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

Today’s email:

Throughout the 238 locations currently conducting
40 Days for Life campaigns, there are signs of
encouragement everywhere!

A baby saved, new people coming out to pray for the
first time, and even the presence of pro-abortion
opposition are all good signs that the campaign is
working!

So what do New York City, Columbia, Missouri and
Ottawa, Canada have in common?

Signs of hope on the front lines of our culture!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

The 40 Days for Life campaigns in Queens and The Bronx
are coordinated by Chris Slattery, who heads up a chain
of twelve pregnancy resource centers called Expectant
Mother Care.

Expectant Mother Care’s interns are assisting once
again with 40 Days for Life and writing about their
experiences on their blog.

To see some of their photos, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1324

“Our 40 Days for Life site is in a very busy part of
town,” writes one of the interns. “It is not uncommon
for women who are pregnant and considering an abortion
— or women who have been hurt by abortion — to walk
past our prayer vigil. This allows us to minister to
the most vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, pro-abortion forces are asking the city to
force Expectant Mother Care and other pro-life centers
to post notices in their offices that they neither
perform nor refer for abortions.

The allegation is that pregnancy resource centers
“deceive women” — never mind the fact that Expectant
Mother Care’s ads all read, “Free abortion alternatives.”

Perhaps the pro-abortion groups want to stifle free
speech because this approach is working. More and more
women are choosing the alternatives. Coordinators in
New York City know of at least 18 mothers who have
decided against abortion during the current 40 Days
for Life campaign.

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

The date August 9 sticks in the minds of 40 Days for
Life volunteers in Columbia. That is the date of the
last abortion performed at the Planned Parenthood
facility that is the site of the Columbia prayer vigil.

It seems that Planned Parenthood simply cannot find a
practitioner to travel to Columbia to perform abortions.

Normally, this facility would have aborted at least
100 babies — probably more — over the course of a
ten-week period. But since August 9, the total has
been ZERO.

The vigil continues at Planned Parenthood in Columbia,
with the hope that the cessation of abortions becomes
permanent. Please join them in this prayer!

OTTAWA, ONTARIO

A media report from Ottawa says a pro-abortion group is
talking about ways to legally challenge pro-lifers who
pray in front of the Morgentaler Clinic, a facility
operated by Canada’s most infamous abortionist, where
the 40 Days for Life vigil is held.

This pro-abortion group says the pro-life presence fails
to “respect the dignity, privacy, and legal rights of
women to unimpeded access to health services.”

In reality, of course, the vigil is simply a peaceful,
prayerful gathering — as seen in photos the Ottawa team
has posted on their blog.

To see photos from a rainy day in Ottawa, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1324

When Suzanne arrived to pray, “our group contained
about six people and it soon swelled to about twelve.”
It soon started raining harder. “I was quite soaked by
the time I finished my shift,” she said.

The 40 Days for Life campaign in Ottawa is certainly
having an impact. “Little by little,” said one of the
coordinators, “hearts are being changed — one small
step at a time.”

PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY

I wanted to let you know about a wonderful pro-life
event going on today, Tuesday, October 19, that
complements this current 40 Days for Life campaign.

Students from more than 3,500 school campuses are
participating in Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity to
raise awareness about the injustice of abortion by
taking a vow of silence for one day in solidarity for
the more than 3,000 children who die from abortion
each day.

Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as
taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.

Anyone can participate (you don’t even have to be a
student) and you can use the time of silence to pray
and fast for an end to abortion.

Learn more and find out how you can participate at:

http://www.silentday.org

Day 29 - October 20

Intention:

Praise God for His compassion in pardoning our sins and forgiving our transgressions. Give praise that He delights in showing mercy.

Scripture:

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

-- Micah 7:18-19

Reflection:

Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt. Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were practicing abominations and idolatry. Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people in Micah's day and God's people today in America?

Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.

In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.

Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, amen.

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

Today’s email:

One of the constant themes I hear is that there is
incredible darkness at abortion facilities. Even on a
bright, sunny day, there is darkness. You can feel it.

Christ said that we are the light of the world. Thank
you for bringing peace to places that have no peace ...
and light to places that dwell in darkness.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

The idea of being a light in darkness was present at
the midpoint event in Austin, where the local team
organized a candlelight vigil at the abortion center.

There’s a picture of an adult and two small children
that shows the spirit of that event most clearly. To
see the photo, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

The light is indeed shining in Austin — another young
woman has changed her mind about abortion.

“She and her boyfriend talked to a sidewalk counselor
who was standing next to the driveway,” said Elizabeth,
the local coordinator in Austin.

