Largest 40 Days for Life ever! September 28 – November 6 (301 locations, 46 for the first time)

Day 19 - October 16

Intention:

We pray for a renewal of our zeal to offer generous help to the unborn and their families.

Scripture:

If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant When they complained against me, What then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?

-- Job 31:13-15

Reflection:

The ground is level as we stand before God.

Job lived with an awe provoking sense of God's expectation of him, particularly regarding his obligation to care for the weak and needy. He knew that in God's economy everyone stands on level ground when it comes to our status as God's creatures. Because of that central truth, we must take care of each other.

Job also knew that he didn't deserve any of the good things God gave to him. Instead, those blessings came to Job from God's benevolent heart. As an extension of that knowledge, Job instinctively linked his obligation to be generous to others to God's kindness toward him.

As in Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Job knew that it is an egregious sin to deny to others what we enjoy ourselves. He actually calls down on his own head severe condemnation and even punishment should he fail to share with others out of his own abundance (see verses 16-23).

Proverbs 3:27 reads, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." Some things are so obvious that we don't even need to pray except to ask of God forgiveness and the power to do what so obviously needs doing.

Prayer:

God, forgive us when we try to explain away the obligation we have to help others who need help. Enable us to not devalue them because they are in the circumstance that they are in, but to see them for what they are, those, who like us, were formed by your hand in their mother's womb. Amen.

Rev. Rob Schenck
President, Faith and Action, and National Clergy Council

For today’s 40 Days for Life update, I’m turning to ...

... YOU!

Here are some comments posted on the 40 Days for Life
blog that speak once again of the impact of the
non-stop prayer vigil — on individuals, on communities
— and on the volunteers themselves.

Thank you for ALL you’re doing by praying and fasting
for an end to abortion.

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE

“The closer I got to actually doing it, the more I
wanted to turn back due to fear,” wrote one first-time
vigil participant. “As soon as I arrived at the facility
and was welcomed by God’s church ... a sense of peace
came over me. I knew I was right where I belonged.”

A woman walked up and thanked the prayer team for being
there. “She had just gotten back from a doctor’s
appointment elsewhere. Although she and her husband
have a child, they have not been able to conceive for
seven years.”

The volunteers asked if they could pray with the woman.
“We all circled closely to her and after praying, this
young woman left with teary eyes — and I will never be
the same. Praise God!”

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

A volunteer wrote that passersby often say, “I didn’t
know they did abortions here.”

“People are usually shocked and not happy that there
is an abortion clinic they never knew about right in
their neighborhood,” she wrote.

“This alone is a powerful reason to keep a prayer
presence so that people will know that abortions are
being done and spread the word. Women will now have
pause — because everyone knows that it is really an
abortion clinic.”

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA

A young man stopped by one morning while the facility
was closed and asked what was going on.

“I explained about 40 Days for Life and that we are a
prayer vigil praying for babies’ lives to be saved,”
wrote a prayer volunteer. She told him of how — 40 years
ago — she considered having an abortion herself. But
“God was able to convict me that abortion is wrong and
that I couldn’t do it.”

The young man then said his own mother had thought
about aborting him!

“I said I was so happy that his mother wasn’t aborted
because then he wouldn’t be here talking to me today!
He looked like he hadn’t thought of that before. Keep
praying, even when the doors are closed because
everyone who sees us there praying can be touched.
God is sending answers before we even finish praying!”

MARIETTA, GEORGIA

“This is the first 40 Days for Life in which my hour
is at a time when they are closed,” wrote a vigil
participant. “At first I wondered how much good I was
doing, but the Lord reassured me of the power of prayer
to overcome the hold Satan has on these places and to
reach the hearts of all involved or living nearby.”

She recalled the story of a young woman who had driven
by one day when there was just one person praying. She
had an abortion appointment — but when she saw that
person praying, she changed her mind.

“We never know who’s driving by at any time of day and
how their hearts might be changed. Thank you for
40 Days for Life!”

