Largest 40 Days for Life ever! September 28 – November 6
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301 locations will take part in the next 40 Days for Life campaign (and a few more may be added, as we're working out final details with a few more).
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Posted on 09/22/2011 7:16:19 PM PDT by Salvation
Largest 40 Days for Life ever! September 28 – November 6
| |
301 locations will take part in the next 40 Days for Life campaign (and a few more may be added, as we're working out final details with a few more).
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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.
What 40 Days for Life has witnessed (so far!)
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There have now been eight coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007, mobilizing people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus communities in Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Denmark, Georgia, Armenia and Belize. |
During these unified efforts, participants witnessed countless blessings from God:
After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!
QUESTION: When can you tell Planned Parenthood is
getting desperate?
ANSWER: When you see them launch a “pledge-a-picket”
campaign.
This is one of the abortion chain’s typical reactions
to your dedication and faith throughout the campaign.
It often shows up towards the end of the 40 days.
It has one goal — to discourage YOU.
They start putting up signs and sending out e-mails,
asking supporters to pledge a donation for each
“picketer” or “protester” who shows up (that’s what
they call the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers).
They then say the pro-lifers are HELPING Planned
Parenthood raise money — but that’s just to convince
you to go home.
The bottom line is that it’s confirmation from them
that business is off. In many cases, these attempts
only last a few days, as they don’t have the grassroots
dedication to match your peaceful presence.
If this has happened in your community, take it as
a compliment ... and continue to pray.
Planned Parenthood in Missouri sent out one of the
e-mail messages I just mentioned. “You have seen them
out in front of Planned Parenthood,” reads the e-mail.
“Protesters harassing and intimidating patients.
Protesters trying to keep patients from accessing the
health care services they need and deserve... But,
Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere!”
The e-mail went on to talk about volunteer escorts who
“provide a safe passage for patients and protect them
from the verbal insults.”
“For the record,” said one of the 40 Days for Life
volunteers in Columbia, “we are being very nice to the
clients, workers and escorts. This is propaganda!
I cannot figure out who Planned Parenthood is talking
about.”
It seems they only put the sign out when the weather is
nice. “It has been windy and rainy the last couple of
days. However our signs are out no matter the weather.”
To see a photo of Planned Parenthood’s sign in
Columbia, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2517
Speaking of the weather, Karen in Sioux Falls wrote,
“It was so cold at Planned Parenthood this morning at
9:00. It was about 28 degrees. There was no one there
but me, so I was feeling a little alone.”
There wasn’t a single car in the parking lot. “I was
thinking that I could have just stayed home and stayed
warm. Then the sun shone on my face.”
It was as if God had said, “I will warm you up.”
“As I was wishing someone from my church would show up
to pray with me, my pastor called to thank me for being
there, even though he had a meeting and couldn’t come
today,” Karen said. “That also warmed me up.”
To see photos of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sioux
Falls (from warmer days!), please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2517
Joanne brought a friend to the 40 Days for Life vigil
who was attending for the first time. She stood by the
abortion center’s driveway with a sign that said,
“Change your mind — adoption.”
Near the other end of the building, Cathy had brought
her daughter for the first time.
A young woman drove up, got out of her car and walked
up to Joanne. “Five years ago, I changed my mind,” she
said, “because of people standing here.” She then
showed Joanne a photo of her daughter.
“I remember the woman who talked with me that morning,”
she said — and then she noticed Cathy, who was praying
nearby.
“That’s her!” the young woman exclaimed, and ran over
to Cathy and her daughter. And she showed her child’s
picture to the woman whom God had sent to help her,
just when she needed it the most.
Day 36 - November 2
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
I’m running through an airport and only have a minute
... but I have one important request.
>>>>> Mark your calendar for MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 <<<<<
I’m not yet able to tell you what’s happening that day.
But BIG things have been developing over the past few
months ... and all I can do at this point is ask you
to mark your calendar for Monday, November 14.
I’ll be sending you more details right after we wrap up
the largest 40 Days for Life campaign ever in 301 cities
this weekend. So stay tuned!
Here’s today’s update ... comprised of comments about
just a few of those local campaigns that were posted
on the 40 Days for Life blog.
“What a humbling privilege to be in solidarity with
thousands of people who are praying for the same purpose.
