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

Day 5 - September 26

Intention:

May the truth of the final judgment shape our thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.

Scripture:

The King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

-- Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:

Caring for others is not optional.

Jesus' picture of the final judgment concludes with this sobering word: the wicked, who failed to care for others in their various needs (e.g., the hungry, the thirsty, the aliens, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous who did seek to meet those needs will end up with him, enjoying eternal life.

We know that this was no parable! Jesus has given us fair warning! Everything in God's Word points to the truth that compassionate concern and practical care for all people, especially for the poor, the destitute, the weak and needy is required of us, if indeed we hope to escape the punishment of the fire of hell.

And who are the poor and needy, if not helpless, unborn babies, as well as the aged and infirm at the other end of life? Surely the "least of these" embraces not only those at both ends of the continuum of life, but all others in between. Just how we, as Christ's true followers, respond to his admonition "inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me" will determine whether we enjoy eternal bliss in his presence or the bleak and dreadful reality of eternal punishment in hell. Nothing in God's Word could be clearer!

Prayer:

Gracious and merciful Father, we gladly embrace your Word that counsels us to care for the least of your children, and we renew our dedication to defending the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised by our godless society's selfish lack of concern. Free us from our own failures and sins so that we will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-Life

From email:

We often receive stories that get straight to the
heart of what 40 Days for Life is all about. This one
comes from Steve in Charlottesville, Virginia:

   40 Days for Life is upon us and sometimes it's
   hard to muster the courage and energy to confront
   the dark cloud of abortion that hangs over this
   nation. However, occasionally a ray of light
   shines through the darkness to remind us that God
   is still there and His love is triumphant.

   When I moved to Charlottesville this summer I met
   a couple men who had been standing outside of
   Planned Parenthood for years. In fact, one of them
   had been standing for so long that he was starting
   to question his service.

   He said to me, "It's very rare that I get any
   positive feedback." I told him that it was a small
   town, but I knew from my experience in Houston that
   lives were being changed simply by the presence of
   men and women outside of the abortion clinic praying
   and handing out literature.

   No sooner had he crossed the street than a woman
   pulled up into the Planned Parenthood parking lot
   and started yelling at me. At first I thought she
   angry with me. But then she told me she wanted to
   tell me something.

   She pointed to the back seat of her car and said she
   had a grandson in a car seat that was alive because
   people were standing outside of the clinic -- and
   she wanted to say thank you.

   I ran across the street to the parking lot where my
   friend was parked to tell him the good news.

   But God wasn't done!

   A week later a young woman pulled off the side of
   the road to tell me that she, too, had changed her
   mind because people were standing outside the clinic.

This woman later sent Steve a note. Here's what she said:

   I'm not sure why I was so inclined to stop and speak
   to you but remember feeling like I needed to tell
   someone my story, someone who changed my thought
   process when I was trying to decide whether or not I
   should carry my child to term.

   I cannot thank you and others like you enough for
   standing up for what you believe in, because had it
   not been for you all I may have made a horrible
   decision and terminated my pregnancy. My girl is my
   entire world, and everything I do now is so that I
   can create a better life for her.

   Please, do not stop doing what you are doing. I know
   it may seem like your messages are falling on deaf
   eyes and blind eyes, but I can assure you that me and
   my daughter are proof of the power that you all have.

"So when your feet start to hurt and your back begins to
ache," said Steve, "just remember this baby is alive today
because a group of people overcame their fears, anxieties,
and personal plans to help others."

Amen!

I'm in Reno, Nevada today ... heading for California on
Monday, with stops in Sacramento, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and
Napa. Yes, that WILL be a busy day! But I'm blessed to
witness God use this effort coast-to-coast.

Day 6 - September 27

Intention:

That knowing the shortness of life, all may value it more deeply.

Scripture:

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

-- Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

Reflection:

God is giver of all life. Short lived or long lived, human lives are lived out in this world. The metaphors for death are many. But their meaning is clear and singular: all will die. Even so, death is not the absolute end. It is not the end of the story. For as certainly as God gave life, at death the life or spirit that God gave returns to God.

By God, we are created. For God, we live our given days. To God, we return at the end of our earthly days. And with God, we live through eternity. Clearly, all along the way, this gracious, loving God is with us. No human life is random or alone. No human life was created without purpose. Not one human life is without destiny.

