40 Days for Life launches record-shattering campaign. March 9 to April 17

40 Days for Life launches record-shattering campaign March 9

The largest ever 40 Days for Life international campaign is on the way! The campaign will run from March 9 to April 17 in 247 cites -- locations from coast to coast in the United States as well as sites in Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Georgia, Armenia and Belize.

Momentum is building - and it's on the pro-life side! Click on the map above to see the full list of cities. Then click on the one nearest you to find local information about that campaign -- and sign up on that page for important updates about 40 Days for Life -- both internationally and in your home town.

40 Days for Life reaches out at West Coast Walk for Life

40 Days for Life national director David Bereit, along with former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson, spoke at the West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco. The West Coast Walk for Life is a rapidly growing event that attracted a record crowd this year.

Check out this amazing video of David and Abby firing up the audience of 50,000 people.

Video at site: http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm?selected=welcome

What 40 Days for Life has witnessed (so far!)


	There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007. These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.

During these unified efforts, participants witnessed countless blessings from God:

1,085 individual campaigns have taken place in 337 cities
More than 400,000 have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion
More than 13,000 church congregations have participated in the 40 Days for Life campaigns
Reports document 3,599 lives that have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we know about
43 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry
Nine abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns
Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets
More than 1,200 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows and TV programs from coast to coast ... and overseas
Many people with past abortion experiences have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery

After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!

Former Planned Parenthood manager tells all in new book

Abby Johnson and Shawn Carney at Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas

During the 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2009, the director of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Bryan/College Station, Texas watched an ultrasound abortion. She was stunned. Within a matter of days, Abby Johnson quit her job and went to the local organization that sponsored 40 Days for Life, seeking help.

Abby Johnson now works to end abortion. As part of her effort, she's written a book called Unplanned that unveils the truth about the inner workings of Planned Parenthood.

Abby, along with 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney, appeared on the Focus on the Family radio program to tell her story. You can listen to this two-part interview online:

Focus on the Family interview Part 1
Focus on the Family interview Part 2

Take the leap of faith and get involved with 40 Days for Life

Have you been to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet? You may ask, “What do I do?” or “What sign should I bring?” The answer is simple; the only sign you really need to bring is yourself, for you represent God’s love.

Concern about going to pray at the abortion facility is common — and normal. 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney shared some thoughts at the national Students for Life conference.

See video at http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm?selected=welcome

Today is the beginning of a somber season — when we
are reminded of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

But we are filled with joy!

As we prepare to commemorate God’s victory over death
with Christ’s resurrection, we look forward to the
lifesaving results of this spring’s 40 Days for Life
campaign ...

... and we’re off to a fast start!

David Bereit, 40 Days for Life’s national director,
and I have both already spoken at 40 Days for Life
kickoff events these past few days and the excitement
is HUGE!

Let’s begin in Nebraska.

For one thing, I can tell you that Nebraskans are
one dedicated group of people!

Over the weekend, I flew to Omaha to help Nebraskans
United for Life kick off their 40 Days for Life vigils.

One of the vigils is located outside one of the few
late-term abortion facilities in America.

The abortionist makes no apologies for it, with a
big billboard that says “ABORTION & CONTRACEPTION
SERVICES OF NEBRASKA” right above his door.

Despite the cold, the local 40 Days for Life leader,
Mary Crosby, had invited a large crowd gathered to
pray for the doctor and begin 40 days of prayer and
fasting in front of a place that takes innocent human
life in the womb up to 24 weeks.

Click here to see a couple of pictures from Omaha —
one of me with Mary, and one where I was speaking to
the vigil participants at the kickoff event:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

In Glendale, Arizona, Monica reports the campaign
there is holding its prayer vigil outside a Planned
Parenthood abortion center. That’s where the kickoff
was held, which Monica describes as “an amazing,
peaceful vigil” attended by many prayer volunteers.

Click here to see a photo of the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Glendale:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

In Orange County, California, the 40 Days for Life
team launched the spring campaign with a baby shower.

“Around 80 people gathered in this celebration of
life,” said Alejandra, one of the local leaders.
“We celebrated the lives of twin boys saved from
abortion and helped two newborn girls in need.”

Click here to see photos of the 40 Days for Life
baby shower in Orange County:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

Those are just a few of the record 247 locations
taking part in this campaign — and we can’t wait
to see what God has in store.