“Across the street from the abortion clinic, I was
touched by the peacefulness of prayers, their
interaction with each other and the goodness on their
faces. The public responded with curiosity, some
questioning and explaining, some raised eyebrows and
some honking of horns and thumbs up.
“I question the peace of souls who work against life
and ask that we continue to pray hard. God bless.”
“Today God granted me the honor and privilege to counsel
a post-abortive woman at the bus stop next to our vigil
site. After I told her how many babies have been saved
this campaign, she sadly smiled and told me she and her
daughter had both had abortions and she wanted to heal.
“She had never heard of Rachel’s Vineyard or Project
Rachel and I was able to put in her hands the contact
info for these groups. Our prayers and presence are
also saving souls who have been hurt by abortion.
“Keep praying!”
“I prayed at that during my two-hour prayer time that
anyone who went in would come right back out. Praise
Jesus — that is exactly what happened! One couple saw
my sign, drove in ... and right back out.”
“I have been so blessed by the people I have met —
there is a man who is there, I think, every day. He
loves Jesus and people. His serenity and faith
encourage me to keep going.
“I was nervous before going the first time but I had
a wonderful surprise when I felt a Holy Presence right
on that street. I knew the Lord was with us.”
“Today we saw a young couple get out of their car with
their 6 month-old-baby. They seemed hesitant as they
crossed the parking lot. I walked over to the fence and
asked them if I could give them some information. They
actually came over and listened to what I had to say.
“They said they were just there for a pregnancy test.
I cautioned them not to go into the clinic ... but my
heart sank as they walked in anyway.
“Then miracle of miracles — they came back out after
a few minutes to go find Catholic Charities!
“So when you ask why we do it — why we suffer the heat
and abuse and long hours, because most people do have
their minds made up by the time they get to the
abortion clinic — this is why. For the one time when
a woman is open to REAL help — and a choice she won’t
regret – somebody HAS TO BE THERE for her.”
Day 37 - November 3
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
Since 40 Days for Life was launched coast to coast in
2007, our national director, David Bereit, and I have
each been to more than 300 cities.
As David said in his message earlier in the campaign —
all this travel can be hard work!
But we do it because of the great appreciation we have
for all of YOU who are taking time out from other
activities — to pray and fast for an end to abortion.
I’m off to California for some events in the San
Diego area, and I’ve been from coast to coast this
campaign ... including stops in Canada.
Here are a just a few of the places I’ve been — and
some of the dedicated people I’ve met in Arizona,
Louisiana and Pennsylvania.
In Flagstaff, I met Landon, whose parents brought him
and his brother out to pray. Both are adopted and
adorable — and they also pray regularly outside of
Planned Parenthood.
While I was there, a mobile pro-life pregnancy care
center was parked outside — they travel across Arizona
to offer assistance. On this day, a woman walked up and
asked for a pregnancy test.
She had gone to Planned Parenthood — but was told they
were out of pregnancy test kits! So she was able to get
the help she needed at the mobile unit instead of
Planned Parenthood.
To see the pictures from Flagstaff, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
I also stopped at the 40 Days for Life vigil site in
Glendale — another Planned Parenthood location. This
is the third campaign in Glendale, which is one of
several locations this year in the metro Phoenix area.
To see the picture from Glendale, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
In Shreveport, I met with 40 Days for Life vigil
participants outside the Hope Medical Group for Women
— one of the most contradictory names I can think of
for an abortion center. The women who seek “services”
there have run out of hope.
The good news is that the people who are praying
outside can offer the hope of Christ, which far
surpasses anything that is offered inside.
To see the picture from Shreveport, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
This is a first-time 40 Days for Life campaign — and
they already have one confirmed save so far.
Planned Parenthood is in downtown Hanover, at the
busiest intersection in town. It seemed as though every
car honked approvingly. The local newspaper was there
and published an article about the campaign.
To see the Hanover picture, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city, has been a
regular 40 Days for Life presence each spring and fall.
The leaders here talked about the baby that was saved
from an abortion during a 40 Days for Life campaign
some time ago. During a speaking engagement in
Harrisburg, David Bereit met this youngster when he
was an infant. The little boy is three years old now!
To see the picture from Harrisburg, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
We had 200 people at the event I spoke at in Allentown.