All human lives, acknowledged or not, are related to God -- from beginning, to end, throughout eternity. Therefore, in this world, all human lives are to be respected and protected, for their lives are signs of God's sovereignty.

Prayer:

O God, we too often try to live in ways that ignore our coming death. We forget that our days are numbered by You, that at the end of our days your judgment awaits, that You are the Lord of our destiny.

Help us to repent daily, and then to live each day in joyful obedience. Lead us to live in the light and promise of eternity. Prepare us to live fully and sacrificially. Prepare us to die faithfully and hopefully, so that we might live forever with You. Through Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, we trust and hope and love and pray. Amen.

Rev. Paul Stallsworth
President, Lifewatch (United Methodist Church)

Today’s email:

I’m in California today, visiting the 40 Days for
Life locations in Sacramento, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and
Napa. Tomorrow, it’s on to Santa Cruz and San Jose.

I have a question for you: Will you be speaking at
a 40 Days for Life kickoff event with the director of
your local abortion facility at this time next year?

That’s what I just did!!! And I have the video for you.

This video was recorded in Fayetteville, Arkansas —
where former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson
and I spoke outside of the Planned Parenthood
facility there.

This time last year, we were both at the 40 Days for
Life kickoff event in College Station, Texas — but on
opposite sides of the fence!

See our talks and learn how your peaceful presence led
to her conversion. Enjoy this video and know that with
God all things are possible:

To see the video, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1037

The subject line of today’s message no doubt got your
attention. It’s the one thing EVERYBODY always wants
to know — “How many babies have been saved?”

As of the time I’m sending this, the total is indeed ...

44 ... that we know of.

We always add “that we know of” because no one other
than God Himself knows exactly how many lives He has
spared in response to your prayers and fasting.

With that in mind, here are some wonderfully
encouraging reports from local 40 Days for Life
campaign coordinators:

EVERETT, WASHINGTON

Friday is an abortion day at Planned Parenthood in
Everett, the site of a 40 Days for Life vigil.

This past Friday, however, the abortion total at
this facility was ZERO!

The place was CLOSED!!!

That was most unusual. No one really knows why.
And no one knows for sure how many lives may have
been saved. Women whose appointments were rescheduled
now have more time to think — and reflect on what it
is that they were about to do.

Keep praying!

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

TWO women rejected abortions on the first day of
the campaign in Birmingham.

One young woman went into the Planned Parenthood
center — and turned right around and left within
15 minutes. She spoke to one of the volunteers
and followed her to the pro-life pregnancy center
nearby, where she decided to keep her baby.

Later, a couple took information from a volunteer,
but entered the Planned Parenthood building and
stayed for hours. It didn’t look good. But finally
they walked out — with huge smiles — and told
the people praying they canceled the abortion.

TOLEDO, OHIO

While several people were praying at the 40 Days
for Life vigil, a young woman drove out of the
abortion center and pulled up to the volunteers.
She rolled down her window and told them she had
changed her mind.

“Our prayers and presence make a difference,”
said one of the volunteers. “Christians of different
faith backgrounds coming together for the same
purpose! What a witness!”

CHICO, CALIFORNIA

Early one morning, several 40 Days for Life vigil
participants watched — and prayed — as a woman
entered Planned Parenthood.

They kept praying, hoping for a miracle.

After a while, the young woman exited the abortion
center, turned towards the prayer volunteers ...
and gave them a big thumbs-up.

“Be encouraged,” said Mary in Chico. “We most
often do not see the results, but know that each
and every prayer is touching someone.”

I couldn’t have said it any better!

Day 7 - September 28

Intention:

May we have a heart and a zeal to save the poor and release the oppressed.

Scripture:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

-- Luke 4:18-19

Reflection:

This passage is a very familiar one. It has been preached on many occasions, even made popular in books and songs. Though the quote is about Jesus, all Christians take this commission seriously as a directive on how to reach the world with the gospel. We, like our Savior, are to bring the good news to the poor, the broken hearted, those in captivity, those who cannot see, and the oppressed.

The commission given to us in this passage is clearly a charge to care for those for whom God cares the most. I wonder though, whom do we look for to be touched by the Holy Spirit as we go out into the world?

