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

Day 26 - October 23

Intention:

That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

Scripture:

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

-- Psalm 104:27-30

Reflection:

"I am a feather on the breath of God."

As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.

He who created the universe also created that which is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.

Prayer:

Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.

Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Vera Faith Lord
Director, Alpha/Omega Life Ministry
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council

Since 40 Days for Life began as a national — and
then international — movement, our leadership team
has always felt that if we were going to ask you to
stand up for life through participation in 40 Days
for Life, the least we could do is come out to the
streets and stand with you.

As a result, Shawn and I have visited more than 300
cities over these last four years, and we consider
it a great blessing to meet many of you, encourage
you and THANK YOU for your faithful involvement in
this mission.

Yes, the non-stop travel, shortage of sleep, fast
food meals and long hours of driving and flying
takes a toll (especially on our amazingly supportive
families back home) but we are honored and humbled to
stand with you, hear your stories and pray with you.

Here’s a short summary of what I’ve been blessed to
experience over just these last two weeks (be sure
to click the link to see the pictures of the
dedicated people in each of these locations

Upon arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport,
I drove 1.5 hours to ROCHESTER, where the 40 Days
for Life is being held outside a Planned Parenthood
center that recently began performing telemed
RU-486 abortions by webcam — putting women’s lives
at risk for the sake of expanding profits. A TV
news crew was there, helping to raise awareness in
the community.

See a picture of the 40 Days for Life in Rochester:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Then, I drove 2 hours to MANKATO, to join the 40 Days
for Life team in prayer outside a Planned Parenthood
abortion referral center. The lunchtime gathering
drew a big crowd of enthusiastic prayer warriors,
and a TV station interviewed me and reported on
the gathering.

See a photo of the Mankato 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Early the next morning, I began the three hour drive
to DULUTH. Despite my 9 AM arrival time at the start
of the work and school day, they had a wonderful crowd
of pro-lifers on the sidewalk outside the independent
abortion center. Three of the four local television
stations and the local newspaper covered the gathering.

See a photo of the Duluth 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

I then drove 2.5 hours to WALKER, a town of around
1,000 people that has had more than 1,400 people
participate in their 40 Days for Life!

Yes, people have come from many miles away to join
this campaign, which is being held outside their
county courthouse. Though there’s no local abortion
center, these prayer warriors feel called to be
intercessors for those participating in 40 Days for
Life campaigns around the world.

See a photo of the Walker 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

>From Walker, I drove 2.5 hours to ALEXANDRIA. I pulled
up and saw the crowd praying outside Planned Parenthood
— and heard a commotion from across the street.

A lone man was yelling at the Christians through a
bullhorn, trying to mock and antagonize them. The
believers did not respond to his anger. I joined
them in praying — not only for an end to abortion,
but also for all those who have been negatively
impacted by abortion. A reporter documented everything
for the local newspaper.

See a photo of the Alexandria 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

>From there, it was a 1.5 hour drive to ST. CLOUD,
where I joined a big group of people gathered outside
the local Planned Parenthood at dusk.

See a photo of the St. Cloud 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Then I headed 1.5 hours east for the last stop of the
day — at 9 PM in MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, where the
40 Days for Life is being held outside a hospital
where abortions are performed. What a joy to pray
in the dark with the amazing folks there!

See a photo of the Twin Cities 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

The next day, I was on a 6 AM flight to Burlington,
Vermont. The visit allowed me the chance to pray with
40 Days for Life folks outside the Planned Parenthood
abortion center, across from the University of Vermont.

See a photo of the Burlington 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Next, I was off to Michigan, where I joined a big
crowd of people at the GRAND RAPIDS 40 Days for Life.
They shared with me the story (reported earlier in
this campaign by Shawn) about the three lives that
had been saved there the week before, and how this
campaign has profoundly impacted their city.

See a photo of the Grand Rapids 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Early the next morning, I started driving across
Michigan.

I arrived in EASTPOINTE, joined the 40 Days for
Life volunteers and pregnancy center workers in
prayer and watched the dedicated sidewalk
counselors reaching out to offer help to women
going in for abortions.

See a photo of the Eastpointe 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Then I drove to STERLING HEIGHTS, joining a circle
of people praying fervently, even as drivers
passing by yelled obscenities at them. They only
prayed more.

