40 Days for Life -- March 3 through April 13 -- Pray to End Abortion

These communities are officially participating in the March 5 -
April 13 campaign. Click the city nearest you and get involved!

Croatia

Zagreb

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Bukavu

England

Birmingham

Leamington Spa

Leeds

London / Ealing

Manchester

Sheffield

New Zealand

Auckland

Wellington

Russia

Moscow

South Africa

Cape Town

Spain

Madrid

Wales

Cardiff

Go to the blog site for the photos

We’re rolling into another weekend – and another excellent opportunity to go out to the closest 40 Days for Life vigil!

If you’ve never taken part before, I’d like to officially invite you to do so. Yes, it does involve stepping out of your comfort zone and overcoming the natural fear of doing something different. But it’s stepping out in faith! You can do it!

Check for the location of the nearest 40 Days for Life campaign and pray for an end to abortion!

Here are some stories from just a few of the 253 communities taking part.

Mobile, Alabama

Abortions are done on Fridays at the Planned Parenthood facility in Mobile. “So we have scheduled a prayer service led by a different local church each Friday during 40 Days for Life,” said Dan, the local coordinator.

The photo shows the first of this series of Friday services, a Mass that was offered on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood.

“We have had a good start to the campaign,” Dan said. “We have three saves reported that we know of.”

Brighton, Michigan

“Sixteen of us were at the vigil today,” said Janelle, who came with other members of her church to pray at the 40 Days for Life location in Brighton. “God is doing amazing things!”

Tom, the local coordinator in Brighton, was thankful to see Janelle and her friends. They arrived a little late, he said, but understood that “it just took a little longer to get everyone into the Richfield Church van!”

He said the 16 people at the weekday vigil “was a record for sure.” Tom met the group and explained a bit about 40 Days for Life and its history, both internationally at the Planned Parenthood center in Brighton.

Janelle said, “We were blessed to be involved today.” Tom responded, “Ditto Janelle, from all of us in Brighton!”

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati campaign held a belated kickoff rally – the first one they scheduled was postponed because of icy weather.

Theresa in Cincinnati said she has often been pleasantly surprised to find 10 or more people who simply decided to come to the sidewalk outside the abortion center to pray.

People walking by are expressing their support, and the team is hearing sometimes months later that lives have been saved. “Let us give thanks and humbly open our eyes and hearts to the graces that are taking place throughout the globe,” Theresa said. “Our presence makes a difference.”

Devotional for Day 11, March 15, 2014

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Intention: Pray that people of faith will have their strength renewed even in the face of the violence of abortion.

Scripture: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent. They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait in silence for the saving help of the Lord. —Lamentations 3:22-26

Reflection: The Book of Lamentations, a short book of only five chapters, contains some of the most poignant expressions of human grief. These verses are used in many church- es on Good Friday, since they can be seen to express a prophecy of the suffering of the Lord and the lamentation of his followers on that dark day. But in the midst of his grief, Jeremiah writes the verses quoted above. “The favors of the Lord are not exhausted.” It is a call to hope that no matter how much violence there is, life will prevail in the end.

Why does he say, however, that God’s mercies are renewed each morning? Because early in the morning, on the first day of the week, the women came to the tomb -- and they found that the events of that morning changed every- thing. Christ’s victory over death came in the morning, and therefore each day we can renew our confidence that life has the final victory.

Prayer: Lord, look kindly on your people who weep and mourn amidst the vast devastation that abortion has brought up- on our land. We cannot even count the children killed, and the mothers and fathers wounded. We cannot measure the devastation and corruption abortion has brought upon the very fabric of our society. But we declare today that your favors have not been exhausted, your mercies have not been spent. They are renewed each morning. Give us new strength today, in the resurrection of Christ your Son, that we may bear effective witness to the victory of life! In His name we pray, amen.

40 Days for Life is coast to coast in Australia! There are seven different cities that are currently conducting vigils.

The campaigns all have an air of familiarity to them, but there’s one slight difference. It’s a lot warmer than it is in many other campaign locations, since the seasons are different in the Southern Hemisphere.

