Sidewalk Counseling Afterparty 3

Bruce Cherry: This is Pro-Life Radio with your hosts, Vicky and Bruce Cherry. Welcome to another edition of Pro-Life Radio on a Sunday night.

Bruce Cherry: We are pre-recorded on what we call “Pro-Life Saturday.” That’s the day we go down to the clinic in Altamonte Springs to do sidewalk counseling, sidewalk prayer, and even a little singing—although you don’t want to come by for my singing, I promise you that.

Vicky Cherry: Oh, honey, you have a great voice!

Bruce Cherry: We have some wonderful guests with us in the studio tonight, and we’re going to get to them right away. But first, as always, my lovely wife Vicky will lead us with Jeremiah 1:5 and prayer.

Vicky Cherry: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You once again to ask for Your blessing upon this show, upon this ministry, and upon all who hear this broadcast. Most importantly, we pray for those who are facing the prospect of an abortion. We pray that You soften and change their hearts, that You touch them in a positive way, and that You save each unborn child—that precious gift You give us. God, let us be effective in helping them choose life for their baby. Whatever resources it takes to help them keep their child, Lord, please make those available, as You already do through so many ministries.

Lord, we ask You to be with us. Things can feel challenging right now as our nation and community navigate a volatile political season. We encounter many people who do not understand or appreciate the sanctity of life. We ask You to give us the right words to share with them to change minds and hearts. Please bless our guests tonight, bless those who support this ministry, and bless all who listen. We pray this in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bruce Cherry: Amen. We’ve got a couple of great guests with us this evening!

Vicky Cherry: I am so excited about our guests today. When we do sidewalk counseling and prayer on the Saturdays we’re able to be out there, I love seeking out the faithful people who are present simply because God called them to be there. There is one gentleman who is there practically every week—every single time we’re there. That is Pierre Zermattin. Am I pronouncing that correctly, Pierre?

Pierre Zermattin: That’s pretty good, yes—spot on!

Bruce Cherry: Pierre is out there on Maitland Avenue, faithfully talking to people and connecting with more visitors than most people ever get the opportunity to reach. God has truly given him a special gift and ministry. We also have John Cook with us. John is a dedicated Christian and pro-lifer—wearing his “God is good all the time” hat today. John was out there with us like a champion. Welcome to the show, gentlemen!

Pierre Zermattin: Thank you, glad to be here.

John Cook: Thank you.

Vicky Cherry: Before we dive into the rest of the conversation, I have to say it was a tough day out there today. Usually when we’re there, I can feel the Holy Spirit so strongly that it brings tears to my eyes. But today, there were quite a few negative gestures and people shouting obscenities as they drove by. Even the individuals entering the clinic seemed very shut down and distant.

Bruce Cherry: Some were completely shut down, while others were noticeably combative—gesturing rudely as they walked through the door. One woman was taking photos of us with her phone. Pierre, you’re out there more than almost anyone. Have you seen that kind of tension lately?

Pierre Zermattin: We had a large turnout of advocates standing for life today, which can sometimes stir up strong reactions. We were praying and letting people know help is available, but some seemed intimidated or defensive. It was definitely a heightened level of pushback.

Vicky Cherry: It really was. With upcoming elections and midterms, the atmosphere felt particularly charged. People drove by yelling terrible things at us, including horrific comments wishing harm on our families.

Bruce Cherry: What many people don’t realize is that when Christians stand firmly for truth and life, facing that kind of pushback is almost a badge of honor. It shows the message is being heard. We aren’t out there yelling at anyone; we are sharing that God loves them and that real support is available.

Vicky Cherry: In our human nature, it’s tempting to want to yell back, but we respond with love: “God loves you, Jesus loves you, and we love you.” John, how often are you out there on the sidewalk?

John Cook: I go out several days during the week and try to make it on weekends as well. Some members of our group come out six days a week. I’ve been involved in sidewalk advocacy for about twelve years, starting in Chicago, then Montgomery, Alabama, and now here in Florida.

Bruce Cherry: What led you to start this ministry, John?

John Cook: It was the Holy Spirit prompting me. When I saw people gathering outside abortion facilities, I realized we needed a peaceful, prayerful witness to stand for life and share the love of Christ. It requires spiritual discernment and discipline to refrain from responding in anger and instead reflect Jesus’ love.

Bruce Cherry: Exactly. A passerby recently asked us why we were shaming people. We explained that we aren’t shaming anyone; we are there out of love. If we can reach even one mother and save one life, it makes all the difference.

Vicky Cherry: That is always our prayer before we head out in the morning: “Lord, if we can help change just one mind.” A mother carries the emotional weight of that decision for the rest of her life. Having experienced the grief and guilt associated with abortion firsthand, I know that true peace only comes through God’s forgiveness. I don’t want anyone else to endure that heartbreak when loving alternatives exist.