See a photo of the Sterling Heights 40 Days for
Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

>From there, I drove to SOUTHFIELD, and joined young
families, elderly people, seminarians and
professionals who were praying outside an
independently owned abortion facility. Little did
we know that shortly thereafter a FOR SALE sign
would be posted at that abortion center!

See a photo of the Southfield 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

The day ended with a late dinner for all the 40 Days
for Life leaders from the greater Detroit area. It
was a beautiful time of networking, encouragement
and prayer.

See a photo of the Detroit 40 Days for Life leaders:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Early the next morning I drove to ANN ARBOR to pray
with the 40 Days for Life participants. It was a cold,
windy day and prayers were especially needed as
abortions were being performed. God bless the sidewalk
counselors who were reaching out to women, trying to
prevent them from making a tragic abortion decision.

See a photo of the Ann Arbor 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

Next I was off to Florida. I flew into FT. MYERS and
headed out to the 40 Days for Life outside the local
Planned Parenthood abortion center. This is the first
40 Days for Life conducted in Ft. Myers, and the
campaign has been amazing.

See a photo of the Ft. Myers 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

>From there, we drove down to NAPLES, and joined more
than 75 dedicated people outside a Planned Parenthood
that started doing abortions two years ago.

As I spoke to the prayer volunteers about the many
Planned Parenthood workers who have had conversions
during 40 Days for Life campaigns, the abortion center
director was standing mere yards away — listening to
every word. Pray that some seed fell on fertile ground!

See a photo of the Naples 40 Days for Life at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2449

All in all, I traveled 7,200 miles over these last
couple weeks, visiting 15 cities and meeting
thousands of people with one focused mission —
END ABORTION.

I’m honored to be laboring side by side with you
in the Lord’s harvest field, Karen!

It’s Monday. But that’s OK. During 40 Days for Life,
Mondays bring GOOD NEWS!

So here is your Monday good news — so far during
this 40 Days for Life campaign, we are now aware of ...

... 361 babies whose mothers changed their minds and
rejected abortion!

God has done wonderful things! Here are a few of
the stories.

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

The people praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Columbus had a bad feeling when a young woman arrived
on an abortion day. They had seen her previously — and
tried to convince her not to abort her child. But here
she was once again.

She went in, but a short time later she left — calling
out that she had changed her mind. The volunteers put
her in touch with the local pregnancy help center and
promised to keep her — and her baby — in their prayers.

Later that day, two teenagers drove up — but walked on
in after refusing to take information from one of the
pro-life counselors. An hour later, they walked out —
and handed the volunteer a receipt. At first, she
didn’t look at it.

One of the other vigil participants then called out,
“They’ve changed their minds!”

Yes — they were BOTH there for abortions — and they
BOTH chose life.

“I didn’t get a chance to look at the receipt until
that evening,” the volunteer said. “The driver had
had an ultrasound and lab work ... but ‘first trimester
abortion — $385’ had been scratched out. Praise God!”

DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA

“It’s beyond belief, but one Saturday there were five
babies saved in Downey,” said Patti.

One woman helped changed a friend’s mind about abortion.
She then spoke to another woman, who changed HER mind.
This woman then spoke to a couple ... and THEY changed
THEIR minds too.

Two days later, two more women rejected abortion for
their babies. Then Patti had a chance to speak with
a young man outside the abortion center, “who then
went in and got his lady out of there and they are
keeping the baby.”

Patti said it’s a miracle — “eight babies in two days!
The Lord is so kind and good!”

TOLEDO, OHIO

One of the counselors outside the 40 Days for Life
vigil site in Toledo asked a young woman arriving at
the abortion center if she would take some information.
She replied, “On my way out.”

The counselor’s prayer shift ended, but she stayed
longer than planned because that young woman said
would take the literature when she left.

She walked out an hour and a half later and headed
towards her car — it looked like she was avoiding the
counselor. As she drove out of the parking lot,
however, she rolled her window down and said she was
not going to have an abortion.

“Thanks be to God!” said Ann in Toledo.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to pray at a
40 Days for Life vigil yet — you’re invited!

Here’s the link to the list of locations:

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

Please click on the city nearest you — and join
the prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.

Day 28 - October 25

Intention:

We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates.

Scripture:

"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."

