Commentary by Shawn Carney, Spring Campaign Director, 40 Days for Life
April 1, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - I won't tell you where this is happening, but there is a woman we know of who's pondering a career change.
An abortion center employee has been talking to the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers outside of her workplace - and she wants out!
Her message was simple - she just couldn't take it any longer. It was time to look for a new job.
She asked the vigil participants to pray for her. She said she couldn't simply quit her job, because she needs the income. Her prayer request was that she be able to find a suitable position elsewhere so she could give her notice at the clinic.
She also said the prayers of the vigil participants have a definite impact at the clinic. "When there are prayers happening outside, she said the tone of what happens inside changes," the local campaign coordinator told me. "Everyone is aware of their presence, and she for one, can no longer pretend that what is happening is OK."
There are women in Carson City, Nevada who "can't take it any longer" either. Because of 40 Days for Life, they've learned the shocking truth that the ob/gyn practice they go to for routine health care also does abortions.
It is indeed a fact that many people are simply unaware that abortions are going on in their own communities - even at their own doctors' offices. But thanks to vigil participants and pro-life supporters, 40 Days for Life is opening their eyes.
This ob/gyn practice is "feeling the heat of our presence," said Carol Marie, one of the local 40 Days for Life coordinators. "We know of at least three patients who have left the practice once they learned that abortions are performed."
One of those women told the abortion clinic staff she would no longer be their patient and the receptionist gave her a stack of forms to fill out. But the woman's response was that she was only interested in one form - a form where she could explain to this medical practice why she was going away.
"She then proceeded to put a long note in writing as to exactly what she thought of an ob/gyn center performing abortions as a part of their regular practice," Carol Marie said.
"This wonderful woman has ensured that they fully appreciate the reason they have lost her as a patient. By being present at the sidewalk, we are informing their patients about what is being done behind closed doors," she said. "With enough patients lost, they could rethink their commitment to performing abortions."
She added, "If you ever wondered if what we've been doing has been making a difference, well the Lord has given us an answer, loud and clear. Lives are being saved, people are leaving the business and we are costing
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!
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SCRIPTURE
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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
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
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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 April 5.
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.
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PRAYER
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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.