Day 20 - October 17

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 marks the midpoint of this 40 Days for Life
campaign. The blessings are more than we can count!

One thing we HAVE been able to count is the number
of turnarounds reported by local campaign teams.

So far, there have been ...

... 229 babies saved from abortion — that we know of!

Let’s go straight to a few of these amazing stories.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

As two volunteers began praying at the 40 Days for Life
vigil were praying, a woman drove up and started yelling
at them.

“You’re not helping anything,” she screamed. “These
women need someone to care for them, not harass them.”

One of the volunteers tried to explain the vigil, but
the woman wasn’t interested. She just shouted some more
— and drove off.

That was a bit unsettling, but the pair continued
to pray — specifically for the young woman they
were watching. She was sitting with her mother in
a parked car.

Neither woman got out of the car. About 20 minutes
later, they started the engine and headed towards
the exit.

One of the volunteers walked in their direction and
asked them if they needed help.

The young woman said she had arrived for an abortion.
“But because of you on the sidewalk, I’m not going
to go through with it.”

What a testimony to this volunteer’s commitment to
stick with it even in the face of persecution!

CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY

The 40 Days for Life team in Cherry Hill reports nine
turnarounds so far this campaign.

One woman arrived for an abortion had several children
and faced some serious financial challenges. But she
changed her mind when she saw an ultrasound image.

TWINS!

Volunteers also spoke to three young women who were
heading towards the abortion center. One was there for
an abortion.

The vigil participant told her that judging from their
expressions, it was obvious that this was a sad day.
This volunteer told the group that they needed to be
aware of all the help that’s available.

With that, the young woman stood in the driveway for a
while — talking to her friends. She never went inside
the abortion facility. The three friends left — all
looking very much happier.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Pro-lifers in Houston are blessed with a mobile clinic
that can often be found parked outside the huge Planned
Parenthood abortion center.

Volunteers recently spoke to a man on the sidewalk, who
told them his wife had gone into Planned Parenthood for
an abortion. After a short discussion, he called his
wife and asked her to come outside to the mobile clinic.

She left Planned Parenthood, but seemed reluctant to
enter the mobile clinic — until she was offered a free
ultrasound.

“We were able to show her on the ultrasound her unborn
child with its heart just beating away,” said one of the
volunteers. “Her attitude immediately changed and she
began to smile. She left our bus with proof of pregnancy,
doctor referrals and a beautiful baby blanket.”

Day 21 - October 18

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

As this 40 Days for Life campaign continues, one
thing is clear — prayer outside the abortion center
touches consciences.

Sometimes, the reaction is anger. Sometimes,
it’s tears.

The peaceful prayer presence disrupts the comfort
that the abortion industry depends on in order to
survive in a community.

Your prayers and presence give hope to the women
entering the facility, call passers-by to action
and remind the workers in that facility of the evil
reality of their work.

More than anything else, it shows that people DO
understand what abortion is all about — even if they
don’t always want to admit it. But they know.

McALLEN, TEXAS

Nancy in McAllen, Texas has seen first hand that the
40 Days for Life vigil is having an impact. There’s a
big, new sign over the abortion center’s door:

“Good women have abortions.”

(There’s a similar sign at this abortion chain’s
location in Beaumont, Texas — which is also a 40 Days
for Life vigil site.)

“What’s up with that?” Nancy asked. “No one — at any
time — has said anything or held any sign up that
said women are bad.”

So they continue to pray — that women will make
good decisions.

And it’s working!

A woman pulled up to the traffic light at the
corner and rolled down her window. “You saved my
grandbaby!” she called out. “Thank you!”

About two weeks ago, a volunteer spoke with her
daughter and shared pro-life information. “She
decided to keep her baby,” said the woman in the car.
“Thank you for being there!”

“And THAT,” said Nancy, “is why we are here.”

To see pictures from the 40 Days for Life vigil in
McAllen, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2418

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

A woman approached the vigil participants in Winnipeg.
She said she wanted to talk. “I saw the immense pain,
hurt and shame that she was carrying,” said one of the
volunteers.

