2025 Rose Day Rally Draws Pro-Life Supporters from across the State

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, hundreds of Oklahoman pro-life supporters attended the annual Rose Day event, held inside the Oklahoma State Capitol at the beginning of a new legislative session.

While attending Rose Day, participants distributed red roses to their elected officials to encourage government leaders to protect the unborn.

After presenting their roses, attendees filled the House Chamber to participate in the Rose Day Rally for Life, which began with a brief concert performed by the Light Christian Academy Choir, directed by Kerry Andrews.

Darryl E. Wooton, Superintendent of Oklahoma Assemblies of God, served as event emcee. He took a moment to thank the sponsoring groups of Rose Day and led a prayer for Oklahoma Baptists Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher, who is still recovering from a car accident he had last July. Wooton then again thanked everyone in attendance for all they do in the fight for life.

Following a prayer by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children President James Swain, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Rep. Kyle Hilbert recognized members of the House who attended Rose Day. Then, Sen. Lonnie Paxton gave his testimony of why he is pro-life before recognizing the attending senators.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt sent a video greeting to the Rose Day attendees, thanking them for their attendance and explaining the importance of Rose Day.

“By the grace of God, Oklahoma has been a national leader in protecting the unborn and passing critical legislation to end abortion in the state of Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “Our laws are a testament to our people, our values and our unbreakable pro-life culture.”

Mandi Parkhurst, Director of Hope Pregnancy Centers Edmond, then gave a testimony of life change and God’s loving, forgiving grace.

“The Lord opened my eyes and showed me that I needed Him,” Parkhurst said.

Parkhurst emphasized that abortion is horrible and the lies fed to women that it’s a “reset button” are false. But she emphasized that no matter what choices are made in the past, God’s forgiveness is greater and is enough.

“Abortion is not the unforgivable sin, and God’s grace and forgiveness is enough,” she said.

Following Parkhurst’s testimony, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell greeted attendees and reminded them that the fight for life isn’t just on Rose Day.

“This is my favorite day, but this is a 365-day fight,” Pinnell said.

Baptist Messenger Editor Brian Hobbs introduced Rose Day’s keynote speaker Rebecca Kiessling, who shared her testimony and a pro-life message.

Kiessling was adopted into a Jewish household. She said that God was not emphasized in her upbringing. Throughout her childhood, Kiessling had wanted to meet her birth mother but didn’t have the means to. She had also heard of abortions but didn’t fully know what the word meant; all she knew was that it is a bad thing.

“From a young age, I knew there was hatred in the world,” Kiessling said.

While she was in school, Kiessling decided that she wanted to be an activist. Many believed that because of this, Kiessling was automatically in support of abortion. She disagreed.

“What on earth does having an abortion have to do with being a strong woman?” Kiessling said. “You’re not being strong; you’re being a bully.”

A few years later, Kiessling learned that she was conceived through rape and immediately felt threatened by those who saw children conceived in rape as inferior in some perceived way.

“I felt targeted by these people who don’t even know me,” she said.

Kiessling felt lost, without purpose or identity. Soon though, Kiessling learned of the incredible, loving nature of God who sees everyone as worthy and valuable life.

“I am not worthless,” Kiessling said. “I am priceless, and I hope you all know your worth.”

Kiessling has been an international pro-life and adoption speaker since 1995. She has changed the hearts and minds of many people across the world, including the minds of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry during his presidential campaign and Newt Gingrich as well as many other legislators. Kiessling emphasizes that there can be no exceptions for abortions and that every life, no matter how it was conceived, is valuable in the eyes of God.

“When you accept that exception, you’re saying that (the child) deserves the death penalty for the crime of the rapist father,” she said. Kiessling encouraged all who attended to speak up for the unborn, even those who some would not want to defend.

Following Kissling’s testimony, William Novak of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church concluded Rose Day in prayer and benediction.

Oklahoma Baptists have participated in Rose Day since the 1990s. For more information about Rose Day, visit roseday.life.