Today we have updates from the United States, Canada and Nigeria. The power of prayer is on display in all of these locations!
One report is from Abuja, Nigeria – which Robert Colquhoun, our international outreach director, recently visited. It's a story of how the impact of 40 Days for Life can often be felt in unexpected places. We'll be hearing much more from Robert soon!
Earlier this week, we talked about the campaign in Kissimmee, Florida. An appeals court has overturned an injunction that blocked Planned Parenthood from performing abortions at its new facility there. So please continue to keep the Kissimmee team – and the moms and babies – in your prayers.
Abuja, Nigeria
Kelechi is the leader of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Abuja. She also works with an organization called Save the Unborn Babies Nigeria. She learned recently of a baby that was saved … the child of a woman who prints the organization’s letterhead.
“She found out she was pregnant,” Kelechi said, “and the words ‘Save the Unborn Babies’ kept staring in her face each time she did the printing.”
The mother had kept this great news to herself for some time.
“She just shared it few days ago … just at the time I was asking myself if these pro-life efforts are actually enlightening people and saving babies from being aborted,” Kelechi said. “She specifically told me to continue the work as the pro-life message is helping save babies, although not all will come back to testify. All glory be to God!”
Canton, Ohio
Volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Canton were able to talk to a woman who was on her way out of Planned Parenthood. “She said she was pregnant and wanted to keep the baby … but did not know where to go.”
Planned Parenthood was apparently willing to plan an abortion, but didn’t have much of an alternate plan when she said she wasn’t interested. They merely gave her a sheet of paper with information about a hospital and sent her on the way.
“So I gave here our resources material,” the volunteer said. They also talked about the local pregnancy help center and the services they offered. “I told her she could get an ultrasound.”
As the two continued to talk, the woman started smiling and seemed more confident. “Please pray for this young mother,” said the vigil participant.
Kitchener, Ontario
The 40 Days for Life team in Kitchener reports a turnout of more than 70 people for a candlelight vigil outside of Freeport Hospital – an event described as an evening of prayer and fellowship as a witness and a voice for the babies who cannot speak out for themselves.
Ewelina, the local leader in Kitchener, said students from St. Mary’s High School organized the event and provided candles … and a group of students and their chaplain attended.
“Even though we had at least one person shout at us while driving by,” she said, “we had more positive praise from drivers passing by and honking in support.”