What People Are Saying about Stephanie Gray’s Presentations

The following endorsement letters (in PDF) are just some of those received by Stephanie regarding her presentations on abortion:

• Calvin Christian School (Monarch, AB)
• Dufferin Christian School (Carman, MB)
• Elm Creek School (Elm Creek, MB)
• National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes (Emmitsburg, MD)
• Immaculate Conception High School (Lodi, NJ)
• Marian Catholic High School (Chicago Heights, IL)
• Notre Dame Regional Secondary School (Vancouver, BC)
• Pacific Academy High School (Surrey, BC)
• Redeemer University College (Ancaster, ON)
• Seminary of Christ the King (Mission, BC)
• Solid Rock Free Lutheran Church (Camrose, AB)
• Sussex Wesleyan Church (Sussex, NB)

The following quotations are a selection from the above letters and other correspondence, including audience-feedback surveys. (Quotations may have been edited for grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, and/or length.)

High Schools

“Thank you for your presence in our school today.  It was very encouraging to see someone so passionate in serving the Lord.  Our students need to see such passion at work and you gave them that example.  I was particularly encouraged with the manner in which you presented a Christ-centered approach to life.  In your talks, you were able to equip our students with knowledge so that they in turn could confront those who are opposed to the right to life.  That is what our mission as a Christian school is.  Thank you for your presentations.”

—Mr. A. Jansen, principal, Richmond Christian School, Richmond, BC

“The presentation was very well-organized and very effective.  She used several different methods including a very graphic, short PowerPoint presentation.  This was very effective and, because of the professional way the sensitive material was presented, it was not offensive to the students.  It was instrumental in solidifying their pro-life views and probably convinced some of the students who were not strongly pro-life prior to her presentation.  I highly recommend Stephanie; she is an effective communicator and a convincing pro-life apologist.”

—Richard Whalen, Science and Christian Education teacher, Notre Dame Regional Secondary School, Vancouver, BC

“Stephanie Gray is an outstanding public speaker with a gripping and relevant message of hope which will assist others learn how to intelligently argue for the unborn.”

—Brad Smith, head of Guidance Counselling, Pacific Academy High School, Surrey, BC

“Your presentation was extremely valuable to our students in terms of reinforcing our beliefs in what is morally right.  Although we consider ourselves a pro-life community, we are often too silent on this issue.  Your graphic video exposed us to the horrors of abortion and awakened the need to defend life.  We are often too silent because we feel uncomfortable and aren’t sure about how to counter the pro-abortion propaganda.  You clearly exposed the weaknesses of the clichés used by those who defend abortion as a woman’s “choice” and gave us some ideas on how to counter these arguments.  Your presentation provided our high school students with a solid foundation on this moral issue and enables them to more clearly articulate their views as they enter the post-secondary world, whether that be at university, college, or the workforce.”

—Fred Neels, teacher, Calvin Christian School, Monarch, AB

“Your ability to present information (of which you are clearly very knowledgeable) and to challenge the students to make responsible decisions made the presentation very effective.  The topic was handled very sensitively, and I would like to thank you also for your efforts to allow for their comments to be heard respectfully.”

—Mrs. V. Esau, counsellor, Elm Creek (Public) School, Elm Creek, MB

“Ms. Gray’s presentation was very thought-provoking.  Through the use of visual images and Scripture, she carefully and clearly outlined a persuasive defense for pro-life.  Our students were definitely touched—they more clearly and with greater conviction saw that they have a role to play in convincing our society that abortion is wrong.  I believe that presentations like this play a critical role in pushing Christians out of complacency so they can make a stand against the evil forces in society.  I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Gray’s presentation and wish her the Lord’s blessings.”

—Rob vanSpronsen, principal, Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MB

“We recently had Ms. Stephanie Gray speak to the high school students (Grade 8–12) of our school.  She did this in four sessions.  Her message, and the effective manner in which she spoke, kept the students’ attention throughout the hour presentation.  Her message was clear, concise, and flowed from point to point in good order.  The props and the video she used were very effective.  The video, while very short, had an impact.  The reaction from the students, after the sessions, was very positive.  I would most certainly recommend Ms. Gray to speak to any student or adult group, and would certainly welcome her back to our school at some future date.”