“They never got out of their car! After chatting for
a couple minutes, they told the counselor thanks and
drove home,” she said. “They are keeping their baby!”

SIOUX CITY, IOWA

Every time I tell a story about children praying at a
40 Days for Life vigil, I get more stories! Here’s
another one.

Karmen in Sioux City sent pictures of two groups of
students praying at their vigil on a day that abortions
were being performed at Planned Parenthood.

“One school traveled one hour to our site and the
other traveled around 45 minutes,” she said. “We had
at least 50 students and it was very exciting!”

To see the photos, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

ITHACA, NEW YORK

Mary Anne in Ithaca also sent a picture of children
praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

“It is their innocence that touched me,” she said.
“There is certainly something that happens when
children are outside praying.”

Mary Anne watched as a van passed by. The driver
stopped, backed up, and gave the children a thumbs-up.
“I am sure it was encouraging for them as it was for us
adults,” she said. “I was blessed by the presence of
the children knowing that the Lord is raising up a new
generation for Him.”

To see the picture, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Suzanne took her three children — ages 7, 9 and 14 —
to the 40 Days for Life vigil in Pittsburgh. Shortly
after they got there, the 7-year-old put one foot
across the white stripe that marks Planned Parenthood’s
property line.

An employee came charging out and issued a sharp order
to “MOVE AWAY!”

The children got rattled ... and Suzanne started
wondering if bringing the family was such a good idea.
But about that time, a man tapped her on the shoulder.
After what had just happened, she wasn’t sure what
to expect.

But a very big guy with a very gentle voice said, “I
just have to tell you that I am so pleased to see that
you are teaching your young children how important it
is to stand up for what is right. You are doing the
right thing, you know. God bless you, ma’am, and God
bless your children.”

“That man was sent by God — no doubt about it,” said
Suzanne. “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me just what
I needed, just at the most perfect time!”

Day 30 Ping -- stop by a Planned Parenthood during the last 10 days of 40 Days for Life -- even if it is for a short time.

Day 30 - October 21

Intention:

That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.

Scripture:

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

-- Luke 1:41-44

Reflection:

Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!

Think about this for a moment.

We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother. Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.

Prayer:

Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

Today’s email:

God works in big ways and in small ways. The big ways
are often easy to recognize. The small ways? Not so much.

40 Days for Life is the story of God’s many victories,
both large and small. Here are some of the small ones.
But they sure add up!

ZION, ILLINOIS

Zion is one of several communities participating in
40 Days for Life that do not have an abortion facility.
But people there have been called to pray, and their
prayers are getting reactions.

Prayer volunteers watched as a man — who was driving
way too fast — came around the corner and shouted from
his open window, “There is no God!”

Vigil participants took this as a realization that God
is indeed at work in Zion. “We immediately prayed for
that man,” said Joellyn, the local coordinator. “We
don’t know who he is or where he was going, but GOD
knows that this man needs HIM!”

While there is no abortion facility in Zion, there is a
pro-life pregnancy resource center. And counselors there
report that they know of at least one child saved from
abortion during this 40 Days for Life campaign.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

“Our vigil is in front of the Planned Parenthood
facility,” said Nancy in Orlando. “Normally, abortions
occur here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The clinic
changed last week’s schedule from Saturday to Friday —
it was unannounced, but we got the word. Imagine their
surprise when we had great prayer coverage on Friday.”

The following day, Saturday, the facility was closed.
There was no explanation on their door, although it
was posted on their web site.

“Because many people did not know they would be closed,”
said Nancy, “our prayer warriors were able to witness
to those coming to the clinic. To top it all off, some
of our 40 Days for Life participants went to a different
abortion clinic and were able to save a baby.”

An abortion-minded woman was able to see an ultrasound
picture of her baby on her own television in the
comfort of her home. “She chose life,” said Nancy.
“Glory to God! He is so good, isn’t He?”

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Picture all of this ... going on at the 40 Days for Life
vigil sites in Rhode Island:

* A father drops off his daughter at a “women’s
clinic” and has no idea that she intends to have
an abortion until he sees the pro-life prayer vigil.
* A woman is convinced that being a “good sister”
includes supporting an abortion she doesn’t
believe in.
* A young, desperate, pregnant mom believes she
has no option in her situation but abortion.
* Two sidewalk counselors are faced with two cars,
a language barrier, and three people to counsel
at once.

“An impossible situation?” asks Joanne in Rhode Island.
“Nothing is impossible with the Lord. God answered our
prayerful efforts by saving the life of a child, and
soon after He saved two others!”