-- Isaiah 1:16-17

Reflection:

God is just.

Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his being that God is just, how much more ought we Christians to reflect on this profound truth? The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity, encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our modern society that have led to the cavalier acceptance of abortion and euthanasia. But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not sleep forever."

God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows of our society. It is a noble calling! It is one which every true believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should heed with no hesitation and no reluctance. To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand unequivocally for the right to life of everyone, especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and the terminally ill. God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's 8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of the already born.

Prayer:

O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit alone can change hearts and minds so that all your human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-life and National Pro-life Religious Council

College Station, Texas and Madrid, Spain have very
little in common.

But this fall, the simple campaign of prayer and fasting
that started in Texas is having a profound impact in
Spain — and in other nations around the world.

The international expansion of 40 Days for Life was
unexpected. But it is now one of the many blessings
God has given to indicate that abortion is a crisis
wherever it takes place.

We have multiple campaign locations in both Spain and
Canada this fall. Here’s a story from each country.

MADRID, SPAIN

On one of the early days of the campaign, a man
approached the 40 Days for Life vigil in Madrid and
read the sign one person was holding: “Pray for an
end to abortion.”

He stared for a moment, then unleashed a tirade of rude
words and gestures — and passersby reacted by laughing.
The vigil participants just kept praying — and the man
kept hurling insults.

It appeared he had been drinking for some time. He was
carrying a beer — which he tried to pour on the
volunteers. They responded by praying for protection
from evil.

At that point, things changed. Another man came along
and told the guy with the beer to move along. Instead,
he broke the beer bottle against the ground. The plaza
then cleared out, leaving only the vigil participants
and the man who had stepped in to help.

They had witnessed spiritual warfare — but God had come
to their rescue.

Two weeks later, the man with the beer bottle was
spotted again — sober and well-dressed, this time. He
was seen in church — on his knees ... and in tears.

“This strikes us as quite noteworthy,” said Frank
in Madrid.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2465

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

A woman passed the 40 Days for Life volunteers in
Fredericton and called out to them. “My husband made
me have an abortion,” she said. “It’s never over.”

To make sure she was heard, she came closer and repeated
herself. The volunteers then began to pray for her.

A little while later, a young man approached. He had
just received a text message from his wife announcing
she’d had an abortion.

He did not want the abortion. His wife apparently felt
she couldn’t handle a fourth child. They were supposed
to discuss it further. He was shocked by the news.

The mother said the pregnancy had been terminated at
seven weeks. The volunteers carried an image of a baby
at eight weeks. He was very much moved. He said, “I
knew we shouldn’t do it.”

In her text message his wife had mentioned that said
she had been assured her it was “just a bunch of cells.”

“How unconscionable,” said Peter in Fredericton. “How
could anyone who cares about women lie about anything
so fundamental?”

The volunteers and this distraught young dad had a
prolonged conversation. They told him about the help
available for post-abortion counseling. The young
dad and volunteers parted with hugs. “God bless you,”
he said.

“Our 40 Days for Life volunteers were exactly in the
right place at the right time, both for the hurting
mom and the young dad,” Peter said. “It was divine
providence — the grace of 40 Days for Life at work.
Praise God!”

Day 29 - October 26

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

-- Micah 7:18-19

Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

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

Just 11 days left in this 40 Days for Life campaign!
For me, it’s time for another road trip — and it’s
a busy one.

I’m stopping in Allentown, Pennsylvania this morning to
meet, pray and speak at a 40 Days for Life event in
front of the abortion facility there.

Tomorrow, I head west and Friday it’s north — WAY north
— to Calgary, Alberta.

As we head into the final quarter of the campaign, I
want to challenge you to go to a 40 Days for Life vigil
(if you haven’t already). Nervous? A little scared?

Well ... just go for it!

Everyone who overcomes the natural fear of doing this
for the first time finds out one thing that works at
an abortion facility — PRAYER!

Here’s what I mean.

FLINT, MICHIGAN

Last Saturday, a group had arranged for about 40 people
from seven different churches to pray at the 40 Days
for Life vigil in Flint.

It figured to be a busy day. “On a normal Saturday,
there are about 5-12 clients who enter the clinic,”
explained Tina in Flint.

