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San Antonio, Texas

As the 40 Days for Life bus pulled up to the kickoff event outside Planned Parenthood in San Antonio, the team onboard was greeted in both English and Spanish.

And the greeting was returned in both languages.

“It was great to see so many Spanish-speaking volunteers,” said Steve Karlen, 40 Days for Life’s North American campaign director, “many of whom had come out to the sidewalk — to pray for an end to abortion — for the first time.”

San Antonio was one of the 89 cities that took part in the first nationally-coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007 … and this new vigil marks the 17th time this city has participated.

The enthusiasm remains high … and it’s always encouraging to see brand-new volunteers joining in the prayer and fasting at a well-established campaign.

Columbia, Missouri

When the Columbia team kicked off their 40 Days for Life vigil with a march around the Planned Parenthood facility, they had some unexpected company.

Pro-abortion protesters joined them on the walk!

Some of them were costumed members of a group that calls itself the Guild of Silly Heathens.

Kathy, the local 40 Days for Life leader, said as the volunteers lined up for their march, the demonstrators got in line behind them — and started walking!

“They began to drop out after the first round,” she said, “and only a few were left at the end. They left with our silent prayers for conversion and sincere wishes for safe travels.”

Kathy said the entire event was peaceful, and there were no confrontations of any kind.

One of the local television stations covered the kickoff, with Kathy telling the reporter that 40 Days for Life volunteers will help connect women with life-affirming assistance.

“We’ll also be out here offering help to women who may be seeking an abortion, telling them where free resources are where they can seek alternatives and help,” she said.