The Beginning of the End of Abortion -- 40 Days for Life, September 24 -- November 2
Mission
40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that 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. It draws attention to the evil of abortion through the use of a three-point program:
· Prayer and fasting
· Constant vigil
· Community outreach
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.
Vision
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.
Mission
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.
Prayer and Fasting
Want to end abortion? If you do, the first thing you must do is pray. Prayer is at the center of 40 Days for Life. During each campaign, we are calling on people of faith across the nation … and around the world … to fall on their knees before the Lord, asking Him to hear our plea and heal our land. Pray outside an abortion facility. Pray at church. Pray at work. Pray in the car. Pray at home with your family.
Christ told us some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. The two go hand in hand. Prayer keeps us rooted in the fact that it is our desire to carry out God’s will. Fasting is a sacrifice that helps us reach beyond our own limitations with God’s help.
Each day during 40 Days for Life, individuals, churches, families and groups will be asked to join together in prayer for a specific request so the entire Body of Christ can unite around a common focus. These specific prayer requests will seek God’s help for:
· Women who are at risk of having an abortion
· Innocent children who are at risk of perishing
· Men and women who carry the pain of a past abortion experience
· Workers at Planned Parenthood facilities and abortion centers
· Local, regional, and national leaders
· Revival and renewal in our churches
· Repentance and healing throughout our nation
People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 Days for Life. Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distractions. Fast from certain foods. Fast from television. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.
We believe that when God’s people fast with a broken, repentant and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world.
Constant Vigil
The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a focused, 40-day, non-stop, round-the-clock prayer vigil outside a single Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community.
It is a peaceful and educational presence. Those who are called to stand witness during this 24-hour-a-day presence send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
If you do not have an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood office in your town, you can still conduct 40 Days for Life; however, you will need to select a different location which has some strategic significance – perhaps near city hall, a courthouse, or a highly visible intersection.
Community Outreach
During 40 Days for Life, the message is take proactively to every corner of your community. Media outreach is conducted through carefully targeted news stories, talk shows, editorials and opinion pieces so you get the message out to people who would never see the inside of a church.
Church involvement begins by meeting with local pastors, other church leaders, and members of different congregations. The Body of Christ is invited to pray together and participate in 40 Days for Life, uniting in one focused mission that can save lives and make an eternal impact.
A door-to-door petition and education drive reaches out to every household in your town or city. Informational flyers are distributed in neighborhoods to raise awareness about the local crisis of abortion. Citizens are invited to sign a petition of support for the sanctity of human life, and people are given the opportunity to visibly show their support for 40 Days for Life by wearing wristbands, placing signs in their yards, or displaying bumper stickers on their vehicles.
This one activity alone can help a community rapidly identify hundreds, or even thousands, of pro-life supporters during the 40 days. These people can then be encouraged to pray and join local pro-life efforts.
If your community has a college campus, many students can be impacted through an intense 40-day campus outreach. This can consist of flyer raids, public witness, petition drives, table displays, and much more.
Devotional for Day 5, September 28, 2014
Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-Life
Intention: May the truth of the final judgment shape our thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.
Scripture: The King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” —Matthew 25:31-46
Reflection: Jesus’ picture of the final judgment concludes with this sobering word: the wicked, who failed to care for others in their various needs (the hungry, the thirsty, the aliens, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned) will go away into ever- lasting punishment, but the righteous who did seek to meet those needs will end up with him, enjoying eternal life. We know that this was no mere parable! Jesus has given us fair warning! Everything in God’s Word points to the truth that compassionate concern and practical care for all people, especially for the poor, the destitute, the weak and needy is required of us, if indeed we hope to escape the punishment of the fire of hell.
And who are the poor and needy, if not helpless, unborn babies, as well as the aged and infirm at the other end of life? Surely the “least of these” embraces not only those at both ends of the continuum of life, but all others in between. Just how we, as Christ’s true followers, respond to his admonition “inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me” will determine whether we enjoy eternal bliss in his presence or the bleak and dreadful reality of eternal punishment in hell. Caring for others is not optional. Nothing in God’s Word could be clearer!