So if you’re still dealing with winter in North America or Europe ... I hope a few reports from Down Under will warm you up!

Perth, Australia

“We had another two turnarounds,” said Brad, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Perth. “Interestingly, one of them occurred as a direct result of defying the abortionist’s demands to stop handing out flyers offering support to at-risk women.”

About 30 minutes after delivering this ultimatum, the abortion facility lost a customer who took a brochure as she walked through the gate, slowed to the read it while approaching the door, then stopped, turned around and walked out.

Brad was able to talk about 40 Days for Life on a local radio station. You can listen to a clip from that interview here:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=5466

Canberra, Australia

Bev sent a picture from the Canberra campaign – the first to be held in Australia’s national capital. It’s always a powerful statement when the vigil is conducted in a country’s capital city, and there are several currently going around the world.

In addition to Canberra, there are first-time 40 Days for Life campaigns in progress in the national capitals of Wellington, New Zealand and Zagreb, Croatia.

Tweed Heads, Australia

Tweed Heads is a community on Australia’s east coast, about an hour’s drive south from Brisbane, where another 40 Days for Life campaign is taking place.

Irene, the Tweed Heads coordinator, says prayer volunteers are amazed at the number of people who walk by the building every day and have no idea that abortions are done there.

There are signs that the vigil is having an effect. On the first day of the campaign, the abortion staff called the police. “They came, but went away satisfied that we weren’t going to cause problems,” Irene said. “There was the odd drive-by by police over the week, but nothing further has eventuated.”

There is also a physical change to the building itself. “Blinds have been placed at all the second story windows so patients are unable to see the prayers across the road,” Irene said, “and the huge sign that used to say ‘Options Clinic’ now simply says ‘Clinic,’ even though it’s still the Options Clinic.”

Devotional for Day 12,

March 16, 2014

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: Pray to God who is able to do immeas- urably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion.

Scripture: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all genera- tions, forever and ever. Amen. — Ephesians 3:20-21

Reflection: God’s power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God’s Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength. Consider God’s hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest.”

Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, “Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.” It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?

Prayer: God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, noth- ing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, amen.

Pictures at the 40 Days for Life blog.

St. Patrick’s Day should start with good news – and today we have plenty! So far during this campaign, we are aware of …

… 142 babies who, through your prayers and the Lord’s mercy, have been saved from abortion.

Praise God!

Here are more stories of lives permanently changed on the sidewalks outside the abortion centers.

Tempe, Arizona

We’ve heard much good news from Tempe.

When prayer volunteers asked two young women if they wanted to talk, their answer was, “Yes. We heard you say you offer free ultrasounds.” Lisa in Tempe said the girls had become frustrated, as Planned Parenthood was running three hours behind schedule.

After the one who was considering abortion received information and a gift bag, she told Lisa she was going to keep her baby, “and went to one of our local pregnancy centers for genuine help.”

A mother and daughter pulled up to a volunteer holding a sign that said, “Pregnant? We can help.” As the mother got out of the car, the volunteer offered pro-life resources. She held out her hand, took the information without a word, got back in the car and drove away.

Two groups of women who were both there with friends scheduled for abortions came over and talked about options for their friends. They received literature and called their friends inside to talk to them. Both women left without having an abortion.

Lisa said, “Your continued prayers and witness will bring Christ to those who have become lost because of ‘choice.’”

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

In Cedar Rapids, a woman showed up early for her appointment at Planned Parenthood. “She was not pregnant,” Jim said, “and was going there for some other type of appointment.”

She told volunteers that she had come about a year ago, planning to have an abortion. But the sight of the people praying made her decide against it. She now has a 4-month-old daughter and is very happy.

“Although we suspect there were many other saves in the past,” Jim said, “this was the first confirmed one in Cedar Rapids. It makes us feel like the cold weather we had last spring was well worth it!”

