40 Days for Life: Vision and Mission, February 13

Vision and mission

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion.

The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.

The 40 Days for Life campaign

40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program:

40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families. It puts into action a desire to cooperate with God in the carrying out of His plan for the end of abortion.

The 40-day campaign tracks Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities ... and the entire world. From Noah in the flood to Moses on the mountain to the disciples after Christ's resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.

Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life board of directors

Intention:

Pray for fathers who participated in the decision to abort their child, and for those who did not have a voice, that they would find freedom and healing in Christ.

Scripture:

If indeed you have heard Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

— Ephesians 4: 21-23

Reflection:

According to the Guttmacher Institute, one-third of American women will have had an abortion by age 45. Seldom reported however is the fact that an equally significant number of men have played a role in terminating a pregnancy. Some have participated through persuasion, or by providing the financial means for the abortion. Still others were against an abortion, but had no sway in the decision to terminate their child. Only in recent years have we realized that men suffer from their loss, as more and more seek healing. Warren Williams, founder of Fathers and Brothers Ministries says he believes men are coming forward for help because God instilled in men a desire to be a protector of their lineage, a provider for their families, to be a husband and father. Men are suffering and grieving the loss of their children, and though their grief may be expressed differently than that of a woman, it is grief nonetheless and they too need tender care and biblical counseling to experience forgiveness and healing.

Intervention at the appropriate time in the decision-making process may spare both the young man and woman from the lifelong pain and trauma of abortion. Biblical counseling for postabortive men and women is essential for them to heal and begin their life anew in Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for young men who participated in the termination of their child and are broken as You are over their loss. Forgive their sin, Lord, and bring opportunity for healing and renewal of their minds in Christ Jesus. For those suffering from an abortion they did not choose, restore their joy as they learn to forgive others and trust You with their future. In the name of Christ, who heals the brokenhearted, amen.

In every 40 Days for Life campaign, at some point, people have all felt the same thing -- loneliness. Local leaders and volunteers alike can sometimes think, “Does anyone else care about this?”

Loneliness and discouragement are common temptations -- especially
when it comes to standing up to an injustice as great as abortion. That’s why sometimes the greatest motivation for a local 40 Days for Life campaign is ...

... another 40 Days for Life campaign!

Here’s an example.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN

“This is our 10th 40 Days for Life campaign,” said Maribeth in Sterling Heights. “We know we are making a difference in our community by the many passersby who stop to thank us or share their story of how abortion has affected their lives.”

“We use stories from the inspirational book by David Bereit and Shawn Carney in our many of our gatherings,” Maribeth explained. “Sue shared the story called ‘Invisible Answers’ [chapter 9, which focuses on Providence, Rhode Island and West Palm Beach, Florida] at our opening vigil.”

That chapter talks about not seeing the fruits of your labor right away. In a similar way, Maribeth said, “we, too, were blessed with moms coming back to show us … those smiling little faces who might not have been here if it were not for those dedicated prayer warriors.”

The volunteers in Sterling Heights will keep hoping for visible answers to their prayers, she said. “And we know that with God, all is possible!”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Wynette sent a picture from the midpoint rally of Sacramento’s 12th 40 Days for Life campaign. There was a celebration theme – yet another life had been spared from abortion. And … there’s turmoil at the abortion center.

“Right now, this abortion clinic is having a hard time trying to hire a new clinic manager,” she said. “Nine out of 25 employees have left in the past year … two women quit because they were pregnant and they are now new full-time mothers to their baby boys.”

This abortion business has four satellite facilities throughout northern California. They’re under investigation, Wynette said, “and had an ambulance called late Friday afternoon recently, after having done abortions all day long. Tensions are very high. Prayers continue.”

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

A woman walked up to prayer volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Baltimore’s Fullerton area – their first campaign – and demanded, "So, what do you do when your daughter is pregnant?"

As the volunteers listened, they discovered that the woman's daughter wanted her baby, but she was worried. How could she support herself, her daughter and her grandchild?

“These situations are all too common, and sometimes people feel trapped by their economic circumstances,” said Jody, the local campaign director. “Friends, family, coworkers all encourage women in situations like this to abort their unborn children. They are made to feel guilty if they choose life for their child and thus become a ‘burden’ to others.”

The volunteers were able to share information about a local pregnancy resource center. And then they asked this woman if they could pray with her.

“There were tears in her eyes as he finished praying,” Jody said. “She left hopeful and with a renewed sense of joyful anticipation for the birth of her first grandchild. Thank you for standing and praying and listening. Thank you all for the hope you are bringing.”

