40 Days for Life -- March 1 -- April 9, 2017

40 Days for Life.com ^ | 02-28-17 | 40 Days for Life staff

[Salvation]

On the road

March 5, 2017

It’s great to visit so many vigil locations with the 40 Days for Life bus. But even on the road between cities, we sure do get noticed!

We stopped to fill the tank in the middle of nowhere in Arizona (yes, the bus churns through a good bit of gasoline) and a truck driver ran across the parking lot towards us.

He called out, “Man, I saw that bus in Tennessee — you guys really get around! God bless your work and keep going!”

People don’t just sign the bus at kickoff rallies; they sign it at fuel stops, too!

[Salvation]

Frankfurt, Germany

March 5, 2017

Volunteers hoped for sunshine for the start of the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Frankfurt. Instead, they got wind, rain and cold.

But they also got a bit of insight. Tomislav, the local leader, said the first group of volunteers felt a bit uneasy when they arrived. “But then after short time we realized that our prayers are stronger than the fear.”

Later, things got quite a bit easier, more people from his church joined the group, “and we hope that even more people will come.”

The vigil is getting people’s attention, too. “We already have had discussions with people on the streets,” Tomislav said, “and we’ve received positive feedback from young people – some wanted to take photos with us!”

He said his group will be distributing flyers at various events in Frankfurt, “so we will continue, learning and praying.”

[Salvation]

El Paso, Texas

March 5, 2017

It was cold and windy when I visited the volunteers in El Paso.

I spoke at their kickoff along with Gaby, the local leader, as well as the director of the nearby House of Hope pregnancy center.

El Paso is one of the cities that’s taken part in 40 Days for Life for a decade! Since so many abortion facilities that have closed in Texas, El Paso is now the smallest city in the state with an abortion center.

In fact, one of the 83 abortion businesses that have closed following 40 Days for Life vigils was in El Paso.

[Salvation]

DAY 6: Babies saved … and a celebration!

March 6, 2017

Through the first few days of this 40 Days for Life campaign, our local leaders report 26 babies (and their moms) spared from abortion – that we know of!

Praise God!

There’s more to rejoice about as well, as I’ve just returned from a visit to New Mexico, where volunteers are celebrating the closure of an abortion center in Las Cruces where five prayerful 40 Days for Life vigils were held.

They’ve now moved their vigil to a different abortion facility, this one in the city of Santa Teresa, with their prayers that the Lord will close this business as well.

In this short video, you’ll meet Mark Cavaliere, who’s led the 40 Days for Life efforts in both of these cities.

Mark tells the story of a heartfelt, urgent community response to the arrival of abortion in their city … and how prayer to God made the difference. You’ll also learn how Mark fills his vigil hours auction-style.

Believe me, you won’t want to miss this video!

[Salvation]

Video

[Salvation]

St. Paul, Minnesota

March 6, 2017

“Thanks be to God, a baby was saved from death at Planned Parenthood!” said a very excited St. Paul volunteer.

“I saw a girl walk out and start walking toward the end of the driveway,” the vigil participant said. “I asked if she was there for an abortion. She said yes, but she wasn’t going through with it.”

The young woman said the prayer presence confirmed she was doing the right thing.

She said while she was inside Planned Parenthood, something just came over her and she knew had to leave. “I told her that was the Holy Spirit,” the volunteer said. “She said she is a Christian, and she had been praying about this.”

She was given information about life-affirming pregnancy centers and was told that there are people in the community who are willing to help.

Later, the young woman texted the volunteers. “I am so grateful for you guys today. I feel like you guys were my angels sent from Him to reveal and reassure me that I made the right choice.”

“Tears of joy were streaming down my face,” the team member said. “I dropped to my knees in prayers of thanks to our heavenly Father. I was so blessed today, to be a part of this. Keep fighting the good fight to save babies in Jesus’ mighty name. Our prayers are effective and our presence is powerful!

[Salvation]

Virginia Beach, Virginia

March 6, 2017

“What an encouraging day!” said a 40 Days for Life team member in Virginia Beach.

The abortionist didn’t show up at Planned Parenthood … and a young woman who came for an initial appointment chose life for her baby instead.