They’re ALWAYS open on Saturday. “This clinic has been
open on Mother’s Day weekend,” she said, “and even on
Christmas Eve one year when it fell on a Saturday.”

But last Saturday, when these 40 people showed up at
7 in the morning to pray outside the abortion center,
there was a sign on the door:

CLINIC CLOSED FOR THE DAY.

“We rejoiced and prayed together for about an hour and
a half,” Tina said. “We are not sure of the reason for
the closure ... but we are grateful.”

To see a photo of the prayer group in Flint, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2470

PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY

The 40 Days for Life group in Plainfield is praying
near an abortion facility located in an office building.

“Most people don’t know that there’s an abortion
facility there,” said Katie in Plainfield. “It’s a
block away from the high school, and there is also
a pediatrician’s office located there.”

For instance, a man stopped by who was surprised to see
the vigil. “He was shocked to learn that abortions were
done in the building,” said Katie. However, the man was
quick to tell her that sometimes abortions are
necessary, as in the case of Down syndrome.

“I explained to him that my uncle had Downs, and that
he was a blessing to our family,” she said.

The man then drove away, warning Katie to be careful,
as he said Plainfield is a violent town — killings
happen there.

As Katie stood and prayed outside the abortion center,
she thought to herself, “They certainly do.”

NAPA, CALIFORNIA

Some 300 people attended a midpoint event for the
40 Days for Life campaign at a church in Napa.
Afterward, about 60 of them walked about a mile to
the Planned Parenthood facility.

“Their candles could be seen swaying and their songs
and prayers heard blocks away,” said Margie in Napa.
“It was a wondrous sight. Once at the clinic, prayer
and song continued in Spanish and English.”

They were joined by a baby — a child saved from
abortion during a previous 40 Days for Life campaign
in Fairfield, California.

“It was just the perk we needed to carry us to the
end of a successful campaign,” said Margie.

To see pictures of the procession in Napa, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2470

Only 10 more days left to pray to end abortions!

Day 30 - October 27

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

-- Luke 1:41-44

Reflection:

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

Think about this for a moment.

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

Prayer:

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

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

I’m on my way to Glendale, Arizona ... and today’s
report stretches from London to Alaska with a stop
in Maryland.

We’ve talked about 40 Days for Life getting positive
media coverage. Today, it come from an unexpected
source across the Atlantic.

LONDON, ENGLAND

“Truly astonishing!” said Robert in London, noting that
a prominent newspaper, known for a pro-abortion stand,
printed a “thoughtful pro-life article.”

“Are pro-life campaigners always aggressive? A new wave
of Christian anti-abortion activists say they pray rather
than shout,” read the headline in The Times of London.

The reporter wrote that in Central London, pro-lifers
are “witnessing to the belief that abortion hurts women
as well as taking the life of their unborn child.”

“With our campaign, we are not judging anyone,” Robert
told The Times. “Praying outside a clinic brings a
tangible sign to the local community. It helps to
awaken consciences, hearts and minds to the reality
of abortion. The prayer vigil is also a clear sign
that there are people who are willing to help those
in crisis pregnancies and can make a difference to
those in need.”

Laura, another 40 Days for Life participant, talked
about the changes a couple experienced when they
decided to keep their child.

“They were smiling and visibly more relaxed than when
they went in ten minutes before,” Laura told the
reporter. “She looked relieved, and he a little
excited but happy. They were grateful, cheerful and
walking away their body language had completely changed.”

To see a photo of the prayer group in London, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

The 40 Days for Life team is holding its vigil outside
a business that calls itself a “family planning clinic.”

Susan in College Park said many of the women who arrive
for appointments are there for birth control prescriptions.

“After speaking with a number of them, we found out that
they did not know that this was an abortion clinic,” she
said. “We were able to convince some of the women not to go
into this clinic.” They also provided pro-life materials.

There have been several babies spared from abortion at
this vigil site. Susan said, “We are thankful for all of
the people who come out to pray on a regular basis.”

To see a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
College Park, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

We often talk about the hidden damage caused by
abortion. The 40 Days for Life team in Anchorage held
an event where they showed just how much of an impact
abortion has in their community.

The tiny victims of abortion are never seen. And
sometimes, a number is just a number. So, said Haylee
in Anchorage, “we released 143 pink and blue balloons
in memory of the 143 babies that were killed by
abortion on average each month last year.”

