It’s Time.
I knew this day would come but it seems surreal just the same.
Since the age of 21 I have suffered from major medical challenges. But my decades-long struggle with chronic spine pain has necessitated my retirement. I often prayed that the Lord would make it clear when it was time to hand over the reins of Life Issues Institute.
The unrelenting pain makes it impossible to keep up with the day-to-day demands of being president of this crucial organization.
Life Issues Institute has played a major role in keeping our nation focused on unborn babies during the abortion debate. When undecided or conflicted Americans see the baby as center to their deliberations, they most often choose life. This has kept the abortion industry and its allies on defense.
Our seminal research and subsequent message of “Love Them Both” was crucial in gaining the offense in the battle of the minds over abortion. This phrase and its accompanying message were birthed in 1992 after sharing our research with major pro-life pro-family leaders. We collectively agreed that combining the rights of both mother and child was the way forward in gaining the momentum over pro-abortion activists.
Our Love Them Both message has regained popularity today with youth led pro-life organizations!
It has been my absolute honor and privilege to work side-by-side with Dr. Jack Willke for nearly 25 years. He was a true mentor until his death.
Jack’s investment in me bore fruit. As host of our daily commentary Life Issues we’ve increased the number of radio outlets from 329 to 1,241. Our annual January 22nd half-hour radio specials set record numbers of stations giving us airtime in a highly competitive market.
I also hosted our weekly television program Facing Life Head-On for eight seasons which aired across America and Canada. It was awarded multiple accolades, including three regional Emmy Awards for pro-life programming. An amazing first!
Our weekly half-hour radio program Straight Talk on Life Issues airs on 167 stations and continues to grow. Our longer version podcast under the same name is making impressive gains in the podcast arena.
By God’s grace Life Issues Institute has achieved this and so much more. And I am truly grateful and privileged to play a leadership role throughout its existence.
But now the time has come to pass the torch. Victor Nieves has a very impressive social media presence to take our message of life and hope to America’s youth, our next key audience.
I am not retiring from the pro-life movement, just this demanding role. I will continue my voluntary functions of President Emeritus of Life Issues Institute and President of the International Right to Life Federation. I also plan to continue speaking on the life issues, particularly men and abortion and writing when opportunities arise.
Please continue your prayers for and financial support of Life Issues Institute. Collectively we have accomplished the impossible. We overcame what they said could never be done. We aborted Roe v Wade!
Now our sights are set on turning more hearts and minds toward life. Life Issues Institute is poised to play a crucial role in eliminating abortion state by state.
I’ll miss my weekly “chats” with you in the form of this blog. The month of May marked 50 years that I have been in pro-life advocacy. Now God has a new role for me to play and I’m excited to find out what it will be to help advance life for 50-plus years!
Partners with YOU defending LIFE,
Brad Mattes,
President Emeritus
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