40 DAYS FOR LIFE: MAR. 6 – APR. 14
40 Days for Life starts in 377 cities this week, and sadly it begins in uncharted waters in the United States of America.
Not because of what is being said by fringe abortion advocates yelling in the street, but because of what is being supported by elected governors and senators.
These governors and senators are kind, tolerant and well-dressed. They are smooth talkers and they want you, as an American, to know that even though they are highly sophisticated, they are tender enough to make sure a newborn baby is comfortable before they let the child die on a table after a failed abortion.
Yes, you read that right. They promise that any newborn child born from a failed abortion will be comfortable before making sure the child doesn’t even make it through her first hour of life.
You are probably asking the same question I have asked myself: What kind of a person could stare at a newborn baby girl on a table crying and not give her medical treatment?
Many answers have been given, but all the proposed answers miss the severity of the reality of what happens when an abortion fails.
The baby was supposed to be killed and is now alive. He or she is on the table, moving, crying, looking around. I have seen my seven children come into the world; the last thing any halfway sane person who is looking at the baby is thinking is “Let’s NOT give her what she needs.” But, then again, my wife and I usually just have my sweet mother-in-law in the delivery room and not Virginia Gov. Northam.
This is the scene. We are all standing around looking at the baby girl on the table. What the governors and senators are saying is at that beautiful moment of humanity, they are numb to that baby girl. They have no problem getting her comfortable and killing her.
So, what kind of a person supports this? The word you’re looking for is “monster.”
Only a monster would let a baby die on a table. The sickness behind this barbaric and ruthless act cannot be legitimized or labeled as an acceptable “political viewpoint.” It is cold-blooded murder done to our most innocent. I wouldn’t trust these politicians to watch my dogs (although they would probably never let a puppy die on the table).
We too often look down on other cultures who dehumanize a segment of the population, but look at what we have become in the United States with abortion. We have a large segment of elected officials who would refuse a baby medical care after birth. Monsters indeed — who the hell do we think we are?
It was Flannery O’Connor who said, “In the absence of faith, we govern by tenderness. And tenderness leads to the gas chamber.”
Those who live amidst the injustice are often the numbest to the gravity of it. Yet, this wave of infanticide comes at a time when there is more momentum in the pro-life movement than ever before. And I think the monsters are helping wake up many who didn’t realize what is legal in America.
Though angry and frustrated at this situation, our response must be one of courage, love, and fortitude. That is the only way to defeat such evil.
Abortion facilities have closed at a record pace the last six years, and the abortion industry’s response is to push abortion up to birth and allow any survivor to die on a table. This is not a time to be discouraged in the face of such desperation; this is a time to act. So many people think their voice doesn’t matter or that they can’t make a difference. I am here to tell you that is far from the truth. I know because I have seen the impact of simply showing up and praying.
To date, we have saved more than 15,000 lives. And 186 abortion workers have quit their jobs. One of them is being featured in a major motion picture, Unplanned, opening March 29.
Do not throw your hands in the air or curse at your television. Let this barbaric mentality motivate you to offer hope, healing, and medical alternatives to women where you live. That is what is ending abortion at the local level.
More than 800,000 people have participated in 40 Days for Life around the world and now they have more motivation than ever before to pray, fast, and stand vigil for an end to abortion.
Will you join them?
Click here to find and sign up to pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil.
Scripture and Prayer
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Heavenly Father, we cry out for Your mercy and ask You to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your truth to our nation once again.
See today’s full devotional.
Once again…please find the location nearest you…and join your hometown vigil tomorrow:
DAY 29: You’re the difference
April 3, 2019
Every abortion appointment is booked out of hopelessness and despair.
Which means your prayer presence on the day of that appointment represents that which is most needed–hope. Every life saved at a 40 Days for Life vigil is the result of someone like YOU daring to trust in God’s mercy and love in that crucial moment.
In 40 Days for Life’s FREE DAY 41 magazine, we take a deeper look at the most beautiful stories of God’s love and mercy in action.
From Iowa to Australia, we go behind the scenes with the local heroes who are saving babies, changing hearts, and ending abortion right where they live.