—Dale Scherer, vice-principal, St. Ann’s Academy, Kamloops, BC

“Your professional, knowledgeable, yet open approach in delivering this message has assisted our students to hear, digest, and wrestle with this very important subject.  The information you gave was very helpful to our students in helping them formalize in their minds a convincing and sensitive argument against abortion and prepare them to speak against abortion should the challenge arise.  I would wholeheartedly recommend you to speak on this topic to other school or church groups.”

—Travis Bryerton, principal, Heritage Christian School, Surrey, BC

“Stephanie Gray was a dynamic, articulate, and well-informed speaker who was able to relate well to the students.  I would highly recommend Stephanie as a speaker/presenter and hope to have her at our school again.”

—Ramona Sousa, teacher-counsellor, Kelowna Christian School, Kelowna, BC

Post-Secondary Institutions

“Ms. Gray did an excellent job with her presentation.  It was professional, well-reasoned, persuasive, and compelling.  Her presentation enabled the audience to think through the abortion issue objectively and equipped them to present a pro-life view to others.  I recommend Stephanie Gray as a speaker to any group interested in an honest examination of the abortion issue or for a debate on abortion.”

—Dr. James Pocock, PhD., associate professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, US Air Force Academy, Colorado

“The fact that the students kept you three times longer than the nominally planned hour, or less, shows that you held their interest and were able to communicate with them.  They were stimulated to ask questions and you were able to answer with competence.  The students were impressed by your presentation and knowledge.  They came away with new insights and renewed conviction.”

—Rev. Nicholas Ruh, rector, Seminary of Christ the King, Mission, BC

“On behalf of the Board of Georgetown University Right to Life, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your enthusiasm and insight as you presented the case against abortion during our Life Week celebration last month.  Your method was thought-provoking and effective.”

—Laura Peirson & Timothy Foley, Georgetown University Right to Life, Washington, DC

“On behalf of Campus Ministries International (CMI) and its local expression in Western Canada, Ambassadors for Jesus (AFJ), I would like to endorse Ms. Gray and her pro-life materials to you and your organization.  I have known Ms. Gray for the past three years and have found her to be a person of outstanding character and vision.  She has spoken to our ministry both formally and informally on several occasions.  She is an excellent public speaker who is both well informed and contemporary in her approach.  I recommend her to you with the highest regard.”

—Darwin Dewar, AFJ, Vancouver, British Columbia

Religious Institutions

“Stephanie has an incredible gift of communication. I was impressed with how she mixed the ideas of compassion with the harsh realities of abortion. The pictures of her and her mother helping in the orphanages in Europe really emphasise that and should bring respect from pro-choice and pro-life advocates alike. So many pro-life images that we see seem devoid of compassion for all concerned. Keep up the awesome work. We look forward to having Stephanie return to our area again next year.”
—Darrell Miller, Covenant Church, Nelson, BC

“I was also very impressed by her presentation on pro-life positions.  It was smooth, methodical, level-headed, and very logical.”
—Rev. John Lombardi, chaplain of the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, MD

“Her articulate manner and illustrative manner makes her a dynamic presenter in whom you will not be disappointed.”
—Ian Lawson, senior pastor, Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

“I highly recommend Miss Gray as a talented, articulate, and interesting speaker.  Miss Gray’s ability to captivate audience attention is impressive.  She clearly laid out the problems associated with abortion, and how pro-life people can respond in their attitude and behaviour.  Miss Gray also presented the strategy and activities of her organization, the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR).  CCBR’s use of graphic visuals to convey the atrocity of abortion is a powerful tool that has helped win hearts and minds to the pro-life cause.  I encourage anyone who wants to hear a stimulating and convincing presentation to invite Miss Gray to speak.”

—Rev. Charles Ryan, FSSP, Divine Mercy Parish, Burnaby, BC

“Your presentation and encouragement to be a Good Samaritan was right to the point.  We will continue to support the unborn and those struggling with the guilt of past decisions and actions.  Thank you for your ministry.”

—Bruce Eldridge, Tri Lakes Chapel, Monument, CO

“This past year Broadway Church invited Stephanie Gray to share her insight on the abortion issue during one of our Adult Sunday School classes.  We also used the video The Harder Truth.  The class was very well attended, and people walked away with a greater understanding of why abortion should not be an option.  People in the class were emotionally touched by both the film presentation as well as the factual information that Stephanie gave.  Stephanie was very articulate in her presentation, and the feedback that I received from those in the class was that the overall presentation was incredible, and would be remembered for always.”

