Our Story
Western Washington Coalition for Life (WWCFL) started as a vision born of prayer. On November 4, 2018, our executive director Laurie Coykendall stood on the easement in front of the local Planned Parenthood building and lifted her request to God. It was the 40th day of that 40 Days for Life (40DFL) fall campaign, and shortly afterward, she put her prayer into writing:
“This is a goal I have; that after Planned Parenthood closes its doors, this building will become a coalition center for life; an established non-profit with the central purpose of providing resources for medical care and other needs for pregnant women; with support information for post-abortive men and women and those who have suffered abuse. Education and instruction for those who wish to learn more about protecting and supporting life. I recognize that our Creator can do all things through the use of any humble servant, so I [Laurie] will establish the WWCFL on January 1, 2019, if it is God’s will. This is my promise to Him through His Providence, and the blessings He bestows on all life ministries, accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior of the world, the Holy Spirit, and intercession of Mary, Mother of God.”
Laurie signed her name to that pledge. Still, she wouldn’t see the glimmerings of God’s intent until several months later, in August 2019, when she and fellow prayer warrior Kerry Daly gathered other supporters together to share in the vision for WWCFL. Their first board meeting was held in a church library and then monthly at a local Knights of Columbus hall.
2019 soon turned into 2020, with the passing of two more 40DFL campaigns; yet the grassroots members of WWCFL never lost faith as they stood or knelt daily on the easement in front of Planned Parenthood, praying for an end to abortion.
And then the Miracle happened…
It was February 19, 2020, just prior to the 40DFL spring campaign, and directly across the street from Planned Parenthood stood a house that was highly visible. Many times the prayer warriors had envisioned the home as a House for Life that would look directly into the face of Death across the street. Over the years, the house’s occupant had complained about the passing drivers honking their horns in support of life during the 40DFL campaigns. Instead of arguing, the prayer warriors always offered their love and support and as the years passed, the occupant stopped complaining.
Then on February 26th, 2020, exactly one week later, it was discovered the house was up for sale.
Excited, Laurie and Kerry sensed that God had finally revealed His purpose. Quickly the pair reached out to supporters. The house was available, with another offer already on the table! They would need to raise the money fast, before their chance was lost.
Miraculously, that same day, just six hours later, over $200,000.00 had been pledged. Though it wasn’t the original asking price, WWCFL made the offer…and it was accepted!
Today, thanks to the help of many who have volunteered their prayers, time, and treasure to renovate Western Washington Coalition for Life’s “House for Life,” Laurie’s prayer request to God has become a reality. And WWCFL will continue its mission, providing encouragement, love, and support through resources, education, and information to embrace the beauty and sanctity of all human life.
Western Washington Coalition for Life is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization effective March 6, 2020. All donations are tax deductible.