Devotional for Day 22, March 26, 2014
Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries
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 per- suasion, 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 post- abortive 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.
The next time you’re at an airport, look for Steve Karlen! And if you see him, why not buy him a cup of coffee?
It seems like Steve, our North American outreach director, has been traveling a lot during this 40 Days for Life campaign. And he still has a bunch more stops to make before Day 40.
Here’s Steve’s account of his recent visits to campaigns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Morristown, New Jersey
We had a great turnout in Morristown – despite the rain!
This is the first 40 Days for Life campaign there since 2007. I spoke to a number of the volunteers. Nora, who handles outreach to the Hispanic community, always knew she was called to do “something pro-life” – but she wasn’t sure what that was until she found 40 Days for Life. She’s calling the campaign her “first step.”
I asked Dennis, another volunteer, about the greatest blessing of the campaign. He simply said, “The biggest change is in us.”
The folks in Morristown are working very hard to fill their hours and recruit new participants. Stephen, the local director, is spending many hours on this campaign. It has been hard work, but they are persevering and making this campaign happen after stepping out in faith.
Woodbridge, New Jersey
The 40 Days for Life vigil in Woodbridge is taking place in the public right-of-way outside an abortion center owned by Stephen Brigham, a notorious abortionist who has lost his medical license in other states.
It was a cold day with a biting wind – the weather matched the surroundings. This abortion center was decrepit. Trash was strewn across the property and the building had broken blinds. I was told there had been an ambulance call here during the campaign.
There are other challenges as well. Nora, the local coordinator, told me about a pastor she asked to help promote the campaign. He declined, saying he could not support 40 Days for Life.
Still, despite all this, God’s grace is shining through. So far, they’re aware of two mothers who changed their minds and rejected abortion.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
I had a great visit with the 40 Days for Life team in Allentown, too. This is their eleventh campaign!
But this is not the first location for their vigil. A couple of years ago, a clinic they had prayed in front of earlier in the history of 40 Days for Life shut its doors and went out of business. They’re praying that this one will close, too!
Thanks to Steve Karlen for another 40 Days for Life travel report!