Prayer: Gracious and merciful Father, we gladly embrace your Word, in which you counsel us to care for the least of your children. We renew our dedication to defending the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised by our godless society’s selfish lack of concern. Free us from our own failures and sins so that we will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastors are shepherds. And where the shepherds go, the flock follows.
40 Days for Life has spread to 27 countries because many pastors have boldly led their flocks – by word and example – to defend those being led to the slaughter.
When people see their pastor at the peaceful vigil, it’s a great encouragement to get involved ... and join in the prayer for an end to abortion. It also a powerful sight for those entering and working in the abortion facility.
Thank your pastor today. Their lives are not easy ... and they need and appreciate our prayers and encouragement.
Cobleskill, New York
Pat, the 40 Days for Life leader in Cobleskill, was grateful for the people who turned out for an early-morning rally with Steve Karlen, 40 Days for Life’s North American outreach director.
But Pat was especially thankful for the area pastors who helped with the rally ... or prayed at the vigil during the campaign. “We thank the clergy who are leading the faithful in such a bold way.”
Specifically cited for their leadership were the pastors of Calvary Chapel of the Hills, St. Christopher Episcopal Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Steve encouraged the crowd and gave witness to what the power of prayer can do in a community. “On average, 80 babies are killed by abortion each year in Schoharie County,” Pat said, “and we can make a difference.”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dan Miller, the 40 Days for Life leader in Milwaukee, and Bishop Donald Hying are smiling in the photo that Dan sent us. Why would anyone smile in front of an abortion center? Dan can explain.
“For three days in a row, they were not open for abortions,” he said. “There was no abortionist present each of those days.”
Dan also said a unique prayer event will return to the Milwaukee campaign during this 40 Days for Life effort.
Milwaukee-area Orthodox clergy will be leading an intercessory prayer service – moljebens, it’s called – for victims of abortion, their parents, clinic workers and all others involved in crisis pregnancies. The prayers will be offered outside the abortion center on Sunday afternoons during the campaign.
Anchorage, Alaska
It’s always good to have a goal, and the 40 Days for Life team in Anchorage has one.
“One near-term goal,” said Jon, the local coordinator, “is to see this facility close ... and the destruction of innocent life end at this location.”
The volunteers are encouraged because there was once another abortion center in Anchorage, not far from the Planned Parenthood facility where they’ll be praying. That other abortion business closed four years ago.
“Our Lord answered that prayer then ... and will do so again here,” Jon said.
Of course, there are other prayer intentions as well. The volunteers know that lives have been saved and many hearts changed due to the prayerful, loving presence outside Planned Parenthood.
“Once again,” Jon said, “we humbly place ourselves in our Father’s hands to use us for life … however events unfold each day.”
Devotional for Day 6, September 29, 2014
Rev. Paul Stallsworth, Lifewatch (United Methodist Church)
Intention: That knowing the shortness of life, all may value it more deeply.
Scripture: Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. —Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
Reflection: God is giver of all life. Short lived or long lived, human lives are lived out in this world. The metaphors for death are many. But their meaning is clear and singular: all will die. Even so, death is not the absolute end. It is not the end of the story. For as certainly as God gave life, at death the life or spirit that God gave re- turns to God. By God, we are created. For God, we live our given days. To God, we return at the end of our earthly days. And with God, we live through eternity.
Clearly, all along the way, this gracious, loving God is with us. No human life is random or alone. No human life was created without purpose. Not one human life is without destiny. All human lives, acknowledged or not, are related to God -- from beginning, to end, throughout eternity. Therefore, in this world, all human lives are to be respected and protected, for their lives are signs of God’s sovereignty.
Prayer: O God, we too often try to live in ways that ignore our coming death. We for- get that our days are numbered by You, that at the end of our days your judgment awaits, that You are the Lord of our destiny. Help us to repent daily, and then to live each day in joyful obedience. Lead us to live in the light and promise of eternity. Prepare us to live fully and sacrificially. Prepare us to die faithfully and hopefully, so that we might live forever with You. Through Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, we trust and hope and love and pray. Amen.