A volunteer who usually comes to pray on Fridays was at the vigil on Wednesday, where she met a woman who was on her way to Planned Parenthood for a pre-abortion appointment.

However, she was half an hour late for her appointment, so Planned Parenthood sent her away. The young woman was instead invited to visit the mobile pregnancy resource center – and she did!

This mother was moved by the fetal model set … and began to understand that abortion is wrong.

“She’s coming back for an ultrasound,” the 40 Days for Life team member said. “She said she can’t wait to see her baby’s heart beating. Who is showing up to pray tomorrow? Will you?”

[Salvation]

DAY 7: Abortion is personal

March 7, 2017

We take abortion personally … because every abortion impacts all of of humanity.

The people who understand this the most are the real heroes of 40 Days for Life — the local campaign leaders. These selfless people sacrifice their time and comfort to lead local vigils … from Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Charleston to Auckland to Boston.

They all know the impact of abortion … and for some of them, it’s even more deeply personal.

Here’s an example from one of the newest 40 Days for Life leaders.

Centralia, Washington

The local newspaper in Centralia ran an article about 40 Days for Life and Caroline Bowes, the 20-year-old first-time director of the local campaign.

Caroline (on the left in this photo), her sisters Valerie and Victoria and her brother Kyle are quadruplets.

But if their parents had listened to the doctors when their mom was pregnant, there would have only been two babies instead of four. The doctors said they were concerned about her mother’s safety and recommended abortion.

“My parents knew that God would provide for them, so they chose life,” she told the newspaper.

As for the vigil itself, Caroline says it’s making an impact, which she’s seen while standing in the rain praying with others.

[Salvation]

Iasi, Romania

March 7, 2017

“It’s a miracle!” said Julia in Romania. A mother approached the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Iasi and admitted she was on her way to abort.

“But seeing the tenacity with which they were defending life she decided to keep the baby!”

Julia said it was miraculous on two levels. It is the first baby they know of saved in Romania, and secondly, “it is so counter-cultural here for people to give any kind of personal testimonies – especially of such intimate nature!”

While volunteers in other Romanian cities such as Cluj-Napoca and Gherla are confident that mothers have chosen life for their babies, “we had just resigned ourselves to the painful fact that we will never find out on this side of heaven knowing how reluctant people are to speak up. It has been a joyful and encouraging day!”

Julia said they’re also encouraged that men are coming out to the streets for their all-night vigils “and having the experience of a lifetime.” Men’s groups as such really aren’t part of the culture in Romania, so it’s been a bit of a challenge. But it has been very inspiring.

[Salvation]

Vancouver, British Columbia

March 7, 2017

Vancouver is another of the many cities where the local Catholic bishop has not only had good things to say about 40 Days for Life … but has also come out to the sidewalk to pray with the volunteers.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller was at the vigil site to pray with members of St. Anthony of Padua Church and CFC Youth.

“Thank you for coming out tonight,” he told the group. “It is blessed work that you’re doing; prayer is the weapon. Keep it up!”

“As we begin this year’s campaign in earnest,” said one of the Vancouver team leaders, “let us hope and pray for an end to abortion in this generation!”

[Salvation]

Video

[Salvation]

DAY 8: I want to fast, but …

March 8, 2017

“I want to fast, but … I really love food, and it seems to be everywhere!”

If you’re like me, you like salt, sugar, carbs and grease in food. If you don’t like any those things, then fasting will be easy for you — because you’re probably a robot!

But seriously, we get asked about fasting a lot. Prayer and fasting are important aspects of 40 Days for Life – the two of them go together.

This follows from Christ’s admonition to the apostles that some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. And when it comes to abortion, we do need to fast!

Fasting is a challenge — and Jesus provides an example with His 40 days in the desert.

So what’s the best way to fast? That’s an individual question that only you can answer. If you need some help, you can listen to a special edition of the 40 Days for Life podcast on fasting. In fact, it’s our most listened to podcast!

It’s called “I want to fast, but I really like food.”

In a culture of plenty, fasting can be a source of tremendous spiritual growth as a way to remind ourselves of our dependence upon God.

