On Dec. 1, 2021, the street west of the U.S. Supreme Court was filled with thousands of people sporting bullhorns, protest signs, and competing, color-coded shirts proclaiming either their support for, or opposition to, abortion.

But on the south side of the white marbled building, a very different crowd had assembled. A smaller crowd. A quieter crowd …

At the 2021 Agape Pregnancy Center fundraising banquet, The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats was honored to speak, sharing the story of his son Lucas, who was born with severe disabilities and who is the subject of Bob’s book, “Light from Lucas.”

“His life is having a dynamic impact,” Bob said of his son. “When people encounter Lucas, they’ll say, ‘I don’t know what it is, but I see the presence of God, I feel the presence of God, when I’m with this little boy.’”

On Oct. 30, The FAMiLY Leader celebrated 25 years of ministry!

Over 500 pastors, friends, and supporters – as well as current and former board and team members – commemorated the occasion with a 25th Anniversary Gala at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

A poll of likely voters reveals support and opposition to the proposed Protect Life Amendment to the Iowa Constitution in a virtual tie – 45 to 47 percent, respectively, within the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percent.

When asked whether Iowans “should be given the opportunity to vote on the amendment,” however, an overwhelming 84 percent of voters said yes.

Bob and Donna Red Wing were often quoted in the news media on opposite sides of contentious issues. Bob leads a Christian organization that advocates for public policy consistent with biblical values. Donna was a longtime LGBTQ activist and, in her own words, “a sometimes agitator.” They were natural “enemies” who became the most unlikely of friends.