Sign up for your free subscription today: https://40daysforlife.com/magazine/
In recent issues, we’ve:
- attended the tearful reunion of a mother, a daughter, and a 90-year-old retired Navy sailor, who saved the little girl from abortion seven years ago
- gotten the inside scoop on the making of Unplanned with filmmakers Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon
- met the mom and daughter who are leading a 40 Days for Life campaign together–20 years after three different doctors told the mother she needed to abort that same daughter to save her own life
Get your subscription in time for the summer issue by visiting: https://40daysforlife.com/magazine/
El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain
The abortion facility in Santa Maria usually performs abortions on Mondays and Fridays. But the local campaign team reported that on one recent abortion day, no lives were lost.
“There are no nurses, no abortionists, no girls…only children playing in the courtyard,” wrote the campaign team. “There were no abortions today; it’s a miracle!!!”
Wilmington, North Carolina
Teri in Wilmington reported an increase in first-time volunteers praying at her vigil.
“Men standing on the corner…fervently praying for life,” she said. “What a sight to see!”
She also praised a group of teenagers for standing vigil. Their presence received mostly positive feedback. But negative reactions from a few passersby “led to a deeper conversation about abortion and what we can do to stop it.”
Meridian, Idaho
“What do a Catholic, a Quaker, and a Messianic Jew all have in common?” asked Meridian leader, Emily.
“They were all out on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood praying for an end to abortion together!”
It’s no joke.
“The Spirit is moving,” Emily said. “We are seeing more new prayer warriors this campaign than ever before!”
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities. — Micah 7:18-19
Hear our prayer of repentance, Lord, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails. Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful.
May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore our nation so that a generation not yet born may praise you.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 30: Twins!
April 4, 2019
Nothing causes more excitement during a 40 Days for Life campaign than saved TWINS!
A regular campaign participant in Houston had planned to take a day off from the vigil. But before long, he found himself back out in front of Planned Parenthood.
That last-minute decision proved to be a good one. A driver headed for Planned Parenthood stopped to talk with the volunteer, who offered a coupon for a free ultrasound.
The mother accepted and, before long, she was on a mobile pregnancy center bus where she learned she was carrying TWINS!
The volunteer couldn’t wait to share the news with his fellow prayer warriors. “God be praised!” he said.
Two lives saved–just like that!
It’s a beautiful story–but not an unusual one. Numerous sets of twins have been saved from abortion this campaign!
Florida
The couple sat on a bench outside the Sarasota Planned Parenthood, agonizing over the decision. At last, the young mother announced, “We’re going to keep it. We’re having twins.”
Rich, who leads the local campaign was elated. “It is awesome! Life is awesome! And this couple realized it!”
Similarly, a mother in Kissimmee changed her mind about abortion.
Why? “You all! That’s what changed my mind!”
Spokane, Washington
When Joanna in Spokane learned of a couple visiting Planned Parenthood to abort twins, she rallied her volunteers.
“Within hours of sending out that plea, we had more people showing up to pray than had signed up,” she said. “And there were multiple offers to adopt those children. In a moment of crisis, Spokane stepped forward with such extravagant love.”
Sadly, the children were lost to abortion anyway. Still, Joanna and her team accomplished something of eternal value: “These two babies were loved and prayed over before they died.”
And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. —Luke 1:41-44
Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 31: Unplanned’s success grows
April 5, 2019
Unplanned shocked Hollywood last weekend…
…and now it will open on 700 NEW screens TONIGHT!
If you weren’t able to see it–go! If you have seen it, go again–and bring your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and the people you go to church with!
Find your nearest theater and buy tickets by visiting: https://unplannedtickets.com/
Unplanned is changing minds and bringing droves of new volunteers out to pray on the sidewalks. See the movie momentum and hear the impact from moviegoers in an exciting new video. View it in the player above or visit: https://youtu.be/Vvqtqemd7wM
You’ll learn how the film is already changing the pro-life landscape across the country–just a week after its release!
We had a lady join us, who had come straight from the theater and said she felt compelled to come pray at Planned Parenthood after seeing [Unplanned]. What a wonderful thing! –40 Days for Life volunteer
Lakeland, Florida
“Liquid sunshine.”
That’s how Maryanne described the rain that fell on her volunteers this week. But a little rain wasn’t enough to keep these prayer warriors away from the vigil.