On Mondays during 40 Days for Life campaigns, we share the best news of the week — the updated number of mothers choosing life for their babies.
Thus far during this campaign, there have been 28 babies saved that we know of.
And that makes the number of lives reported spared from abortion ...
... since 40 Days for Life began as a coordinated effort in 2007 ...
... a phenomenal total of 9,001!
Praise God!!!
Here are some of the beautiful stories behind those numbers.
Savannah, Georgia
Volunteers were praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil when a couple arrived at the building. One of the women left the group and explained that real help was available at the pregnancy resource center across the street.
“The man did not want to talk or get any information,” said one of the volunteers. “He said a few choice things and they went inside.”
A short time later, he came out alone. “All of us were praying,” she said, “all thinking about how angry he seemed to be and for God to help this lady and man.”
In another 15 minutes or so, the woman came out. “You could just tell how upset she was,” the vigil participant said.
They convinced her to visit the pregnancy center, where they left her in good hands. Half an hour later, she walked back across the street to meet the man, who had been waiting in his car. The two returned to the abortion center.
He kept saying that the woman didn’t need to be listening to the vigil participants and taking the information. The woman’s face told a different story, as she had more of an “everything’s going to be okay” attitude.
Eventually, the woman came out and said she was not having an abortion. “She had not wanted it in the first place,” the volunteer said, “and he would not listen to her. And now, her face looked so joyous compared to how she first looked when she arrived.”
Shreveport, Louisiana
“What a day!” said Chris, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Shreveport. “We had two women who said they were going to have their babies,” he excitedly explained. “Yeah that's right – two saves!”
There was another woman who arrived for a pregnancy test, but she never entered the abortion facility. She instead visited the pregnancy resource center nearby.
“So all in all, that's three turnaways!” Chris said. “Thanks to all who are praying from home and on the sidewalk.”
Devotional for Day 7, September 30, 2014
Fr. Terry Gensemer, National Director, Charismatic Episcopal Church for Life
Intention: May we have a heart and a zeal to save the poor and release the oppressed.
Scripture: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. —Luke 4:18-19
Reflection: This passage is a very familiar one. It has been preached on many occasions, even made popular in books and songs. Though the quote is about Jesus, all Christians take this commission seriously as a directive on how to reach the world with the gospel. We, like our Savior, are to bring the good news to the poor, the broken hearted, those in captivity, those who cannot see, and the oppressed. The commission given to us in this passage is clearly a charge to care for those for whom God cares the most. I wonder though, whom do we look for to be touched by the Holy Spirit as we go out into the world? Who are the poor, if not those unborn children who have been abandoned by
their parents before they ever leave the womb? Who are the broken hearted, if not those unborn children whose only example of love is having their mother take them to an abortion clinic to be destroyed, or the mother of a child who has been deceived by everyone around her into believing that what she is doing is best for her and her child? Who are the captives, if not those unborn children who are bound over to death by the “choice” of abortion? Who is more blind than an unborn child in the darkness of a womb that has become a waiting room for their death? And who is more oppressed than those unborn children whose oppression has been legitimized by their government, their church and even their family and loved ones.
Prayer: Lord, You empower us with Your Spirit to do your will in the earth. Send us to the poorest, the most bro- ken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mother’s wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
The abortion crisis takes more lives globally than war and disease combined. The numbers can be overwhelming ... so the solution must start with prayer.
As 40 Days for Life continues to grow, faithful people in new countries are taking a leap of faith and bringing this campaign to their nations. The languages are different, but the message is the same: “Pray and fast for an end to abortion.”
There are vigils at 297 locations in 13 countries! Find the one nearest you … and get involved!
Here’s the latest from brand-new campaigns in Mexico and Croatia …
Mexico City, Mexico
There’s great news from Lourdes, who is coordinating the first-ever 40 Days for Life vigil in Mexico City.