The Rhode Island team reports eight lives have been
spared from abortion during this campaign at their
vigil locations in Providence and Cranston. “That’s
the most for any campaign yet,” said Joanne. “Help us
to be a sign of God’s love to those most in need.
You’ll be glad you did.”

Day 31 - October 22

Intention:

For the medical community, that the truth they know about the human body may become awe and wonder at the God who made it.

Scripture:

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

--Psalm 139:16

Reflection:

Human beings -- God's tapestries.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that reveals the enormity and otherness of God. His divine attributes are on display: omniscience (2-4), omnipresence (7-12), loving-kindness (17-18), justice (19-20), righteousness (23-24), and omnipotence. Yet, when it came to express this last attribute, what example did the psalmist use - God's creation of mountains, seas, or far-flung galaxies? No, he used none of these. To express the wonder of God's unparalleled creative power the writer mentions the fashioning of the human in the womb (14-16).

The Hebrew word used to express God's forming of us in the womb, raqam, is the same term for needlework or embroidery. In other words, we are a tapestry that displays God's artistic mastery. And, like the artist who knows his creation down to the last detail, God intimately knows us. This reality provokes the writer to awe and wonder. He proclaims, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

What is true for this psalmist is true for each human being. Each is fashioned by God and known by him and we can proclaim on behalf of each, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Prayer:

Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. Amen.

Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

Friday’s email:

This is not going to be easy to read.

It’s about physical, emotional and spiritual pain.
This is the account of women who have had abortions.

When I was a sophomore at Texas A&M, I heard women,
for the first time in my life, give their testimonies
about their abortion experiences. One was in the
military, one was raped, one had been on drugs and
one just didn’t feel she could afford a child.

I remember being unaware and naive about how abortion
impacted women — but how could it not? Their
testimonies were powerful and led me to dive into
pro-life work even more.

Whenever I speak I always thank them for their courage
to inspire me — and hopefully inspire YOU — to do
more to end this injustice.

People with abortion experiences CAN find God’s
healing. But there’s no question, as Linda said in a
blog posting, that “women DO regret their abortions.”

“I myself had four abortions,” Linda wrote. “1976,
1979, 1982, 1985. This year — 2010 — in June, I
only have begun to feel the release of guilt, blame
and shame for what I have done. It took me 24 years
before I attended a post-abortion healing retreat.
It took me another nine years to be a part of the
Silent No More program.”

(See http://silentnomoreawareness.org)

She has now prayed in front of the facility where
she had three abortions. “I always deeply wish that
there had been someone there for me in 1976 or any
of my other desperate days,” she said. “I may have
listened. And my children would have lived.”

“My abortion was over 30 years ago,” writes P., “and
I still cry — when I know of a woman contemplating
abortion, when I have prayed outside an abortion
clinic and watched desperate women going in to kill
their precious baby.”

She thanks God for her tears. “I know this is God’s
way of keeping the memory of my child on my heart.”

“How could I have been so stupid?” Anne asked. “For
many years I have felt personally responsible for one
life being ended and a soul being sent to God. The
burden is heavy! I regret my part in this more
every day.”

Eventually, Anne turned to God for forgiveness and
consolation. Still, “I cannot undo the killing of
this precious life. Often, I think of the person he
would have been.”

Vivian’s oldest daughter had an abortion at the age
of 15. “I paid for the abortion and her father took
her to the clinic,” she wrote. “Then later on, she
had another one and I drove her there.” At the time,
she thought she was doing the right thing to protect
her daughter.

At that point in her life, Vivian was not a Christian.
“I have since become one, and I had to ask the Father
to forgive me for this horrible sin. I know He has —
and now I pray for these mothers and fathers and
especially for these precious gifts from God.”

Allison was praying in front of the Planned Parenthood
abortion center recently. “The spiritual darkness was
very apparent,” she said, “but despite this, a man had
the courage to approach us so he could share his story
after seeing a Men Regret Abortion sign.”

He had a very simple message. “I’m guilty of making
abortion happen to my girlfriend years ago before I
became a Christian,” he said. “Now I live with regret
everyday — but I know I’m forgiven. It is good you
people are out here. Spread the word!”

If you meet someone who is suffering in the wake of
an abortion experience, you might suggest Rachel’s
Vineyard, a group that offers post-abortion healing
retreats. You can find out more about this effective,
compassionate ministry at:

http://rachelsvineyard.org

Day 32 - October 23

Intention:

Pray that we display an attitude of humility as we stand in peaceful vigil, as we fast, as we knock on doors in our communities. Though we proudly proclaim Christ's truth, may our boasting be only in His grace.