[Salvation]

Baia Mare, Romania

March 8, 2017

“My first day in the street!” said Adriana, one of the volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Baia Mare.

“I discovered how easy it is to be there for others … and it was a day of renewal for me.”

Adriana prayed with some of the team leaders and noted the beginnings of a friendship in the spirit of life – “a friendship that builds bridges between souls.”

Passersby offered signs of encouragement and support. One of the young men who happened across the vigil was offered a sign – and he quickly accepted it and joined the group in prayer. “For half an hour, he became a missionary for life, present beside us in the street.”

Adriana found that talking about life was simple. “But when your words are supported by a smile, a prayer and a placard with pro-life message, you do not actually need any arguments! The argument is really you!

[Salvation]

Concord, New Hampshire

March 8, 2017

People often ask if carrying a sign is a requirement at 40 Days for Life vigils. In a word … the answer is “no.”

“I personally do not carry a sign,” said Beth, one of the 40 Days for Life team leaders in Concord, “as that is uncomfortable to me.”

Beth prefers to think of herself as “a lamp of Christ – noticeable to those who have eyes to see. Christ will use me in big ways. I know that, am excited for it, trust it, and am still scared of doing it. But He will take care of that!”

She said she believes her prayer is more fruitful when she stands quietly focused during her hour on the sidewalk outside the Equality Health Center. Abortion is a wound that permeates our whole society – and the abortion center is the physical location of that wound.

There’s also evidence of how much of society has been so desensitized that it doesn’t even recognize that something’s wrong.

“They have a large sign on their building that says ‘Safe, legal abortion IS pro-life.’ They are effectively advertising that they do abortions and that it is controversial.”

The presence of the two neon-vested volunteer escorts who usher in the clients as they arrive send a loud, clear message that this IS an abortion business.

“Our presence there is to pray, raise awareness, love our neighbor, and stay focused on Jesus,” Beth said.

[Salvation]

DAY 9: She said, “I like abortion!”

March 9, 2017

Our culture is numb to violence … and the abortion industry knows it.

The actual abortion procedure is a most violent and barbaric act — one that no one would wish on their enemies. And yet it happens to innocent pre-born children every day.

That’s why the abortion business uses vague slogans with words such as “choice” and “rights” to defend this violent act.

Prayer vigil participants have had many things said to them … but one short outburst in Champaign, Illinois really made a 40 Days for Life volunteer think.

A woman passing the vigil called out, “I like abortion!”

“I decided to not respond verbally,” the vigil participant related. “I let her comment hang in the air.”

She didn’t say that abortion was a “difficult, highly personal choice” or that it should be “safe, legal and rare” or that it should be “strictly between a woman and her doctor.”

No – she said, “I like abortion.”

“Let that sink in,” the volunteer said.

“This is what happens when people defend abortion,” she said. “It starts out as some kind of necessary evil that we should tolerate … but eventually it strangely enough becomes something that people defend, support, and even like.”

This is why we pray and trust Christ — who often responded to the world with silence.

And thankfully … there are more and more 40 Days for Life locations where abortion numbers are dropping.

[Salvation]

Makurdi, Nigeria

March 9, 2017

The first 40 Days for Life campaign in Makurdi began with an impressive outreach effort – a march from the gates of Benue State University, near the center of town, out into the community.

The campaign leaders say the volunteers came out with passion and vigor to spread the word about the importance of life and why there is a need to put an end to abortion.

At a rally prior to the start of the march, the participants met with university students and passersby, engaging them in conversation and distributing flyers.

The march itself focused on those areas where young people are considered to be most at risk for abortion, and was able to reach those people where they live and shop.

A Nigerian TV network even covered the event.

The organizers say this initial outreach was successful, as many young people came out to listen with keen interest. They were told about the dangers of abortion and urged to reject it. The young people in turn promised to take the message home to their families and friends.

[Salvation]

DAY 10: “Proud” of abortion

March 10, 2017

Planned Parenthood boss Cecile Richards is tweeting again … and further showing Planned Parenthood’s disconnect with humanity.