This 40 Days for Life event started in a park. From
there, the group marched to the abortion center where
the vigil is taking place. It was a great event! The
entire junior and senior classes from St. Pius X
Catholic High School came out to take part.
To see the Allentown picture, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2536
Those are just a few of the places I’ve been. At each
stop, I am both humbled and impressed by all of YOU
who are willing to stand and pray for those who have
no voice but yours. God bless you!
Day 38 - November 4
Intention:
Pray that we become vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement.
Scripture:
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
-- Luke 24:1-5
Reflection:
This meditation, based on a sermon I once heard, is adapted for pro-life concerns.
It's Friday. Jesus is on the cross. He has been killed by his enemies; he is off the scene. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!
It's Friday. Abortionists continue their work 3,300 times a day, tearing off the arms and legs of little babies and crushing their heads. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'! It's Friday. Pro-abortion groups receive blood money from billionaires who are as deceived as they are. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!
It's Friday. Liars attempt to speak for all women and hide the pain of abortion, and ignore the evidence of how it harms women, and call abortion a blessing. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'! It's Friday. People of hardened hearts guard the clinics and usher desperate women in to have their abortions, while keeping them from the pro-life people who want to give them hope. But that's because it's Friday. Sunday's comin'!
Hope does not mean that we ignore or minimize the evils around us. It means, rather, that we see the whole picture, which is that evil is conquered because of what happened one Sunday morning. The power of sin and death has been broken by the Resurrection of Christ. We are called to proclaim, celebrate, and serve that victory, waiting in joyful hope for Christ's return and the full flowering of the Culture of Life! Indeed, Sunday's comin'!
Prayer:
Lord, fill your people with new hope. Make us vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement, that as we engage in the difficult work ahead, we may experience the peace and joy that come only from you and that nobody can take away from us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council
Young teen forced into Wisconsin abortion clinic: witnesses
LifeSiteNews ^ | 11/3/11 | Kathleen Gilbert
Posted on Fri Nov 4 16:28:55 2011 by wagglebee
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, November 3, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Pro-life sidewalk counselors outside a Milwaukee abortion clinic Thursday morning say that a preteen girl asking pro-lifers for help was forced into the clinic by escorts and a guardian, and that police have responded saying that they could do nothing.
Tobey Neuberger, a sidewalk counselor from Cedarburgh, said the incident occurred just before 10 a.m. outside Affiliated Medical Services, where she and two other female pro-life counselors gave a “very young” African-American girl literature as she entered the clinic, and told her that she could get more information at a pro-life center across the street. Witnesses said the girl looked anywhere between 11 and 14 years old.
Neuberger says she and her companions were “just incredulous” as they watched the girl come back out and ask for help from the counselors, only to be physically blocked by the escort staff.
“Once she said she wanted to go across the street, she [the escort] held up her arm and blocked her, then she put her hand on the kid’s shoulder to stop her,” said Dan Miller, another pro-life sidewalk counselor and witness present at the scene. “The whole group of vigilers were pleading for her to let her go across the street to get free help, and they wouldn’t let her.”
“We could hear her say, ‘please take your hands off me,’” Neuberger, 42, told LifeSiteNews.com. “You could see it in her eyes.” The counselor said that the guardian, who appeared to be her mother, eventually came out of the clinic appearing “very irritated” and “literally pulled her back into the clinic.”
Neuberger said that while they have often seen girls appearing to be forced into the clinic, this situation was different, as the girl had actually asked the counselors to take her across the street. “We’ve seen it before, with the girls going in with red eyes ... you get the eyes glazed over, you can tell. She vocally asked for help,” she said. “It was heartbreaking.”
During the conflict, the group of sidewalk counselors nearest the clinic asked for help from Miller, who was across the street, and who then called the police. But, he says, the operator responded by saying there was nothing to be done, and no officers were dispatched.
“I told her what the situation was, they said, well, there’s nothing we can do, she’s with her parents, so there’s nothing going on here,” Miller told LifeSiteNews.com.
Witnesses said the girl re-emerged after about 90 minutes total in the clinic, but it didn’t appear she had undergone an abortion and she seemed in “good spirits.” Yet they feared she might return after fulfilling Wisconsin’s 24-hour waiting period: Miller said pro-life vigilers, who have been at the clinic around the clock as part of the Fall 40 Days for Life campaign, had apparently not seen the girl enter before.
