{{first_name|Friend}},
What a night! If you joined us live for Since the Torch Was Passed: One Year Later, thank you — and thank you for your patience through the technical gremlins. (Mark put it well: we've done webcasts all year and never had this much trouble. Somebody didn't want you to see what's happening here.) If you missed it, don't worry — the full (edited) replay is ready now:
And here's the most important thing to know this morning: starting today through midnight on October 15, every dollar you give through El Paso Giving Day is DOUBLED by our $150,000 matching challenge. More on that below — but first, here's what you missed.
The Sidewalk — Blanca Savusa, 40 Days for Life: Blanca reminded us that "you do not need a crowd to pray. Sometimes it is just one person faithfully standing on that sidewalk." And this year, when the 40 days end, we're not going home: three of our four vigil sites are becoming 365-day campaigns. Sign up for an hour at 40days.southwest.life
Live From Next Door — Aida Salazar, Her Care Connection: Aida took us inside our new office sharing a wall with the Santa Teresa abortion center — complete with a chapel and an ultrasound room. "You can only imagine the sorrows happening right here behind this wall." Women are now walking into our clinic thinking they've reached the abortion center — and finding another door open instead.
Why Women Are Choosing Life — Makayla de Jong, CNM, Guiding Star Southwest: Our certified nurse midwife shared how abortion-determined moms are changing their minds when they discover "a whole other world of options they didn't know existed." And big news: Guiding Star Southwest just completed its site visit to become a CABC-accredited birth center — the nearest ones today are in Tucson and Wichita Falls.
The Threat Across New Mexico — Marcia "MJ" Jerry, Southwest Coalition Action: Last year there were 16,000 abortions in New Mexico, and 10,000 of those women traveled from out of state. With the $10 million UNM abortion center nearly complete in Las Cruces and a second one planned for northern New Mexico, we've launched Southwest Coalition Action to carry this fight into policy and law. MJ also shared a landmark win: a New Mexico court recognized a 26-week-old unborn child as a person under the state's wrongful death act.
"I Am the Face of Choice" — Denisha Workize: Denisha survived two abortion attempts and didn't learn her story until she was 42. "Sometimes the distance between one future and another is simply knowing another door exists." Her life, she said, "is evidence that one changed outcome changes generations."
The Lily Pad — Destiny and Jackie: Two of our Lily Pad moms shared what the home has made possible: Destiny is now volunteering as a recovery coach; Jackie is studying to be a pharmacy technician at EPCC. "We're basically sisters."
Mark's Update from Life Leadership Conference: Our founder shared what a year of studying durable culture change has shown him: "You don't get a culture of life by winning an argument or a vote. You get it by building things that make people realize abortion is unnecessary — and then hearts change, then institutions change, and then the law follows." He's now sharing the Southwest Coalition model with institutions in Washington, D.C., religious orders, healthcare corporations, and national public health initiatives. In his words: "Your generosity is not just changing the borderland. It's giving people who've never even been here a picture of what's possible."
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Lily Pad is growing. This year we welcomed a 14-year-old mother who fought tooth and nail to keep her baby. A judge helped us bring her safely across from Juárez — and then that same judge called back: "I have a long list of young girls who could benefit from what you're doing." Then Child Protective Services called and asked if we had room for more. We have four bedrooms and a waiting list. God is calling us to expand the Lily Pad — much, much bigger than what we have today.
Open House Passport Tours — starting TODAY, 5–7 PM. Come see it for yourself! Pick up your passport tonight at our Gardner Street office in Las Cruces, then get it stamped at the Santa Teresa office, Guiding Star, and the Lily Pad on the days that follow.
Riley Gaines is coming to the gala. Our December gala keynote is Riley Gaines — and this year, stay after for the dance! Everyone who gives during El Paso Giving Day gets first access to tables and sponsorships.
And the biggest news: a $150,000 Matching Challenge. A small, faithful group of supporters has stepped up again this year — several of them increased their gift — to put forward a $150,000 match through El Paso Giving Day. Every dollar you give from today through midnight on October 15 is doubled, dollar for dollar, to make everything above possible — especially the expansion of the Lily Pad.
There's one more reason to give today: El Paso Giving Day is awarding $25,000 bonuses to the first organizations to meet their match, first come, first served. If this community moves fast, that's an extra $25,000 for the Lily Pad on top of the $300,000.
Remember, the match only works if we meet it — and we only have until midnight on October 15. Give $100 and it becomes $200. Give $1,000 and it becomes $2,000. No gift is too small to be doubled, and none is too big until we reach $150,000.
Thank you for an unforgettable night, and for a year I could never have imagined. Let's make sure life stays the #1 cause in the borderland.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
P.S. — Tonight is the first big update of this new chapter, and I'd love for you to be part of it. Join us now:
Devotional for Day 16
Intention: For physicians and nurses committed to protecting both mother and child.
Scripture: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27
Reflection: Medical professionals are entrusted with people at profoundly vulnerable moments. Their skill can preserve life, and their compassion can restore hope. Today we pray for professionals who recognize that excellent care should never require abandoning either patient.
Prayer: Lord, bless physicians and nurses who serve women and children with integrity. Sharpen their judgment, strengthen their courage, and allow their healing work to reflect the dignity of every patient. Amen.
Challenge: Challenge. Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.