The best news — YOU can join in!

Click here to be a part the 40 Days for Life campaign
nearest you:

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

Day 1 - March 9

Intention:

That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for God's mercy and grace upon all those involved in the sin of abortion.

Scripture:

Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast… Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people."

-- Joel 2:15-17

Reflection:

The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded in abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered.

It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection - His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.

The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me… Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me… O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17).

We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we encounter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring condemnation; we bring God's good news.

Prayer:

Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us by Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

David Brandao
Communications Director, 40 Days for Life

From an email:

Just two days into the largest 40 Days for Life campaign
ever and we’ve seen record crowds at kickoff events
across the United States — and beyond!

A posting in the 40 Days for Life blog by Nancy really
says it all: “Prayers are the best weapon we have to
fight the evil of abortion.”

Amen!!!

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

I just got back from a GREAT 40 Days for Life kickoff
rally in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

They held their event in front of the Planned Parenthood
facility, which is getting ready to expand its abortion
capabilities. Please keep the Virginia Beach volunteers
in your prayers!

While I was there, the local ABC affiliate came out to
interview Marcia, the local coordinator.

To see a couple of pictures from Virginia Beach — a
photo of me and some of the local team members and a
view of the kickoff rally — please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1543

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

David Bereit, the national director of 40 Days for Life,
helped get the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in
Silver Spring, Maryland off to a great start. It was an
exciting night for this Washington, DC suburb.

For a look at the Silver Spring kickoff — there’s a
photo of David speaking to the group and another one
of volunteers signing up for the vigil — please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1543

LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

The 40 Days for Life team in Lafayette, Indiana also
had a great turnout for their opening.

This campaign also marks the first 40 Days for Life
effort in Lafayette. As is the case in Virginia Beach
and Silver Spring, their vigil is also being held
outside a Planned Parenthood facility.

Members of the clergy from various local churches took
part in the kickoff event, which featured a prayer
gathering followed by a procession to the vigil site.

To see photos of Lafayette’s prayer volunteers
marching to Planned Parenthood, and then praying
peacefully outside that location, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1543

As this 40 Days for Life campaign is just getting
started, there’s still plenty of time for you to join
in — and to spread the word to everyone you know.

Here’s that link to the listing of 40 Days for Life
locations:

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

Look for the city closest to you, click on the name —
and let the local team know you’re ready to help.

Another blog comment reminds me that the Lord will
respond to your willingness to stand up for the
innocent.

“God is listening,” wrote Bernadette. “He will answer!”

Day 2 - March 10

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."

Kevin Burke
Executive Director, Rachels Vineyard Ministries

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

For me, THIS e-mail is the most exciting message of
every campaign!

This is the first report of babies saved so far during
this 40 Days for Life campaign. I know we are ONLY
THREE DAYS into the campaign, but God has no time limit
on working miracles — here are just a few:

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

On Wednesday, the first day of the 40 Days for Life
campaign, a young woman pulled into the abortion
center’s parking lot. “She and a friend sat in their
car for over 20 minutes,” wrote James. “The young
mother kept looking over at the pro-lifers praying.”

She would look at the sign with a picture of a baby
in the womb — and then cover her eyes.

“As time went on, she kept looking over at the people
praying and she would look for a longer period of time,”
James said. “Finally she rolled down her window and
listened to a counselor speak to her of the love and
help available.”

On a typical Wednesday, this facility in Rockford
performs 15 abortions. “Today, because of the power
of prayer,” said James, “that number was cut in half
to seven.”

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

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1560

BEAUMONT, TEXAS

“We arrived early to pray at the abortion facility,”
said Eileen, the local coordinator of the 40 Days for
Life campaign in Beaumont. “The good news is that the
water was turned off due to the construction activity
going on nearby. We were elated thinking no abortions
could be performed due to lack of water.”

The prayer volunteers had an opportunity to talk to one
of the construction workers in the area.

“He is proud to call himself a Christian, reads the
Word every day, and is most vehement about the evil of
abortion,” said Eileen. The volunteers invited him to
come and join when he has time off, and he said he
would try to do so.

“I believe in what y’all are doing,” he said. “I wish
I had more time to do this type work. We need more
people doing this, that’s for sure.”