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

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 ofeach, “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.

Can you imagine abortions dropping 23% in YOUR community? How many lives would that be? That's what has happened in Jacksonville, Florida. But to make that possible, there was one thing that had to be overcome -- fear.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Prayer is the foundation of a 40 Days for Life campaign and that prayer helps us overcome our natural hesitation to participate in the vigils -- especially for the first time.

That’s what I talked about with volunteers in Jacksonville along with the unbelievable details about a mom who chose life for her handicapped baby.

I had the flu during this trip, but the folks in Florida took care of me and had a huge event ... with 10 local pastors in attendance!

Click the image below to watch my talk from the Jacksonville vigil:

You may also see the video by clicking here: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=4213

Then ... find one of the 261 campaign locations near you ... and remember that our Lord told us to "be not afraid."

SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA

The Planned Parenthood staff in San Mateo keeps trying to find something to complain about. They have no legitimate issues, but that isn’t stopping them from trying to find fault with the peaceful 40 Days for Life vigil on the public right-of-way outside.

“The police have come out at least four times, mostly called by Planned Parenthood and their escorts,” said Jessica in San Mateo.

“The most recent time a vigil volunteer had our lawyer on the phone and asked the police officer if he wished to speak with her,” she said. “He declined. He also finally acknowledged that we were doing nothing wrong and then he left.”

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT

One thing we hear from many people is the simple fact that abortion facilities are just not pleasant places. Sure, they try to dress themselves up as “health care centers.” But that doesn’t hide what they do.

Christine in Bridgeport got some good news – and some insight – from the 40 Days for Life vigil.

The vigil participants talked to a woman who’d had an abortion appointment – but changed her mind after she had gone inside the building.

Christine said, “She walked out of the Summit Women’s Center and told volunteers that she would never go there again because it was disgusting!”

Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-life

Intention:

That we may realize the generational impact of abortion.

Scripture:

Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said,” If it is thus, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.”

— Genesis 25:21-23

Reflection:

What an answer to prayer! Who dares to say that the unborn are not human, with distinct personality and character right from the moment of conception? This account emphasizes the vitality and uniqueness of the twins who, because of Isaac’s prayer for his wife, were conceived in Rebekah’s womb. When Rebekah was told by the Lord that the older would serve the younger twin, God already knew that Jacob and Esau would lead turbulent and conflicted lives.

God knows us and knows all about us, including our personality and disposition long before we are actually born, indeed, from the moment we are conceived in our mother’s womb. What a tragedy of gargantuan proportions that babies, planned and endowed by the Creator, with distinct and unique personalities and with, perhaps, a future and destiny intended for greatness, have their lives snuffed outby cruel abortionists before they ever see the light of day! May our prayers that the dreadful scourge of abortion in our land may vanish be as fervent as Isaac’s were for Rebekah.

Prayer:

O, God, you formed us in our mother’s womb and planned a unique and special life and purpose for each of us, and we do thank you. Grant that we may pray and work for an end to abortion, especially in these 40 days, so that no unborn baby you have made may fail to achieve your divine intention for him or her because of intentional abortion. We pray this for the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

It’s always a confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s work when we receive similar stories – or similar pictures – from campaigns a great distance apart. Coincidence? I think not!

Here are some examples of what I’m talking about.

EVERY KNEE SHALL BEND

We often invite people to go to the vigil to stand and pray. More and more, people arriving at the peaceful 40 Days for Life vigil feel led to KNEEL and pray. If there was ever a situation that cried out for pleading on bended knee before the Lord almighty, this is it. And faithful people are responding in a time-honored way.

The 40 Days for Life team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sent a photo of a woman who arrived at the vigil. She put her umbrella down on the sidewalk and knelt in prayer – for two solid hours.

“It was amazing to see the effect her witness had on the passers-by,” said Nikki in Pittsburgh. “It began to rain about an hour into her witness…but she never moved. Eventually, there was a dry spot all around her in the shape of her body, but the rest of the sidewalk was wet.”

At one point, a group of Planned Parenthood employees walked by as they went to lunch. They certainly noticed the woman on her knees. “It HAD to make an impact on their consciences when, an hour later, they returned to work and saw that she was STILL in the same position,” Nikki said.

The woman told Nikki that she really didn’t think she would be able to do it, but the Lord put it on her heart to try. “She said it wasn’t her doing it. She felt the power of the Holy Spirit sustaining her during the entire two hours.”