Scripture:

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

-- Proverbs 6:16-19

Reflection:

The Lord who made us knows us well. I can't help but think that perhaps as He inspired these words, He knew that our tendency might be to make the judgment call on which sins should be labeled as detestable. He wants us to be absolutely clear, however, that the sinfulness of man encompasses much more than the external sins that we easily identify.

Lest we assign a particular sin as that of an abortionist, or a worker in an abortion facility, or an abortion activist, the Holy Spirit insured that our sin of pride would be listed first. In this passage that speaks of eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet we realize than every part of our being is subject to the curse of sin.

We all need Jesus Christ who saved us from the penalty of sin, saves us from the practice of sin as we abide in Him, and will one day remove us from the presence of sin. Praise His Holy name!

Proper self-esteem in a follower of Christ is a matter of recognizing and confronting yourself in your humanity, including the tendency to sin. It is also a matter of embracing Jesus' work on the cross --- His grace that covers a multitude of sins. The Apostle Paul sums it up best in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: "But he who glories let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."

Prayer:

Dear Father, Guard my heart. Prick my conscience and may I be receptive to your rebuke at any moment I drift towards pride. May I remember in fear and trembling that You cause the proud to fall, but the humble You raise up. Lord, may I never forget my true identity is in Christ and that apart from Him I am nothing. By His grace, I pray, amen.

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

Today’s email:

Never prayed at an abortion center before?

If you’re still not sure about this, please read
these stories before you take that leap of faith that
thousands are taking right now.

“I thought I SHOULD go and pray,” Pamela wrote,
“but I always found an excuse not to do it.” Then
she listened to the 40 Days for Life countdown
webcast before the current campaign.

“What struck me was that they said they were actually
blessed by praying,” she said. “Any resistance I had
was overcome.”

So she went — and got hooked. “Every single
experience I had — whether praying alone, with my
daughter, with others ... was really inspiring. I
think if you can at least go one time ... you will
also get hooked.”

Theresa is a first-time 40 Days for Life prayer vigil
participant this fall.

“I felt nervous energy all morning,” she said, but
“once I was there and began to pray, I immediately
felt the grace of the Holy Spirit. At times I would
be alone physically, but I always felt safe and
empowered.”

At first, Mary didn’t want to go pray because she
didn’t want to offend anyone. Eventually, she got
over it and went to the vigil.

“I may be saving the life of a child — a child like
any other child,” she said, “deserving a chance
at life. I pray for courage and boldness, and it is
granted.”

“I was very hesitant to pray at our local abortion
provider, and declined for several years out of fear,”
said Pia. “I have three children, and felt extremely
nervous about praying outside this facility, which
is not in the best part of town.”

When she explained her fear to the local 40 Days for
Life coordinator, he said he understood — but he
also reminded her to “be not afraid.”

It was the encouragement of her 14-year-old daughter
and her daughter’s friend that convinced Pia to go
pray at the vigil. “Locally we have had several saves,
and there is no doubt in my mind of the power of
prayer,” she said, “especially that of our youth.”

“I, too, was one who was scared to go to the clinic
to pray,” wrote Kris. “But God spoke to me and told
me ‘Go, I will give you the words and protection.’
Thank God I listened!”

This particular prayer vigil was being held at an
abortion center that was under construction. It
wasn’t yet open, but the vigil helped draw public
attention to what would soon be happening at this
building.

“One morning when I was feeling very anxious, I went
and a young girl — about 17 — stopped and wondered
if the clinic was open yet,” Kris said. Her boyfriend
was pressuring her to have an abortion.

“My blessing — that still keeps me going today —
was her deciding not to have the abortion,” said Kris.
“Have courage and don’t fear, because God is with each
one of us.”

Here’s the link to the list of cities where 40 Days
for Life vigils are taking place:

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

If you’re waiting for an invitation ... this is it!
Today’s the day. Won’t you join us?

Day 33 - October 24

Intention:

May we absorb the truth that God is paying attention to us, and to each human life, personally and individually.

Scripture:

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.

-- Psalm 8:3-9

Reflection:

How often we ignore the phrase, "stop and smell the roses" and instead submit to the all too "urgent" task at hand. Is this tendency what keeps us, at least in part, from acknowledging that God's care for His sacred creation is paramount in His own mind?