Who are the poor, if not those unborn children who have been abandoned by their parents before they ever leave the womb? Who are the broken hearted, if not those unborn children whose only example of love is having their mother take them to an abortion clinic to be destroyed, or the mother of a child who has been deceived by everyone around her into believing that what she is doing is best for her and her child? Who are the captives, if not those unborn children who are bound over to death by the "choice" of abortion? Who is more blind than an unborn child in the darkness of a womb that has become a waiting room for their death? And who is more oppressed than those unborn children whose oppression has been legitimized by their government, their church and even their family and loved ones.

Prayer:

Lord, You empower us with Your Spirit to do your will in the earth. Send us to the poorest, the most broken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mother's wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Fr. Terry Gensemer
National Director, Charismatic Episcopal Church for Life

Today’s email:
I’ll be making more stops in California today —
visiting 40 Days for Life vigil locations in Santa
Cruz and San Jose.

Our national director, David Bereit, is in Michigan
today, stopping at 40 Days for Life locations in
Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Southfield, Sterling
Heights, Clarkston, Flint and Saginaw.

40 Days for Life campaigns — 238 strong — are
gaining momentum and the stories and pictures
continue to pour in.

Take a quick tour and see what God has done in just
the first week...

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

In Baltimore, 40 Days for Life coordinators held
a prayer procession from a local church to the
abortion center — a distance of about 1/3 mile.

They hoped about 200 people would attend. But
the evening of this candlelight event, they
counted at least 350 people taking part.

“The police officer on the scene called for two
additional backup cars to ensure our safety,”
said one of the local leaders. “Our numbers
stretched almost the entire distance from the
church to the abortion facility.”

To see a photo of the candlelight procession in
Baltimore, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1039

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

The opening of a second abortion center has led to
a second 40 Days for Life vigil in Pensacola.

As they prepared for this campaign, the Pensacola
leadership team keep praying, “Lord, send laborers
for your harvest.”

“Wow!” said Ernie, the local coordinator. “Has He
indeed answered that prayer!” Both abortion
facilities have been covered in prayer for a
minimum of 12 hours a day, and more churches are
taking entire days at the vigil.

In addition, two mothers have changed their minds
and canceled their abortion appointments. “We do
what God asks,” said Ernie, “and He provides
the miracles!”

To see a photo of one of the 40 Days for Life
vigils in Pensacola, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1039

COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

This is the SIXTH 40 Days for Life campaign for
the folks in Collegeville. Once again, they are
faithfully praying for an end to abortion outside
the local Planned Parenthood facility.

The vigil itself helps recruit new people to
stand and pray. Rita, the local coordinator, said
a man with his young son drove past the vigil, saw
what was going on — and got out to pray!

To see a photo of one of the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Collegeville, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1039

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

Vigil participants in Shreveport are praying that
abortions will cease at a facility with a name
that’s hard to believe: The Hope Medical Group
for Women.

It’s typical of the false image that the abortion
industry presents.

This facility is currently under investigation by
Louisiana health officials. Please pray that God
may use that investigation to close this center.

To see a photo of one of the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Shreveport, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1039

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

There’s one final picture I’d like you to see.

It shows 40 Days for Life in a different light —
not with a tremendous group of people praying, but
just one.

The Planned Parenthood building in Indianapolis
looks huge, and the lone person praying looks small.
But don’t forget Who is listening to that prayer!

With God, all things are possible — even something
as daunting as bringing abortion to an end.

To see the picture, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1039

Day 8 - September 29

Intention:

May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.

Scripture:

Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

-- Luke 10:30-37

Reflection:

Here Jesus commands us to show mercy to the victims of the culture of violence and death.

But why did the priest and Levite fail to show mercy? Perhaps they feared that the robbers were hiding just around the next corner to attack them. They asked themselves, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?"

The Samaritan, however, reversed the question, and asked, "If I don't stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

In working to save the unborn, let's not worry about what will happen to us if we act; let's worry about what will happen to the unborn if we don't.

Prayer:

Father, we are moved by the lesson of the Good Samaritan, who allowed compassion to influence him more than fear. Give us the same heart. Grant that we may never count the cost of standing up and speaking out for the unborn. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

Today’s email:

“It’s official!” reads the message from Michael, the
local 40 Days for Life coordinator in Severna Park,
Maryland.

