USA (MNN) — The building that houses pro-life ministry LIFE International in Grand Rapids, Michigan was initially built as a place of worship. Then, over time, it became a place of death before the Lord redeemed it.
Kurt Dillinger, President and Founder of LIFE International, explains, “This particular building was the first Jewish synagogue built in Grand Rapids over 120 years ago, and they were here in this building for many, many years. Then it evolved into becoming a university building where they did theater here. Then it became another business building.
“It eventually became the largest abortion facility in West Michigan.”
(Photo courtesy of Dominic Blignaut/Unsplash)
Around 20 years ago, when the abortion clinic building went up for sale, it seemed an unlikely place to transform for a biblical pro-life ministry.
Yet, that is what LIFE International did, and Dillinger says it’s what God intended.
“Over a five-year period of prayer, God brought us to this building and He showed us this was the building. It came up for sale and some business people in the community heard about this story. They said, ‘We’re going to buy the building and give it to you.'”
Grand Rapids’ Kent County sees an average of 1,450 abortions per year, according to statistics from 2013-2023. The state of Michigan reported 31,241 abortions total in 2023 — a nearly 30-year high.
The Church still has much work to do in promoting and celebrating God’s value of life in the culture — in Michigan, across the United States, and around the world.
However, this story is a poignant reminder of God’s sovereignty and redemptive work, and He will have the final say.
“We’ve had many women come to our building here who had abortions in their past,” says Dillinger. “They’ll come, and they’ll want to see the building.
“We get to communicate to them, ‘Look what God did with the brick and mortar. He changed it from what it was, to what it is today. A place of death was turned into a place of life. He wants to do the same thing in your heart. You are more important to Him than brick and mortar. This is just a message to you how much He loves you.’
(Photo courtesy of LIFE International)
Dillinger emphasizes, “That’s been our message through our building. God has uniquely given us a wonderful mouthpiece here for our community.”
LIFE International has expanded its pro-life work over the years into more than 100 nations, equipping Christian leaders to communicate God’s heart for life.
Pray for women and men hurt by abortion or considering it to know God’s love for them and their babies.
Learn more about LIFE International’s ministry.
Header photo of historical ministry building, initially built as a Jewish synagogue. Photo courtesy of LIFE International.