The Psalmist speaks of God's handiwork: the heavens, the work of his "fingers," and then points to God's masterpiece - human life. He declares to us that God is mindful of us. God keeps His masterpiece in His thoughts.

God, the creator of the awe-inspiring heavens, is not distracted by the tasks before Him. He is not pulled away, as we might be, by thoughts of something "more important." God is paying attention to and attending to His crowning glory, His masterpiece of creation, which cannot be duplicated or replaced, which surpasses the beauty of all other created things - the human being.

There is no way to adequately describe how God feels about us as human beings. There are no words to fully portray His love, compassion or desire to be in communion with us. Perhaps, the closest we can come, is to contemplate the thoughts of a mother as she gazes for the first time at her newborn child. God cares for Life. We, as His followers, should take time to consider the life He has created and called upon us to love and protect.

Prayer:

Lord, you are the creator of all things. Guide my thoughts to consider your creation in all of its majesty, beauty and holiness. Guide my heart especially to your creation of precious human life. Help me to comprehend how essential life is in your own heart. Teach me to appreciate, love and protect all human life through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Today’s email:

It’s truly amazing to watch things happen at 40 Days
for Life campaigns. After all ... you’re watching God
in action!

Here are just a few of the ways He is changing hearts
and minds in response to your faithful prayers.

CHICO, CALIFORNIA

40 Days for Life vigil participants were praying near
Planned Parenthood’s driveway when an agitated young
man approached one of the volunteers and said they had
no right to be on the sidewalk.

The young man was visibly angry. He said he had brought
his girlfriend to Planned Parenthood to “deal with her
pregnancy.” But when she saw people standing in prayer
on the sidewalk, she began to question the abortion.

“Just the presence of someone praying, even without
any interaction, gives women perhaps just an extra
second to question what they are about to do,” said
Mary in Chico.

CINCINNATI, OHIO

One of the 40 Days for Life vigil participants in
Cincinnati watched as a 14-year-old girl approached
Planned Parenthood. “Since the gate was closed,” said
this volunteer, “I asked what she was there for — and
she said a pregnancy test.”

The volunteer got on the phone and called the director
of a local pregnancy center, who then spoke to the girl
and arranged a meeting. It was learned that the young
girl was in foster care and was not able to contact her
mother. “She was scared,” the volunteer said.

By being present at Planned Parenthood, the vigil
participants were able to guide her away from the
abortion center and towards people who would offer real
help. “This is the first good story I have been a part
of,” the volunteer said, “so I wanted to share it.”

NAPLES, FLORIDA

A woman from a neighboring business stopped to talk to
prayer volunteers at Planned Parenthood in Naples,
telling them that her son’s girlfriend was pregnant.
Her son is 17 and the girl is 16.

The woman explained that she, the two teens and the
girl’s mother had been to two abortion facilities. But
for various reasons, the abortion did not take place
and the couple decided to keep the child.

After further discussion, it soon became clear that
the problem wasn’t the baby. This woman is a single
mother who can barely afford to make ends meet. She
has no idea how she would help the teens support the
baby. That’s when the vigil participants got busy.

One volunteer gave the woman information about free
pregnancy assistance. Another told her about a better
job opportunity that seemed almost perfect.

“The mother started to cry and gave the coordinator a
big hug,” said Jeanne in Naples. “God works in such a
wonderful way and leads us forward.”

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Bob was praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Ann
Arbor, holding a sign made by his grandsons. “I’ve been
holding this sign for well over a year,” he said. Its
simple message: “Choose life.”

He watched as a couple walked into the abortion center
— and left after about half an hour. As they walked
towards the parking lot, the man looked at Bob and said,
“We made the right choice. We chose life!”

“As they drove out of the parking lot, they gave me a
thumbs up and yelled ‘God bless you,’” said Bob.
“It’s almost impossible to describe how I felt. A
child’s life — and the lives of his mom and dad —
had been saved.”

Day 34 - October 25

Intention:

May we come to know that divine life, in relationship, creates human life.

Scripture:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

--John 1:1-3

Reflection:

"In the beginning" was God. Always, before all times, there was God. This particular God -- the God of the Bible, the God of St. John's Gospel -- is different from all other gods. This God is alive and full of life. This God is not the picture of deadness and death, aloneness and isolation. This God is the picture of life, relationship, and unity. For within this God, within this one God, there are three divine persons who live, who love, and who work -- together. This is the glorious mystery of the Trinity. The Trinity means divine life. The Trinity means three, living Persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- who relate to each other. The Trinity means mutual love and service among three Persons.