Miller also noted that the girl’s guardian responded angrily to the pro-life group as the pair left, calling out, “free help my a**.”
A public relations officer at the Milwaukee Police Department was not available to speak with LifeSiteNews.com Thursday afternoon.
Virginia Zignego of Pro-Life Wisconsin noted that pro-lifers’ relationship with police in the area has been strained, and recalled one recent incident in which workers at Affiliated Women’s Heath Center called police to arrest pro-life witness James Marcou for videotaping outside the clinic. The charges were dropped last March.
Miller said that the clinic staff often used police to intimidate pro-lifers, often effectively.
“They [the police] would be used as a show of force by the abortion mill to scatter the pro-lifers, usually they call them when we have large numbers down here,” he said. “We’ve never been given a ticket, but the numbers would diminish afterwards.”
That is such a sad story.
There is still time.
We’re nearing the end of this 40 Days for Life campaign.
>From all the stories I’ve heard ... bringing light into
darkness really does seem to be a major theme this fall.
Have you brought the light of Christ to the 40 Days for
Life vigil yet?
Make this weekend count! God could use YOU to help save
the life of a child scheduled to be aborted. It’s been
done hundreds of times already in the last 37 days!
Here’s the link to the cities holding campaigns right now:
http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm
Look for one near you — and please join in!
The young woman walked out of Planned Parenthood in
tears. She just wanted to know if she was pregnant —
but Planned Parenthood wanted to steer her towards
abortion. “We offered her support and assisted her
to the pregnancy care center next door,” said Jeanie,
a 40 Days for Life leader in Syracuse.
It was not an isolated situation.
“One couple we offered assistance to told us as they
were leaving that Planned Parenthood would not even
give them a pregnancy test if they were not planning
to have an abortion,” she said, “and the couple said
they had insurance.”
Volunteers also spoke to a mother and daughter on the
sidewalk outside. “The daughter was pregnant and angry
at Planned Parenthood for not being willing to provide
any pregnancy care whatsoever if she didn’t plan on
aborting the baby,” Jeanie said.
She simply needed help filling out insurance forms.
They were directed instead to the pro-life pregnancy
care center to get the assistance they needed.
To see a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Syracuse,
go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2548
Cori in Lynn said “it warmed my frozen fingers and
toes” to see a group of six dedicated prayer volunteers
huddled in the rain at the 40 Days for Life vigil.
“They asked if they could hold the signs that were in
my bag,” she said. “I made sure they knew that it might
pave the way for ridicule.”
But they took the signs and walked back and forth the
length of the block. “Friendly and encouraging honking
of horns was the result,” Cori said. “I was relieved
— and grateful for so much.”
The rain later turned to snow, and the challenges of
just being there increased. Cori took a picture of the
group. “I hope it cheers and encourages all of you as
it has me,” she said. “Just beautiful and so full of
life — in the shadow of darkness.”
To see the picture from the vigil in Lynn, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2548
“We are very happy for the participation of
homeschoolers at our prayer vigil,” said Zulimar, the
local 40 Days for Life coordinator in Bayamon.
“As part of their mission as educators,” she said,
“parents from various locations in Puerto Rico decided
to join the prayer vigil as a way of educating their
children about the gift of life.”
Zulimar said the vigil filled with joyful children
contrasted with the sad reality of what happens inside
the abortion center. “We hope the presence of these
families may have touched the hearts and minds of the
abortionist and the employees that work at the abortion
center.”
To see the picture from the vigil in Bayamon, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2548
Day 39 - November 5
Intention:
Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!
Scripture:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-- 1 Peter 1:6-7
Reflection:
We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.
Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms -- difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.
Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, We sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.
Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show
Final weekend. Big rally tomorrow. May the Name of the Lord be praised.
The coordinator of our 40 Days for Life told me this morning that there will be Nine — get that? NINE abortion clinics closing in Texas!
Wowsies.
May the Most High God of all Creation be praised!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday is often the busiest day of the week at
abortion centers. So on this, the final Saturday of
this campaign, please try to make it to one of the
40 Days for Life vigils.
There are so many things we can do on a Saturday. But
40 Days for Life is, after all, a call to sacrifice.
The note I’ve copied below, which was received by one
of the local 40 Days for Life coordinators, certainly
puts that in perspective.
