Organizers are hoping and praying for good weather for Life Chain 2012, a prayer vigil supporting the unborn on Sunday, Oct. 7, according to Pastor Allen Wilburn of the Buchanan First Baptist Church, sponsor of the annual event. “It’s a time for prayer and a celebration of life. It is not a ‘protest,’” said Rev. Wilburn. “We had beautiful weather last year at our first Life Chain, and I estimate we had over 50 people. We expect more than last year since there was a women’s retreat on Life Chain day, plus we have had more publicity this year.

“We are asking participants to pray for one hour. We will meet for a briefing and short prayer at 3:15, just before the vigil starts at 3:30,” said Wilburn. “The event will take place in front of the church at 3701 Business 27 Highway [near the Historic Courthouse] with participants stationed five yards apart on the sidewalk along the highway,” said Wilburn. “We focus on quiet prayer. It is not a time of fellowship or talking to each other; nor is it intended to be confrontational.”

Participants may bring chairs or they may stand, stated Wilburn. There is no marching or demonstrating, and the only walking will be to get to one’s prayer post.

Originator and event chairman Lyndon Smith of Draketown said the local effort is part of a movement throughout the United States and Canada.

“My wife and I feel called to support the unborn, and we have started Life Chain in other places as we have moved around the world with the Marine Corps. The national movement was started in 1987 in California,” said Smith, a retired Gunnery Sergeant, “and it is now in some 1,500 cities. Every single American needs to realize the need to support life. Millions of babies have been aborted, and it continues, which is very sad.”

Pastor Wilburn said other churches and the general public are invited.

“Right now, our church is the only one I know of in the area that conducts Life Chain, but we would like to see it expand. It is interdenominational. We want to make people aware of our stance.”

Uniform placards will be provided, bearing the Life Chain message for passing motorists, said Wilburn. According to the National Life Chain website, www.nationallifechain.org,

“The easy-to-read 18”x 22” Life Chain signs are backprinted to feature Prayer Topics, Songs of Meditation, the Life Chain Code of Conduct, and a compelling statement on The Purpose of Life Chain.”

Local pastors are encouraged to include local prayer concerns as well, said the website article.

More information is available by visiting the Life Chain website, or by contacting Rev. Wilburn at 770-537-0211 or Smith at 770-562-9339.