The 40 Days for Life team in El Paso, Texas also posted a photo. The weather was much better, but the scenario was quite similar. A young man arrived at the vigil. He put his backpack down next to the wall and knelt in prayer – on the gravel in the alley way – for more than an hour.

“He was radiating the love of Jesus,” said one of the prayer volunteers, “pouring his heart over to God for the mommies and their unborn babies. Praise God for teens like him! What an example!”

AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

It's common for families to pray together at 40 Days for Life vigils. They often come with very young children … who really seem to take to the signs. Again here, we have pictures from two different cities – again, with very different weather conditions – but similar messages.

”Here is the photo of another persuasive messenger, who came to the sidewalk for the first time today,” said Wynette in Sacramento, California … noting that if “this little girl can saves lives, by the grace of God, surely you can too, by the power of prayer!“

The other young volunteer was appropriately bundled up for winter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the 40 Days for Life team has reported many blessings already during this campaign. As one of the leaders noted, “We start them young.”

Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life board of directors

Intention:

That God will bless us with His gift of strength as we respond in obedience to His call.

Scripture:

Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, "surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

— Proverbs 24:11-12

Reflection:

In this age of technologically advanced communication, ignorance of human rights abuses is no excuse. We know there are persecuted Christians in China, there is genocide in Darfur, and there are babies aborted and women and families devastated right in our own communities. “But I can’t save them all” you say. God isn’t asking you to. He has equipped each of us with time, talent, and treasure to do what we can when He provides the opportunity.

He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us as we abide in Him. He is asking us to be on His side in speaking out and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. When we are obedient to His calling to get in on the work He is doing, we will experience intimacy with Him in a whole new way.

Our faith will increase as we see God at work! You have responded to His call during this 40 Days for Life campaign. Let your efforts be for His pleasure and His purposes. Pray without ceasing!

Prayer:

God Almighty, we pray for continued guidance and strength as we intercede on behalf of the young women and their babies who are stumbling to the slaughter.

Open the eyes of the mother’s heart to see her child as you do - a precious gift to be treasured. Let her feel Your loving arms around her and may she be assured that you have a plan and a future for her and her child. Give her reason not to enter the abortion clinic. Give her wisdom and discernment to find life options through a local pregnancy care center and may she boldly choose life.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayer. Because of Your Son’s sacrifice we pray, amen.

From the Washington Times in the US to the BBC in the UK ... local and national 40 Days for Life leaders are getting huge exposure through secular media coverage.

These outlets help introduce 40 Days for Life to a new audience and share the fruit of what YOU are doing locally.

Here are two examples ... from the United States and Wales.

WASHINGTON TIMES

The Washington Times published an online commentary about 40 Days for Life that I wrote along with David Bereit, our national director.

This article refers to the HUGE campaign -- in 261 locations -- that is going on in this, the year that marks the 40th anniversary of legal abortion in the United States. The message we deliver is that "God is listening and He does hear us."

This was a tremendous opportunity to tell the online readers of a major publication about the campaign that is currently under way -- which is a huge plus as this site is read far beyond the Washington area.

Read the entire column in the Washington Times.

CARDIFF, WALES

The first 40 Days for Life campaign in Wales is getting media attention -- a television report on ITV and a radio appearance on the BBC. Both news services interviewed pro-abortion spokespersons as well, who mischaracterized the vigils as "intimidation."

"We're having lots of conversations in the street and certainly raising awareness," said Clare in Cardiff, with "lots of listening to men and women with their stories of abortion experiences."

This campaign has also seen intense opposition in the streets -- including a group that organized a "pro-choice street party" in an attempt to disrupt the vigil. One volunteer said 40 Days for Life is raising awareness, though "I truly have never felt the brunt of so much hatred."

You can find a link to a short video clip, and listen to a 5-minute excerpt from the radio interview, at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=4239

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Intention:

Pray that we fully recognize in the unborn child our brother, our sister, and we recommit ourselves to care for them.

Scripture:

Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

— Genesis 4:8-10

Reflection:

After Cain committed the first murder in human history, God asked him, “Where is your brother?” He replied by saying, “I don’t know.”

In 1973, the Supreme Court was asked the same question, and gave the same answer. Unable to admit that the unborn children are our brothers and sisters, the Supreme Court said in its Roe v. Wade ruling, “We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins.” Boil all that down to three words, and it’s, “I don’t know.”