“Workers from the clinic took turns poking their heads out the back door to see us,” Maryanne said. “I could only imagine their conversation over lunch being similar to the one portrayed in Unplanned…We continue to pray for their conversion like Abby Johnson’s.”
Fortunately, the workers were there alone. “There were no clients at the clinic this afternoon.”
Vancouver, Washington
A pro-life youth group skipped its monthly meeting and, instead, spent the time praying at the Vancouver 40 Days for Life vigil.
In doing so, the young adults set a great example. Their church bulletin encouraged all parishioners to follow it:
“We hope that other parishioners will follow the example of our Youth Crusaders this Lenten Season and join the peaceful/prayerful presence at the Planned Parenthood site.”
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. —Psalm 139:16
Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 32: From movie to vigil
April 6, 2019
Unplanned has sent droves of prayer warriors to pray at 40 Days for Life vigils across America–including a woman who supported abortion! Here’s the testimony from one vigil participant:
While praying outside Planned Parenthood yesterday, a woman walked up [and said] she had seen Unplanned the night before…It completely changed her view of abortion. She wanted to know how she could be involved in 40 Days for Life.
Simply put, Unplanned has begun a national conversation.
You can begin a conversation about the abortion crisis where you live. Sometimes it’s as simple as sporting a 40 Days for Life shirt, jacket, or hat.
Our online store is the ONLY place to get official 40 Days for Life gear–the same gear you saw in Unplanned. We’re running a movie special.
Visit https://40daysforlifegear.com/ for exclusive deals, including:
- T-shirts–$14 (or two for $22)
- Long-sleeve T-shirts–$20
- Both books (40 Days for Life and The Beginning of the End of Abortion)–$22
Beverly, Massachusetts
Cori, the local leader, helped shutter an abortion facility in Lynn, Massachusetts–the 99th to close its doors following a 40 Days for Life campaign. She’s now turned her attention to the abortion center in Beverly.
40 Days for Life Board Chairman and General Counsel Matt Britton recently visited Beverly to encourage Cori and her team to make their local abortion business #100!
Dozens of prayer warriors turned out for the event. “Great memories and great people,” Cori said. “Willing, loving and able people standing on a freezing sidewalk for LIFE!!!”
Munich, Germany
An abortion-bound couple in Munich saw vigil participants’ signs from the windows of the abortion center. They spent 15 minutes discussing their options, hugged each other, and then left the facility.
“I think it is safe to say we have the first baby saved during this campaign,” said Silja in Munich.
Hollywood, Florida
Nancy in Hollywood said abortion numbers have plummeted since the campaign began. In fact, on Monday, the facility owner and two employees showed up–but no clients.
“That was it,” Nancy said. “No one came! Praise God!”
The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne. — Revelation 12:4-5 3
O God, from generation to generation, you have called your people to be the very aroma of life amidst a culture of death. Now it is our turn. Prepare me. Send me. Use me. I am eager to do my part. Stir your people everywhere to take up this great work.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 33: When you show up, abortion patients don’t
April 7, 2019
Former abortion workers report that the no-show rate for abortion appointments can go as high as 75 percent…
…when there is somebody praying in front of an abortion facility.
That means that, while we have confirmed more than 15,000 babies saved from abortion during a 40 Days for Life campaign, the true number is much higher!
A lot of moms who choose life thanks to your presence don’t say anything–at least right away.
Casey brought his girlfriend to the abortion facility in San Fernando Valley, California for an abortion more than three years ago.
Last month, he returned–with his beautiful three-year-old daughter. Holding the little girl in his arms, he tearfully told her, “I would not have you in my arms right now if it weren’t for these people standing here!”
Stories like this happen all the time.
And they remind us why we make the sacrifice to sign up and pray in front of our local abortion businesses.
Lincoln, Nebraska
In Lincoln, a man stopped to show vigil participants a photo of his newborn granddaughter.
Last year, the man’s pregnant daughter went to Planned Parenthood for an abortion.
“That morning, her parents tried several times to reach her as she sat for three hours in the waiting room,” said Matt, the local leader.
Eventually, she decided to take the call and leave Planned Parenthood. “This gentleman credits his granddaughter’s life to our prayers,” Matt reported.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Paul, who leads the campaign in Harrisburg, learned of a woman who came to Planned Parenthood for an abortion years ago.
