Ryan McGlade (23) - Bradenton, Fl.

My name is Ryan McGlade, and I was asked to write a little about growing up as a rescuer. I was about ten years old when my family got involved with Operation Rescue. One of the first events that I participated in was in Atlanta, Georgia in 1990. We were with a group called Youth for America. It was a long time ago, but I still remember sitting in front of the abortion clinic door with a bunch of other kids, singing songs, and praying for the babies and praying that I wouldn't be so nervous. After a while, the police showed up with paddy wagons. About that time, I felt my prayer was answered. I was amazed when the Lord took my fear away, and in its place was a peace that I had never felt before. It was as if Jesus was right by my side. After it was all over, I still remember telling my parents that I had never felt the presence of the Lord like I did that day. It's like Psalm 23:5 - "Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

Through the years, I had many experiences like this, and I started to realize that the Lord really is a rewarder of those who seek Him. He has been faithful in my life to help me to overcome the obstacles which he has placed before me. There have been many, but he has never failed me. Because my parents did not compromise in their faith; they set an example for my brothers, sister, and me that we will never forget. They taught us to strive to serve the Lord with all our hearts, and because of their faithfulness, we are all doing just that.

Today, at twenty-three, I am the husband of a beautiful wife who loves the Lord with all of her heart. I am the father of two awesome boys and a baby on the way- according to the ultrasound, it looks like a girl. Now, as a father myself, my hope and my prayer is that I pass the baton to my children, and they will finish the race. I know that if I continue to be faithful to the Lord, my children will also be faithful to Him. God's Word says to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I know this to be true! I am first hand proof! He is an Awesome God!

Tanya McGlade (22), Bradenton, Fl.

When I first met the man who was to become my husband, I was a completely different person than I am today. At sixteen, I was a feminist with a seductive spirit; and although I thought I was a Christian, I had bought into the moral ambiguity and doctrine of tolerance that is so popular today. Since Ryan (my husband) had already been involved with Operation Rescue for about seven years, one of the first things he asked me was what I thought about abortion. Of course, I gave him the typical tolerant Christian answer: abortion is probably not a good idea, but in the case of rape or if the mother's life is in danger, it is alright. I thought that I was so wise and compassionate. But, as the scripture says, "even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." It had to be the Lord, because Ryan saw through all of my worldliness and into my heart. He saw that I was searching for the Truth, and in my flesh, I was failing. Even though he continued to spend time with me, he didn't pamper my flesh. At several points in our relationship, he set challenges before me, and because I was starting to really allow the Lord to work in my life, I was enabled to meet those challenges. In the three and a half years from the time we met until we got married, I went through a complete metamorphosis. Most importantly, I got to know who Jesus really is, and the role He wants to have in my life. Second, I realized my God-given position as a woman. I also abandoned the birth control mentality and decided to let Jesus really be the Lord of my life, even in that area.

At sixteen, I was determined to be a neurosurgeon, maybe get married in my mid- to late twenties, and possibly have one or two children several years later. At nineteen, I got married, and even then was still hanging on to the possibility of natural family planning. But, praise the Lord, He "tricked" me into submission! Much to our surprise, Josiah was conceived on our wedding night (so much for natural family planning!). We had a wonderful honeymoon, part of which was spent at the event in Buffalo, New York. It couldn't have been more perfect, considering the life that the Lord had planned for us. Not long after that, the Lord completed the work in my heart concerning the birth control issue, and I have no regrets.

Now, at twenty-two, I have been happily married for three years. I stay at home and care for our two boys, Josiah (2) and Malachi(1), and we are expecting a little girl in August. The Lord's plan is always the best and I couldn't be more content than I am as I fulfill my God-given purpose in life as a woman. I praise God that He sent me my husband, who was not ashamed to raise the standard. He lived what he believed, whether it was in his private life, or on the streets. Now, our children are watching as we "turn our theology into biography" at the gates of Hell. They see their father stand for righteousness, no matter what the cost. They are our "arrows", and they are learning now how to fulfill their destiny in the Kingdom of God.