“We have confirmed that Gynecare is closed,” he wrote,
“and will not reopen its doors. The office suite that
Gynecare has operated in for years is already listed
for rent, and we have confirmed with the listing agent
that the current tenant will be completely out of the
office soon!”

For the seventh time now, the Lord has responded to
40 Days for Life volunteers’ prayers by closing the
doors of a place where countless numbers of innocent
lives were lost!!!

40 Days for Life came to Severna Park in the fall of
2008, and the focus from the beginning had been this
Gynecare abortion facility.

However, the campaign faced a significant hurdle.
The center was located in a private development, and
the closest the volunteers could get was several
hundred yards away.

But they prayed ... and they prayed ... and they prayed,
that God would end abortions at this facility.

“God has heard our prayers and has moved; but we still
aren’t done yet,” said Michael. “We need to continue to
sing to and praise God for the answers and grace that
He has shown these past few months. Countless lives have
been saved and will be saved because of the closing of
Gynecare in Severna Park!”

To see a photo of 40 Days for Life team members from
Severna Park, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1043

There were MORE answered prayers this week in Texas.

A nurse walked out of the abortion center that is the
site of one of the 40 Days for Life vigils in the
El Paso area and gave her phone number to one of the
prayer volunteers.

“Please help me find a new job,” she said. “I quit!”

When we pray at an abortion center, we’re praying for
the mothers and babies, of course. But we’re also
praying for the people who work at those facilities.

Some of them are determined advocates of “choice.”
Others are simply people who need a job, and in
these economic times, the options are often limited.

Still others don’t fully understand what they’re
getting into when they sign up for work at one of
these so-called reproductive healthcare centers.

That may be the case with a man who just recently
took a job as a security guard at a facility where
a 40 Days for Life vigil is in progress.

Over the weekend, he was approached by a young
woman who had come for an abortion — and she’s
pregnant with twins!

The abortion was her boyfriend’s idea — not hers.
In fact, she didn’t want the abortion at all. But
he was pressuring her, and she explained her
situation to the guard.

His response: “Do what your heart tells you to do.”

That was amazing enough. But the guard then told the
boyfriend that it was basically time to man-up and
do the right thing. And, he added, if the boyfriend
continued to threaten his girlfriend, she could
press charges.

The young man broke down in tears and admitted he
was wrong. The couple then left the abortion center.

Michael in Maryland sent a scripture verse with the
story of the abortion center closing. It talks about
faith. It’s worth repeating:

“I tell you the truth; if anyone says to this
mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and
does not doubt in his heart but believes that what
he says will happen, it will be done for him.”

— Mark 11:23

Please thank God for the miracles in Maryland and
Texas — and please pray for His guidance for the
security guard who provided unexpected support for
a young mother. And BELIEVE!

Today’s email:

Every once in a while, people show up at a 40 Days
for Life prayer vigil who wish YOU would just go home.

In some cases, they themselves are suffering as the
result of an abortion experience. Or they may simply
want to get under your skin.

Persecution is not suggested by Jesus; it is PROMISED
if we follow Him. While seeking persecution is not
the goal of 40 Days for Life, it does go along with
standing against the evil of abortion.

If that ever happens to you, just remain peaceful —
and pray harder! The fruit is worth it.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

On my recent visit to the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Milwaukee, the abortion center put a sign in their
window asking for contributions to “pledge to end
harassment.”

This tired, ineffective tactic is attempted often,
particularly by Planned Parenthood. But it doesn’t
work. They do it because they don’t know how to
react to peaceful opposition that speaks to their
conscience and calls them to re-evaluate their work.

This childish reaction speaks to the effectiveness
of the prayer that they view as “harassment.”

To see the window of the Milwaukee abortion center,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

At their kickoff event recently, the 40 Days for Life
team in Santa Cruz was “welcomed” by a local, rabidly
pro-abortion anarchist group that was attempting to
thwart their efforts.

Most of what these abortion supporters said and did
to the prayer volunteers cannot be repeated. Suffice
it to say, it was vile and nasty.

One pastor wisely advised the prayer volunteers to
keep an air of serenity and ignore the obnoxious
behavior — but to not back down.

And they followed that advice.

Please keep the Santa Cruz team in your prayers. And
pray for the coversion of the misguided anarchists.

