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"20 Years Ago I Had an abortion" - 40 Days Update
Commentary by David Bereit, National Coordinator, 40 Days for Life
March 23, 2010 (40DaysforLife) - As this 40 Days for Life campaign continues, the need for prayer for an end to abortion grows clearer each day -- as does the need to pray for healing for those whose lives have been turned upside down because of their experiences with the pain caused by abortion.
Lynda said that through her efforts with 40 Days for Life, she often meets both women and men "who come to confess an earlier and much regretted decision to have an abortion."
She had one person tell her, "I always wonder what my daughter's sister would look like."
"It's so sad," she said. "There are so many broken hearts; so much emptiness. There was a person who came to me in tears saying how sorry she was about her decision so many years ago. We must continue to pray."
Nancy's story is typical of what many 40 Days for Life vigil participants are hearing.
"I was pregnant -- but not by the man I had lived with for the previous years," she said. An older friend -- whom she considered wiser and more experienced -- recommended abortion. "No one spoke for the life of my preborn."
Nancy is one of the millions who regret their abortions. Thankfully, she found healing in Christ.
The message that healing is indeed possible is part of the 40 Days for Life witness at many of the vigils.
There's a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Everett, Washington that illustrates that. Prayer volunteers are carrying signs from the Silent No More Awareness Campaign that read, "Women do regret abortion" and "Men regret lost fatherhood."
"Praying in front of Planned Parenthood has drawn me closer to the cross than I've ever been before in my life," wrote Julie. "Twenty years ago, I had an abortion. I never knew the power of prayer until now."
For years, she said, the pain, shame and all that goes with it had been buried deep within her. "This year, God called me to 40 Days for Life and I was listening."
She broke down while praying at the vigil. Two days later, "I made a complete confession and turned my life over to God, completely.
"I know I still have a long way to go in healing," Julie said, "but I can't express what it feels like to be forgiven. Thank you for your encouragement and thanks to all of the participants of 40 Days for Life. I could not have done this alone."
"I was in the same situation some 30 years ago," explained Alicia. "I was filled with such unimaginable guilt." It took years for her to finally listen to God and actually accept His forgiveness -- and forgive herself.
"I thank God that this beautiful ministry exists," she said, "and will continue until the end of abortion comes to pass."
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 33 - BABIES!---NOT BLOBS OF TISSUE!
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 34 - DEFEND THE BABIES EVEN WHEN YOUR GOVERNMENT BETRAYS THEM!!!
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 35 - STAND FOR THE INNOCENT EVEN WHEN THE GOVERNMENT BETRAYS THEM.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 36 - PRAY FOR THOSE WHO THINK ABORTION IS A SOLUTION.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 37 - MAY THE LORD CHANGE THIS NATION---ONE HEART AT A TIME.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 38 - EVERY BABY HAS A RIGHT TO LIVE.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 39 - WE CONTINUE IN FAITH UNTIL EVERY BABY IS ALLOWED TO LIVE!
40 DAYS FOR LIFE - DAY 40 - FORTY DAYS ARE OVER BUT THE NEED CONTINUES.
BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER!
Pray for God’s help in ending abortion, and in establishing a culture that supports life in America.
40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion,
40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion centers and Planned Parenthood offices
and 40 days of active pro-life community outreach.
"They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters... and the land was polluted with blood. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and He abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hands of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. (See Psalm 106:37-43)
If so, please join others in your area
or unite with thousands across America
in these 40 days during Lent
as we pray for an end to abortion in this nation.