The question, “Where is your brother?” will be asked at the final judgment. Each person will answer it and be judged by it. May we be judged to have recognized and loved all our brothers and sisters, born and unborn. By participating in the 40 Days for Life, we have been answering that question each day, going to where our brothers and sisters are killed, and proclaiming that we have a responsibility to them.

By all the pro-life work we will continue to do, we likewise answer that question which reaches from one end of human history to the other.

Prayer:

Father, today we hear your voice, and we respond to the question you ask each of us: “Where is your brother?” We recognize in the unborn child our brother, our sister, and we recommit ourselves today to care for them. Yes, Father, you have entrusted us to the care of one another. We rejoice that you have given us the grace to respond. As we work to renew our culture, we look forward to the great day of the coming of your Son, when every eye will see him, even of those who pierced him, and every knee shall bend, and every tongue confess, to the glory of God the Father, that Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.

Today I have some great pictures from vigils across the country and across the pond ... including one from my visit to the new Planned Parenthood location in Memphis.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

I had a chance to visit volunteers in Memphis, where about 75 people turned out in freezing drizzle for a candlelight vigil.

The location is a relatively new Planned Parenthood office. After a previous 40 Days for Life campaign, which was led by a very courageous 19-year-old woman named Devanie, Planned Parenthood lost their lease at their original location.

The lease was not renewed because of the unwanted attention that the peaceful vigil brought to the office building. Discover the legal threats the local campaign faced -- and be moved by the faith and ultimate victory that Devanie won -- in chapter 24 of the 40 Days for Life book.

Planned Parenthood can't be evicted from this building -- they own it. They don't use the whole place, though. Local team members in Memphis say they've heard talk about Planned Parenthood leasing space to the government.

Perhaps this can serve as a reminder to also pray for the defunding of Planned Parenthood. In one year alone, America's largest abortion chain took in $542 million in your tax money from federal, state and local sources.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

Abortions in the Cedar Rapids area are down 37 percent since 40 Days for Life came to town in 2008.

Planned Parenthood obviously doesn’t like that. One of their employees quit a while back and told the local 40 Days for Life coordinator an interesting story.

She was told to drive to work, even though she lived across the street. They didn’t want her talking to any of the prayer volunteers – and they also didn’t want their parking lot to look empty.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

Birmingham is one of ten locations holding 40 Days for Life vigils in the UK – it’s the fourth campaign in Birmingham. The picture shows Archbishop Bernard Longley leading prayer at the vigil site on a rainy day.

The 40 Days for Life team is supporting Birmingham’s March for Life today. It will feature prayer and testimonies at local church followed by a walk through the city, ending with a balloon release.

DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

Matt in Dearborn says snow, biting wind and below-freezing temperatures doesn’t discourage prayer volunteers. How could it, when the blessings are so evident?

The abortion business has declined at the 40 Days for Life vigil site. A few years ago, this facility did about 25 abortions each week. Now, that number is down to around 10 … and the place is open fewer hours each week.

There is only the abortionist and two other employees now. Volunteers will continue to pray, and hope that God will use their peaceful efforts and close the facility for good.

ITHACA, NEW YORK

Mary Anne in Ithaca says the 40 Days for Life vigil is having an excellent turnout of prayer volunteers – “including two ladies, 87 and 84. They are the bulwark of our strength,” she said. “If they can stand for two hours in the bitter cold and snow, what's wrong with us ‘youngsters’?”

She said the community is “finally feeling our presence and it is making an impact. Do you make a difference? Yes, you do!”

“

Devotional for Day 27, March 11, 2013

Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus, Presbyterians for Life

Intention:

We pray for the gift of openness to children.

Scripture:

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

— Genesis 1:27-28

Reflection:

God’s intention is that we multiply and fill the earth. One of the most pernicious lies that sociologists have foisted off on the public is that the earth is becoming overpopulated. What kind of a sadistic god would create the earth and human creatures on it, only to have them literally reproduce themselves into oblivion? The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our divine Creator, has commanded us to multiply and fill the earth and far from letting the population get out of ontrol, He has, in fact given his human creatures a dominical role over all the lesser creatures.

The “birth control” movement, which had its beginnings with Margaret Sanger in the early years of the last century, has led, in many parts of the world, to a birthrate that is drastically below the normal replacement rate. God’s Word assures us that children are a blessing, that they are a reward of faithfully trusting and serving God and that they are the crown of their parents’ old age.

The spread of the contraception mentality that has so permeated our culture is, undoubtedly, a factor in the ready acceptance of abortion. God’s commandment to multiply and fill the earth has never been withdrawn. May He help us to accept the gift of children and give him thanks for every baby who is born into the world.