There is only one picture I can show you from Santa
Cruz, featuring a small group praying. Opposing them
is a man holding a sign that reads “Abort Jesus.”

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

RENO, NEVADA

Please keep Reno in your prayers as well.

When I was in there a few days ago, I witnessed what
the volunteers there have to endure — an aggressive
abortionist with a vulgar and confrontational attitude.

One sign that he had professionally made is so vulgar
I cannot put it in an e-mail. But there are other
signs, facing the street for all to see:

* No trespassing
* God is pro-choice
* These protesters are terrorists

The abortionist also has a sprinkler system — but not
for landscaping. The sprinklers are intentionally
pointed towards the sidewalk ... where the prayer
volunteers stand.

He also installed a sound system that he often uses to
blast out obscene music — hoping that the Christians
praying on the sidewalk would be offended and leave.

Well, it isn’t working. It hasn’t worked — ever. But
still he persists. As do the prayer volunteers!

To see photos of the Reno vigil site, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA

If someone does give you a hard time, pray for them!

A woman drove into the parking lot near the 40 Days
for Life vigil location in Lawrenceville and started
yelling at one of the volunteers. She was described
as very aggressive and angry, shouting things like,
“Just WHAT are you people doing here?”

The volunteer quietly explained what the vigil was
all about — and the angry woman started to calm down
a bit. During the course of a 15-minute conversation,
she shared some personal information (we’re not sure
exactly what was discussed), and finally she had made
a complete turnaround.

“She became very sweet and very supportive of what
we were doing,” one of the volunteers reported.

To see a photo of 40 Days for Life participants in
Lawrenceville, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

The long and the short of it is PRAYER WORKS — so
please keep it up!

Today’s email:

Every once in a while, people show up at a 40 Days
for Life prayer vigil who wish YOU would just go home.

In some cases, they themselves are suffering as the
result of an abortion experience. Or they may simply
want to get under your skin.

Persecution is not suggested by Jesus; it is PROMISED
if we follow Him. While seeking persecution is not
the goal of 40 Days for Life, it does go along with
standing against the evil of abortion.

If that ever happens to you, just remain peaceful —
and pray harder! The fruit is worth it.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

On my recent visit to the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Milwaukee, the abortion center put a sign in their
window asking for contributions to “pledge to end
harassment.”

This childish reaction speaks to the effectiveness
of the prayer that they view as “harassment.”

To see the window of the Milwaukee abortion center,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

At their kickoff event recently, the 40 Days for Life
team in Santa Cruz was “welcomed” by a local, rabidly
pro-abortion anarchist group that was attempting to
thwart their efforts.

Most of what these abortion supporters said and did
to the prayer volunteers cannot be repeated. Suffice
it to say, it was vile and nasty.

One pastor wisely advised the prayer volunteers to
keep an air of serenity and ignore the obnoxious
behavior — but to not back down.

And they followed that advice.

Please keep the Santa Cruz team in your prayers. And
pray for the coversion of the misguided anarchists.

There is only one picture I can show you from Santa
Cruz, featuring a small group praying. Opposing them
is a man holding a sign that reads “Abort Jesus.”

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

RENO, NEVADA

Please keep Reno in your prayers as well.

When I was in there a few days ago, I witnessed what
the volunteers there have to endure — an aggressive
abortionist with a vulgar and confrontational attitude.

One sign that he had professionally made is so vulgar
I cannot put it in an e-mail. But there are other
signs, facing the street for all to see:

* No trespassing
* God is pro-choice
* These protesters are terrorists

The abortionist also has a sprinkler system — but not
for landscaping. The sprinklers are intentionally
pointed towards the sidewalk ... where the prayer
volunteers stand.

He also installed a sound system that he often uses to
blast out obscene music — hoping that the Christians
praying on the sidewalk would be offended and leave.

Well, it isn’t working. It hasn’t worked — ever. But
still he persists. As do the prayer volunteers!

To see photos of the Reno vigil site, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA

If someone does give you a hard time, pray for them!

“She became very sweet and very supportive of what
we were doing,” one of the volunteers reported.

To see a photo of 40 Days for Life participants in
Lawrenceville, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1046

The long and the short of it is PRAYER WORKS — so
please keep it up!

Day 9 - September 30

Intention:

May we grow in joy, knowing we serve a living God.