This is one amazing letter!
“I am sorry for contacting you so late in the process.
I had hoped to get involved much sooner, but time and
circumstances have not allowed. I volunteer at a local
pregnancy resource center but have never had the
opportunity to pray at a vigil this way. However, if
there is still time to do so, I would like to do this
before the end of the 40 Days for Life campaign.
“Here is my challenge; I am totally blind, so
transportation is a huge issue. If you know of anyone
I might be able to count on for a ride in order to come
pray with you sometime this week, I would love to try
to work that out.
“Please contact me if there is still a need for vigil
prayer or any other way I can assist. I am currently
laid off from employment and have a fairly flexible
schedule. I am going to school online, but should be
able to work around that in order to attend one vigil
session.”
[And yes, this determined volunteer got several offers
of transportation to the 40 Days for Life vigil, and
was indeed able to pray for the babies at the abortion
center yesterday morning!]
A 40 Days for Life volunteer in Everett, Washington got
a phone call from her sister, whose 18-year-old
granddaughter had scheduled an abortion in Richmond,
Virginia.
She had hope, however, knowing there is a 40 Days
for Life campaign in Richmond. “I also put out a
request to my local 40 Days for Life prayer team in
Everett, asking them to pray for my niece’s daughter,
her boyfriend and their child.”
She said the response among other 40 Days for Life
volunteers in Everett was touching, and it included
a promise from a pastor to pray for the family.
All that prayer worked!
“We have been blessed with the news that the abortion
appointment was cancelled,” said the volunteer.
The teen and her mother made an appointment with an
ob/gyn instead, “where they were able to see the
baby’s beating heart on an ultrasound.”
The young woman’s mother wrote, “It was so wonderful
to watch the heartbeat of my grandchild today, the
day he or she would have died.”
“Praise God for another life saved,” said the
volunteer in Washington. “I do believe it was
providential that this pregnancy occurred during
a 40 Days for Life campaign. Thank you all for your
prayers and sacrifices dedicated to sparing lives
from the atrocity that is abortion.”
Day 40 - November 6
Intention:
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.
Scripture:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
--Revelation 21:4-5
Reflection:
Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when "death will be no more." Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered. Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future in which the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new.
As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered. It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey.
Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven. When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away. When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory. When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life. Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.
Prayer:
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council
Thank You, God, for hearing and responding to every prayer lifted up during this vigil. May Your Holy Name be glorified.
It’s Day 40 — you made it!
As we close the largest 40 Days for Life campaign in
history ... the following things can be said about what
God can do in just 40 days:
40 days ago ...
... there were children scheduled to be aborted who
are alive today — 465 that we know of!
40 days ago ...
... women were making abortion appointments — but now,
they’re preparing their lives to welcome a new baby boy
or baby girl.
40 days ago ...
... cold hearts that were annoyed at your peaceful
presence at the abortion facility are now open to
joining you in prayer.
40 days ago ...
... you may have doubted what God could accomplish; and
yet through your prayer, fasting and vigil ... YOU have
been spiritually blessed.
Babies ... women ... workers ... hearts ... minds —
these are all impacted when we pray and bring light
into the darkness!
Carolyn writes that a taxi driver pulled up in front of
Planned Parenthood while she was praying at the 40 Days
for Life vigil. She was carrying a sign reading, “we
choose life.”
“The cab driver got out, said that he supported my
effort, but asked me what was going on HERE that I
should be standing HERE,” she said. “I told him I was
praying for the end of abortion out in front of the
Planned Parenthood offices here where abortions are
done and pointed to the windows of the waiting room.”
He said he was aware of the evil of abortion because
he knew that more than 50 million babies have died
since Roe v. Wade, but he had no idea that abortions
were done in that building.
“He was rather shocked,” said Carolyn, “and then he
thanked me for my witness.”
To see a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Annapolis, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2565
“Prior to 40 Days for Life,” said Diane, “I wanted to
get involved in prolife work but didn’t know how or
thought I didn’t have the time to do so. The Lord
changed that for me and opened a big door so that I
am now able to be involved in 40 Days for Life and
pro-life work.”
