40 Days for Life Campaign -- [September 22-October 31]

Today’s email:

When I was a kid, my grandfather would tell me that he
fasted from skydiving and strawberries — he didn’t
like strawberries!

He was Irish and kidding, of course. But many times we
don’t know how to approach fasting. Before I share a
few stories from the front lines, I want to pass along
a note I got on fasting.

“I have been fasting on raw foods, mostly liquids,”
wrote Patricia. “I have not had self control to fast
for a long, long time. But I really feel the grace of
God so powerfully because of His help in my fast.”

If you haven’t done so already, during these last few
days of the campaign, please give fasting a try! It
could be fasting from a favorite food — or television
or the internet — or anything that keeps you from
daily prayer.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

A 40 Days for Life coordinator received a call from a
woman who was in tears. She is pregnant with her sixth
child and her husband had been laid off from work.
They’re struggling financially, trying to care for
their five children in a two-bedroom apartment.

“She felt like her only option was to have an abortion,”
said Wynette in Sacramento, “but her husband lovingly
encouraged her to call the number he found on our
40 Days for Life flier, which had been given to him at
church the previous Sunday. He did not want his wife
to abort their child.”

This woman immediately connected with the 40 Days for
Life volunteer — who also has five children ... and
her husband also hasn’t been able to find work lately.
“This turned a challenge into a mutual blessing,”
Wynette said.

“The woman, who was strongly considering abortion,
changed her mind and has chosen life, while also
gaining a new friend in the 40 Days for Life volunteer
... all the result of volunteers simply distributing
40 Days for Life fliers at local churches!”

To see photos of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Sacramento, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1381

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

More than 250 people turned out for a candlelight vigil
at the 40 Days for Life vigil site in Greenville.

“It was a glorious event,” said one of the local team
members. It featured prayer, music from violins and
bagpipes, and “an abundance of flowers.”

To see a couple of photos from Greenville, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1381

PERTH, ONTARIO

This Canadian community is one of many cities taking
part in 40 Days for Life for the first time. And the
campaign is definitely having an impact. “We have
gathered together the different faiths in our community
and beyond,” said Karen in Perth.

“Each of the congregations or parishes were asked to
commit to specific dates to pray and fast to see the
tragedies of abortion ended in our nation and abroad,”
she said. “The sense of unity and excitement to be
part of a worthy cause was so uplifting — a cause
that is so close to God’s heart.”

The volunteers have prayed for everyone involved in
abortion and for governments at every level, seeking
God’s grace “to touch the abortion doctors’ hearts —
and the nurses and staff that assist — that the eyes
of the Planned Parenthood staff would be opened.”

Karen said the group has had the opportunity to tell
its story in the media — even having one media
representative with “tears welling up in his eyes as
we gave our story.”

God is at work in Perth, she said. “Nothing is
impossible with God.”

Day 38 - October 29

Intention:

Pray that we become vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement.

Scripture:

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"

-- Luke 24:1-5

Reflection:

This meditation, based on a sermon I once heard, is adapted for pro-life concerns.

It's Friday. Jesus is on the cross. He has been killed by his enemies; he is off the scene. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!

It's Friday. Abortionists continue their work 3,300 times a day, tearing off the arms and legs of little babies and crushing their heads. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'! It's Friday. Pro-abortion groups receive blood money from billionaires who are as deceived as they are. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!

It's Friday. Liars attempt to speak for all women and hide the pain of abortion, and ignore the evidence of how it harms women, and call abortion a blessing. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'! It's Friday. People of hardened hearts guard the clinics and usher desperate women in to have their abortions, while keeping them from the pro-life people who want to give them hope. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!

Hope does not mean that we ignore or minimize the evils around us. It means, rather, that we see the whole picture, which is that evil is conquered because of what happened one Sunday morning. The power of sin and death has been broken by the Resurrection of Christ. We are called to proclaim, celebrate, and serve that victory, waiting in joyful hope for Christ's return and the full flowering of the Culture of Life! Indeed, Sunday's comin'!