Scripture:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

-- John 1:14

Reflection:

The Word of God came to us in human form in Jesus Christ. Every time I contemplate this fact I get chills! And I think it is something that we, as Christians, tend to gloss over. I can only imagine how the first disciples felt when they were looking into the eyes of the one and only Almighty God who created them.

The first disciples developed a close relationship with Him as they daily walked and talked with Him. They ate with Him, prayed with Him and rested when He rested. As they listened to the Word of God, who was and is Jesus….they believed and "beheld His glory."

Today, this is something we can still do because we serve a living God. Remember, Jesus died on the cross but rose from the dead in victory! Jesus is every bit as real and alive for all of us as He was to the first disciples. He wants us to develop a close relationship with Him in the very same way. Jesus wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to walk with Him and talk with Him on a daily basis.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and saving grace in Christ Jesus. Help us to realize every day the great blessing we have in our Savior. I pray that we will rise every morning with excitement and zeal, looking forward to walking another day in your footsteps fully knowing that you continue to dwell among us. Amen.

Day Gardner
President, National Black Pro-life Union

Day 10 - October 1

Intention:

Let us affirm the unborn by our language.

Scripture:

Anyone who says to his brother, "Raca," is answerable to the Sanhedrin; anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell.

-- Matthew 5:22

Reflection:

Before the schoolyard bully beats up his victim, he calls him names. This is a way to dehumanize the victim, and therefore make it easier to justify attacking him.

In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that using dehumanizing language is sinful. "Raca" was an Aramaic term of contempt. The respect and love we are called to have for other human lives is not limited to action alone; it also has to manifest itself in language.

Professor William Brennan, in his book Dehumanizing the Vulnerable: When Word Games Take Lives, traces the dehumanizing language used to oppress various groups of people in history, such as our African-American brothers and sisters, or our Jewish brothers and sisters in the Holocaust.

He then shows that the same kind of dehumanizing language is used against the unborn, who have been called "parasites," "tissue," and "medical waste," among other things.

What are we to do instead? We are to affirm one another, including the unborn, with ennobling language that inspires respect and love. The unborn are precious children, they are our brothers and sisters, they are the image of God. Let us multiply the language of affirmation, as we hasten to the day of their protection!

Prayer:

Lord, we ask your forgiveness for any times our words have dehumanized our brothers and sisters. We also ask you to send your grace to those who speak and write in degrading terms about the children in the womb. Convert those who do not see the dignity of these children. Loosen the tongues of those who do not know how to acknowledge the humanity and sacredness of these tiny lives. Keep us all aware of the power of language, and help us to use it rightly in the cause of life and justice. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s email:

On this tenth day of the 40 Days for Life campaign,
I have a few stories, a few more pictures — and good
news from London that should help get your day off to
a really exciting start.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Robert, who’s coordinating the first-ever 40 Days for
Life campaign in England, says the prayers of vigil
participants have helped save more two babies.

Praise God for his courage to bring this campaign
to London! Plus there’s another sign that shows how
this vigil is having an impact.

“It looks like Marie Stopes [the abortion facility]
has closed their doors today,” he wrote on Wednesday.
“And all their clients are turning up.” This certainly
suggests that the closure was unexpected. This same
abortion business was also closed last Saturday —
another day they are usually open.

Marie Stopes, by the way, is a major abortion chain
in the UK — not unlike the Planned Parenthood
network. Yet their Central London location is
apparently closing without notice during 40 Days for
Life. That is EXCELLENT news!

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

The 40 Days for Life team in Little Rock, Arkansas
reported three babies spared from abortion. One of
the pro-life counselors had a simple, direct message
for women entering the facility for abortion
appointments that really struck a chord:

“Ask to see the ultrasound.”

Showing the ultrasound image is something most
abortion centers don’t like to do. It offers instant
proof to a woman that a baby does indeed exist —
HER baby.

One very young couple that the counselor talked to
walked out of the facility with smiles — and their
ultrasound photo in hand. They took information about
a pro-life pregnancy center and left.

Another couple received the same simple message: “Ask
to see the ultrasound.” The counselor reports this
woman was possibly in the fourth month of pregnancy.

The couple went inside — but over the course of the next
hour, the woman came out crying twice. They came out
a third time — she was still crying — but this time
they left. No abortion!