Prayer:

Father of mercy and grace, we thank you for the gift of our children. Grant that every fiber of our being may rejoice when a new baby, our own or any else’s, is born into the world. Help us to welcome them as we would welcome you, for whenever a new baby is conceived, another life to bear your image and another voice to praise and worship you, is beginning. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

I just returned from California and am ready to start the new week by sharing great news. So far during this campaign alone, there have been 319 babies saved from abortion -- that we know of.

This means that since 40 Days for Life began as a coordinated campaign in 2007, we are now aware of …

… MORE THAN

7 THOUSAND BABIES that God has spared in answer to all of your many hours of prayer.

And this is undeniably God’s work … because sometimes, hearts and minds can be changed without anyone saying a word.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Two prayer volunteers noticed a white SUV in the abortion center’s parking lot. It had decals on the back indicating a mom, a dad and several kids. The out-of-state license suggested these people had come for a late-term abortion.

They noticed a man sitting in the parked SUV, but were never able to get his attention. So they prayed.

After some time, a woman left the building and got into the SUV. As they pulled out of the lot, said one of the vigil participants, “the driver was beaming and so was the woman sitting behind him. They had a baby who looked to be about one sitting in a car seat, which explained why he never left the vehicle. “

The volunteers asked if they’d changed their minds, and they both shouted, “Yes!” and thanked everyone for their prayerful presence outside the abortion facility.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Patti was at the 40 Days for Life vigil on what was sadly a fairly busy morning at the abortion center.

But as the volunteers stood on the sidewalk, “a car turned the corner slowly … a male driver with a young woman next to him, both watching us praying.”

They just pulled over to the curb and stayed there talking for a few minutes. After a while, they started the car, made a U-turn drove away.

“The young woman was crying and hiding her face from us as they drove past,” Patti said, “and we thanked God! A baby was saved due to peaceful prayer and witnessing!”

CLEVELAND, OHIO

“I have some of the most amazing news that you will be so happy to hear,” said a grateful volunteer in Cleveland. “I am still shaking and occasionally bursting into tears of joy.”

This woman was holding a sign as she prayed – a sign with the message “Women regret abortion.”

She watched as a car with a young woman and two young men pulled out of the abortion center. One of the men nudged the woman, so she stopped and rolled down the window.

“She told me that she decided not to have an abortion,” the vigil participant said. “The look of pride on her face filled me with such joy. We really are making a difference!”

Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life board of directors

Intention:

Pray that those standing in peaceful vigil will extend mercy and grace to others as they remember that Christ did not treat us as our sins deserve.

Scripture:

You have heard it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

— Matthew 5: 43-44

Reflection:

Perhaps it is obvious by now that not everyone thinks this campaign is a great idea! In fact, those on the front lines standing in peaceful vigil are perhaps being cursed and hated for what God has called you to do. Because we are all fallen creatures, our natural response may not be as Christ-like as we would hope it would be. So, how do we keep our natural response in check, while allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us to love, bless, do good, and pray for those who hate us or would do us harm?

Consider first the Holiness of God. It seems that sin has clouded our ability to think clearly about God’s nature. We simply don’t have a clue of how outraged God is by our sin, what an insult sin is to His person, or how sin fires the flames of His wrath. Praise God that He didn’t leave us in our depravity destined for His divine wrath!

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin, made us alive together with Christ; by grace you have been saved.”

Because of God’s mercy and grace towards us, we who receive Him receive eternal Hope. Those who curse you, hate you, spitefully mistreat you and persecute you need that same Hope. That is the only way we can ever expect them to behave differently. Ask the Holy Spirit to love them -- through you -- so they are drawn to the Hope that is in you, that is Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, may we reflect your character of grace and kindness to those who hate us and curse us. Guard our hearts and our tongues as we respond in love to words and actions meant to rile us or cause us harm. Let others see the Hope that is Christ in all we say and do. In His precious name we pray, amen.

One chapter in the new book, "40 Days for Life: Discover What God Has Done ... Imagine What He Can Do," focuses on the wildly successful growth of 40 Days for Life across the United Kingdom ... thanks in large part to the leadership of a young, proper British gentleman named Robert Colquhoun -- now our UK 40 Days for Life campaign director, and coordinator of international expansion.

Get the book at: http://40daysforlife.com/book

Since Robert launched the first 40 Days for Life in London in 2010, the campaign has rapidly spread across the United Kingdom, and is currently being held in ten different locations.