Richards took to social media to proclaim, “Planned Parenthood is proud to provide abortion – a necessary service that’s as vital to our mission as birth control or cancer screenings.”

With 40 Days for Life vigils at more than 130 Planned Parenthood locations right now, we know that Planned Parenthood is “proud” of abortion.

But what about the women who have abortions at Planned Parenthood? You will not see pride on their faces — or peace. Only despair and loneliness. Planned Parenthood is finished with them at that point.

When you pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil, you’re the first sign of mercy and hope for the women leaving the abortion facility. Your presence and compassion could make an impression that will last forever.

Many women will accept information on post-abortion healing. Abortion is a lie. But unfortunately, it can take time for that to sink in.

Pride in abortion is simply nowhere to be found in the parking lots of Planned Parenthood. Their disconnect from the women they claim to serve has never been more pronounced.

Be that sign of mercy by finding your nearest 40 Days for Life location.

Keep praying that all Planned Parenthood workers – from the receptionists to Cecile Richards – would experience a change of heart and abandon this cold-hearted business.

With God all things are possible — ALL things.

[Salvation]

Bogota, Colombia

March 10, 2017

“Abortion leaves indelible marks on the heart,” said one of the 40 Days for Life team leaders in Colombia’s capital.

“This not only happens to women; men also suffer the profound consequences of abortion.”

Nevertheless, this volunteer said, with God’s love and a spirit of repentance, even someone involved in abortion can find His peace.

40 Days for Life is a time of prayer for others, certainly; but it can also be a time of spiritual growth. In the 40-day vigil, you can pray for those wounded by abortion.

Even for those who have personally had abortions, this team member said, “your painful past can be a light for many … and you can help sow seeds that will help other women avoid falling into abortion.”

The Bogota team recommends another international ministry for those who seek healing. “If you have the experience of abortion and want to experience inner healing process, join us in Rachel’s Vineyard — a spiritual retreat that will help you begin healing.”

[Salvation]

Fayetteville, North Carolina

March 10, 2017

Amie, the local coordinator in Fayetteville, described the start of the 40 Days for Life vigil as a “mountaintop experience that inspired all of us to remain committed to life in this campaign and forever.”

She singled out a representative from Silent No More Awareness who offered her personal story about the power of God’s grace in her life … and her commitment to defeating the rhetoric of the abortion business that destroys so many lives.

This woman now works to bring healing after abortion to women who’ve experienced abortion. She also talked about God’s power in her husband’s life. He was adopted; his story could have been much different, but his mother chose life – and because of that decision, their life together has been blessed.

“We are down from the mountain now and ready to get to work!” Amie said. “Get out and meet the folks that do pro-life work – your life will never be the same.”

[Salvation]

DAY 11: Not everyone’s excited by prayer

March 11, 2017

From anarchists to socialists, pro-abortion folks are getting angry … and it starts with a place I visited this week — San Francisco.

Case in point: a rhetoric-filled rant on SocialistWorker.org.

The writers of this string of clichés and talking points (you’re an “anti-choice bigot” according to this piece) were giddy and gleeful that pro-abortion protesters tried to disrupt the 40 Days for Life kickoff rally in San Francisco.

This line pretty much sums it up: “Anti-choice protests like these have helped create a climate that puts women’s fundamental right to choose what she does with her body into question.”

The writers declared victory for the pro-abortion side, a victory attained by “outnumbering and demoralizing” the 40 Days for Life group: “The counter-protest successfully blocked the anti-choicers in sight and sound.”

Truth is not determined by numbers. But if it was, then the attendance at nine years’ worth of 40 Days for Life campaigns in San Francisco versus the one day of counter-protests would be something to consider.

California is anything but demoralized — as proven by the record 41 locations hosting 40 Days for Life vigils right now!

Another Socialist Worker article referred to “an abortion rights emergency.” And that’s perhaps closer to the truth. These protests aren’t happening because the pro-abortion side is winning; they’re happening because the pro-abortion side is losing … even in California, long considered a bastion of support for legal abortion.

Vigils at 41 abortion centers and Planned Parenthood facilities in California represent a whole lot of prayer. No wonder abortion proponents are worried!