“A life was saved!” she said.
Vigil participants watched as a couple entered the facility. A few minutes later, the young woman ran out in tears. “The girl was so sad and had panic on her face,” Lourdes said. “That touched all of the volunteers.”
The man really wanted her to go back inside – in fact, he said she had to go back in for the abortion. His whole attitude changed when one of the volunteers said, “That child is also yours.”
The couple then walked away … and never went back in!
The campaign itself got off to a great start. “We had a successful kickoff event where more than hundred people attended,” Lourdes said.
The first morning of the vigil, the abortion facility hired private security guards to intimidate the volunteers. They also parked cars next to the building to keep the vigil participants at a distance.
“The second day,” she said, “local police arrived and the volunteers felt nervous.” But it was the private guards that the officers wanted to talk to. They were told to move the cars away from the building.
“The volunteers were astonished,” said Lourdes. “It is really impressive what prayer can do!”
Rijeka, Croatia
Ante, the 40 Days for Life leader in Zagreb, has been helping 40 Days for Life spread to other Croatian cities. He had asked people in Rijeka if they wanted to participate, but at first they were hesitant.
Shortly before the campaign was to start, however, they saw the faith and courage of people in other cities and committed to the effort. They received approval from the local hospital to pray right in front of the door of the gynecology center.
“In Croatia,” Ante explained, “we don’t have abortion clinics, so we pray in front of hospitals, very far away from gynecology doors. So, Rijeka is greatly blessed to have that approval.”
He was able to spend some time with the volunteers in Rijeka. “After two hours, two provocateurs came, sneered at us, cursed and insulted us, took our pictures and recorded us. But they only stayed 15-20 minutes.”
Ante also met the archbishop of Rijeka. “He blessed our actions. He is the third bishop who has publicly supported the initiative.”
There is something about twins that adds excitement to a pregnancy. So often, when a couple determined to have an abortion finds out that there is not one baby in the womb, but two ... they immediately experience a new and hopeful outlook about their children.
The abortion mentality says that this means double the difficulties. However, couples usually respond by offering double the sacrifice and double the love. Parents of twins say it's also double the reward.
Here's an example. In fact ... two examples!
Cleveland, Ohio
John, the 40 Days for Life leader in Cleveland, sent a quick note. “We had a save today!”
Volunteers were praying outside the abortion center when a couple drove up to them. The woman told them she had changed her mind about abortion … and that she was having twins.
“The vigil participants gave them some information about where they could get real help,” John said, “and the smiling couple drove away. Praise God!”
El Cajon, California
“I have great news to share with you as a result of our united prayer and sacrifices to save lives from abortion,” said Vicki in El Cajon.
At the start of this year’s first 40 Days for Life campaign, the local team heard about a woman who was planning to have an abortion. A couple at church got in touch with one of her friends, with the message that the young woman could call them if she needed help.
To their surprise, the couple got a phone call the very next day. They arranged to meet with the mother and brought her to a pregnancy help center where doctors provide free medical care.
“There she saw her babies on the ultrasound ... and she chose life for her twin babies!” Vicki said.
“Even better, twin baby girls were delivered September 24, opening day of 40 Days for Life,” she said. “God is amazing … and so are our prayer teams!”
Roanoke, Virginia
Volunteers outside Planned Parenthood in Roanoke pleaded with a teenager who was going in for an abortion. “Please don’t go in there,” they told her. The only “option” they offer would end the life of her child.
She laughed. “I know,” the young woman said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”
“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Shirley, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator in Roanoke. “I sat down and cried for her seeming callousness.”
But less than an hour later, tears turned to joy. The teen walked out of Planned Parenthood and spoke to the people praying outside.
“I can’t do it,” she said. “I saw the ultrasound.”
She explained she was 6 weeks pregnant, her boyfriend didn’t want the baby – and she’s afraid of what her parents will say. The volunteers prayed with her – and helped set up an appointment for her at the pregnancy care center in her home town.
