Responses to GAP at West Virginia University ran the gamut.  Protestors personally insulted staff and volunteers and gave ranting monologues into megaphones. We even had an incident with Starbucks refusing us service. Not exactly how we imagined “almost heaven” to be. However, campus police were diligent, pro-lifers stopped by to say thank you, and a multitude of good conversations were had.

Unexpected support. Many transgender students wanted us to know that they were not “with” the protestors. We had genuine conversations with them and discussed the contagion situation of young girls struggling with their identity and running to the trans “fix.” This reaction was surprising to say the least!

Utilitarianism. “We judge value based on the ability to do something. This entity you call a human from fertilization is unknown potential. Our move toward AI (artificial intelligence) may make this human potential unnecessary.” Who gets to decide whose potential is “unnecessary” or not valuable? Many regimes have decided certain groups of people are not valuable based on arbitrary characteristics. Is that the example we want to follow?

Hurting faculty member. A Jewish professor screamed accusations that we were being disrespectful to “her people” and that we were exploiting the pain of her three miscarriages. Exposing injustice against Jews honors, not disrespects them, as is proven by museums that document the Holocaust.  Miscarriage is a tragedy that affects many.  We hope she finds healing that she needs, and we educate others to enable them to avoid the lasting pain of abortion.

We are delighted to introduce Brad Martel as the newest member of the CBR family! After 10 years of investing in CBR financially and five years of volunteering, Brad retired from his job as an engineer and has taken on the role of Project Manager.

Brad and his wife Diana have lived in Knoxville for over 30 years. He first heard of CBR from a church friend. Initially, these very newsletters were his only form of communication with us. At first, the graphic images made them difficult to read, but he admired CBR’s persistence in using them to defend the preborn.

After five years of monthly giving and reading our stories, Brad was inspired to volunteer with us. Volunteer Coordinator Jane Bullington invited him to GAP, saying, “It will change your life!”
Jane could not have been more right! Brad’s first time “in the field” was at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2018. He continued volunteering as much as he could over the next five years, saying he “was impressed with the directness of the pro-life message and with the staff … I found I enjoyed the impact we have and the camaraderie.”

In 2022, Brad felt convicted to work for CBR. It just so happened that Fletcher also felt that Brad needed to be working with CBR and asked him directly to quit his job and join the staff. After much apprehensive prayer, he heard the Lord say, “It’s an opportunity, Brad.”

When he retired last summer, Brad began working full-time for CBR. As Project Manager, he organizes and leads The Genocide Awareness Project and other events.

To support Brad’s work, please visit AbortionNo.org/SE/give and designate your gift to “SE GAP Director (SE-BJM)”.