Boston, Massachusetts

Rita tells us there were two babies saved in Boston on one day. “Sidewalk counsellors were joined by a large group of people praying and singing hymns,” she said, “and many were holding 40 Days for Life signs.”

Volunteers rejoiced when a woman came out of Planned Parenthood and said, “Your prayers have been answered. I’m not going to do it.” And then a short time later, it happened again!

Devotional for Day 13, March 17, 2014

Dennis DiMauro, Lutherans for Life

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

Scripture: But the Lord said “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not la- bored, nor made it grow, which came up in the night and perished in the night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand per- sons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left, and much livestock? Should I not be concerned about that great city?” —Jonah 4:10-11

Reflection: God doesn’t value people and things like we do. Jonah loved a shade tree more than an entire city of sinful people. We love our dogs more than a terrorist. We love our cars more than a beggar on the side of the road. And sometimes, we love our money more than a child growing in a desperate teenager’s womb. But God isn’t like us. Genesis 1 tells us that humans were the capstone of God's creation.

We were created on the sixth day after God had completed the land, the stars, the plants and the animals.

Therefore, His love for us is greater than His love for a plant, an animal, or any other created thing.

And the book of Jonah tells us that He loves even the most sinful people and seeks to bring them into His merciful arms. And it’s a love that seeks to touch all of his created children: that desperate teenager, the baby growing in her womb, even tyrants and terrorists.

So it’s up to us to imitate God's merciful love by helping and praying for those who persecute us, and those who don’t love us back.

Prayer: Gracious God, loving our enemies seems like one of most difficult things you could ask of us.

Please remind us that this is how you love and that if you ask it of us then you will give us the grace to do it. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photos available at the blog.

Today's update is from Steve Karlen, our North American outreach director. Steve reports from the state of Washington, where he visited five 40 Days for Life locations — all in one day!

At one stop, he learned some very good news about a Planned Parenthood center that’s decreased its business hours ... not once, but twice!

Everett and Marysville, Washington

I met with teams from both Everett and Marysville, where participants ranged in age from little tykes to senior citizens. And they’re making a big impact.

David, the Marysville coordinator, told me the Planned Parenthood there continues to cut the number of days it’s open. They’re down to three days a week now. It had been four days a week for the last year and a half … and five days a week before that.

Renton, Washington

Christina, the director in Renton, introduced me to some of her best helpers. One woman at the vigil comes to pray three hours a day — all year round. It’s a challenging vigil location — a very busy street with lots of noise — and the abortion facility is set way back. We prayed together and sang Amazing Grace.

Federal Way, Washington

The Federal Way vigil is at a Planned Parenthood center in front of a strip mall. One business owner in the area has been quite hostile. The good news, however, is that the campaign is definitely growing. Lisa, the local leader, reports that abortions are down around 25% when they are out praying.

Vancouver, Washington

The Vancouver team shared stories about their vigil. They told of one man who drove up and said he can’t pass by without shedding tears. Another visitor thanked them because the prayer presence was responsible for her one-and-a-half-year-old baby not being aborted.

Bremerton, Washington

I concluded my tour of Western Washington with a stop in Bremerton — a great visit with another very determined team of volunteers. Participation in this campaign, I was told, is especially strong this year.

At one of my stops — I won’t say which one to respect her privacy — a woman spoke to me. She talked about how much 40 Days for Life means to her, but couldn’t help but wonder. If people had been there praying years ago, she might not have had her abortion.

Please keep praying — your presence does make a difference!

Thanks to Steve Karlen for today’s update!

Devotional for Day 14, March 18, 2014

Rev. John Ensor, President, PassionLife

Intention: Pray for the mothers going into preg- nancy help centers. The personal care, the free ultrasound, the ongoing practi- cal help is designed to deliver them from those who profit in shedding innocent blood.