All of a sudden, the woman broke into tears and said,
“I had an abortion and it’s killing me inside ... it
haunts me every day. I know what I did was so wrong.
I just didn’t know what else to do.”

“Tears were now pouring down her face and I felt
compelled to extend my hand to comfort her. That’s
when she just gave me the biggest hug as she cried on
my shoulders,” said the 40 Days for Life volunteer.

The woman was offered information about Rachel’s
Vineyard retreats for healing after abortion — and
the vigil participants promised to pray for her and
her child.

“You have no idea how brave and courageous you are,”
the woman responded. “To stand here and offer help
and love is the most courageous thing anyone can do.”

As for the volunteers, they realized they’d been
blessed — that they were present when this woman
began to set herself free from guilt and take her
first steps toward healing and freedom.

“It affirmed that our presence there is much needed,”
said the prayer team member, “and that God will use
every single person in the most powerful of ways.”

She felt honored to be part of that woman’s life.

“I ask you all to pray for this woman,” she said, “as
well for all the other women who are living lives of
quiet desperation and shame.”

Day 22 - October 19

Intention:

May those who hold life as trivial realize that we live because God wills it so.

Scripture:

Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

-- Job 12:9-10

Reflection:

Job was a man acquainted with grief, trials and tribulation. He had everything taken from him, including his family. He endured sickness, ridicule and judgment from his friends. Everyone gave him advice about his situation, questioning his spirituality and his God. Job's circumstances were bad but he never loses faith. Why? Because "the hand of the Lord has made all life." Created by God, he knows his life has meaning and purpose, regardless of the circumstances.

In our present culture, we've lost that basic truth; every life is made and allowed to live by God's sovereign authority. As people who pride ourselves on our independence, we have a hard time acknowledging our dependence on God. From our creation, when we were knit together in our mother's womb to our last breath, God's word is clear that "in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

It's time for us as individuals, and as a society, to recognize that we exist by God's grace and turn back to Him, honoring His word and His teachings. Why? Because our world is full of Jobs, people who are dealing with trials and tribulations and hurting desperately. Job's response should be ours as well. Regardless of what we face (even an unplanned pregnancy) God in His wisdom and mercy will redeem it. How do I know? Job's friends who doubted God's sovereignty cry out to God asking for help, God instructs Job to pray for his friends and after he does, God restores all that Job had lost. In other words, because Job never lost faith and knew and trusted His Creator, the Lord blessed Job.

Prayer:

Thank you Father God for being the Creator of my life and every life. Please give me, and the society in which I live, an appreciation for your gift of life. Please help us set aside our pride and acknowledge that we need you. Show me how I can honor you today in response to all the blessings you bestow so freely. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Georgette Forney
President, Anglicans for Life

I’m in the middle of a quick two-day trip to
Pennsylvania. I was able to meet the 40 Days for Life
team in Hanover yesterday afternoon ... and this
morning, I’m looking forward to a stop at the vigil
site in Harrisburg.

I’m getting flooded with great stories about the FOUR
groups impacted by a 40 Days for Life vigil:

* women pondering abortion
* the people who run the abortion centers
* the people who drive by the vigils
* and all of YOU who are praying and fasting

Here’s a quick summary:

MARIETTA, GEORGIA

“This was a first for me — to pray aloud on a public
sidewalk,” said Mike, one of the prayer volunteers in
Marietta. But with other members of the Knights of
Columbus present, “I found a peace in the unity we
share in our common prayer.”

He quickly saw the value of prayer in front of the
abortion center. “It brings our petitions in sharper
focus and gives greater meaning to the charitable act
of praying for others.”

At one point, a mother and son drove by and smiled at
them — then turned around and came back. They told the
volunteers they didn’t have time to stop, but they
would pray — “right now!”

“Please prayerfully consider coming,” Mike asked, “and
joining our peaceful effort. Together, we can help
inspire a prayerful change in our community — one or
two beating hearts at a time!”