Two local pastors prayed at the event, and the
participants sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “Jesus Loves
the Little Children” before sending the balloons skyward.

To see a photo of the balloon release in Anchorage,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477

Day 31 - October 28

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

--Psalm 139:16

Reflection:

Human beings -- God's tapestries.

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

Today’s story is not one you’d hear every day.

Two years ago this month, former Planned Parenthood
director Abby Johnson experienced a conversion after
witnessing a live abortion on an ultrasound at her
office in Texas.

She walked into my office at the Coalition for Life
next door, told me her story, then resigned from the
abortion industry.

I had known Abby for eight years before that day
and I’d had multiple conversations with her through
the fence outside Planned Parenthood. But after her
conversion, I realized how much I didn’t know.

I didn’t know that her parents were pro-life and had
been praying for her to leave Planned Parenthood.

I didn’t know her husband was pro-life and her job
created tension in their family.

I didn’t know that before Abby saw that ultrasound,
even she was starting to see that Planned Parenthood
cares more about abortion than anything else.

We don’t know what God is doing behind the scenes.
We must trust, we must pray — and we must know
that our witness on the sidewalk is always part of
a larger picture.

Here’s a story that shows what I mean. I’m not
revealing names and locations, and I’ve changed some
details. This is still a work in progress!

THE ABORTIONIST’S WIFE

A vigil participant was noticing that nearly all the
cars in the abortion center parking lot were parked in
the staff area — very few were in the area reserved
for those with appointments. And that was good.

The volunteer was soon deep in prayer when the
abortionist drove up — with his wife and their
teenager. He got out of the car and headed toward
the building while the wife and teen drove away.

The abortionist’s wife pulled up next to the vigil
participant, rolled down her window and asked, “How
are you doing?” The surprised volunteer answered,
“Good! How about you?”

She responded, “I just wanted to tell you that I so
appreciate what you do and how you are always so nice
and respectful.” That simple response turned out to
be the opening line in a very lengthy conversation.

The wife expressed her gratitude for the way the
40 Days for Life vigil is conducted. In another city,
there is a group outside the abortion center that
yells at her husband.

Here, however, he’s been told that the vigil
participants are praying for him. “He just can’t
understand how you can be so against what he does
and yet so nice to him.”

She explained that her husband grew up in a home that
had no use for religion — the concept is totally
foreign to him. The volunteer promised to pray that he
would be able to grasp — and eventually embrace —
faith. The teen blurted out, “Please do!”

“I asked the abortionist’s wife to pray for me,” said
the volunteer, “and she said she would.”

The wife said, “I’m really impressed that you believe
in something so strongly and passionately that you’re
willing to be here every week for years in every kind
of weather.”

“There is much to meditate upon from this conversation,”
said the 40 Days for Life volunteer. “It confirmed the
constant presence, the peaceful method, the prayerful
attitude. It helped give me a renewed sense of
dedication to continually trying to get people to
sign up so that we can have a constant presence on the
sidewalk. We never know who will see us and when they
will see us.

“God gave me an awesome story in order to ask once
again for you to join us for 40 Days for Life. Please
keep praying for an end to abortion and for ALL those
involved. God is using us to help bring His children
to Him — ALL of them!”

Day 32 - October 29

Intention:

As we pray for the end of abortion, let us pray for the expansion of the pregnancy help center movement worldwide.

Scripture:

The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.

-- Revelation 12:4-5

Reflection:

You don't need to be a theological scholar to get the essential point of Revelation 12. Something BIG is afoot. It has something to do with the birth of Christ and the children of God.

It involves a war in heaven, with powers and principalities beyond our expertise. But the battles are fought here on earth.

The crux of the matter centers around the babe of Bethlehem and the cross of Calvary.

It continues to unfold down through the ages, through us, the children of God, who put their faith in Christ and take up their cross and follow him.

We are waging a war of love against all things that destroy body and soul.

The intensity waxes and wanes, but like labor pains, they grow and culmi-nate in new life.

The unleashing of legal abortion nearly 40 years ago stirred up prayer (lamentation really). Many were then led to start pregnancy help centers and maternity homes.

Today there are over 3,000 such ministries that did not exist 40 years ago.