Scripture: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28

Reflection: “You have twins. That will be another .” he did not speak English. but she finally understood that they were telling her to go get more money and return for her abortion. She had already given them her rent money. But they were not about to give her a two-for-one deal. They told her to get dressed and return with more cash. A couple, who was praying outside, comforted her. They brought her to their local pregnancy help center. The staff quickly saw that her personal circumstances were so desperate, and immediate, that they would need direct

and ongoing help from local Christians and churches. They started making calls. Then they did the ultrasound. It showed there was only one baby, not two. This abandoned, immigrant, powerless mother was being exploited. She would do whatever she was told. Who would know? Who would care? God calls us to “Rescue the weak and the needy; and deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:4). When you provide an alternative to abortion you are not only rescuing innocent babies, you are delivering mothers from the wicked: those who profit in the shedding of innocent blood. Pray for those who rescue and deliver daily at your local pregnancy help center.

Prayer: Father, hear our prayer! Snatch desperate mothers from the fire. Bring them out of our abortion businesses and into our pregnancy help centers. Deliver them from evil. Use us to help them chose life and see your hand of provision.

Leading a 40 Days for Life campaign is hard. It takes courage, time and sacrifice. In every campaign, we see new leaders in new places take a leap of faith and bring this effort to their city — or country!

The Holy Spirit has taken 40 Days for Life to many new countries. Today, we highlight one of the two first-time campaigns in New Zealand, where 40 Days for Life is brand new, plus a campaign in Canada where there’s an additional international connection.

Wellington, New Zealand

The first 40 Days for Life vigil in New Zealand’s capital city is taking place in front of Wellington Regional Hospital. “I’m amazed how people are stepping up and praying to cover the full 12 hours,” said Clare, the local director in Wellington.

“We’ve had some encouragement and good things happening on the street,” she said. “Some people have queried what we are doing and then ended up praying with us.”

A couple traveling on a cruise ship were moored in Wellington just for one day – but they went to pray at the vigil. “What better way to spend our time in Wellington!” they said.

Oakville, Ontario

Oakville is taking part in its seventh 40 Days for Life campaign, starting with what Louise, the local coordinator, called an “inspirational experience” – a candlelight kickoff with Bishop Douglas Crosby.

The Oakville vigil included a group of volunteers praying in Croatian! Last week, we looked at the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Zagreb, Croatia. That campaign heard about the Croatians in Canada – and the picture of the Oakville vigil is now posted on the Zagreb team’s Facebook page!

Louise shared a note from a vigil participant, who was “overjoyed to witness so many faith-filled young adults, bearing the cold and praying together.” He said all those praying at the vigil set a great example. “Hopefully, it inspires and energizes others, as it did me!”

Devotional for Day 15, March 19, 2014

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: Pray that we will not become defeated by the enemy’s attacks but rather call on the name of the Lord who is on our side and our help in time of trouble.

Scripture: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. — Psalm 124:2,3,6,8

Reflection: The enemy attacks in many ways, but one of his favorites is to slander us with hopes of tarnishing our reputation and character, and ultimately to defeat our good work for the Lord. It is interesting to note however that it is usually not the slander that causes harm to our testimony, but our response to the slander. Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.” If we are applying God’s truths to our lives moment by moment, we are not swayed by the lies of the enemy and we will be strong. Standing on the front lines, armed with God’s truth, places you in the battlefield for the mind.

As you are prepared to present words of love, for the sake of the unborn and for the distraught and confused women and men who are entering the abortion facilities, know that the enemy has prepared his forces to attack your mind. Unkind words from a protester, or vicious lies in the local paper about who you are and what your mission is, can indeed be hurtful. But rather than give in to defeat, that is the time to shine for the Lord, standing firm, as you call on Him to defeat the enemy. Remember the words of Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Let’s stand strong for those who need us most.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to ignore the verbal attacks of the enemy and instead turn to You, our refuge and strength. Help us to find shelter in the blessed promises and provisions of Your Word. Thank you that no enemy can defeat us, and we praise You knowing that nothing can separate us from Your love. In the name of Jesus, we come to You, amen.

Photos available at the blog site.