—Doreen Wall, children’s pastor, Broadway Mennonite Brethren Church, Chilliwack, BC

“Of the many presentations that we have had in the past, given by high profile people, Stephanie heads the list of being the most influential.  Stephanie covered all the bases.  No one went away with questions still on their mind.  Our church went away with a renewed vigor to encourage women to choose life.  No matter whom you have had in the past, you need to hear Stephanie Gray.”

—Pastor Dennis Bjorgan, Bethel Pentecostal Assembly, Mission, BC

“I would recommend her to you for an impacting and dynamic presentation of the pro-life message.”

—Larry Thomas, pastor, Cariboo Bethel Church, Williams Lake, BC

Audience Members

This student wrote that prior to the presentation she was “pro-choice,” believing abortion “was okay at times.”  Following the presentation, she wrote, “Because of the way [the speaker] presented her information my position changed.  I wish pregnant women will keep their babies now.”

—16-year-old female, Richmond Christian School, Richmond, BC

“I thought it [abortion] was bad but I also thought that it was the woman’s choice.”  After the presentation this student wrote, “I feel completely different about abortion and I don’t think anybody should kill a human no matter how young and small they are.”  She also commented on the video “Choice Blues,” which shows the aftermath of first-trimester abortions: “They showed the aborted babies that were cut up.  I thought it was really gross and horrible and I don’t know how anybody can do that.”

—Grade 8 female, Richmond Christian School, Richmond, BC

“Well at first I was thinking if my girlfriend got pregnant we would abort it… After this presentation I was thinking, and I would just go with it and have the baby because [otherwise] you’re killing an innocent child.”

—16-year-old male, Notre Dame Secondary School, Vancouver, BC

“Before the presentation I was pro-choice but didn’t agree fully with abortion… now I am against abortion because I saw, heard and completely understand what a horrible thing abortion is.”

—15-year-old male, Notre Dame Secondary School, Vancouver, BC

“Before I thought having an abortion was really just a personal choice, women have the freedom to do whatever they wish with their bodies, and that others needn’t interfere.  After the presentation, the most important thing I learnt was that the only reason most people don’t care is because we don’t equate the lives of fetuses to our lives.”

—Female university student, Vancouver Chinese Alliance Church, Richmond, BC

“Before I was pro-choice, because it’s nobody’s business but her own; after the presentation I’m pro-life, because abortion is inhumane.”

—13-year-old, St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary School, Abbotsford, BC

“Before I thought abortion was okay in certain situations but now I realize it’s just pure wrong.”

—16-year-old, St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary School, Abbotsford, BC

“The visual evidence was disturbing, but effective; in reality, abortion is disgusting, so I think that the video was proper to show.”

—14-year-old, St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary School, Abbotsford, BC

“I thought this was the most powerful presentation I have ever seen.”

—15-year-old, St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary School, Abbotsford, BC

“After seeing the movie and hearing everything from you I see how wrong it is… the movie changed my opinion.”

—Student, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Wheaton, MD

“The best speaker by far. I was privileged to hear her in a breakout session also. She appeals to anyone and everyone and is a master at persuasion. If only more pro-choice people could hear what she has to say.”

—University of Florida student attending American Collegians for Life Conference, Washington, DC

“The BEST speaker I have heard talk about abortion, great practical theology that we all can use in daily life.  She has a true gift from God on stirring hearts to do something.  [She] most affected my heart over all the conference weekend!”

—Michigan State University student attending American Collegians for Life Conference, Washington, DC

“This is just a short note to congratulate your many efforts in fighting for the lives of the unborn.  I had attended your talk this past week and found your substantive arguments and powerful oratory reassuring.  It is encouraging to know that there are individuals like yourself leading the good fight.”

—Resident orthopaedic surgeon, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

“I just want to tell you I TOTALLY disagree with you, but I think you gave, by far, the most incredible presentation of your [the pro-life] perspective and it actually made me stop and think at one point.”

—Abortion advocate, York University, Toronto, ON

“Prior to the debate, I was pro-life. I attended to listen to arguments from both sides, in an effort to better inform myself of the relevant arguments relating to the issue, which may have strengthened my position, or swayed me.  After hearing the debate, I am more strongly pro-life than before.  I believe that you won the debate.”

—Student, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB

“Thank you again for your talk; you gave me a new sense of fearlessness for our faith, by your witness to our faith.”

—Student, Christ the King Seminary, Mission, BC