“I can’t tell you how much we rejoiced that she chose life for her baby,” Shirley said.
Devotional for Day 8, October 1, 2014
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life
Intention: May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.
Scripture: Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. “So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” —Luke 10:30-37
Reflection: Here Jesus commands us to show mercy to the victims of the culture of violence and death. But why did the priest and Levite fail to show mercy? Perhaps they feared that the robbers were hiding just around the next corner to attack them. They asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” The Samaritan, however, reversed the question, and asked, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” In working to save the unborn, let’s not worry about what will happen to us if we act; let’s worry about what will happen to the unborn if we don’t.
Prayer: Father, we are moved by the lesson of the Good Samaritan, who allowed compassion to influence him more than fear. Give us the same heart. Grant that we may never count the cost of standing up and speaking out for the unborn. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Devotional for Day 9, October 2, 2014
Day Gardner, President, National Black Pro-Life Union
Intention: May we grow in joy, knowing we serve a living God.
Scripture: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
—John 1:14
Reflection: The Word of God came to us in human form in Jesus Christ. Every time I con- template this fact I get chills! And I think it is something that we, as Christians, tend to gloss over.
I can only imagine how the first disciples felt when they were looking into the eyes of the one and only Almighty God who created them.
The first disciples developed a close relationship with Him as they daily walked and talked with Him.
They ate with Him, prayed with Him and rested when He rested.
As they listened to the Word of God, who was and is Jesus, they believed and “beheld His glory.”
Today, this is something we can still do because we serve a living God. Re- member, Jesus died on the cross but rose from the dead in victory!
Jesus is every bit as real and alive for all of us as He was to the first disciples.
He wants us to develop a close relationship with Him in the very same way. Jesus wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to walk with Him and talk with Him on a daily basis.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and saving grace in Christ Jesus.
Help us to realize every day the great blessing we have in our Savior.
I pray that we will rise every morning with excitement and zeal, looking for- ward to walking another day in your footsteps fully knowing that you continue to dwell among us. Amen.
DAY 9: It’s not cold … yet!
October 2, 2014
Steve Karlen knows cold weather. Before he joined the 40 Days for Life team as our North American outreach director, Steve led multiple campaigns in Madison, Wisconsin. He also orchestrated wintertime prayer vigils when the University of Wisconsin Medical Center was considering doing late-term abortions.
His persistence in the cold paid off. After the public outcry that followed, the medical center backed off from its plans.
Steve just got back from speaking in places where the weather was pleasant … but by the end of the campaign in most of these locations, it will be getting quite chilly.
Here’s his report from the road.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA
This is Sioux City’s seventh campaign – a 24-hour-a-day vigil. When I rolled into town around 11 pm, sure enough there was somebody out praying in front of the Planned Parenthood facility.
This used to be a surgical abortion center, but I’m told there are none taking place. In fact, they believe that there may not be any chemical abortions right now, either. The volunteers here are hoping that this Planned Parenthood location will follow in the footsteps of many other Iowa abortion centers and close.
Planned Parenthood built a big fence to separate its facility from the pregnancy care center next door. But the local Knights of Columbus built a ramp so people can continue to sidewalk counsel.
MANKATO, MINNESOTA
I enjoyed meeting with the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Mankato. This is their fourth campaign … and the team says it has never missed an hour. Now that’s quite an accomplishment!
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
This is the ninth 40 Days for Life campaign in Burlington – but this time, buffer zone restrictions that had been in place before have been lifted, and the prayer volunteers can get much closer to Planned Parenthood’s entryway.
And Planned Parenthood doesn’t like it. They’re pleading with the city council to set up another buffer zone, suggesting that without one, the facility may have to move. City attorneys have cautioned against any further restrictions.
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK
At the kickoff event for Plattsburgh’s eighth campaign, the good news was shared about two babies who were saved from abortion during the most recent 40 Days for Life campaign.