Prayer:

Lord, fill your people with new hope. Make us vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement, that as we engage in the difficult work ahead, we may experience the peace and joy that come only from you and that nobody can take away from us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council

Today’s email:

A few days ago I spoke at Cornell University and then
took questions from the students. I also met many of
the 40 Days for Life volunteers from Ithaca, New York,
where Cornell is located.

ITHACA, NEW YORK

I know what you’re thinking — Ivy League schools are
not typically known for their pro-life stance.

While this is true, I was encouraged to see such an
active pro-life group on campus that is not only
growing the efforts on campus but also participating
in the local 40 Days for Life campaign!

To see a photo from my visit to Ithaca, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1388

TAMPA, FLORIDA

Volunteers say it’s very difficult to talk to women
entering the abortion center where the first 40 Days
for Life vigil in Tampa is being held. Women are
escorted to the back door, and there is loud music
directed at the people praying on the sidewalk.

But vigil participants did get to speak to a mother
and daughter as they were leaving the abortion
facility’s parking lot. They rolled down their window
and said, “We didn’t do it!”

Volunteers asked them to pull over to a quieter spot,
where the two women were offered information about a
local pregnancy center and other helpful resources.
They were also able to pray with them.

“All this happened while they were still in their car,”
said one of the 40 Days for Life team members. “Prayer
presence is powerful. And more importantly, our God is
powerful — in spite of escorts and blaring music.”

The volunteer said the loud music was meant to dissuade
the volunteers. “But what really happened is that the
music turned the patrons away from the abortion
facility. Not many entered that day.”

BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS

Finally today ... a story and a couple of pictures from
the place where 40 Days for Life began — and is
stronger now than ever.

The pictures show children praying outside Planned
Parenthood. Ordinary pictures, perhaps, said Karen in
Bryan. “But what is extraordinary if the beautiful
witness of faithfulness and passion these families
share in their commitment to life. They are the reason
we are able to continue this mission, and we are so
grateful for all that they do!”

To see the pictures, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1388

One of the 40 Days for Life volunteers was able to
talk to a high school girl — let’s call her Sarah —
who was entering Planned Parenthood.

She was not there for an abortion, but to pick up
birth control pills.

The volunteer struck up a conversation with Sarah,
who was curious about why there were people praying.
Sarah took an information package that explains why
Planned Parenthood is not the benevolent
organization it pretends to be.

“I think God was using this young woman to show me
that the women who enter these clinics, for whatever
reason, sometimes just need a friendly wave and
someone to listen to them or let them know that they
are loved,” said the volunteer.

The conversation showed her that the women who
patronize these abortion clinics are people — just
like we are.

“I think it is easy to forget that as we fight this
battle each day. Although we most likely will not
change every person’s mind,” she said, “we can
always show them great love in the short interactions
we are given.”

Day 39 - October 30

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
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show

Today’s email:

It’s the final Saturday of this 40 Days for Life
campaign.

Saturday is often “abortion day” at these facilities.
It’s the day when prayer is needed most ... and it’s
the day that your peaceful presence can have the
greatest impact on troubled young women whose lives
will change today ... and whose babies will be killed
through abortion.

It’s not too late to have an impact. Here’s the list
40 Days for Life vigil locations:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

HOUSTON, TEXAS

You may have seen a picture of the Planned Parenthood
mega-center in Houston. I will be there this afternoon.

I have another view of that building for you that truly
shows the scope of this, the largest abortion facility
in North America.

To see the photo, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1391

The photo also contains a group of high school students.
Their story is a testament to the power of prayer, the
influence of youth — and the importance of this mission.

The students represent two schools — Sacred Heart and
St. Paul — who are huge rivals in football. Just days
before their annual meeting on the gridiron, students
from both schools got together to pray at Planned
Parenthood in Houston.