Orlando is known for Walt Disney World and other entertainment attractions. But the city has its poor neighborhoods as well ... and one of them is home to a large Planned Parenthood abortion facility.

I visited the Orlando campaign this week, where 150 people attended their mid-point event — including one woman who came to angrily protest the event … but ended up thanking us for being there.

That is just one of the moving stories from my visit to Orlando … and my stop in Springfield, Illinois.

Orlando, Florida

Travel issues prevented me from arriving for the Orlando kickoff rally – so I rescheduled my visit. I was moved by the efforts of Irene, the local leader, and her team.

Attendees included the directors of three local pregnancy resource centers. There was music, prayer and joy – and Planned Parenthood staffers listened to the talks just a few yards away. One of the pregnancy centers had even brought an RV, fully equipped with an ultrasound machine!

I met a volunteer who brings her son, who has Down syndrome, to Planned Parenthood to pray weekly. She said, "He is such a powerful witness that every life is sacred, when so many want to disregard those with disabilities.

"When we come here to pray, it is like jumping into the water to save a drowning child," she said. "We are honored to do it. Where else can you save a life just by showing up and being a witness to God's love?"

The event drew one counter-protester. But at the end of the evening, she came over and put down her sign, saying she had misjudged our intentions. She thought we were there to judge women. But she soon realized that the campaign is driven by love and compassion – and it saves lives.

Irene gave her some information and invited her to pray on the sidewalk. The woman had spoken to a member of the Knights of Columbus, whose explanation helped her realize that 40 Days for Life was something she could support. “If it saves one baby,” she said, “it is worth it!”

Springfield, Illinois

After speaking at a pregnancy center banquet, I went to visit the 40 Days for Life team in Springfield, Illinois. The Planned Parenthood center in Springfield does RU 486 abortions ... just a few blocks from the Abraham Lincoln presidential library.

I was inspired by the local leader, Andrea, who also works for Springfield Right to Life. “I’ve been involved in Right to Life for 30 years and 40 Days for Life is the most important thing we can be doing,” she said.

Andrea has led four campaigns in Springfield because “it puts prayer first — and that’s what we need.”

Devotional for Day 16, March 20, 2014

Randolph Sly, National Pro-life Religious Council

Intention: May the mystery of the Incarnation in- crease our zeal for defending life.

Scripture: Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” — Luke 1:30-33

Reflection: “God has assumed Humanity, joining it with Divinity, and kindled in men’s hearts new love of me.” These words were written by a Roman poet in the Fourth Century. He spent his life find- ing ways to express the greatest mystery of the world: the incarnation, in which God became man. The womb has been referred to as the “first home of the whole human race.” It is the place where life begins, where our stories start. In the womb the great men and women of history began their magnificent march through life. In the womb Divinity met humanity, and God the Son was born into the world.

As one of the Fathers of the early church, St. Leo the Great, declared, “Within her spotless womb Wisdom built itself a house and the Word be- came flesh.” Recently, I was at the hospital for the birth of my fourth grandchild. Looking through the nursery window at the rows of newly born babies, I began to think of the great stories that would be written about these tiny lives. During his visitation with the Virgin Mary, the angel prophesied to Mary about the life of her child. Here in this hospital, I pondered, what would he say about each of these? Would they meet the one who also came from His mother’s womb to redeem the world and kindle our hearts afresh for God? I thanked God for each baby alive and prayed for each story yet to be written.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made the womb of each woman a very special place. Help us to hold fast to the sanctity of this first home of humanity, remembering the wonderful mystery, that God inhabited the womb of a young woman and came forth as the savior and deliverer of the world. We ask this in the Name of the one who came forth, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

See pictures at the blog site.

At the end of the last 40 Days for Life campaign, I had the joy of seeing a 3-year-old girl, whose mom changed her mind and left her abortion appointment … after seeing the 40 Days for Life volunteers!

Seeing that beautiful girl and listening to her talk reminded me that the impact of the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil goes far beyond the street corner, and far beyond the moment.