For a photo of 40 Days for Life volunteers in Marietta,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2427

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA

About 30 people attended a 40 Days for Life event
outside the abortion center in Fort Pierce. “The next
morning,” said Jim in Fort Pierce, “one of the clients
left without having an abortion.”

A week later, the clinic didn’t open as usual. “That
rarely happens,” he said. “We attribute that to all
of the prayer and fasting during 40 Days for Life.”

On a normal Saturday, there would have been between
five and ten abortions. “But there were none,” said
Jim. “Thank God!”

To see a picture of 40 Days for Life in Fort Pierce,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2427

TOLEDO, OHIO

A young woman was on her way to the abortion center
when one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers asked to
talk to her. She doesn’t really know why this woman
agreed to talk — but she did.

The young woman said she hadn’t decided on abortion —
but she hadn’t ruled it out, either. She was at the
facility that day for an ultrasound.

That gave the volunteer an opening. Why not go to a
pro-life center for an ultrasound instead, she asked
— and save the money?

The young woman responded, “Then what?”

The volunteer answered that they would then call one
of the local Christian agencies “to discuss the options
that will save the lives of you and your baby.”

The woman agreed — and called the adoption service to
set up an appointment.

One of the workers in the adoptions office wrote back
to the 40 Days for Life coordinator and said, “Prayer
changes things!”

Day 23 - October 20

Intention:

We pray for the strength to love those who do not love us.

Scripture:

But the Lord said "You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in the night and perished in the night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left, and much livestock? Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

-- Jonah 4:10-11

Reflection:

God doesn't value people and things like we do. Jonah loved a shade tree more than an entire city of sinful people. We love our dogs more than a terrorist. We love our cars more than a beggar on the side of the road. And sometimes, we love our money more than a child growing in a desperate teenager's womb.

But God isn't like us. Genesis 1 tells us that humans were the capstone of God's creation. We were created on the sixth day after God had completed the land, the stars, the plants and the animals. Therefore, His love for us is greater than His love for a plant, an animal, or any other created thing. And the book of Jonah tells us that He loves even the most sinful people and seeks to bring them into His merciful arms. And it's a love that seeks to touch all of his created children: that desperate teenager, the baby growing in her womb, even tyrants and terrorists. So it's up to us to imitate God's merciful love by helping and praying for those who persecute us, and those who don't love us back.

Prayer:

Gracious God, loving our enemies seems like one of most difficult things you could ask of us. Please remind us that this is how you love and that if you ask it of us then you will give us the grace to do it. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dennis DiMauro
Lutherans for Life representative to the National Pro-life Religious Council

Bless you!

Many people think there can be nothing more depressing
than praying in front of an abortion facility.

I admit it. On the surface, it sounds glum — and we’ve
talked about the darkness. But, because of prayer, there
is also great peace and joy at a place that otherwise
has no peace and has no joy.

Here are a few examples of how Christ’s light and peace
are shining at 40 Days for Life vigils.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

“A girl yelled at me for just standing there on the
sidewalk, because she said I didn’t understand these
women’s situations,” said Stefanie in Memphis. “I just
smiled ... and said I would love to talk to her.”

To Stefanie’s surprise, the girl got into a conversation
with her.

“She told me it was not a baby at two weeks,” Stefanie
said. “I explained to her the baby has distinct DNA
like no other person. But if I had not just kept smiling
and being sweet to her, she would have driven off.”

Later, a woman and two men showed up with a homemade
sign that suggested God had no place in a discussion
of abortion. Women could choose whatever they want,
the woman said.

“So obviously we are bothering them by being out
there,” Stefanie said. She tried to talk to them, but
they just got angry and walked into Planned Parenthood.
Stefanie just kept smiling.

She said one of the other prayer volunteers “feels that
these people heard what they needed to hear — and we
had planted a seed.”

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

Steve in Glendale says the 40 Days for Life campaign
has had to deal with temperatures near 100 degrees.
“But that has not stopped us from being present to
stand for the preborn and the women that are harmed
by abortion.”

