Devotional for Day 1, March 5, 2014 David Brandao, Communications Director, 40 Days for Life
Intention: That we may use these 40 Days for Life p- on all those involved in the sin of abor- tion.
Scripture: Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the peo- ple, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the the ministers of the Lord, weep and —Joel 2:15-17
Reflection: The toll of abortion cannot be meas- ured. We hear estimates of almost 55 million in one aspect of the harm that has unfold- the mothers and fathers of these mil- lions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered. even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that — but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and fol- low Him.
The psalmist encourages us to go hum- bly before God as we seek His will: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within salvation and a willing spirit sustain my mouth shall proclaim your praise (Psalm 51:12-17). or as the Apostle Paul wrote: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we en- counter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been de- ceived by the Culture of Death. We
Prayer: Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us through the work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.
A cold start across much of the United States — weather delays forced me to miss Monday’s kickoff event in Orlando. I finally got to Florida in time for other campaign events. More on that in a bit.
First, I can’t wait to share with you the news of a tremendous setback for Planned Parenthood!
Columbia, Missouri
Kathy had wanted to deliver the huge news at Columbia’s kickoff rally on Sunday. But the ice and snow were just too much, so she had to settle for email.
For volunteers who’ve prayed outside the local abortion center for years, her message was both a big victory and an answered prayer: “Columbia Planned Parenthood cannot do abortions in their facility!”
Kathy had learned that Planned Parenthood no longer had a license for abortions in Columbia and had been removed from the state listing of abortion facilities. Planned Parenthood quietly changed its web site to show that it now offers only abortion referrals.
“The big giant has admitted its downgrade,” Kathy said. “Please join us in thanking God for His mighty blessing, a blessing which came after nine 40 Days for Life prayer vigils. Wow!”
The only licensed abortion center in all of Missouri now is Planned Parenthood in St. Louis — where, of course, there’s a 40 Days for Life vigil now under way.
The vigil will continue in Columbia as well. Babies are still being saved there, thanks to God’s mercy ... and the prayers of the volunteers on the sidewalk.
Lakeland, Florida
After my flight was delayed and then re-routed to Tampa, I jumped in a rental car to try to catch the last half of the kickoff event in Lakeland. As I got there late, I was so excited to still see 80 volunteers at 8:30 pm, holding candles and keeping vigil on the dark sidewalk in front of the abortion facility.
The community has really come together with the leadership of Maryanne and her husband, Rick. Leaders of other ministries … including the Diocese of Orlando, Couples for Christ, and the local pregnancy center that’s not far from the abortion facility … were all there to kick off the campaign.