But when she arrived, volunteers on the sidewalk showed her a fetal model. Instead of going through with her abortion, she went to the local pregnancy resource center. Her daughter is now two years old!
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. — Psalm 8:3-9
Lord, you are the creator of all things. Guide my thoughts to consider your creation in all of its majesty, beauty and holiness. Guide my heart especially to your creation of precious human life. Help me to comprehend how essential life is in your own heart. Teach me to appreciate, love and protect all human life.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 34: 15 minutes saved a life!
April 8, 2019
This is it! With one week to go, we now know of…
…374 babies spared from abortion because you answered the call to pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil!
Haven’t made it out yet? It’s not too late.
A pro-lifer in Worcester, Massachusetts couldn’t stay for an entire hour. But when she found herself with 15 minutes in between work meetings, she met her friend at the 40 Days for Life vigil to pray.
While there, she spoke to an abortion-bound couple, encouraging the new parents to visit the pregnancy center across the street. And they did!
“They met with a counselor, had an ultrasound, got help with some of the issues that were driving them to consider abortion, and left smiling,” said Lee in Worcester.
As they left, they told volunteers, “God bless you people!”
Lee said the story illustrates the power of peaceful prayer. “Where else can you spend 15 minutes in prayer and save a life?!”
Kitwe, Zambia
In Kitwe, Zambia, a teenage girl named Alice became pregnant. Her boyfriend rushed to the local 40 Days for Life vigil to ask for help. With support from campaign volunteers, she chose life.
Alice is now back in school. Her daughter is a year-and-a-half old. And Alice has joined the 40 Days for Life team in Kitwe, promising “to save many lives.”
Iness, the Kitwe leader, reported that her campaign has helped save 12 babies from abortion since 40 Days for Life came to the African nation in 2016.
“To God be the glory,” she added. “Keep up…saving lives.”
Norman, Oklahoma
40 Days for Life Campaign Strategist Chris Davis recently spoke at a campaign rally in Norman, Oklahoma. The event featured a post-abortion testimony, ecumenical prayer, and even a pro-life ballet!
But the best news out of Norman came a few weeks into the campaign when a woman drove more than three hours for an abortion. Her friend accompanied her–trying to talk her out of the abortion the entire drive. She was not successful.
When they arrived, Norman’s Campaign Leader Connie was on the scene, holding a sign that said, “I can help.”
The abortion-bound mother asked her friend to go investigate what kind of help the vigil participants could offer. Connie gave her a packet of information and promised to help.
“She went back to the car,” Connie said. “And after a few minutes, they drove off!”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. —John 1:1-3</i
O God, may we always be quick to call you Father. And when we call you father, let your Spirit remind us that we, and all people, from their beginning to their last day, are your children. We praise you, Father, that you sent your Son to reveal to the world that all people are His brothers and sisters, that all people are your children.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 35: Unplanned’s impact on the sidewalk
April 9, 2019
We prayed, hoped, and worked to make it happen–and it did!
The Unplanned film has brought MORE volunteers to YOUR lifesaving efforts on sidewalks in front of abortion facilities than ever before.
That means more lives saved, more abortion centers closed, and more workers like Abby experiencing conversion and leaving their jobs.
A large reason for this is the extensive media coverage. My favorite story (I’m biased) just came out on “the real Marilisa.” The piece covers my beautiful bride and mother to our 7 children. You can read it here:
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/cgress/marilisa
Recently, I joined Glenn Beck to discuss Unplanned, the power of peaceful prayer, and how the sacrifices of ordinary people are ending abortion.
Watch the interview in the player above or visit https://youtu.be/Y4mPVwxMELo
Here are a couple more articles:
Spring Valley, New York
Spring Valley has experienced frigid temperatures and sharp winds this campaign. But that isn’t stopping 40 Days for Life volunteers from standing vigil.
“Kathy had just told Ann that she should sit in her car because of the winds and temperatures,” said Eileen, the local leader. “Ann responded that she needed to sacrifice for the babies.”
That’s when a vehicle pulled out of the strip mall housing Planned Parenthood. A woman rolled down her window and told volunteers that her pregnant daughter decided against abortion–all because she felt the prayers of those volunteers who dared to brave the wind and cold.