They reflect a movement of God on our watch: Christians driven to give their time and charity to end abortion one woman at a time.

Let's pray this movement expands worldwide. Let's pray for thousands more Christians to start, serve and support pregnancy help centers.

Prayer:

O God, from generation to generation, you have called your people to be the very aroma of life amidst a culture of death. Now it is our turn. Prepare me. Send me. Use me. I am eager to do my part. Stir your people everywhere to take up this great work.

Rev. John Ensor
Vice President, Heartbeat International

As I write this message, I’m meeting with pro-lifers
in Calgary, Alberta. I was invited here to speak at
a conference focusing on the culture. It’s called
Life 2011.

This fall, there are a record sixteen 40 Days for Life
campaigns going on throughout Canada.

Since I’m currently outside the United States, let’s
take a quick look at what’s happening in two NEW
international campaigns — Argentina and Germany —
as well as here in Canada.

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA

“Everything is going great here,” writes Gabriela in
Rosario. “We have over 400 people praying and fasting.
They receive daily prayers and reflections — most of
them translated into Spanish from the 40 Days for Life
devotionals.”

She’s received countless messages from people who are
taking part in the campaign. “Many have said this
initiative has arrived as a blessing in our country.”

Gabriela said the vigil is working out well so far in
this first-ever campaign in Argentina. “Many people in
Rosario are getting to know that there is a group of
citizens that defend human life from the moment of
conception.”

As part of the community outreach, they have organized
a couple of talks, inviting well-known professionals
to speak about medical and legal aspects of abortion.

“You can’t imagine the positive impact 40 Days for Life
is making, not only in Argentina but in many Latin
American countries,” said Gabriela, noting that she has
received inquiries from people in other nations.

To see pictures of the Rosario campaign, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2490

SAARBRUECKEN, GERMANY

Praying in front of an abortion center, said Tori in
Germany, “was a wonderful witness and a couple of
people passing by actually nodded their heads in the
affirmative and smiled.”

The group took part in a pro-life march earlier this
month. “There were a lot of people on the street and
shopping in the city looking at our signs and amazed
at how many young teenagers were marching. You could
see the other young people on the street — taking
notice of the young people who are openly showing
their solidarity to the innocent babies losing their
lives through abortion.”

Tori said the team is reminding people, “The Lord will
provide; be not afraid. This is the message we want to
relay to anyone facing a crisis pregnancy situation.”

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The first 40 Days for Life campaign in British
Columbia’s largest city is seen by the local leadership
team as “a landmark event.”

They’ve sent along a few pictures of their vigil, which
is taking place in front of the BC Women’s Health Centre,
“night or day, rain or shine.” That’s exactly what the
pictures show — groups from several churches in the
Vancouver area, often carrying umbrellas.

They DID have a sunny day for their midpoint event,
and were appreciative of the big crowd that turned out
to support the 40 Days for Life campaign.

To see pictures of the Vancouver events, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2490

Day 33 - October 30

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

-- Psalm 8:3-9

Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

With 133 of the 301 local 40 Days for Life campaigns
holding their vigils outside Planned Parenthood
facilities, it’s no surprise that I get a lot of
e-mail about Planned Parenthood.

Here are a few stories about how America’s largest
abortion chain conducts its business — including a
report from Houston, home of the biggest abortion
facility in North America — the 76,000 square foot
Planned Parenthood complex.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Eileen tells the story of a Barbara and her husband,
who had recently moved to Indianapolis and called the
pro-life pregnancy center for an appointment.

“During the moving process, Barbara realized that she
was pregnant for the first time,” Eileen said. “She
wanted an ultrasound to be sure the pregnancy was
progressing normally.”

Barbara said she was on her way to the pro-life center
from Planned Parenthood. “I told Barbara that I was
glad she had decided against having an abortion,”
Eileen said. “But Barbara said she had not gone there
for an abortion.”

Barbara thought she knew what Planned Parenthood was
about. She believed they cared about women. But when
she went there and asked for an ultrasound, she was
told that she could only have an ultrasound if she
was going to have an abortion.

Eileen said, “Thank God for 40 Days for Life, for
prayer partners and for sidewalk counselors who really
do care about women.”

For a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Indianapolis, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2495

ITHACA, NEW YORK

“A minister saw us praying,” said Mary Anne in Ithaca,
“and stopped to introduced himself. He wanted to pray
over us for protection.”