That impact is often generational. The baby saved today may grow up to have children … grandchildren … great grandchildren! And the child who sees and understands what’s at stake can also influence others – including their elders!

Montgomery, Alabama

Michelle in Montgomery said it was very cold and windy at the 40 Days for Life vigil, “but that didn’t stop us from praying for moms and babies!”

The volunteers were able to speak to a young woman, “who changed her mind and chose life for her baby! Our prayerful witness made a difference in their lives,” Michelle said, “forever!”

She sent along a picture of two very determined vigil participants, “who were unstoppable, even when clinic workers turned on the sprinkler.” And keep in mind it was already cold and windy!

Knoxville, Tennessee

It was cold and wet in Knoxville as well – but this was rain, not the mischief of the abortion center staff.

In this miserable weather, Paul, the local director, was setting up for the daily vigil around 6:50 on a Sunday morning – and the rain kept getting more intense. “I looked up and saw seven vehicles parked on Washington Avenue, and 15 people walking towards me.”

The people were members of the Hispanic Community of Holy Ghost Parish and they ended up covering the entire day. Pastors and church buses driving by gave thumbs-up and honked their horns … as did lots of others as well.

“They were joined by others through the day,” Paul said, “but their presence can only be described as truly inspirational.”

McKinney, Texas

Another Paul, the local coordinator in McKinney, is often asked, “What about all those cars that go by and don’t even pay attention to us?”

“We never know what thoughts or conversations may take place,” he said. But he recalled a story he had heard from a teacher during a campaign a couple of years ago.

This teacher had overheard a conversation at school – a discussion between a second grader and another teacher.

The young boy asked his teacher if she had seen the people on the corner outside Planned Parenthood. She said yes, they were “a bunch of protestors.” The second grader told her they were not protesting, they were praying – praying to save the lives of children.

“Yes,” said Paul, “our prayers go beyond this one corner and affect our community.”

Devotional for Day 17, March 21, 2014

Dr. Jim Lamb, Executive Director, Lutherans for Life

Intention: May the Lord of Light and Life unite us, shine in us and through us to make a difference in the darkness.

Scripture: For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. — Ephesians 5:8-11

Reflection: For centuries physicists debated the nature of light. Two theories surfaced. The “corpuscular theory” maintained that light consisted of particles emitted from a light source. This explained some properties of light, but not all. The “wave theory” stated that light emitted from its source as waves. Again, this explained some properties of light but not all. So, the debate continued. Did light consist of particles or waves? In the early twentieth century, Albert Einstein answered the question—“Yes!” (And you thought Einstein was complicated!) He showed that light consists of “particles,” little bundles of energy called “photons.” However, when all of these photons zip along together, they behave as a wave. Sometimes pro-life Christians can feel like a photon, a little particle of light, and we wonder if we can possibly make a difference in a world of darkness and death.

The Bible, however, never talks about a “child of light” only “children of light.” When Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world,” “You” is plural. When you and I shine in the darkness, others shine with us. We are pro-life “photons” that form a wave of light that can and does make a difference in the darkness. We are compelled to do so. Jesus hung and suffered on the darkness of the cross and paid the bloody price for our sins. Now the light of His empty tomb shines upon us through His Spirit cleansing us and declaring us “children of light.” But we are called to be more than “glow in the dark” children of light. We are to “walk as children of light” and take no part in the “unfruitful works of darkness.” But it does not stop with passive restraint. We “pho- tons” are called to action, to “expose” the works of darkness. 40 Days for Life epitomizes this. Our pray- er, witness, and truth spoken in love seeks to expose the darkness of death and bring others into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ. When we stand and pray, we never stand alone. The Light of the World is there and He joins you with your fellow “lights of the world.” The wave of light He produces shatters the darkness. It changes and saves lives. Shine on fellow photons!

Prayer: Shine Jesus, shine in us and through us into the darkness and upon those struggling in the darkness that they might be drawn to the Light of Life. Amen.