Bournemouth, England
A man named Adam became a weekly vigil participant at the campaign in Bournemouth…
…nearly two decades after he paid for an abortion!
His conversion came just a few months ago after he awoke from a nightmare about the abortion he financed. The dream was terrifying, but it spurred him to action.
Since becoming actively and publicly pro-life, he’s received a constant stream of insults, including warnings that he will lose his job. But the disparagement does not phase him as he is dedicated to witnessing to the evil of abortion.
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the one to whom the Lord shall not impute sin. — Romans 4:7-8
Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. I come against the enemy of my soul who would have me feel cast down and dejected. Lord, keep your children from falling prey to the accusations of the father of lies. Turn our mourning into dancing and may we bring praise to you as we give testimony of Your healing and restoration in our lives.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 36: The difference is prayer
April 10, 2019
Prayer works.
When a young woman visited Planned Parenthood in Waco, Texas to schedule an abortion, the situation looked bleak. She had already visited a pregnancy help center…but left as determined as ever to abort.
While she was inside the abortion facility, her mom stopped to talk and pray with the 40 Days for Life vigil participants. The prayers helped. She went inside Planned Parenthood and persuaded her daughter to visit the nearby mobile pregnancy center.
But on board the mobile pregnancy center, the abortion-minded mom refused to make eye contact or answer questions. With the situation growing increasingly desperate, counselors asked for–and received–permission to pray with her.
Again, the prayers worked! The woman became emotional, opened up, and acknowledged that she really did want to keep her baby. She shared the relationship and financial pressures that led her to Planned Parenthood. And she chose life!
The young mom went home with a supply of diapers, a check to cover the money she gave Planned Parenthood for an ultrasound, and a gift for her new baby.
But before she left, she pulled out a model of an unborn child she received from the 40 Days for Life volunteers and said, “This is my baby!”
Lisbon, Portugal
God has used the Lisbon campaign to save at least FOUR babies this Lent. And none was more dramatic than the most recent!
A 43-year-old mother with a history of depression and drug addiction was told by her family doctor to have an abortion.
She went to the abortion facility to schedule her abortion and left in tears. But volunteers were able to engage her–and to direct her to a doctor who will support her and her baby while also addressing her troubled past.
Nottingham, England
John in Nottingham reported that a doctor who works at the hospital where the 40 Days for Life vigil is conducted approached prayer warriors to express his appreciation of their presence.
“This isn’t the first instance of a member of staff approaching us and expressing gratitude for our prayerful witness,” said John, the local leader. “For each one who speaks to us, there are probably several others who see us and are glad that we are there, because they too know abortion is wrong, but feel unable to say so.”
It’s not just doctors engaging vigil participants. The previous week, campaign volunteers discussed abortion for 35 minutes with two medical students walking home from class. “Who knows what impact such interactions will have have in the future, on their lives and careers?” John asked.
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” — Genesis 1:27-28
Father of mercy and grace, we thank you for the gift of our children. Grant that every fiber of our being may rejoice when a new baby, our own or any else’s, is born into the world. Help us to welcome them as we would welcome you, for whenever a new baby is conceived, another life to bear your image and another voice to praise and worship you, is beginning.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 38: This is a first!
April 12, 2019
Today we share something that has never happened as we close out the largest spring campaign ever!
An expectant mother visited the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania vigil site, asking to speak with one particular sidewalk counselor she had met a few weeks ago.
“She said that she changed her mind about aborting her child [after] talking to this counselor,” said Paul, the local leader. “We were hugging her and thanking God. We all had tears in our eyes. It was a beautiful moment for the mom and all present.”
But there’s more! It turns out this mother’s teenage daughter is ALSO pregnant and was planning to have an abortion.
After her encounter with the 40 Days for Life team, the woman went home and talked her daughter out of having an abortion too!
One vigil site interaction spared a mother from having an abortion, spared her daughter from having an abortion, and spared both her child and grandchild from being aborted.
This family did not know about pregnancy resource centers, but the Harrisburg team was more than happy to help connect the mother-daughter duo with one.
Volunteers are now planning a baby shower to support them as well.
Plainfield, New Jersey
40 Days for Life Outreach Director Sue Thayer recently spoke at a campaign event in Plainfield, New Jersey. During her visit, the former Planned Parenthood manager spoke at a former Planned Parenthood facility!