They had to ride more than two hours to get there, but
this was important. They designed special t-shirts for
the event, and prayed at the facility for three hours.

“What stronger witness could there be than when the
students from rival schools join forces in solidarity
with the unborn to pray for the safety of their lives,”
said Rev. Tommy Chen, assistant pastor at Sacred Heart.

MOBILE, ALABAMA

I recently visited the 40 Days for Life vigil in Mobile.
It’s outside a Planned Parenthood abortion center ...
strangely enough, diagonally across the street from
Chuck E. Cheese.

If you don’t have Chuck E. Cheese in your area, it’s a
family restaurant that specializes in young children’s
birthday parties. The contrast between life on one side
of the street and death on the other is pretty chilling.

To see a picture from my stop in Mobile, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1391

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

A guy on a bicycle stopped at the 40 Days for Life vigil
in Halifax and started asking Zachary some questions.

“Why can’t you just let people live their lives?” asked
the cyclist. “Why do you have to come here and impose
your beliefs on other people?” He then rode off.

He really didn’t seem to want answers. But if he had,
Zachary was ready.

As for letting people live their lives, Zachary said,
“That’s exactly why were praying — so that people can
have a chance to live their lives.”

And for the often-asked question about imposing beliefs,
“Nothing in my interaction with you was an attempt to
impose my beliefs on you; rather, you tried to impose
your beliefs on me. But the issue at hand is not about
our beliefs, but about the right to live.”

To see a photo of the Halifax vigil (one of the best
“cute kid” pictures yet), please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1391

As a bonus, there are also photos from:
* Cincinnati, Ohio
* Worcester, Massachusetts
* Toms River, New Jersey

You’ll just have to go to the blog to see them!

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1391

Day 40 - October 31

Intention:
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.
Scripture:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
--Revelation 21:4-5
Reflection:
Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when "death will be no more." Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered. Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future in which the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new.
As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered. It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey.
Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven. When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away. When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory. When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life. Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.
Prayer:
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council

There may be some news stories about the various facts in today’s email:

It’s Day 40 — and I have great news to share! As of
right now, we know of ...

... 541 babies — and their mothers — that God has
spared from abortion.

That’s at least 3,352 since the first coordinated
40 Days for Life campaign a mere three years ago. And
who knows how many more that we’ll never hear about?

“The Everett Planned Parenthood is closed again,”
wrote Ed, one of the local 40 Days for Life leaders
in Everett, Washington. “It’s the third Friday closed
this campaign!”

In Columbia, Missouri ... the Planned Parenthood
facility there hasn’t done abortions since August 9.
Faithful volunteers are continuing the vigil ...

... and Planned Parenthood doesn’t like it.

“We found out that Planned Parenthood in Kansas is
watching us on video — over 100 miles away,” said
Kathy in Columbia, “and they called in a ‘violation’
to the Columbia police station.”

The “violation”? There was a camera tripod sitting in
Planned Parenthood’s driveway. “Soon two police cars
showed up and they went in,” Kathy said.

It turns out the tripod belonged to a reporter who
was working on a news story. The police quickly left
when they found out what was really going on. “One
officer has come out twice — and he’s not too happy
with Planned Parenthood.”

And all this time ... no abortions in Columbia!

And of course ... no abortions AT ALL in Severna Park,
Maryland ... where an abortion facility CLOSED ITS
DOORS FOREVER at the very beginning of this campaign!

Who knows how many lives have been saved in Columbia
and Severna Park?

There have also been at least four abortion facility
employees who have left their jobs during this 40 Days
for Life campaign — possibly more. And others may be
thinking about it.

And then there’s Anita’s van — a life-saver on
wheels. It has “pray to end abortion” painted on the
side, along with a pregnancy help center’s phone
number and the 40 Days for Life web address.

To see a picture of the van, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1397

Lives have been saved because of the information on
the van — no one knows how many. But this pro-life
mission was about to come to an end. The van was about
to be repossessed.