Pierre Zermattin: That is so true. Many women carry deep regret—sometimes buried for twenty years before the pain surfaces. Countless post-abortive women eventually find healing and become the most passionate advocates for life. That’s why I’m out there: not only to save babies, but to spare families, mothers, and fathers from lasting trauma.

My mother experienced two miscarriages before having my sister. On her second miscarriage, she went through severe physical and emotional trauma holding her lost child. Hearing her story deepened my compassion. When I speak with women outside the clinic, my focus is on understanding their feelings and offering genuine support rather than judgment.

Bruce Cherry: We’ll explore Pierre’s specific sidewalk approach right after this break. You’re listening to Pro-Life Radio on AM 950 and FM 94.9 The Answer. If you appreciate this ministry and would like to support our broadcast, please visit GiveSendGo.com/orlandoproliferadio or mail your tax-deductible contribution to Mission Save America, Inc., 13900 County Road 455, Unit 107-334, Clermont, Florida 34711. We’ll be right back.

Vicky Cherry: Welcome back to Pro-Life Radio! We are talking with sidewalk advocates Pierre Zermattin and John Cook. In Altamonte Springs on Maitland Avenue, there is a unique layout: an abortion clinic shares a common driveway with a pro-life pregnancy center, Life Choices. When visitors pull in or leave, advocates have an immediate opportunity to offer alternatives, pregnancy resources, and even information on Abortion Pill Reversal.

Bruce Cherry: Pierre has developed a very effective, gentle way to engage drivers. Pierre, share how you approach cars as they pull into the driveway.

Pierre Zermattin: My involvement started years ago through the Knights of Columbus, supporting ultrasound initiatives and attending the March for Life. Hearing testimonies opened my eyes to the hurt women endure. Eventually, I took training through Sidewalk Advocates for Life to learn best practices.

Rather than carrying aggressive signs or shouting condemning words—which is proven to be ineffective—I wear a high-visibility volunteer vest and hold a clipboard with resource brochures. When drivers pull in, I stand near the drive, offer a welcoming wave, and use the universal “roll down your window” gesture. When they stop and ask if I work there, I clarify respectfully: “I’m here on behalf of the pregnancy center next door to let you know about the free services and options available to you.”

Because the pregnancy center is directly next door, they can simply pull across the driveway. Just a few weeks ago, three couples chose to visit Life Choices instead.

Bruce Cherry: Presenting truth with compassion breaks down defensive walls. Sadly, many people driving past shout obscenities at prayerful volunteers holding signs that simply read “Jesus Loves You.” Often, anger is rooted in deep personal hurt. Thankfully, healing ministries like Rachel’s Vineyard provide comprehensive recovery retreats for men and women dealing with past abortions.

Bruce Cherry: We’ll take our final break. Support Pro-Life Radio online at GiveSendGo.com/orlandoproliferadio or by mail to Mission Save America, Inc. We’ll return for the final segment.

Vicky Cherry: Welcome back to Pro-Life Radio. Both Pierre and John spent time doing pro-life work in Chicago before meeting here in Central Florida. It’s wonderful how the Lord connects people.

John Cook: Early on after meeting Pierre, we were able to tag-team and walk a young mother over to the pregnancy center. Every life saved is an eternal victory.

Pierre Zermattin: Advocates often receive visits years later from parents saying, “Because you were standing there that day, my three-year-old child is alive.” That makes every moment of sidewalk ministry worth it.

Bruce Cherry: Studies show that up to 70% of abortion appointments can be cancelled when peaceful, prayerful advocates are present outside clinics. Even when words aren’t exchanged, a calm Christian presence reminds people that they have choices.

Pierre Zermattin: With the 40 Days for Life campaign taking place, anyone can participate. Even if you cannot stand for long periods, you can sit peacefully in a lawn chair and pray. Showing up makes an undeniable difference.

Vicky Cherry: For those who prefer supporting behind the scenes, local pregnancy care centers—such as Life Choices, JMJ Pregnancy Center, and the Fiona Jackson Center—urgently need volunteers, mentors, and financial support. Organizations like Let Them Live provide vital financial assistance so mothers never feel forced into abortion due to economic hardship.

Bruce Cherry: And remember to pray for clinic workers as well. Organizations like AbortionWorker.com, founded by Abby Johnson, provide compassionate transitional support and job placement for staff wanting to leave the industry.

Bruce Cherry: Thank you to Pierre Zermattin and John Cook for joining us today. Be sure to vote your Christian values in the upcoming elections. From Vicky Cherry, producer Dave DiRico, and our entire team, thank you for tuning into Pro-Life Radio on AM 950 and FM 94.9 The Answer. Connect with us at ProLifeRadio.com. God bless you!