The abortion facility is now in pro-life hands and is being rebuilt to serve human life.
“Sue gave her talk in what used to be the waiting room,” said Lisa, the local leader. “We were given a tour of the upstairs, which will [host] hundreds of people coming to pro-life education classes given by the new owner of the building, a priest from a local church.”
Ithaca, New York
As an abortion-friendly college town, Ithaca can be a tough place to be pro-life. But the local 40 Days for Life team is clearly making inroads and winning supporters.
Kerry is participating in his first campaign this spring. He decided to track the feedback he got from passersby. “Thumbs up” outnumbered “thumbs down” by a ratio of nearly 3 to 1.
“It’s so encouraging to get a thumbs up,” he said.
Local leader Mary Anne agreed. “Isn’t it incredible that such a small gesture makes a difference? Let’s keep encouraging each other.”
You have heard it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. — Matthew 5: 43-44
Heavenly Father, may we reflect your character of grace and kindness to those who hate us and curse us. Guard our hearts and our tongues as we respond in love to words and actions meant to rile us or cause us harm. Let others see the Hope that is Christ in all we say and do.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 39: Abortion devastates communities
April 13, 2019
Abortion is a decision that devastates entire communities.
In Southeast Florida, a Latino couple entering their abortion appointment refused offers of help from vigil participants. After the abortion, the man exited the facility while seven Latino prayer warriors knelt on the sidewalk in prayer.
“One of the men recognized him and called him over by name,” said Laurie, the campaign leader. “Without rising from his knees, the man held his brother, and they both wept over what had happened.”
The heartbreaking embrace ignited the Latino community. “We now know that these are OUR babies, who should be crying in our churches.”
The following week, women arriving for 5 a.m. abortion appointments were greeted by no fewer than 20 Latino prayer warriors kneeling, singing, and praying–in the rain!
Their presence continued through the vigil–taking a major toll on the abortion facility’s business. Laurie reports four moms and babies saved from abortion–IN ONE DAY!
Abortion facility workers were not pleased about the lost revenue. Vigil participants noticed a pile of screws scattered across their parking spaces only after one of their tires had been punctured.
When even that wasn’t enough to discourage the Florida faithful, an abortion worker approached Latino prayer warriors and threatened to call immigration authorities to have their residency status investigated.
This merely served to build unity as English-speaking vigil participants paired up with Spanish-speaking volunteers to support and defend them.
Mendoza, Argentina
In August, Argentina’s Senate defied all expectations by narrowly rejecting a bill that would have legalized abortion. Still, the abortion lobby isn’t going anywhere, and the threat remains.
That’s why 12 cities across Argentina are hosting 40 Days for Life campaigns this Lent.
Carmen, who leads the 40 Days for Life campaign in Mendoza, said that abortionists take advantage of legal loopholes and exceptions in the country’s abortion law.
Her 24-hour vigil is located in front of the most notorious abortion provider in the city. When she showed up to pray at 6:00 a.m. one Sunday morning, she was inspired to find six young men praying on their knees.
“There are a lot of young and old men praying by night in Mendoza (and women too), and people of all ages praying by day,” Carmen said. “They are our hope. God bless them.”
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sandie in Ann Arbor reported learning of FOUR babies saved from abortion during previous 40 Days for Life campaigns!
“A dad shared with me that his twins were saved a few saved years back during a 40 Days For Life campaign when his estranged wife changed her mind,” Sandie said.
At the same gathering, a grandma told Sandie she is raising her toddler grandchild, who was saved from abortion. And on Sunday, Ann Arbor volunteers attending a vigil site event met two-year-old girl whose parents read a vigil participant’s sign that said, “I am praying for you! It is not too late to change your mind!”
And they changed their minds!
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 1:6-7
Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 40: Why we pray
April 14, 2019
You’ve been through a lot these last 40 days.
Campaign kickoff events and movie premieres. Rain, wind, sleet, and snow. Thumbs up and middle fingers. Smiles and scowls.
You’ve rejoiced with moms who’ve chosen life for their babies. You’ve allowed your heart to be broken for the hearts stopped by abortion.
You’ve sacrificed time, sleep, and maybe even some sweat.
You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith.
But why?