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

“We had a victory for life today in Wilmington,
Delaware at the Planned Parenthood on Shipley Street,”
wrote Elizabeth, who tells her story on the 40 Days for
Life blog.

Elizabeth was praying alone when a young man walked out
of the abortion center, tossed his hands in the air,
shook his head and sadly said, “I tried.” He had tried
to talk his girlfriend out of having an abortion, but
she just wasn’t listening.

He sent the young woman a text message, telling her
that Elizabeth was outside praying for her. Soon, she
came out and said it was too late — she had already paid
$500 and she was going through with it.

She went back inside. The young man couldn’t handle it.
He drove away.

But Elizabeth kept praying. She spoke to a second young
couple and told them about the situation, and asked if
they could go into Planned Parenthood to tell this
first young woman that someone was still outside praying
for her.

They went inside. About 10 minutes later, the woman who
was scheduled for an abortion came out.

“I asked her if she had chosen life for her child,”
Elizabeth wrote, “and she said yes!” Elizabeth gave
her a big hug.

“Please,” said Elizabeth, “even if you are the sole
person witnessing to life as I was today, know that
with God, all things are possible.”

Day 3 - March 11

Intention:

Pray for your local pregnancy help center: for those who answer calls from women considering abortion, those who provide ultrasounds, and those who personally help mothers prepare to parent or place for adoption.

Scripture:

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

--Psalm 82:4

Reflection:

When a woman arrives at her local pregnancy help center, the hard work of "rescuing the weak" begins. They listen to her. What desperate circumstance is driving her? They act. A professional ultrasound and medical care is provided. They pray, "God use us." Then, they take up her burdens and work towards life. It is cross-bearing for the child-bearing.

Recently, I prayed for one volunteer who was working with one mother in her struggle. Here is what "rescue the weak" looked like in this one case:

Aug 3: She made an appoint-ment for Thursday to get an abortion and while she feels terrible about it, she also feels like she has no choice. Pray that her heart is changed!
Aug 10: She is 12 weeks along but missed her appointment. She had some good conversa-tions with people at the preg-nancy center. She is now considering adoption.
Aug 13: Things are down again. She now has an abortion scheduled for Monday. Pray!
Aug 17: Missed appointment! God is working in her life.
Sept 1: We've hit another rocky period. She has an abortion scheduled for tomorrow. She found out today that her parents are planning a trip to visit her and she is panicking.
Sept 15: Missed third appointment. But feels like she has no choice. Please pray today.
Sept 20: She fears her parents but has agreed to another ultrasound (a breakthrough).
Sept 22: I was there with her for her ultrasound. She saw her baby moving and made the realization that she wants to carry her baby.

Please keep praying against attack by the enemy. We are overwhelmed by seeing God's hand move in this situation and are so very thankful for the prayers lifted up by each one of you. God is good!

Prayer:

Father, we praise you for this one sister who gave herself, heart and soul, to rescue this one mother and baby. O may you empower the hundreds more today who are serving in our pregnancy help centers. Grant those answering calls, providing ultrasound and following up with a bold spirit of truth, love and perseverance.

Today’s email from Shawn Carney

There’s no better way to put it. As far as the abortion
centers are concerned, 40 Days for Life is just bad for
business.

While this is not the main reason that we pray outside
abortion facilities, it does show that when women
choose life, it affects the one thing the abortion
industry really cares about — money!

AUGUSTA, MAINE

“Three years ago, when we did our first 40 Days for Life
prayer vigil,” said Janet in Augusta, “Family Planning
Association of Maine hung a banner with a comic strip
type character with the words ‘defend the truth.’”

This facility has used a high-profile (but ineffective)
program called “pledge-a-picket.” The idea is to get
pro-abortion donors to pledge a certain amount of money
for each person praying outside the building.

Recently, she said, they spent big money on a new
surveillance system. “They’ve focused some of their
resources on us. We are costing them money.”

The Augusta campaign was featured this week on WABI-TV
in Maine.

The reporter interviewed a spokeswoman for the abortion
center, who complained of demonstrators “harassing” their
clients. The video then showed a couple of volunteers
against a background of snow — bundled up on a cold
Maine day — quietly praying for an end to abortion.

For a link to the WABI-TV news story and a picture from
their report, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1570

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

A record crowd of 120 turned out for the kickoff of the
fifth 40 Days for Life campaign in Syracuse.

