Prayers continue in the blinding rain and wind today.
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.
“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.”
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.”
“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!”