The Word was always with God the Father. This Word was, is, and will be the Trinity's second person. The Word is also the Son of God or, as revealed in time, Jesus Christ. God the Father and God the Son live, love, and work for each other. As one, they create "all things" together: the Father creates all things, including all human life, through the Son.

So the Father, through the Son, creates all human lives. The little one swimming in his mother's womb, the infant smiling in his father's arms, the child crying in pain in a hospital bed, the energetic teen running another mile, the old man gasping for his last breath -- all were created, at their beginning, by the Father through the Son. No exceptions. Divine life creates human life.

Prayer:

O God, may we always be quick to call you Father. And when we call you father, let your Spirit remind us that we, and all people, from their beginning to their last day, are your children. We praise you, Father, that you sent your Son to reveal to the world that all people are His brothers and sisters, that all people are your children. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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

Today’s email — and it’s a good one!

How many more lives will be saved this fall?

This is the last week of the campaign and a wild week
for me — I go to Southern California before closing
this fall’s campaign at the site of one of the largest
abortion facilities in the world — the Planned
Parenthood in Houston, Texas.

The number of babies God has saved in response to your
prayers during this 40 Days for Life campaign is now ...

... 445 — that we know of!

Please keep praying and fasting!

Here are some of the great stories I’ve received from
local 40 Days for Life volunteers.

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Tom says the weather was nasty in Cleveland, which made
the scene at the abortion center even more depressing
than usual. But he and a number of other vigil
volunteers prayed silently that God would hear their
pleas — it was a Tuesday, an abortion day, and there
were many women arriving for appointments.

Near the end of the prayer shift, one of the volunteers
offered literature to a woman who was leaving the
abortion center. “The woman told us that she had an
appointment to abort her baby,” Tom said, “but had
changed her mind.”

When asked what made her change her mind, she answered,
“God did.”

“We told her that we would be offering prayers of
thanksgiving for her courage and of support for her
as she carries her baby to term,” Tom said.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

When Theresa arrived at the 40 Days for Life vigil, the
parking lot at Planned Parenthood was full.

“We saw several women leave after their abortion,” she
said, “and one in particular really struck a chord
within me. A young girl being escorted by her parents
was holding her abdomen and crying. I immediately felt
overwhelmed and began crying for her and her aborted
baby as I prayed for God’s mercy.”

Shortly afterward, another car pulled in. But no one
got out. Theresa and the others at the vigil just
kept praying.

After about 10 minutes, the car began to leave. The
woman in the car smiled, waved to the volunteers, and
said, “I’m keeping my baby!”

“We all thanked the Lord for saving this innocent life,”
Theresa said. “I gave Him a special thank you for
giving us the gift knowing we made a difference.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Sue watched as a young woman got out of a taxi at the
abortion center in Melbourne where the 40 Days for Life
vigil is in progress.

Dave, one of the volunteers, glanced her way and said,
“The group of people over there are praying for your
unborn child. What do you need? We are here to help
you and your child.”

She looked nervous. Dave asked her, “Why isn’t the
father of the baby with you?”

“I have not told my husband. I didn’t want to be
pregnant,” she said. After a short chat, the woman
said she wasn’t really sure she wanted the abortion.
“What shall I do now?”

She asked the right person. “Go home and tell your
husband, your daughter and your parents about the
new member of their family,” Dave said.

“I will ring the same taxi driver,” the woman said.
“He gave me his number. I hope he can take me back.”
The taxi was there within ten minutes.

Dave spoke to the taxi driver and asked him to take
good care of her. With a smile and a thank you,
they drove off.

“Please pray for this young woman and her family,”
Sue said. “One more to add to the 3,000 plus who
have been saved thanks to 40 Days for Life!”

Day 35 - October 26

Intention:

Pray for post-abortive women who cannot forgive themselves; may they understand that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Scripture:

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the one to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.

-- Romans 4:7-8

Reflection:

In the passage above, the Apostle Paul making a point about justification by faith, refers back to David's words in Psalm 32:1-2. In spite of the enormity of David's sin -- adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband -- and the utter absence of any personal merit, David in his brokenness, understood the imputed righteousness of God. David's response was not continued guilt over his sins, but praise for his freedom from guilt, and God's power to live life differently.

Once your relationship with God has been restored, your guilt has served its purpose and should no longer be given place in your life. This is true regardless of the sin, including the sin of abortion. As a post-abortive woman, I too struggled with this issue until I realized that punishing and hating myself after receiving God's forgiveness was an insult to God.