Anita had no idea what would happen. So she prayed.
She had to decide whether to pay her tithe ... or the
note on the van. She paid her tithe.

Anita didn’t know it, but one of her friends sent out
an e-mail that explained the situation. And people
started giving. Before long, there was enough to pay
off the loan!

“This is not my van,” she said. “This van belongs
first and foremost to God, and then to every single
pro-life person out there.”

The van — and its message — will stay on the road.
And who knows how many lives will be saved?

“Abortion will truly be finished one day,” Anita
said. “I pray it is very soon. The walls of deception
are crumbling as we speak. The truth is spreading —
one heart at a time — and all of you have played a
part in getting that message out. Thank you all so
very much!”

I just got home. What a week! What a fall it has been!

You have put in time, prayer and sweat ... and God has
blessed these efforts more than we could have ever
expected back on September 22 when the campaign started.

As we tally up the final results of this fall’s 40 Days
for Life campaign, we know that anything is possible
with God ... but this campaign is just the beginning.

In places where 40 Days for Life has been conducted
for the first time ever ...

... there is great hope and excitement.

In Zion, Illinois — a community without an abortion
center — Joellyn overcame a number of challenges and
helped organize a campaign that has touched hearts and
reports at least one life saved from abortion.

“This morning at church, a lady approached me and
said, ‘Let’s keep those pray-to-end-abortion signs
for the next prayer vigil in the spring!’ That was
such wonderful news to me,” she said, “since this
fall was the first time Zion had joined in as a part
of 40 Days for Life. Praise God!”

The first-time 40 Days for Life campaign in London,
England touched many.

“It’s the grand finale week, and wish it was the
beginning of the 40 days,” said Monde. “The experience
of being at the vigil for UK’s 40 Days for Life has
been consoling and strengthening to my soul. It’s my
prayer and hope that God’s grace will enable me to
share this experience to be in practice this time
around next year in Zambia.”

That’s just one of a number of new countries that are
ready to join the 40 Days for Life effort in 2011.

Because of your example, many others are now
considering a leap of faith and doing something
they’ve never done before ... something uncomfortable
— going to stand and pray in front of the places
where innocent lives are being lost.

“People do not realize the good they do just being
there praying quietly,” said one volunteer in
St. Louis, Missouri. “People going inside see the
people praying peaceably and not shouting, and they
want to be a part of that peace.”

This vigil participant added, “I really appreciate
what the 40 Days for Life campaign does to set up
such a program. I just regret that it only comes
twice a year.”

You know ... it doesn’t have to end.

We’ve always said that 40 Days for Life is but a
first step. Now, it’s time to take the next step.
What will that next step be? For you personally?
For your community?

Others are already answering that question.

“In the wake of 40 Days for Life, we are forming four
distinct teams of sidewalk counselors and prayer
warriors so that the work will not merely continue,
but will flourish,” said Michael in Los Angeles,
California. “We hope to quadruple our effectiveness.”

Some local teams have already done that, and they’re
seeing amazing results.

In Texas, for instance, the San Antonio Coalition for
Life was formed right after the first national 40 Days
for Life campaign in 2007.

“Since that time,” said Amy in San Antonio, “we have
continued to be present, in prayer, on the sidewalk
for every abortion day and have seen, in less than a
year, the abortion rate at this clinic dropped by
46 percent!”

These things can be repeated in your community —
through faithful response to God’s call, through hard
work — and of course, through prayer.

What are we waiting for?

Day 41 - November 1

Intention:

Pray that the witness of 40 Days for Life bears abundant fruit, and that we begin again each day to storm the gates of hell until God welcomes us into the gates of heaven.

Scripture:

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

-- Matthew 16:18

Reflection:

When we read this verse, we usually think that the Lord is promising that the church, which is His Body, will withstand all the attacks launched against it. Of course, that is true. But when we think about it more carefully, we realize that in a battle, the gates do not run out into the battlefield to attack the enemy. Rather, they stand still to defend the city from the enemy attacking it. So when the Lord says that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, who is doing the attacking? It is the church storming the gates!