The campaign’s efforts also encouraged the establishment of a new pregnancy help center in the Plattsburgh area. This positive resource is now available … and saw its first client the day I was there for the kickoff.
UTICA, NEW YORK
The 40 Days for Life campaign in Utica is the city’s first. Its leadership team includes Messianic Jews. The kickoff featured a number of pastors from the area … an awesome band … and a great crowd, many of whom have never done anything like this before.
Following the opening rally, we went to pray at the abortion center. The prayer was launched with the playing of the shofar – the ram’s horn. Some passersby noticed the vigil … and joined in!
Thanks again to Steve Karlen for today’s update!
Devotional for Day 10, October 3, 2014
Rev. John Ensor, PassionLife
Intention: Pray for your local pregnancy help center: for those who answer calls from women considering abortion, those who provide ultrasounds, and those who personally help mothers prepare to parent or place for adoption.
Scripture: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. — Psalm 82:4
Reflection: When a woman arrives at her local pregnancy help center, the hard work of “rescuing the weak” begins. They listen to her. What desperate circum- stance is driving her? They act. A professional ultrasound and medical care is provided. They pray, “God use us.” Then, they take up her burdens and work towards life. It is cross-bearing for the child-bearing. Recently, I prayed for one volunteer who was working with one mother in her struggle. Here is what “rescue the weak” looked like in this one case:
Aug 3: She made an appointment for Thursday to get an abortion and while she feels terrible about it, she also feels like she has no choice. Pray that her heart is changed!
Aug 10: She is 12 weeks along but missed her appointment. She had some good conversations with people at the pregnancy center. She is now considering adoption.
Aug 13: Things are down again. She now has an abortion scheduled for Monday. Pray!
Aug 17: Missed appointment! God is working in her life.
Sept 1: We’ve hit another rocky period. She has an abortion scheduled for tomorrow. She found out today that her parents are planning a trip to visit her and she is panicking.
Sept 15: Missed third appointment. But feels like she has no choice. Please pray today.
Sept 20: She fears her parents but has agreed to another ultra- sound (a breakthrough).
Sept 22: I was there with her for her ultrasound. She saw her baby moving and made the realization that she wants to carry her baby. Please keep praying against attack by the enemy. We are overwhelmed by seeing God's hand move in this situation and are so very thankful for the prayers lifted up by each one of you. God is good!
Prayer: Father, we praise you for this one sister who gave herself, heart and soul, to rescue this one mother and baby. O may you empower the hundreds more today who are serving in our pregnancy help centers. Grant those answering calls, providing ultrasound and following up with a bold spirit of truth, love and perseverance.
ABORTION OUT; GOD IN
Five 40 Days for Life vigils have taken place outside the WomanCare abortion center in Lansing, Michigan. But local leaders in Lansing decided there would not be a sixth.
They didn't sign up for the current campaign because they knew the facility’s lease was expiring on September 30 – and the new tenant would be a local church!
On Tuesday, the abortionist backed his truck up to the building … removed all of his belongings … and locked the door for the final time. As of now, there are no plans for him to re-open in a new location.
This is the 59th abortion facility … where a 40 Days for Life vigil has been held on the sidewalk outside … that has closed its doors permanently.
Praise God!!!
Here are some of the details that illustrate how God's timing is not always our own.
Lansing, Michigan
Faithful people have prayed outside WomanCare for years – praying that one day, abortions would cease.
As Cecilia Tombelli, who led the last three 40 Days for Life vigils in Lansing described it, in the first chapter of this story, “a community came together with a great desire to defend babies and to help men and women challenged with unplanned pregnancies. Prayers for hope, healing, mercy and grace abounded.”
About a year ago, a procession from the Church of the Resurrection brought hundreds of people together. They walked the short distance from the church to WomanCare “to claim it for Christ,” as Cecilia put it. “The community placed its trust in the merciful heart of Jesus.”
It was also about this time that the Church of the Resurrection was making expansion plans. “The Lord made clear that our need for temporary office space and our parish commitment to pray and fast to end abortion might come together providentially,” said Fr. Steve Mattson, the church’s pastor.