Earlier this week, Bob, the 40 Days for Life leader in Downers Grove, Illinois, found a most peculiar email in his inbox.
“Thank you, pro-life, for the gift of my grandson!”
That’s it. No details, no explanation.
Bob wrote back, asking for a little context to the unexpected message.
“My son learned last week that he has an 8-year-old son,” read the response. “He had no idea. I was filled with joy. My first thought was, ‘THANK YOU for choosing life!’ She was being convinced otherwise. A pro-life advocate helped her. I can’t wait to meet my grandson! My son met him Sunday. He said it was like looking in a mirror. He’s so excited to be physically, emotionally, and financially involved. Praise the Lord! Where there is LIFE, there is HOPE!”
This exact moment is the reason you’ve spent the last 40 days praying and fasting.
Whatever struggles, brokenness, bad decisions, or difficult circumstances led a woman to an abortion facility, your peaceful presence brought hope out of despair.
And the result is the most beautiful sight in the world: a mother gazing upon her newborn baby for the first time. A father seeing his child for the first time. And the joyful anticipation of a grandmother about to meet her grandchild for the very first time.
The result is the beginning of the end of abortion.
San Francisco, California
Many of you have asked how Ron, our San Francisco 40 Days for Life leader, is doing after being attacked at his vigil site.
I’m happy to report that Ron is doing well–and was back out at his vigil the very next week!
God also used Ron and his team to save TWO babies from abortion!
Timisoara, Romania
A woman passing by the Timisoara vigil stopped to see what vigil participants were up to.
Upon reading their signs, she returned home and told her neighbor–who was planning to have an abortion–about the campaign. Simply relaying the messages printed on the prayer warriors’ signs was enough to empower the passerby’s abortion-minded neighbor to choose life!
“Glory to God!” the campaign team wrote.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” — Revelation 21:4-5
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory.
See today’s full devotional
DAY 41: They chose life…then joined the vigil!
April 15, 2019
The largest Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign is in the books…
…and we have 446 confirmed reports of babies saved from abortion! And reports are continuing to come in!
Save the date for Tuesday, April 30, as we’ll host a special LIVE video webcast to recap how your prayers and witness saved lives and changed hearts worldwide!
Marcus in Memphis, Tennessee brought his girlfriend to Planned Parenthood for an abortion. He didn’t want her to abort their baby, so instead of accompanying her inside the building, he stopped to talk with Meg, the sidewalk counselor on duty.
Meg promised help and urged Marcus to text his girlfriend to come out of Planned Parenthood to talk.
“A few minutes later, she came out!” said Jessie, the Memphis leader. “She was smiling and said she wanted to go to the pregnancy center.”
Marcus was smiling “ear-to-ear” too.
“He said he was going to be the best dad to this baby,” Jessie said. “He talked about how much his baby meant to him.”
Before departing, Marcus even joined the vigil!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Heavy street traffic prevented a young woman from exiting the Planned Parenthood in Cincinnati. The delay provided a prayer volunteer with an opportunity to offer help.
“I approached her and called to her, ‘Is there anything we can do to help you?'” the vigil participant reported.
“I changed my mind,” the young mother replied. “I didn’t do it. It’s a baby!”
The 40 Days for Life participant gave her some information on local pregnancy help centers. Before driving away, the expectant mom smiled and said, “I’m going to get some pre-natal vitamins.”
Spring Valley, New York
Vigil participants in Spring Valley got a powerful reminder that abortion isn’t always a matter of “choice.”
When an abortion-bound woman saw people praying for her and read their signs offering help to empower her to choose life, she decided NOT to have an abortion.
The man with her went berserk. The situation turned so ugly that police came to tell the man he could not force the woman to have an abortion.
“Please pray for this brave woman as she has said YES to LIFE,” said Eileen, the local leader.
We thank God for this woman’s courage and for her choice for life. But this disturbing incident also reminds us that–though 40 Days for Life has ended–our work to end abortion in our communities is not over.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. On this rock I will build my church; the gates of hell will not prevail against it. — Matthew 16:18
Father, we have done battle with the power of evil, and therefore we can have compassion on those still within its grip. We have been freed from the kingdom of darkness, and therefore we can bear witness to your Kingdom of Light. May the witness of all your people through these 40 Days for Life bear abundant fruit.
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