Through these 40 days, Diane has experienced changes
in her life. “I’m willing to stand up for my faith and
to be a witness,” she said. “I’m willing to take a
risk and share my ideas with people. I have the
opportunity to pray with people on the street who need
God’s love and healing. I have new prayer partners and
have made new friends.”
Diane’s 40 Days for Life campaign is certainly
finishing strong. “Thank you for all of your prayers,”
she said. “As you can see, they are working.”
Speaking of finishing strong — David Bereit, the
national director of 40 Days for Life, left his home
in the Washington, DC area and drove to FIVE different
40 Days for Life vigil sites in eastern New York,
spending 17 hours in the car driving between vigil
sites in one day!
Also, over these final few days of this campaign, he
visited 40 Days for Life locations in Virginia, North
Carolina and Illinois.
To see photos of each of David’s stops, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2565
Day 40 - November 6
Intention:
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.
Scripture:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
--Revelation 21:4-5
Reflection:
Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when "death will be no more." Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered. Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future in which the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new.
As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered. It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey.
Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven. When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away. When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory. When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life. Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.
Prayer:
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council
Another 40 Days for Life campaign has come to an end
— and we can look back now at lives FOREVER CHANGED.
During these 40 days, there have been ...
... 508 lives saved — that we know of — because of
God’s response to your prayer!
>From past campaigns, we expect the number to KEEP
GROWING, as our local campaign leaders get their final
reports in.
In the coming days, keep an eye on your inbox for some
exciting news and developments that have been in the
works during this campaign and for the past few months!
But for today, let’s look at some of the ways lives
have been changed during 40 Days for Life — and thank
God for his abundant blessings during this time of
prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.
A volunteer spoke a teenaged couple approaching the
abortion center and learned that the girl just found
out she was pregnant. She was afraid of telling her
parents and wanted to go behind their backs to get a
judicial bypass — a court order — in order to have
an abortion.
Her boyfriend was not in favor of the abortion, but
reluctantly said he supported her because it was her
decision.
“I showed them what her baby might look like, based
on how far along she thought she was — six weeks,”
said the vigil participant. “I also discussed
alternatives and resources that I could connect
her with.”
The couple walked into the abortion center, but soon
left “with smiles of joy and satisfaction. They decided
to not to have an abortion,” said the volunteer.
“Praise God!”
The 40 Days for Life team in Overland Park had gotten
a call from the 40 Days for Life leaders in Columbia,
Missouri. Planned Parenthood’s Columbia abortionist
had quit, so this office was sending women to Planned
Parenthood in Overland Park for abortions.
A volunteer spoke to a couple who had shown up for an
appointment in Overland Park. He asked the couple if
they were from Columbia — they looked shocked — and
said in fact they were. So he shared some pro-life
information with them.
They never made it inside the building, however. It
was closed! No one had shown up for work that day
— there was no explanation.
Later, another couple showed up, knocked, tried the
intercom — nothing. There was still no one there.
They also took information from the volunteers and left.
A young woman stopped to talk to a 40 Days for Life
prayer volunteer outside the abortion center.
“She was pregnant,” the vigil participant said, “and
gave me many reasons as to why she should have an
abortion.” She said the father was not around, she used
drugs and she wouldn’t be a good mother.
“I simply reminded her that God had a plan for her and
her baby, and that He would take care of her. I
referred her to the pregnancy resource center a few
doors down from Planned Parenthood.”
They prayed, and the volunteer gave the young woman a
hug, after which she said, “I’m out of here.”
As she left Planned Parenthood, she rolled down the
window and waved goodbye. “She was crying,” said the
vigil participant. “I’m still praying for her.”
A vigil participant in Sharonville says a woman pulled
into the driveway and stopped to talk to her.
“She thanked me for praying,” said the volunteer. “She
said that a few days earlier she was driving by and was
considering an abortion. She has five boys and is
pregnant with a girl. Her husband of twenty-plus years
has left her.”
This woman told the 40 Days for Life participant, “Never
feel that what you are doing is in vain. It was your
prayers that changed my mind and saved my little girl
and me.”
“I prayed with her for quite some time,” said the
volunteer. “It was extremely powerful.”
During these 40 days, there have been ...
... 508 lives saved — that we know of — because of
God’s response to your prayer!
Thanks be to God Almighty!
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