Coordinators noted that the Planned Parenthood facility
in Syracuse was the first freestanding abortion center
in the United States.

It opened for business on July 2, 1970 — 40 years ago
(abortion was legal in New York prior to the 1973
Roe v. Wade ruling).

“We are thrilled to be here and do God’s work and
bring His light and love and mercy to this darkest
corner of our city,” Jeannie, one of the coordinators,
told the crowd.

“We’re uniting in prayer and fasting with 247 cities,”
she said. “That’s tens of thousands of people praying
and fasting. And we’re expectant that God will do great
things for us.”

To see photos of the 40 Days for Life kickoff in
Syracuse, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1570

Saturdays are often “procedure days” at abortion centers.
In plain English, that means Saturday is the deadliest
day of the week for innocent unborn children.

Please consider joining a 40 Days for Life vigil today.
Who knows? Your prayers may help save a baby.

All you have to do is show up and pray. God will handle
the rest!

To find the nearest 40 Days for Life campaign, please
go to:

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

Day 4 - March 12

Intention:

Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Scripture:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.

- Ephesians 6:12-13

Reflection:

I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ. We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:

Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) - Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It will protect our hearts - the innermost springs of our beings - from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) - The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) - A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) - The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.

Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on! Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

When the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life
campaign was being planned in 2007, we hoped for
20 cities, honestly. Of course, we weren’t thinking
big enough.

In September 2007, the first 40 Days for Life campaign
launched in 89 cities. And it’s now grown to 247 cities!

Then, when we thought this would ONLY be a campaign for
the United States ...

... well, we were wrong again! We’re in nine countries
this campaign.

Here’s a quick world tour of some of our 32 international
vigil locations:

ENGLAND

London is back for its second campaign, and Cheltenham
is along for its first.

The London campaign continues to have a strong reach
into the international community, and more nations may
be joining 40 Days for Life in the future — with help
from Robert, the campaign coordinator in London.

Robert sent along a link to a short video promoting
40 Days for Life in London.

I’ve watched this several times and it’s downright
amazing.

This video is directed at a specific community in
England’s capital, and the on-screen information is
presented in their native language — POLISH!

To see the Polish video about 40 Days for Life in
England, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1578

SPAIN

The 40 Days for Life coordinators in Spain have jumped
into this project with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm
and hard work.

The first inquiry we received mentioned the possibility
of a campaign in Madrid. As the months went by and the
word spread, that has grown to TEN different cities!

40 Days for Life in Spain now has its own national team
and its own web site — and people are answering the
call to pray and fast for an end to abortion.

To see photos of the 40 Days for Life campaigns in
Madrid, Segovia and Puerto de Santa Maria, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1578

GEORGIA

Georgia was once part of the Soviet Union, and abortion
continues to be a major concern there. Please keep this
campaign in your prayers; not only does it have great
potential to save lives (one baby saved already!), it
also has the potential to foster greater unity in the
Body of Christ.

“Every denomination that exists in Tbilisi is
participating,” said Carolyn, who is coordinating this
first-ever campaign in Georgia. “This is truly
unprecedented!”

Carolyn sent some photos from the vigil in front of
Parliament in Tbilisi, which is Georgia’s capital.

I don’t understand the words — and I certainly can’t
read the language. They use a totally different alphabet.
But Carolyn says the signs read “choose life” and
“abortion stops a beating heart.”

That sounds quite familiar, doesn’t it? It shows that
abortion is a worldwide problem — and that God has a
worldwide answer.

To see pictures from 40 Days for Life in Georgia, please
go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1578

AUSTRALIA

There are six cities Down Under for this 40 Days for
Life campaign — the most yet in Australia. And it
isn’t springtime there. This campaign begins in the
final days of summer, rolling into early autumn.

The kickoff in Sydney was quite an event — and we have
the video!

Check out the Sydney 40 Days for Life kickoff at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1578

Day 5 - March 13

Intention:

May God's justice sober our society, and may mercy triumph over judgment.

Scripture:

Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.

- Genesis 9:5-6

Reflection:

The value of every human being can hardly be seen more clearly than with this verse. God, the King of the universe, has created all human beings in his image, and declares forthrightly that shedding the blood of any individual will require the blood of the one who shed it. God's concern for human beings is not limited to any particular group. Indeed, his concern is universal, and includes male and female, young and old, born and unborn, disabled and able-bodied, the citizens of every nation on earth.

