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As I’ve traveled during this 40 Days for Life campaign,
there is one constant factor: unity.

Just two nights ago, I spoke at an event in New Jersey
and an Evangelical pastor came up afterwards, smiling.
“I’m sure glad the Reformation has not stopped us from
working together to end abortion,” he said.

This event had Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals
in attendance, and his comment reflected the unity that
the pro-life movement should be proud of.

This unity is a gift — and the abortion industry sees
it as a threat. We’re seeing the evidence at 258 vigil
locations. Here are just a few examples.

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

Linda in Fort Collins says a class from Holy Family
Church comes to pray at the vigil every Saturday
morning. As they were concluding their prayer hour,
a couple came in from Greeley, a town about 30 miles
away. The couple only spoke Spanish, but a few of the
kids were able to talk to them.

The woman was told to visit Planned Parenthood because
there was some sort of complication with her pregnancy
and that she could die if she had the baby.

One of the student’s parents arrived and picked up the
conversation, telling the couple that Planned
Parenthood does abortions — and it would be much better
for them if they scheduled an ultrasound through the
pro-life pregnancy resource center, where there would
be no pressure to abort the baby.

A prayer volunteer gave them additional information
about all the help that’s available locally.

“The couple left,” Linda said. “Praise God!”

To see a picture of a youth group praying at the Fort
Collins vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3089

JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Speaking of youth groups at 40 Days for Life vigils ...
Elizabeth in Jacksonville sent a photo of the girls’
soccer team from Jacksonville Christian Academy in
prayer outside the abortion center. That’s just
excellent — young people sending a message of hope to
other young people — so we’re really glad to see that.

“They came out to the vigil Thursday afternoon in place
of their practice time,” Elizabeth said. Their coach
“reported very positive responses from those who passed
by.” The team spent over an hour praying in the public
right-of-way.

To see the picture of the school group in Jacksonville,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3089

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

The Planned Parenthood facility in Cedar Rapids does
not currently do surgical or RU-486 abortions. But the
40 Days for Life volunteers praying on the sidewalk
outside know they’re making a difference.

“The response from people driving by has been very
positive lately,” said Jim in Cedar Rapids, “and we’ve
seen some success.”

When volunteers talk to clients about the things
Planned Parenthood does in other places, they start
to think about getting routine health services from
somewhere other than America’s leading abortion chain.

They’re also able to give information about local
pro-life resources to women who go there for
pregnancy tests.

They also heard from a teenager who had an appointment
to remove a contraceptive implant. “She said she would
rather be abstinent and not return as a client,” Jim
said. “How often do you hear that from a teen that’s
used Planned Parenthood’s services for several years?”

Jim said with continued prayer, “we hope webcam (RU-486
distributed via the internet) and surgical abortions

Day 36 - March 28

Intention:

That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

Scripture:

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

-- Psalm 104:27-30

Reflection:

"I am a feather on the breath of God."

As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.

He who created the universe also created that which is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.

Prayer:

Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.

Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Vera Faith Lord
Director, Alpha/Omega Life Ministry
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council