It was as though I were minimizing Christ's work on the cross as insufficient to cover my sin. I was denying Him the opportunity to bring glory to His name for the healing and restoration He wanted to do in my life. I was giving victory to the enemy who having lost the battle for my soul, was bent on destroying my testimony as I accepted the continual guilt he heaped on my mind.

It is my joy to continually sing of God's grace rather than give the devil a foothold in my life. Don't waste God's mercy! Accept His forgiveness and forgive yourself as testimony of His amazing grace.

Prayer:

Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. I come against the enemy of my soul who would have me feel cast down and dejected. Lord, keep your children from falling prey to the accusations of the father of lies. Turn our mourning into dancing and may we bring praise to you as we give testimony of Your healing and restoration in our lives. For by His grace we are saved, amen.

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

Email for Day 35 — I got behind, didn’t I?

I know there are many of you who would like to join
the prayers in front of the abortion center, but for
very good reasons you are unable to do so.

All of you praying are a very important part of this
campaign ... and I know your prayers are being heard.

“Thank you so very much, Shawn, for providing daily
coverage of the glorious happenings each day,” wrote
Katie. “I am 85 years old and handicapped, so I can
not go to Planned Parenthood clinics in my area; but
I do relay your message.”

Katie said she makes copies of the daily e-mails and
brings them to people at her church. “I know that
some of those wonderful people have been moved to go
to the Planned Parenthood clinic to pray and help
save babies.”

Mary Ann wrote to say that she doesn’t drive, but she
did have a friend take her to pray in front of a
Planned Parenthood facility. “The ten or twelve
people that we had was a grace from God,” she said.

“I go to church daily and you all are in my prayers,”
she added. “Please pray for my church so that we get
more pro-lifers so we can be more active — young
ones that can do what us oldies can’t!”

There are others who are great distances from the
nearest vigil — like Marcia in Kenya and Gabriela
in Argentina.

“I’m a missionary in Kenya,” wrote Marcia, “and from
here, the only thing that I can do is to pray. I would
love to be there to pray in front of those abortion
clinics, but I know that it doesn’t matter where we
are; the Lord hears our prayer.”

Marcia said she needs to remind herself that the
battle belongs to the Lord. “I feel that if I pray
more or fast, the Lord will shut down all those
abortion clinics. But His ways are higher than mine;
I always need to have that in my mind. And remember
that we are called to be faithful servants.”

“I really wish I could be physically present at one
of the 238 locations where all of you are praying for
an end to abortion,” Gabriela said. “However, I also
know that prayer is powerful regardless the
geographical place it comes from. God receives the
prayers from every single heart and distributes His
grace as He pleases.”

Margie prays at the 40 Days for Life vigil in her
community; but she also stays in touch with a friend
who is in a nursing home. On a recent visit, Margie
said one of the volunteers reminded her friend that
she is not far from a late term abortion clinic and
can offer prayers from right where she is.

The woman in the nursing home is someone who is used
to being on the front lines, “so this is a different
role in the abortion battle than what she is used to
taking,” Margie said.

“For those of you who can still get out there and
take a shift,” she said, “do it for pro-lifers who no
longer are able to get out to the clinics to pray.
Do it! Receive the courage and the grace to stand for
life today!”

Day 36 - October 27

Intention:

We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the "pro-choice" slogan.

Scripture:

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

--2 Corinthians 3:17

Reflection:

Norma McCorvey (the former Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade) used to work at an abortion mill named "A Choice for Women." She now realizes what a cruel irony that title was. She saw first hand, just as pregnancy resource center counselors see, that women don't get abortions because of freedom of choice, but rather because they feel they have no freedom and no choice. They feel trapped, abandoned, desperate and afraid, and have been led to believe that abortion is their only option.

As Frederica Mathewes-Green has written, no want wants an abortion like she wants a Porsche or an ice cream; rather, she wants it like an animal caught in a trap wants to gnaw off its own leg.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." That doesn't mean that the Spirit allows us to do whatever we want or to decide for ourselves what's right and wrong.

Rather, it means that the Spirit gives us the freedom to do what is right, the power to choose what is good, when we see it before us and yet feel pulled in the opposite direction. Liberty means that we no longer have to feel doomed to do what we know is wrong.

We are the people of the Spirit of the Lord, and when we take action on behalf of life, especially by being present at abortion mills, we are acting on behalf of true freedom, and imparting to those who are in bondage the power to do what is right.

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. You are the Spirit of freedom, the source of all that is good, the power to do what is right. Fill us, and fill those who are in bondage today, feeling doomed to do what is wrong. Set them free, and help us to hasten them on the road to freedom, where your grace overcomes every temptation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Yesterday’s email:

Only five days to go!