To see a picture of some of the prayer volunteers in
Little Rock, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1050

TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA

Finally, I have a photo of David Bereit, the national
director of 40 Days for Life, speaking at a vigil
location in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota.

The vigil site is a hospital in St. Paul — a hospital
that has its own abortion unit where almost 700
abortions take place each year.

David just wrapped up a marathon visit to a bunch of
40 Days for Life vigils in Michigan. Look for e-mail
from David tomorrow with more big news!

To see a picture from this Minnesota event, please
go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1050

I will be in Kokomo, Indiana tomorrow for a pro-life
event. If you’re anywhere near, please stop by! I’d
love to see you. For event information, you may go to:

http://tinyurl.com/2clzvuf

Day 11 - October 2

Intention:

Pray that when those representing Planned Parenthood and other abortion groups see volunteers for 40 Days for Life, they see ambassadors of Christ, and may each volunteer be consciously aware at all times we represent Him.

Scripture:

I...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.

-- Ephesians 4:1-2

Reflection:

When a former abortionist and post-abortive woman, Carol Everett, was asked what turned her heart from death to life in Christ, she replied, "It was unconditional love" shown by a man who prayed daily for her in front of the facility where she worked.

He told Carol that "God had sent him" because there was someone in there that God wanted out. She left 27 days later and now serves as Christ's ambassador to help others. We too have been sent by Christ as an ambassador to love unconditionally those God seeks to "get out" of their bondage and sin.

In his book, "Fishers of Men," Dr. Sumner Wemp describes what it means to be an ambassador of Christ, the King of Kings:

God has chosen us (John 15:16)
We are sent into a world that is not our home (1 Peter 2:11)
Our walk must match our talk (1 Timothy 3:7)
We must abide in Him for daily instruction (John 15:5)
Know our purpose -- to seek and to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10)
We are to reconcile others to God with His authority (Matthew 28:19-20)
Our service is to be grounded and rooted in love (Ephesians 3:17)

Pray that we each will walk worthy of the calling with which we were called!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we are humbled that you have called us and appointed us to be ambassadors of Christ in a world that is not our home. It is a calling much higher and grander than our finite minds can imagine.

We pray that your Holy Spirit will empower us to walk worthy of the calling. We pray that Your unconditional love will flow through us onto those who desperately need Your saving grace. In the name of Christ who is worthy, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show

Today’s email:

Today’s message is a praise report from David Bereit
about his whirlwind trip across Michigan. This should
give you an idea of how powerfully God is working
through His people ...

... in many locations ... all at the same time!

On Monday morning, I got up at 3 AM to catch a flight
to Grand Rapids. Upon arrival, I met up with Abby
Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood abortion center
director who experienced a conversion during last
fall’s 40 Days for Life.

At the Grand Rapids 40 Days for Life vigil, we spoke
to more than 40 faithful prayer volunteers and learned
that on Day 2 of the campaign, a couple scheduled for
abortion there changed their mind and turned away due
to the prayer vigil!

See the picture of Abby speaking to volunteers by
visiting:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1169

That night, we spoke at a large right-to-life dinner
and shared the 40 Days for Life story with an
audience of nearly 1,000 pro-lifers, many of whom
signed up to get involved in 40 Days for Life.

On Tuesday morning, I awoke at 5 AM and drove to
Kalamazoo. I was thrilled to see more than 25 people
praying at the vigil outside Planned Parenthood — in
the pouring rain!

>From there, I drove two hours to Ann Arbor, and joined
18 faithful prayer warriors — it was still raining.
Some of these incredibly dedicated volunteers have
been working for life for more than three decades.

Next was Dearborn, where more than a dozen believers
were standing vigil despite the downpour. One man told
me that he’d previously been “pro-choice” before a
friend invited him to get involved in a Detroit-area
40 Days for Life campaign. Not only did that forever
change his mind about abortion, today he is the leader
of the Dearborn 40 Days for Life campaign!

See the rain-soaked Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and Dearborn
40 Days for Life participants at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1169

>From there, I headed to Southfield, where 13 people
stood vigil outside an abortion facility that is now
up for sale.

This past weekend, a woman pulled up and thanked them
for being there. A year ago she had been on her way to
have an abortion, but the 40 Days for Life prayer
volunteers had changed her mind. She then introduced
them to her baby who was in the car!

