and unity on our team. I ask that even at that moment, God is preparing women who are looking in the mirror and getting ready to drive out to the Abortion Center.
I ask that He bring our team the conflicted women and give us an opportunity to speak with them. I also ask that He open the door to sharing the Gospel with the people He has specifically prepared for that very purpose. I ask Him to help me focus not on myself, but on Him alone. I praise Him for the miracles that I know He brings every day, and I ask that He open my eyes to see them.
Driving to the Clinic
Sometimes I listen to praise music, but more often than not, I am in silence waiting to hear if there is anything special God is saying to me. Inevitably, He brings something to my heart that I desperately need to hear.
Arrive Early
It is hard to be faithful and get there, not only on time, but early. If at all possible, I try to be early. Feeling rushed and frenzied when I arrive because I didn’t leave on time is never conducive to effective sidewalk ministry. The more calm, peaceful and collected I can be as I step on the sidewalk, the more I will communicate that strength to women in crisis.
Summary
Everyone needs to find the morning strategy that works best for them. I have found that this strategy has become a habit. It definitely helps me in ministry. The desire is not to pretend I am better than anyone else by telling you what I do. My hope is that this will be helpful to others, especially those new to this very demanding ministry. May God be given all the glory, honor and praise.
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