Joe Scheidler delivers the keynote address at the Hawaii Right to Life Conference
Joe and Ann Scheidler were featured speakers at the Hawaii Right to Life, Hilo Chapter conference June 26 and 27.
The president of Hilo Chapter of Hawaii Right to Life and organizer of the conference, Dave DeCleene, happens to be the brother of Eric Scheidler’s next door neighbor.
Dave has participated in the Pro-Life Action League’s Face the Truth Tour while in the Chicago area visiting family. He wanted to bring the League’s brand of activism to the Big Island and the entire state of Hawaii.
Talks on Communication and Counseling
Ann and Joe Scheidler with pro-life law student Catie Statler
Joe Scheidler gave a workshop on communicating the pro-life message and using the media to tell the truth about abortion, and a workshop on the importance of using graphic images to expose the reality of abortion.
Ann gave a workshop on sidewalk counseling. There is one abortion clinic in Hilo, comfortably ensconced in a multi-purpose medical building. At the present time there is no crisis pregnancy center in Hilo, so the only resource available to abortion-bound women is the sidewalk counselor. The nearest pregnancy resource center is in Kona, about three hours away.
Joe also gave the closing talk at the conference, encouraging attendees to attack their pro-life mission in a spirit of Faith, Hope and Love.
Walter Hoye an Bobby Schindler Deliver Keynotes
Joe and Ann Scheidler with Pastor Walter Hoye and Bobby Schindler
In addition to the Scheidlers, Pastor Walter Hoye and Bobby Schindler delivered keynote addresses. Hoye achieve national media attention when he was arrested in front of an Oakland, CA abortion mill for simply holding a sign reading “Jesus Loves you and your baby. Let me help you,” and trying to offer life-saving help to the women.
When Hoye began to save lives at the abortion facility, the city of Oakland passed an ordinance specifically banning his activities, which fall entirely within the protection of the First Amendment. His quiet, determined witness is powerful.
Schindler recounted the story of the concerted, and ultimately successful, effort to end his sister, Terri Schiavo’s life. His family now asssist other families facing similar threats of euthanasia.
Scheidlers Get to Know Hawaii’s Pro-Life Community
The Scheidlers’ hostess Cora Matsumoto (foreground) with members of Hawaii RTL
The Scheidlers stayed at the home of Dr. Paul and Cora Matsumoto during their week in Hilo and had the opportunity to meet and visit with a wonderful group of committed pro-lifers, including many college students and young adults whose enthusiasm for the pro-life movement is inspiring.
Joe and Ann spent a couple of extra days on the Island of Hawaii and visited Kilauea Crater, an active volcano that is constantly adding to the size of the island. The incredible beauty of the island is a constant reminder of the infinite imagination and goodness of God.