He says there have been many blessings.

Business owners have brought cold water for the prayer
volunteers. Then a woman stopped by and promised to be
back later with something special. She returned with a
5-liter water bottle, a bag of ice, a pitcher and cups
— which were most welcome.

At the vigil, Steve met nine women from a prayer group.
“They met us at the unity rally,” he said, “and we were
blessed by their powerful witness to the local community.”

Steve said, “I want you to experience these blessings
as well. To do so, just come out and pray for an hour.
It’s that simple.”

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

“If you have been out on the sidewalk in front of
Planned Parenthood,” said Michele in Colorado Springs,
“you know what a beautiful and majestic sight the
mountains are.” She could stand there for a very
long time praising God in the wonders and beauty of
His creation.

Sometimes, though, she wonders, “How can such peace
and such horror live so close together? The horror
of Planned Parenthood just attacks your very soul,
trying to take away all peace and hope as it steals
the peace and hope of those going in. So you vow
never to give up.”

Someday, she said, “I know the view will be restored
to what God’s creation should be. And I hope for
that day!”

Day 24 - October 21

Intention:

Pray that God will continue to bless the efforts that have gone into the 40 Days for Life campaign, as we trust Him for the results.

Scripture:

Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name.

-- Nehemiah 1:10-11

Reflection:

Nehemiah provides an awesome blueprint for volunteers in God's service, particularly those responding to the devastation abortion has caused our nation.

Nehemiah grieved for God's reputation as he witnessed the condition of the city walls of Jerusalem. The walls were broken down which was seen by neighboring people as a sign of weakness on the part of Jerusalem's God. No wall meant no security for the city and its people.

We learn from his story that he covered every detail in prayer; inspired others to join the cause; organized others to help do the work; confronted opposition directly and turned to God when discouraged; and finally celebrated what was accomplished and gave God all the glory!

Like Nehemiah, we must acknowledge God's sovereignty as we serve Him before a mocking world. We too need to be reminded that we are "fighting" for our families. We too must have an attitude of confession and repentance before a Holy God. We must pray for strength, refute slander, and not be diverted from our work.

Like Nehemiah, we will draw attention from the enemy when we are seeking to protect the well-being of God's people. We too must stand firm and seek God's help to persevere until the task is done. We too will be victorious.

Prayer:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is Yours. We pray for your continued guidance and protection throughout the remainder of this 40 day campaign. May we be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labor will not be in vain. We pray in the name of Jesus, amen.

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

How was your weather today? Improved, I hope?

Just over the past week — during my 40 Days for Life
visits to Louisiana, Arizona and Pennsylvania — one
word keeps coming to mind: SACRIFICE ... YOUR sacrifice!

Every 40 Days for Life vigil is a little different. But
they all have something in common: the prayer and
sacrifice of the volunteers participating.

They come by the hundreds ... and they also come one at
a time. But they all come for the same reason — to pray
for an end to abortion.

SARASOTA, FLORIDA

The 300 people who circled the block around Planned
Parenthood represented one of the largest crowds ever
at this 40 Days for Life vigil location. Bishop Frank
Dewane led the group as they prayed and sang hymns.

About 200 of the participants walked half a mile from
the respect life youth conference they were attending.

Also taking part in this event was Abby Johnson, the
former director of the Planned Parenthood abortion
center in Bryan, Texas, who had quit her job during the
40 Days for Life campaign two years ago.

This Planned Parenthood location is a three-story
building that serves as regional headquarters for a
15-county section of Florida.

Just the day before, three mothers chose life for their
babies as people prayed outside this facility.

To see photos of the Sarasota event, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2436

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

Students from three schools joined the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Fort Wayne recently. As one of the schools is
just a mile away, a large group of students walked to
the abortion center.

“They carried handmade crosses as well as sharing the
burden of carrying a full size cross and stopping at
intervals to lead the group in prayers along the way,”
said Evelyn in Fort Wayne.