Abortion, the deliberate killing of the unborn, is the shedding of innocent blood. Surely the blood of millions upon millions of innocent children cries out to God. It is true that we live in an age of grace, and yet this passage (among many other texts which express similar sentiments) should give every thinking Christian pause.

Christians of all people, entrusted with the Word of God as we are, must take a stand. We must speak out. We must do all that we can to protect the innocent, to pursue justice, and to encourage the repentance of all those who bear responsibility for this great evil. Only in this manner can we hope to forestall the judgment that must otherwise surely come.

This passage should also be seen as an encouragement to educate and disciple our children and grandchildren about what it means to be human, and the responsibility that will become theirs in this ongoing struggle.

Prayer:

O Father, forgive us for our lack of courage and our want of compassion for the unborn and for those lost and hurt by abortion. Fill us anew with your Spirit. Renew our minds, strengthen us in righteousness, help us be people of salt and light within our nation. May every human being, from conception to natural death, be treated with the respect due those made in your image. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rev. John Brown
Director, United Friends for Life (United Church of Christ)

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

When people hear about babies saved from abortion, it
motivates them to trust God — and participate in
40 Days for Life.

After all, how often do you have an opportunity to
literally help save a life just by peacefully praying?

It’s already happened in this campaign ...

... 35 times (that we know of)!

Here are just a few of the miracles that God has
granted ...

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Prayer volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Orange County were caught by surprise as the doors of
the abortion center flew open and a frightened young
woman literally ran out as fast as she could ...

... barefoot!

A young man came out looking for her. The barefoot
runner was his girlfriend, and she was there for an
abortion.

Eventually, she was found nearby, and vigil participants
offered to get her something to eat. When they sat down
to their meal, the young woman told her story.

She was six months pregnant and was already on the table
at the abortion center. She had an IV and was in the
process of being sedated. But she was still alert enough
to realize ...

.. she simply couldn’t go through with it.

“God’s grace poured into her heart,” said one of the
40 Days for Life volunteers. The young woman found the
strength and courage to remove the needle from her arm,
to quickly get dressed (except for her shoes!) and run
out to safety.

“Our prayers from outside helped her get that courage
to leave the table and run away,” said the volunteer.
“I realized how important our role is.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS

40 Days for Life participants in Houston say the campaign
has been quite eventful already.

There’s a mobile pro-life pregnancy counseling center
in Houston, and it is often parked outside Planned
Parenthood’s huge abortion facility.

Women arriving for appointments at Planned Parenthood
are offered assistance in this vehicle, and volunteers
say many of these women are willing and eager to listen.

“This was possible through the grace of God,” said
one volunteer, “even with several Planned Parenthood
escorts on the scene.”

Two abortion-minded women visited the mobile center.
One of those two made a huge turn around after seeing
her unborn child on the ultrasound image and chose life.

The other simply said she would think about it, so she
was given information about pro-life resources. Please
keep her in your prayers.

To see photos of the 40 Days for Life vigil at Planned
Parenthood in Houston, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1605

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

One of the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Milwaukee
watched as a couple pulled into the parking lot at the
abortion center. The woman got out and walked into the
building while the man remained at the wheel of his
truck. So one vigil participant walked over and struck
up a conversation.

Eventually, the volunteer started talking about his
dad, who was born during the Depression, less than nine
months after his grandparents got married.

“I couldn’t think of a worse time to have to worry
about feeding another mouth,” he said, “but my
grandparents did the right thing.”

The driver then opened his door and said, “OK, then
I’m going in. I’ll talk to her.”

He came out later, but shrugged his shoulders and
said, “I tried, but she ain’t with it.”

But the prayer volunteer encouraged him, “Go back and
try again. You have nothing to lose!”

The man went back inside again, and finally the couple
came out together — smiling — and got back into
their vehicle.

“We didn’t get it!” he said.

“Amen!” said the 40 Days for Life volunteer.

“Amen!” replied the guy in the truck.

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The largest ever 40 Days for Life international campaign is on the way! The campaign will run from March 9 to April 17 in 247 cites -- locations from coast to coast in the United States as well as sites in Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Georgia, Armenia and Belize.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007. These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007.

These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.