I recently traveled "across the pond" for whirlwind visits to these campaigns, and was deeply inspired by what God is doing through the faithful volunteers there. Shawn Carney asked me to share a quick report with you.

LONDON, ENGLAND

When I arrived at Heathrow airport in London, I was greeted by Robert, who briefed me on the crazy schedule he had planned for us. After meetings with pastors, prominent leaders and journalists, we visited three London-area campaigns.

First we visited Bedford Square. This 40 Days for Life is held outside a BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Services) abortion facility. When we arrived, one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers was talking with a pregnant mother who had arrived for an abortion. We later learned that she changed her mind and chose life for her baby.

Next we headed to the Whitfield Street vigil, across the street from a Marie Stopes abortion center. The vigil is held near university student housing, which provided interesting messaging from the students.

From there, we rode a cab in rush-hour traffic to Ealing. Our cab driver was so moved by our conversations about 40 Days for Life while en route to the vigil that he wouldn't let us pay for the ride.

We prayed with the volunteers outside that Marie Stopes abortion center. Then it was back to the heart of London for a 40 Days for Life book launch event.

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND

The next morning, after a breakfast meeting in London, we drove north to Milton Keynes. We met with local campaign leaders before praying at their vigil directly outside of a BPAS abortion center in an office building. Many people stopped by the vigil to find out why we were there, providing wonderful ministry opportunities.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

From there, we drove further north to Birmingham. At the vigil, we joined a handful of people praying there. Shortly before we arrived, there had been a vocal pro-abortion protest which had attempted to disrupt their efforts. The volunteers simply kept praying.

From there, we went to a local church for a meeting with the local 40 Days for Life leaders and key volunteers.

LEAMINGTON SPA, ENGLAND

Next we traveled to Leamington Spa, in the heart of Shakespeare country. We joined the 40 Days for Life volunteers praying in frigid weather at the end of a long country drive leading to one of the largest BPAS abortion centers in the country.

CARDIFF, WALES

Then we headed to the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Wales -- in the capital city of Cardiff. We joined the vigil in the heart of the city, outside a second-story BPAS abortion center. We prayed there for more than an hour, and the whole time, abortion advocates were protesting, chanting slogans and waving crude signs to taunt the 40 Days for Life people -- who just prayed more fervently. The contrast was a powerful sight.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND

Next we drove to Southampton, where we joined the volunteers praying outside a local hospital that performs abortions.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND

From there, we drove to Brighton, on the southern coast of England. We had a rally at a local worship center to praise God for all that He has accomplished through 40 Days for Life around the world.

As Robert drove me back to London to board my plane for home, I marveled at how the sun never sets on 40 Days for Life during a campaign.

As I shared with volunteers at various vigils, "when you are out here praying and feel all alone, remember that people are lifting you up in prayer in 260 other cities around the world ... even as you are lifting them up in prayer."

Today, let's thank God for giving us a life-saving mission with a worldwide impact!

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND

Next we drove to Southampton, where we joined the volunteers praying outside a local hospital that performs abortions.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND

As Robert drove me back to London to board my plane for home, I marveled at how the sun never sets on 40 Days for Life during a campaign.

Today, let's thank God for giving us a life-saving mission with a worldwide impact!

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Intention:

We pray for the grace to be strong when others ridicule or oppose us.

Scripture:

Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

—Luke 14:27

Reflection:

To stand up for what is right means we stand against what is wrong, and that means that those who love what is wrong will oppose us, just as they opposed Christ. Taking up the cross means we continue speaking and standing for the right even when that opposition comes.

We experience this, in particular, when we are out on the streets, where people are not expecting the pro-life message and where they did not go to hear it. We must remember to never take the opposition personally. When people ridicule or yell at us, we might get a guilty feeling or be tempted to think we did something wrong. We did not. The insults are not being hurled at us personally, but rather at the truth of what we are standing for, and at the demands of the moral law.

There are many who are trying to run away from those demands, or who have managed to tuck the abortion problem away into a distant corner of their minds where it can no longer disturb them. By standing publicly for the cause of life, we have short-circuited that denial and frustrated those efforts to ignore the issue. Therefore, some will be angry, perhaps not fully realizing why.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the grace of being pro-life, and of standing strong when others may ridicule or oppose me. During this 40 Day campaign, may your peace fill my soul, especially when I may endure the opposition of others, and may I become more like your crucified and risen Son. Amen.

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