It was raining when they started their walk, but the
showers quickly ended and did not return until later
in the day.

“It is hard to explain the impact of seeing the kids
on such a dreary, foggy day in their matching pro-life
shirts, marching down a very busy street on their way
to the clinic,” Evelyn said.

But you can see for yourself. For pictures of the Fort
Wayne event, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2436

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

A number of parishioners from St. Joseph Church in
Richmond joined the 40 Days for Life vigil last
weekend, praying on the sidewalk in front of the
Planned Parenthood abortion center for about two hours.

While the large groups certainly get noticed, the prayer
makes a difference even when it’s only one person.

One Richmond volunteer wrote of praying alone one day.
“I had a very heavy heart during my prayer time,” she
said. “I felt that abortions were actually being
performed during that time frame.”

She watched as women arrived. Some were just dropped
off and left to enter alone.

“The darkness I felt at that building yesterday was
so great that I had a hard time sleeping last night,
but I know God will sustain me next week when I
return to pray,” she said. “May God continue to bless
all the participants in this 40 Days for Life.”

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

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2436

Day 25 - October 22

Intention:

We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.

Scripture:

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

-- Jeremiah 1:4-5

Reflection:

To be or not to be? There is no question!

The question of "being" is something philosophers have long pondered. What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer. We have being because we are known by God.

For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God's own being. Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do. The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued. To embrace the arguments of the "pro-choice" crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn't exist, isn't there, has no being. But nothing could be further from the truth. That child is known by God and, as such, has being.

Prayer:

Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. Amen.

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

Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves
requires effort.

At times, it’s downright hard. But it’s also necessary.
And prayer sustains us. Here are some examples from
Alberta, Colorado and Michigan.

CALGARY, ALBERTA

“It’s both heartbreaking and encouraging.” So said one
of the volunteers in Calgary, who is praying for an end
to abortion.

“We stood on the street corner where we are allowed to
stand and prayed, silently and aloud,” she wrote in the
local 40 Days for Life blog.

The blog also notes that the vigil is restricted in
Calgary because of a court order. They can only stand
across the street from the abortion center, and the
number of people praying at any one time is limited.

“We watched young women go in — several alone,” she
said. And she cried.

“It’s not just the abortions that represent brokenness
but the loss of family, the loss of parents who will
stand up for their children and protect them, the loss
of men and women who will stand by their training and
protect life instead of taking it away.”

When this can go on across the country, she said,
society is broken. “I will continue to pray and
continue to go.”

To see photos of the Calgary vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2445

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

Fort Collins is in the midst of its second 40 Days for
Life campaign. “This is a growing, grassroots pro-life
effort,” said Linda in Fort Collins.

The vigil is across the street from Colorado State
University. The first campaign drew a lot of negative
attention. Not so this time.

“Also, there are about 30 churches involved at some
level — and five have the big 40 Days for Life banner
proudly displayed on their buildings for all to see,”
she said.

The campaign is getting a big boost from a nearby
Catholic church “whose new pastor has opened his heart
and arms and that of the parish to the 40 Days for Life.”

This church is hosting 40 Days for Life events — and
they’ve set aside space for what they’re calling the
40 Days Cafe. Coffee and other drinks are available –
and a nearby restaurant has donated food for breakfast
and lunch.

“This has been a very great blessing for all concerned,”
Linda said.

I was able to meet Linda and the 40 Days for Life team
in Fort Collins. Here’s a link to the photo:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2445

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Lisa from Grand Rapids sent me a note about Pete, a
10-year-old who’s come up with his own unique concept
of fasting for 40 Days for Life.

During this campaign, Pete’s mom said he is fasting ...
from warm baths! From Day 1 through Day 40, it’s only
cold water for Pete.

“I was speechless,” his mom said. She has been fasting
from chocolate. “Here I am whining inside about my
chocolate withdrawal — and my 10-year-old is taking
cold baths for an offering!”

Lisa said, “Clearly, Pete can teach us all something
about fasting!”

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