You may know Milwaukee’s Dan Miller from the 40 Days for Life book. And if you’ve ever been to the vigil site in Milwaukee, you’ve seen Dan because you can’t miss him! He’s around 6 feet 7 … with a heart to match his size.

He’s the local 40 Days for Life leader ... and he's been used by God to witness many miracles on the sidewalk in Milwaukee. Here’s an account of just a few … which include at least four babies saved from abortion! We're also including some photos from the Milwaukee vigil.

As you’ll be able to see, Dan keeps very accurate records.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“At 11:47 am, God showed us our first save,” Dan said. “The first thing about this couple that I noticed was their happy demeanor. We talked back and forth in Spanish – and the next thing you know they are telling me that they are keeping the baby. They looked so good with their decision to parent their child – they were absolutely glowing.”

At 12:24 pm, another couple walked out – and they also looked happy. “I noticed was her lipstick, which was like a sea-blue,” he said. “I used that as an ice-breaker – and the next thing you know, they are taking one of our gifts – and I’m blessing them and their baby.”

At 12:40 pm, three women walked out – and into a waiting cab. “There was something giddy about them,” Dan said, “and then we found out why. They told us that they were keeping their baby – before we had the chance to ask!”

At 12:46 pm, yet another mother talked about her decision to reject abortion. She said, “They tried to talk me into killing it – but I just couldn’t do it. This is my baby!”

Later in the day, Tony, a counselor, talked to another couple. “Tony said the father did not want the abortion – and was very concerned because the mother seemed to want an abortion in a huge way,” Dan said.

“When they came out – the father was smiling so wide – he seemed like a man on cloud nine. He did not look concerned any longer – he seemed happy and relieved,” he said. “Pray they don’t ever come back.”

Towards the end of the day, a man drove up with his window open and asked, “Are you making a difference here?” Dan said, “Yes – I think we are.” In the ongoing prayer effort in Milwaukee, 502 babies have been saved from abortion since August of 2010.

The man replied, “That’s fantastic! I see you guys all the time. I say a little prayer for you every time. I came down here thirteen years ago to have my baby aborted. In the end – we walked away from it. Here is a picture of my daughter, who was supposed to be aborted – isn’t she beautiful?”

“I want you to know,” Dan told the Milwaukee volunteers, “that your presence makes a difference.”

Devotional for Day 18, March 22, 2014

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

Intention: May we absorb the truth that God is paying attention to us, and to each hu- man 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 re- placed, 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 por- tray 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.

Photos available at the 40 Days for Life website.

There are 40 Days for Life campaigns near and far! And that means more travel for our international outreach director, Robert Colquhoun.

He’s already been to Croatia … and plans a visit to Russia to speak at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Moscow. The leader there, Arevik, is currently conducting the second campaign in Russia.

Here’s a look at a few things going on at 40 Days for Life campaigns in the United Kingdom and Africa.

Abuja, Nigeria

For her part, Arevik, the Moscow coordinator, just visited Kelechi, the local director in Abuja, Nigeria, and her team of volunteers. “I met her two years ago in London,” Arevik said. Kelechi was doing some work with a pro-life group there at the time.

London is also where both women learned about 40 Days for Life, which they have helped get started in their home nations.

In Nigeria, Arevik found herself on a different continent with a different culture – and a different climate. Robert says the temperature in Moscow was below freezing – but near 100 degrees (38 Celsius) in Abuja.

“I decided to use my time to support Kelechi,” Arevik said. “I want to write an article about Nigeria. Thank God for this time!”

Cardiff, Wales

Clare, the local leader in Cardiff, sent along some photos of her vigil – which has a fairly constant presence of at least one pro-abortion demonstrator … and sometimes more, as was seen in a pro-abortion march near the vigil location.

A small, hand-painted sign was propped up next to a trash can, critical of 40 Days for Life for being “responsible for 44 safe and legal abortion clinics closed.” The sign was amended after we announced that four more abortion facilities where 40 Days for Life vigils had been conducted were closing.

