Toronto March for LifeIs there anything relatively specific that gives you hope for success in the pro-life movement, whether it be history, current people/strategies/results, the people you talk to at work, etc.?
The testimonies and how many there are. Seeing people change their minds about abortion on the street almost every time I go out for activism.
Where does your pro-life conviction come from?
I grew up in a pro-life home, so I have always considered myself pro-life. However, it wasn’t till shortly after I graduated from college that I would say I felt convicted to speak up about abortion. After college, I was asked by my sister if I was interested in becoming part of our local pro-life group, Oxford Against Abortion. Soon after joining, I was invited to take part in a 4-hour apologetics workshop hosted by a local Right to Life group and led by CCBR speaker, Justina Van Manen.
The workshop is where I think my conviction changed. I had always believed abortion to be wrong because I knew it killed an innocent human being, but I had never thought about it much beyond that. The workshop first introduced me to the reality of what abortion is. Before the workshop, I had seen Abortion Victim Photography, but I had been too involved with college and my life to take notice. After the workshop, I could no longer ignore the reality of abortion and have attempted to be an active part of the pro-life movement locally since.
When did you first come into contact with CCBR?
I first heard of CCBR through my church. Various CCBR staff members in Ontario attend my church and have done various presentations for my church over the years.
What made you choose CCBR?
It was one of the first pro-life organizations I was introduced to in the pro-life movement. Also, most of the people I know locally in the pro-life movement work for or have worked for CCBR in the past.
What is something you find attractive about the pro-life movement which is not directly related to its central mission?
The focus on winning people. Since becoming a more active part member of the pro-life community, I have not only been taught how to become a better advocate for life but also how to become a better person to the people around me both while participating in activism, but also in everyday life.
What is your favourite hobby?
Playing the organ. I have been playing for as long I can remember, and I find it a great way to destress. I especially enjoy playing the works of Johann Sebastian Bach.
What was/is one of your favorite subjects in school and how does that relate to either your current life or to pro-life work?
My favorite subjects in school were physics and trigonometry. I continue to use these two subjects almost daily as I work as a mechanical engineering technologist in a small machine shop.
What is one of your favourite books?
Growing up, my favourite series of books was the Tom Swift series. I only like the first (1910-1941) and the second (1954-1971) series. There are an additional 4 series since then, but in my opinion, they are not as good. If I had to pick one thing that influenced my pursuit of engineering as a career, these series would probably make my shortlist.
Do you wear a watch? Why or why not?
Yes, I currently wear a Garmin Instinct Tactical. I have worn watches for years to keep track of time, but in recent years, with the introduction of the smartwatch, my watch also has gained some other roles. My current watch also tracks things like my heart rate and stress level throughout the day, as well as the quality of my sleep throughout the night. Because it is a Garmin watch specifically geared to people who love the outdoors, it also has a built-in GPS as well as other more basic sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass.
What’s your favourite food?
Lasagna