Next was Sterling Heights, where I joined about 20
Christians. They were praying fervently for an end to
abortion when I arrived, and were still praying hard
when I had to depart. What devotion!

See pictures from the Southfield and Sterling Heights
40 Days for Life campaigns at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1169

When I arrived in Clarkston, I was greeted by a crowd
of more than 40 enthusiastic volunteers participating
in their city’s first 40 Days for Life.

While there, I was interviewed by a radio station and
two local newspapers. The next day, 40 Days for Life
was front page news!

>From there, I drove to Flint where more than two dozen
people were praying outside the local abortion facility.
Their dedication — even in the midst of challenges —
was inspiring.

My final stop of Tuesday was Saginaw, where more than
20 people were standing vigil as the sun was setting.

They excitedly shared that the abortion center manager
came out to let them know she had begun to attend church
services, and quit her job after working there 7 years.

Praise God!!

See the Clarkston, Saginaw and Flint vigils at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1169

On Wednesday, I drove three hours to Traverse City,
where I spoke to the entire student body of a Catholic
high school, and also addressed a large right-to-life
banquet, encouraging the 600 attendees to get involved
in 40 Days for Life.

Early Thursday morning, I joined a group of the Traverse
City volunteers to pray together at their 40 Days for
Life vigil, before leaving Michigan en route to an event
in Illinois.

Five hundred miles, ten cities, three days ...

... one inspiring experience!

Thanks to David Bereit for that amazing report!

Day 12 - October 3

Intention:

May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.

Scripture:

My power is made perfect in weakness.

--2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection:

The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the unknown waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness.

The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, "I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!"

During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, "the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life."

Jesus proclaimed, "I am the Vine, you are the branches" (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. "If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps" (Matthew 16:24).

Prayer:

Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, "Let it be done to me, according to your Word."

Today’s email:

Most people are unaware that abortions take place in
their hometowns — it’s true!

Abortion centers are often quietly nestled in unassuming
neighborhoods and rarely draw attention to themselves.

Well, there’s one thing that 40 Days for Life is very
good at — and that’s drawing attention to the sobering
reality that abortion is very much a local problem.

BEAUMONT, TEXAS

Organizers of Beaumont’s first 40 Days for Life
campaign wondered if people would notice their vigil.
But plenty of people are seeing it now — thanks to
a nearby road construction project.

Traffic now has to make a detour — and the new route
is bringing a huge flow of vehicles right in front of
the abortion center.

One woman stopped to tell vigil participants to keep
up the good work. “I’ll bet half the people in
Beaumont don’t even know that abortions are performed
here,” she said.

Later, she called one of the local TV stations and
told them they should send a news team. And they did!

Then the woman shared what was really on her mind.
When she was 16 years old, she had an abortion.

“I am so glad y’all are here,” she said. The abortion
was forced on her. “I felt so alone and scared. But
if there had been anyone there praying, I feel sure I
wouldn’t have done it. Never stop what you are doing!”

A bit later, a man parked his huge truck and thanked the
volunteers. “I was adopted. If it weren’t for people
like you, I would be dead!”

One of the local leaders says the volunteers are all
tired by the end of the day, “but it’s the best tired
I’ve ever felt.”

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

People in Jacksonville also know now where abortions
are performed. 40 Days for Life participants met for
prayer at a local abortion center — then marched as
a group to another facility about a third of a mile
away for additional prayer.

Then they marched back to the first location. “SEVEN
TIMES we marched between the two,” said one of the
volunteers.

The local coordinators estimated about 120 people
took part in this event.

To see pictures of the prayer vigils at each facility,
and the march between the two, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1170

CANTON, OHIO

Bryan in Canton had some thoughts about the 40 Days
for Life effort as he drove through a very heavy fog
one morning.

“It occurred to me that this must be what it is like
for the abortionists, their staff and their clients.
They are living in a fog of deception,” he said, “and
it makes the most obvious things seem to be what they
are not. Simply put, they are being deceived, and
they need the truth and the grace of God to change
their hearts.”

And that’s where we come in.

“I believe that God is calling us to dispel the fog
surrounding the abortion industry and to change the
hearts of the enemies of life through His love,” Bryan
said. “So let us be faithful witnesses to the truth
and always open our hearts to God’s grace so that we
can be His instruments.”

Well said!

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