Pastor Jake McDonnell of Coastlands Community Church in San Diego recently received a letter threatening to protest his church.
Why? Because he allowed Christians to gather there before peacefully walking to a nearby abortion center to pray.
When the park where Love Life San Diego held monthly prayer walks went under construction, Pastor Jake opened his church property without hesitation.
Meanwhile, opposition outside Planned Parenthood was escalating. Protestors shouted vulgarities, blasted music, made sexual comments and slurs, and attempted to intimidate those who came to pray. Police were called multiple times.
Still, Pastor Jake kept his doors open.
Earlier this year, Jake considered having his church adopt a Love Life week, but it was a difficult season. He was facing major surgery, the church had building projects underway, and he didn’t want to add another burden to his congregation.
Then, days before Youth for Life, an anonymous letter arrived.
The message was clear: If you continue allowing Love Life to gather at your church, we will protest your church.
Jake spoke with his elders and came to a conclusion:
It was time to press in more.
He said, “When Satan comes to attack, I am not going to retreat and be fearful. I am going to press in further. I need to step up my game.”
Then he laughed and said, “This is the first letter of persecution I have ever received. I am going to frame it.”
Jake had previously been unsure whether he could give the pastoral charge at Youth for Life in September. After receiving the letter, he told us to put him on the schedule.
That Saturday, Jake publicly proclaimed the Gospel outside Planned Parenthood amid intense opposition.
The experience affected him so deeply that the next morning, he changed his church’s preaching schedule and took the pulpit himself.
He preached on abortion.
Jake showed his congregation the letter and told them they would not respond with fear or retreat.
Then he announced that their church was joining Love Life.
“Put us down for October 10.”
And they came strong for the prayer walk that day!
Coastlands Community Church not only committed to an Adoption Week, they also voted to add Love Life to their missionary budget.
This story brings to mind Psalm 37:14–15:
“The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright; their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.”
The intent of the letter was intimidation.
The goal was to make pastor Jake retreat.
Instead, God used it to strengthen his resolve.
They wanted one less church involved. Instead, Love Life gained a church partner and a pastor willing to publicly speak about abortion.
What was intended to silence the Church became the very thing God used to awaken it.
Is Your Church Ready to Step In?
If your church isn’t involved with Love Life yet, this is your invitation.
On November 14, 2026 churches all over the nation are going to be standing shoulder to shoulder. Pastors like Jake are going to be leading the charge and bringing their congregations out to the darkest places in their cities.
Join us for the Celebrate Life prayer walks happening in cities across the country.