Another sign posted nearby reads “stop harassment at health clinics.” Of course, there is no harassment at the 40 Days for Life vigil – only prayer.

Sheffield, England

“What an amazing week!” said Albert in Sheffield. “This week there were a total of 60 volunteers. Many hours of prayer … without a doubt the Holy Spirit is at work and achieving wonderful things!”

Albert noted the importance of having prayer volunteers on hand in the early morning, “as this is when many young mothers, partners and staff arrive to the clinic.”

The Sheffield team also offered advice that’s helpful for volunteers everywhere: Keep telling people about 40 Days for Life! “The fact that the campaign is known and talked about makes a big difference.”

Devotional for Day 19, March 23, 2014

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: Pray that when those representing Planned Parenthood and other abortion groups see volunteers for 40 Days for Life, they see ambassadors of Christ, and may each volunteer be con- sciously aware at all times of Whom we represent.

Scripture: I ... beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. — Ephesians 4:1b-2

Reflection: When Carol Everett, a former abortionist and post-abortive woman, was asked what turned her heart from death to life in Christ, she said, “It was unconditional love,” shown by a man who prayed daily for her in front of the abortion clinic where she worked.

He told Carol that “God had sent him” because there was someone in there that God wanted out. She left 27 days later and now serves as Christ’s ambassador to help others. We too have been sent by Christ as an ambassador to love unconditionally those God seeks to “get out” of their bondage and sin. What a high calling it is -- much higher than any presidential appointment to another country.

In his book, Fishers of Men, Dr. Sumner Wemp describes what it means to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings:  God has chosen us (John 15:16)  We are sent into a world that is not our home (1 Peter 2:11)  Our walk must match our talk (1 Timothy 3:7)  We must abide in Him for daily instruction (John 15:5)  Know our purpose -- to seek and to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10)  We are to reconcile others to God with His authority (Matthew 28:19- 20)  Do not let kindness and truth leave you (Proverbs 3:3-4)  Our service is to be grounded and rooted in love (Ephesians 3:17)

Pray that we each will walk worthy of the calling with which we were called!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are humbled that you have called us and appointed us to be ambassadors of Christ in a world that is not our home. We pray that your Holy Spirit will em- power us to walk worthy of the calling. We pray that Your unconditional love will flow through us to those who des- perately need Your saving grace. In the name of Christ who is worthy, amen.

View photos at the blog site.

Here we are at the halfway point of our 40 Days for Life campaign … and God has really been generous with His blessings! So far, there have been 211 babies saved from abortion that we know of. And maybe more!

Here are a couple of stories about the impact of the peaceful, prayerful vigils.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Deana and other 40 Days for Life participants in Little Rock watched as three couples arrived at the abortion center – and all left without having abortions.

The first couple arrived with a child. “They were told they couldn’t bring the child into the building,” Deana said. After a short time, they exited the side door of the abortion facility and left.

A second couple arrived – and was quickly met by a security guard who said they couldn’t bring the bag they were carrying inside. They left the bag in their car and went in. “Not long afterward, they were seen leaving,” Deana said. The young woman was in tears.

As a third couple then approached the building, volunteers noticed the woman had a bewildered look on her face. They weren’t inside very long. When they came out, the woman had that same wide-eyed look on. They also left the area and did not return.

“We pray that they chose life for these babies and find the support they need,” Deana said.

Tucson, Arizona

Kaitlynn said as volunteers were praying outside the abortion center in Tucson, a young woman pulled up and parked – in the wrong lot. These parking spaces are very close to the vigil location, and “for that very reason, women are told not to park there.”

“She got out of the car and looked anxious,” Kaitlynn said. “She was 16 weeks pregnant and her boyfriend told her she had to get an abortion. After we informed her that no one could force her to have an abortion, we gave her information about the local pro-life pregnancy resource centers.”

After gladly reviewing her newfound options, the woman declared she would not follow through with the abortion. “A life was saved,” Kaitlynn said, “all because she chose the wrong parking lot!”

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