I’m on the road today ... visiting the 40 Days for Life
teams in San Diego before going to Houston on Saturday.

There’s a big gathering tonight at 6:30 in San Diego,
and I’m hoping to meet lots of California volunteers!

If you need event details, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/sandiego

It’s Wednesday — which means a church night for many
people. Here are stories about folks who have brought
their churches to the streets on Wednesday nights with
events at their 40 Days for Life vigils.

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

Every Wednesday night during this 40 Days for Life
campaign, there has been a prayer service at the
abortion center where the vigil is taking place.

Thursday is abortion day in Fort Wayne. The abortionist
comes in from out of town each week, arriving on
Wednesday night.

“We have had several denominations of the clergy lead
the prayer services, as well as wonderful musicians who
lead the group in song and worship to consecrate the
grounds in God’s name directly across from the abortion
clinic,” said Evelyn in Fort Wayne.

“On Thursdays,” she said, “we have the largest
gatherings at the vigil site to let the women and the
workers there know we care and we are there for them.”

Student groups continue to participate in the vigil
as well — three different schools took part on day
recently. “The first group of high school students
came as they do every week before they go to school —
so they are there before the sun even rises,”
Evelyn said.

To see photos from the Fort Wayne 40 Days for Life
vigils, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1380

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

Wednesday is also the day a Sunday school group from
Broadmoor Baptist Church goes to pray at the 40 Days
for Life vigil in Shreveport.

To see a photo of the Shreveport vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1380

In all, more than 300 people have signed up to pray at
this, the first 40 Days for Life campaign in the
Shreveport-Bossier City area. “One volunteer told me
she went for her prayer hour and ended up staying for
four! She said that she just couldn’t leave,” said
Emily in Shreveport.

“Our campaign is raising awareness in the community
about the location of the abortion facility,” she
explained. “Many people, even some who are pro-life,
did not know that the Hope facility on Kings Highway
was an abortion clinic.”

With 300 to 400 abortions performed at the facility
each month, Emily said, “our public prayers are so
important.”

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

“Our vigil was blessed with the presence of more than
50 young students from St. Rita’s Church who came to
pray for the unborn and a greater respect for life,”
said Jacinta in Alexandria.

“We also had a successful outreach effort, with 13
people teaming up on Saturday and Sunday to knock on
an estimated 350 doors and spread pro-life information
in the area near the abortion centers and Old Town
Alexandria,” she said.

One volunteer explained how she got involved. “I just
signed up after learning that the clinics are only a
short distance from where I work,” she said. “I was
totally shocked that they are so close, so I felt
compelled to witness and pray there.”

She then spread the word to her co-workers and
brought six of them to pray at the vigil during
their lunch hour.

To see a photo from the Alexandria vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1380

“I have met people who have reinforced my faith and
have been a blessing to be with,” said another
volunteer. “There is a great unity among those
committed to 40 Days for Life. May God bless you and
those working so hard for the unborn.”

Day 37 - October 28

Intention:

Pray that we will each submit ourselves this day as a living sacrifice to God, giving all that we have in us for those being sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Scripture:

-- Romans 12:1

Reflection:

Since all things are for His glory, we are to offer ourselves for that purpose. This of course is in sharp contrast to those who are being swayed by the enemy to sacrifice their babies on the altar of convenience, rather than choosing to surrender their all, including their unborn child, to the Lord for His purposes.

A career, education goals, or even a boyfriend can unknowingly become an idol for some young women. In their minds, abortion is a convenient way to "rid themselves" of an obstacle in the way of their "worship."

In light of the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf, and the fruit of God's mercies on our lives, we owe God our highest form of praise and worship. Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices is therefore reasonable service.

We were made to worship God and God alone. The enemy who seeks worship for himself distorts God's truth regarding worship, sacrifice, idols, and children.

As you have given of yourself to rescue those who are perishing -- the young woman and her child -- you are worshiping God in the truest sense of the word.

May your example lead an abortion minded client to turn from her idols to worship the one true God, sparing her child from the altar of convenience, and sparing herself from a lifetime of regret.

Prayer:

God Almighty, You alone are worthy of our praise and worship. Having accepted Your Son's sacrifice on my behalf, I in turn present my body to you as a living sacrifice. Thank you for deeming me holy and acceptable because of Christ's shed blood for me. I pray that you would use me as your vessel to rescue others who are perishing. Through Christ who is Our Glory, Amen.

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

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