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Day 39 - March 31

Intention:

Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!

Scripture:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

-- 1 Peter 1:6-7

Reflection:

We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.

Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms -- difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.

Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, We sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors

I’ll get to the London update in just a bit!

Over these last 38 days, babies have been saved ...
abortion workers have had changes of heart and quit
their jobs ... and two abortion centers have closed
for good.

Guess what? YOU can still be part of it!

It’s not too late to pray at any of the 258 campaigns.
Saturday is usually the busiest day for abortions, so
know that your presence and you prayers are needed —
TODAY!

Please check for a location near you:

http://40daysforlife.com/location

... and, if possible, join the vigil.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Yesterday, I asked for prayers for the London campaign,
as they were holding a major evening vigil in front of
the abortion center — and they were told to expect a
pro-abortion counter-protest.

So here’s a quick update.

“The event was a massive success,” said Robert, the
40 Days for Life coordinator in London. “We had around
400 to 500 ... at least! A really positive vibe and
loads of media interest, too.”

The vigil participants prayed and sang hymns. Even the
media characterized the vigil as “peaceful.” A
pro-abortion group did show up — blowing whistles,
banging drums and chanting slogans. But they had no
apparent impact on the vigil.

Robert sent a picture of the people praying outside
the abortion center — this is one you REALLY want
to see! Please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3123

Now ... on to the rest of today’s report!

The heart that God impacts the most during a 40 Days
for Life can be your own — just read these stories
from the 40 Days for Life blog. For each of these
prayer volunteers, this is personal.

PRAYER VOLUNTEER #1:

“This Lent was my first experience with 40 Days for
Life. I was very nervous the first day I showed up to
pray with people I had never met. I asked myself who
or what am I afraid of. It was a very good question
to ask myself.

“As a post-abortive woman myself, it was a huge step
to take in honoring my son, who was lost to abortion
in 1976. I am very grateful to God that I was able
to stand there, hold my head up, and pray ... to at
last DO something productive on this issue.”

PRAYER VOLUNTEER #2:

“I am inspired to say, ‘Never to stop fighting for
life.’ I had my first abortion at age 14 and hardly
knew what it meant — then another through the
following years, still not understanding that it
was true lives being terminated.

“When a friend talked me out of a fourth at age 23,
it was the best thing me friend could have done. My
one and only son is now 18 and graduating high school.
It was the best decision I ever made.”

PRAYER VOLUNTEER #3:

“The devotional by Carmen Pate on Day 31 struck a
personal chord with me.

“I was one of those women seeking love and acceptance
wherever I could find it because I was living far away
from God. I, too, was faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

“I, too, wanted to ‘get rid of it’ (the pregnancy)
because it felt like it was the end of my life as I
knew it. It was a devastating feeling at the time.

“My doctor had the good sense to order an ultrasound at
four weeks, where I saw a tiny human heart — a beating
and alive heart. I knew in that moment that I couldn’t
stop that heartbeat. I got the sense that I had a duty
to protect the tiny person growing inside me.

“My daughter is now 13. She has been such a blessing in
my life. So, yes, my unplanned pregnancy was the end of
my life as I knew it. And I thank God daily for that.

“God bless all of you for your dedication and devotion
to preserving life and to loving and praying for the
unborn children and their mothers.”