So talks began with the owner of the building that housed the abortion center. It started with a simple question: Would the owner be willing to lease the space to the church instead of the abortionist?
“The abortionist never signed a lease,” Fr. Mattson explained. “He was going month to month.” The church offered a 33-month lease – and the building’s owner accepted. Bishop Earl Boyea then signed the lease.
As of October 1, the 4,100 square feet of space at 1601 East Grand River in Lansing is no longer the home of an abortion business. It will now house parish offices, a chapel and a new pro-life center.
“Thanks be to God!” Cecilia said. “We have been given the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ … and death has been swallowed up! There is no longer an abortion clinic anywhere in Lansing.”
Devotional for Day 11, October 4, 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 consciously 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 empower us to walk worthy of the calling. We pray that Your unconditional love will flow through us to those who desperately need Your saving grace. In the name of Christ who is worthy, amen.
"Does this really make a difference?"
That's the question many 40 Days for Life participants have asked at some point, including me. Being out on the sidewalk praying can sometimes make us feel powerless in the face of abortion and the apparent apathy of so many.
When we feel small in the midst of our culture, that is precisely when God begins to work. We need to feel small. When we feel small, we are humbled ... and realize we need Him. Then we start praying.
Don't feel bad about feeling small. God can do a lot with small — including being a big sign that inspires a mom to choose life.
Here are two examples.
Tampa, Florida
Vigil participants prayed as they watched a couple leave the abortion center and get into their car. The car had been parked for several hours, so the volunteers feared the worst. She was inside long enough to have an abortion. They started to gather information about post-abortion healing resources.
But when the couple pulled alongside them, the prayer volunteers got some unexpected good news.
The young woman said she had been in there so long because she was torn over the idea of abortion … and finally decided she just couldn’t go through with it.
She wanted to know if there was anyplace she could go for help, because she had no insurance. The vigil participants quickly offered to assist.
“Her heart must have known that not only were there people praying for her and her baby but they were also willing to help them,” said one of the volunteers. “I asked her what made her change her mind.” She said she had already been struggling, but it was “because of you guys out here” that she walked out the abortion center door.
“Glory to God for all of those generous hearts that listened to His call and were out there to be His hands and feet,” said the excited volunteer. “Let’s all keep her in our prayers.”
Fresno, California
“We had a woman drive out of Planned Parenthood and let us know she was keeping her baby!” said Marcos in Fresno. “And then we learned of a second baby that was saved. We had over 130 people join us on the sidewalk throughout the week. Our prayers are being answered!”
He said other blessings have come through conversations with people on the sidewalk.
“I talked to young man who said he was hurting from his girlfriend choosing to have an abortion and not letting him know she was doing it until it had already happened,” Marcos said. “I gave him some words of encouragement.” He also offered information about Rachel's Vineyard, an organization that offers retreats for healing after abortion.
“We are here not just for those entering, but also for those already hurting from past abortions,” Marcos said. “God has already done great things here in Fresno … and he will continue to do so.”
Devotional for Day 12, October 5, 2014
Kevin Burke, Executive Director, Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries
Intention: May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.
Scripture: My power is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection: The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing of- ten feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the un- known waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels de- ceptively like weakness. The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, “I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!”
During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, “the most eloquent defenders of every- one's right to life.” Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps” (Matthew 16:24).
Prayer: Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, “Let it be done to me, accord- ing to your Word.”
When prayers go up, abortions often go down. When you commit to a leap of faith and pray for an end to abortion — outside the places where the abortions take place — you won't always see the results. But God uses your presence to save lives.
If you look at the numbers, you can often see the direct impact of the Holy Spirit. Several former abortion workers have told us that the no-show rate for abortion appointments skyrockets when people are outside praying.
Today, we look at two cities where multiple 40 Days for Life prayer vigils have been conducted ... through the prayers and courage of volunteers ... and the decrease in abortions that followed.