The church, all of God's people in Christ, is called to take the offensive, to run into enemy territory, and to gain ground for Jesus Christ. We do not wait for an invitation; we already have a command. We prepare, but we do not wait for circumstances to be perfect; we already have one who has gone before us.

During these 40 days, we have stormed the gates. We have taken the offensive. We have pushed forward the boundaries of the kingdom. And we must keep doing so, in numerous ways. Indeed, the gates of hell will not prevail. The gates of falsehood will flee in the presence of truth. The gates of sin will melt in the presence of grace. The gates of death will fall in the presence of the church, the People of Life!

Prayer:

Father, we praise you. We have heard the voice of your Son, and therefore we can make our voices heard. We have done battle with the power of evil, and therefore we can have compassion on those still within its grip. We have been freed from the kingdom of darkness, and therefore we can bear witness to your Kingdom of Light. May the witness of all your people through these 40 Days for Life bear abundant fruit, and may we begin again each day to storm the gates of hell until You welcome us into the gates of heaven. We pray in the victorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council

For the last 40 days, we have prayed, fasted, stood
vigil, and engaged in grassroots outreach — and God
has blessed the faithfulness of His people!

As reports continue to pour in following 40 Days for
Life campaigns across America and around the globe,
the total number of lives confirmed saved from this
fall’s campaign has exceeded 600 — 607 to be exact!

Just because this fall’s 40 Days for Life has ended,
our work is not done. As long as children continue to
die and women continue to be wounded, we must do
everything possible to save lives and end abortion.

And today, that means that we MUST:

* Go the polls and VOTE PRO-LIFE

* Get like-minded people out to VOTE PRO-LIFE

* PRAY for God’s will to be done

Today, we have an opportunity to be a voice for the
voiceless. Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud
and clear!

Tonight, 40 Days for Life national director David
Bereit and I will be in Washington, D.C. at an
election night war room, closely following the
returns as they come in — and praying for huge
pro-life victories.

This fall’s 40 Days for Life — and today’s elections
— could be a tipping point for America!

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

We’ve just wrapped up the largest 40 Days for Life
campaign yet ... and YOU helped make it happen!

Thank you!!!

I have a VERY IMPORTANT REQUEST for you, just days
after the 40 Days for Life campaign has concluded.

Now I need a very small amount of information from
you to help this mission grow ... in the right
direction.

I need your advice from this short survey at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3FXF9F9

Through your prayers and God’s blessings, 40 Days
for Life has accomplished a tremendous amount over
the last three years:

* More than 350,000 participants
* Over 11,000 churches involved
* 1,085 individual campaigns
* 337 cities participating
* All 50 US states
* 7 Canadian provinces
* 4 Australian states
* 5 other countries
* 800+ news stories
* 3,445 lives saved from abortion — that we know of
* 39 abortion workers quit their jobs
* 7 abortion facilities shut down for good

But with abortion continuing every day, we know that
much MORE must be done ...

... and we recognize the responsibility God has
given us to aggressively ramp up these efforts until
abortion finally ends.

The unprecedented growth and impact of 40 Days for Life
has come as a direct result of input received from more
than 23,000 people.

Now it’s YOUR TURN to help map out the plan to win.

Regardless of your level of involvement in the 40 Days
for Life campaign, please fill out the short survey at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3FXF9F9

It’s a simple survey of just a few questions with
yes-or-no or multiple choice answers that should only
take you about 3 minutes to complete.

I would really appreciate if you could make the time to
complete this survey today — or by this weekend, if at
all possible.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3FXF9F9

Karen, thanks to the efforts that you and many
thousands of others have contributed, I am more hopeful
and optimistic than ever!

In Christ,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Thanks in advance for your willingness to complete
this survey. Here’s that link one more time:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3FXF9F9

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