Right after that, a Planned Parenthood employee jumped
into the midst of the people praying at the 40 Days for
Life vigil, claiming they had no right to be there.

“One of the prayer volunteers proclaimed that she did
have a right to be there,” said Mary Anne, “as she’d
had an abortion and regrets it every day.”

She also mentioned a man who was delivering bottled
water to Planned Parenthood. He told the volunteers
his girlfriend had been scheduled to have an abortion
— until he saw people praying on the sidewalk outside.

After seeing the pro-lifers praying that day, he ran
into the abortion center and found his girlfriend
— and the two of them left. They’re now the parents of
a 17-month-old child.

To see photos from 40 Days for Life in Ithaca, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2495

HOUSTON, TEXAS

A woman walked into the mobile pro-life pregnancy center
across from Planned Parenthood with a coupon for a free
pregnancy test and ultrasound. She was given the coupon
in February — but did not use it. She had gone through
with an abortion.

As she pointed towards Houston’s Planned Parenthood
abortion megaplex, she told volunteers, “I never want
to go into that building again.” She said the abortion
was a terrible experience and that she would never have
another one.

The volunteers have seen other women who had been
given these coupons — by friends who had gone to
Planned Parenthood.

One woman’s friend told her that she really regretted
her abortion and that before the friend had one, she
should go see “the people in the blue bus.”

“Even if you think your day in prayer at Planned
Parenthood was unproductive, think again,” said one
volunteer. “You never know how God will use the
sacrifice you make to be there and the time you spend
in prayer.”

To see a picture of Planned Parenthood’s huge facility
in Houston, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2495

Day 34 - October 31

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

--John 1:1-3

Reflection:

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

Are you ready for another serving of Monday morning
good news? Here it is!

So far during this 40 Days for Life campaign, we now
know of ...

... 417 babies whose mothers decided to reject abortion!

Here are some of the stories we’ve received from local
40 Days for Life teams.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

A woman left smiling as she spoke to those praying in
front of the abortion facility. She told them, “I can’t
go through with this!” The prayer volunteers all
rejoiced in her decision to choose life.

The very next day, said Ernie in Pensacola, three more
women changed their minds about abortion. “That’s four
witnessed turnarounds! Praise be to God!”

Ernie also reports that a former worker at the abortion
facility has now found a new job as a medical assistant.
“Thank you for all your prayers for her,” he said.

“We were with her last evening and she expressed how
seeing our peaceful, prayerful presence made all the
difference in her life. It is truly beautiful how God
uses this simple act to draw hearts and minds to him.”

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK

Maureen in Poughkeepsie tells the story of two women
who changed their minds.

In one instance, a woman walked into Planned Parenthood,
followed a few minutes later by a man. The man had
accepted some pro-life information from prayer
volunteers. A short time later, he left the building
and got in his car.

A few minutes later, the woman also left the building
and got into the car with him. They hugged, then drove
away with relieved looks on their faces.

Later, two women drove past Planned Parenthood twice
— slowly. The younger woman in the passenger’s seat
was crying.

They pulled over and talked briefly, then left. Ten
minutes later, they came back. This time, they stopped
and went inside. As they walked towards the building,
the volunteers offered information and help.

They were inside for only ten minutes before they came
back out. They waved to the volunteers, got into their
car and left — for good.

SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN

A young couple walked out of the abortion center with a
handful of paperwork. “They had just found out she was
farther than they thought — 17 weeks,” said a 40 Days
for Life volunteer. “And after paying $150 for the
ultrasound, they didn’t have the $775 to complete the
abortion.”

The volunteers mentioned a pro-life center that would
do another ultrasound — free — to see if they were
told the truth. The couple accepted the offer.

“There’s NO WAY we’re having the abortion now,” the
father said, after seeing the ultrasound. “I thought
the baby was the size of a quarter from the picture
they gave us.”

“We are so joyful to see God’s blessings for our
prayerful presence on the sidewalk in front of the
abortion facility,” said Mike in Southfield. “This
is such a simple plan. We show up and pray in public.
God changes hearts, mothers and babies are saved from
abortion. What could be easier?”

Day 35 - November 1

Intention:

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

Scripture:

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

-- Romans 4:7-8

Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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

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