Project Description
Cover Story
“God Loves All of Us”
Mary Anne Buchanan, WVFL Office Manger
The evening of May 7th saw nearly 650 people attend the 26th Annual Rose Dinner at the Morgantown Marriott Waterfront, hosted by West Virginians for Life (WVFL). The group was also celebrating its 50th anniversary. Keynote speaker Tim Tebow was most compelling.
Among the record crowd were several public officials and candidates for office held spellbound by the energetic Heisman Trophy winner Tebow. He shared that his mother gave him a chance at life despite experiencing a difficult pregnancy and being told to abort him. His main message was to help those who cannot help themselves and that God loves every single person. “We get to go bring the hope to hurting people all over the world.” The hope, Tebow said, is the good news of the Gospel… “that God loves every single one of us – every Mom, every boy, every girl, every unborn, every special needs, every elderly, every single person because when Jesus went to the cross, it counted for them. But the question is, will we love them enough to remember that when Jesus died, it counted for them, too?”
The sit-down dinner was combined with an update on WVFL’s educational efforts, which are threefold. First, the group wants to educate on the dangers of assisted suicide and euthanasia because there will be an amendment to the State Constitution on the West Virginia November ballot in this regard.
Secondly, an anti-abortion pill campaign is in the works called “Don’t Swallow the Lie!” Women and girls will be informed that after taking the first dose of the abortion pill (Mifeprex or RU-486) that they can possibly reverse the effects of that pill if quick action is taken.
And thirdly, across the street from the former abortion clinic in Charleston, a pro-life memorial park is being planned to honor and remember the thousands of little boys and girls that have been killed in that facility. Abortions ceased there once the Unborn Child Protection Act went into effect in 2022 thanks to the West Virginia legislature and Governor Jim Justice.
State President Dr. Wanda Franz gave an overview presentation complete with video on the organization over the years and built a case for the much needed three-pronged educational campaign for which monies were raised. Franz said, “It was a great opportunity to share some of our accomplishments with our guests. These included the 14 pro-life bills we have passed over the years, our social media educational programs, and the memorial for the children aborted at the Women’s Health Center.”
Thanks to Tim Tebow, Host Committee Chairman Larry Pack for his kind remarks, our many Sponsors, and to all the event participants, volunteers, decorators, musicians, and hotel staff who made the 26th Annual Rose Dinner a resounding success!