DAY 7: “Let’s get off and join them”
It’s now a week that this campaign has been under way in 306 cities in ten countries on four continents.
Even with all of those locations, you probably participate in the one closest to you. But some travelers have visited vigils in other cites — and some, even vigils in other countries!
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
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Stephanie in Memphis says their 40 Days for Life vigil got off to a great start – boosted by some visitors from Australia.
She said a man on a bus waved at the prayer volunteers – which isn’t unusual. But a few minutes later, she saw that same man and a companion approaching on foot.
“He said he knew as soon as he saw us,” she said, “that he and his traveling partner had to get off and come and pray with us. So they got off at the next bus stop and walked all the way back.”
Michael and his friend Terese are both from Australia and have taken part in 40 Days for Life at home. As the bus drove past Planned Parenthood, they saw the people praying outside.
“Within ten seconds, we said ‘let’s get off and join them,’” Michael told her. “It was the Holy Spirit.”
“You know sometimes people don’t appreciate the gift of life,” Therese said. When she saw the group praying, she said, “What a great job these people are doing. It’s hard work.”
Not long afterward, word reached the volunteers that a young mom had rejected abortion.
Stephanie said, “I stand in awe and in amazement of how God uses us on the sidewalk!”
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SARASOTA, FLORIDA
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A group of more than 60 helped launch the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sarasota, praying in front of the largest Planned Parenthood abortion center in Florida – a building that also serves as Planned Parenthood’s state and regional headquarters.
The opening event was a show of Christian unity, with six members of the clergy from different faith communities sharing reflections and leading prayers.