Madison, Wisconsin
I had an opportunity to meet with the Madison team recently. The first 40 Days for Life vigil came to Madison the year this coordinated outreach began – 2007. Here are the area's abortion numbers for each year since 2006:
For 2007 and 2008, the abortion numbers were exactly the same – that’s not a mistake! As the chart above shows ... in each year since, the total number of abortions in Dane County, Wisconsin – where Madison is located – has come down.
With the economy in recession in 2009, statewide abortion numbers in Wisconsin went up. But not in Madison.
Starting in 2011, an expanded prayer presence on the sidewalk began year-round, with people peacefully holding vigil every hour the Planned Parenthood abortion center was open. Abortion numbers declined again.
In 2012, Women’s Care Center, offering positive pregnancy help, opened up right across the street from Planned Parenthood. And again, abortion numbers went down.
The bottom line is that abortions in Madison have decreased by 37% since 2006, which just so happens to have been the last year before 40 Days for Life began.
Columbus, Ohio
Beth in Columbus is encouraged by the latest abortion update from the Ohio health department. “The statistics paint a wonderful story that abortions continue to decline in central Ohio,” she said.
In Franklin County, where Columbus is located, the number fell from 5,698 abortions in 2012 to 4,966 in 2013 – a number Beth described as a record low.
Columbus is another community where the history of 40 Days for Life dates back to that first national campaign seven years ago. People there saw the value of prayer outside the abortion center … and wanted to do more.
“Greater Columbus Right to Life significantly increased our sidewalk presence in 2013 and through 2014,” she said. “We believed that a loving, effective and faithful presence on the sidewalks was needed here in central Ohio. It hasn't always been easy, but it certainly has been worth it.”
There’s still work to do, she said, noting the abortion total was still close to 5,000. “But the momentum is clearly on the side of life … thank you for all that you do to build a culture of life in our community.”
The top 5 things I know about Abby Johnson … #4
October 7, 2014 
It’s been five years since Abby Johnson walked out of her Planned Parenthood abortion facility on October 5, 2009 in Bryan/College Station, Texas — the very place where 40 Days for Life started. I will never forget that day.
I’m listing the top five things that I have learned about Abby Johnson since she crossed into uncharted water and came knocking on our door.
4. Abby is loud (just ask Planned Parenthood)
I the feeling when Abby left but looking back it is true — we knew her better than Planned Parenthood did.
Abby struggled with working there and that was apparent to us but not to Planned Parenthood. Abby in conversation always had a tone of justification or rationalization for what she was doing. She was quick to say she was a Christian and there was an undertone with her that the other workers didn’t have. She wanted Christian approval for what she was doing and that’s always a sign of a troubled conscience. When she left, her former boss said, “She always had a little religion in her.” Classy.
Abby also talked to us too much. We had a staff meeting about this topic after Abby had yelled at one of our volunteers over something. From those incidents to the occasions where she would come out and talk to me, Abby seemed to be getting comfortable with us. That is dangerous if you are Planned Parenthood. She was the director; but how a staff member or supervisor from out of town didn’t address this as a potential problem is beyond me. If I’m Planned Parenthood, I don’t want any of my staff conversing with pro-lifers. It went unnoticed and the Holy Spirit began planting seeds.
They didn’t really know her that well and that was on full display in the embarrassing way they mishandled her resignation. When Abby left, they tried to silence her by filing a lawsuit against her; and by doing so, they handed her a microphone.
Abby was lying low and I was trying to find her a job through every contact I had. You may not know the name Abby Johnson if Planned Parenthood hadn’t cause a media storm by sending a press release in an attempt to scare her from the public eye. It is laughable now to think Abby would not respond with a loud voice to their aggressiveness.
Media, speeches, books, legislation, starting a ministry and lawsuits have all been part of her not-so-subtle reaction. Abby is loud and Planned Parenthood is finding out the hard way just how loud she can be. I thank God she is now loud for the right side of history.
Abby Johnson is the director of And Then There Were None and the author of Unplanned.
