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Today's email:

Jennifer in Cherry Hill, New Jersey has been thankful
that the 40 Days for Life campaign in her community
has the support of the local Catholic bishop in the
Diocese of Camden. Just recently, Bishop Joseph
Galante participated in the prayer vigil outside the
abortion facility -- and more than 100 other people
were there to join him.

To see a photo of Bishop Galante at the vigil, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=480

But there's someone else in that picture that I'd
like to call to your attention -- the young woman in
the wheelchair next to Bishop Galante. Her name is
Maricruz, and I would ask that you pray for her, her
birth family in Central America, and her adopted
family in New Jersey.

Maricruz is an abortion survivor.

Twenty-one years ago, her mother tried to abort her.
This was an attempted chemical abortion; her mother
took a pill, which was assumed to be RU-486. It is
believed that the drug was being used experimentally
in Central America at the time.

To make a long story short, the abortion pill didn't
work. Maricruz was born three months premature. She
survived, but was left severely handicapped and must
use the wheelchair. Maricruz has three siblings in
Central America -- and four others who were aborted.

The woman next to Maricruz is her adopted
grandmother, an active pro-lifer who's been honored
for her efforts on behalf of the unborn. She is also
the mother of 13 -- including Jennifer.

Yes, the woman who helped bring 40 Days for Life to
Cherry Hill, New Jersey (it's just outside of
Philadelphia, in case you were wondering) is also
Maricruz's adopted mom.

Please share this story with the next person who
complains that pro-lifers care nothing about
"unwanted" children after they're born!

Said Jennifer, "God provides for us in our lives when
we accept His plan for our lives."

Jennifer also tells a story of the horrifying truth
about abortion, the operation that its supporters
call a "safe, legal medical procedure."

Two prayer vigil participants saw a woman leave the
clinic, crying hysterically. She said she was 18
weeks pregnant -- and the abortionist had given her
baby a lethal injection to end the child's life. She
had apparently known very little about the actual
procedure, only that she had a "choice" that would
permit her to become un-pregnant.

She cried that God would never forgive her for what
she had done. Volunteers suggested going to the
emergency room to see if the baby could be saved.
Sadly, it was too late. She would have to return to
the clinic the next day to have the dead child
removed from her womb.

The woman told the volunteers that she wanted to
stand on the sidewalk to warn the clinic's clients
about what abortion really is. But please pray that
she recognizes her own need for healing and spiritual
renewal at this most challenging time in her life.
Please pray that the Lord will help her understand
that He CAN forgive her and is willing to do so --
and most importantly, that she herself can accept
God's forgiveness.

Day 39 - October 31

Intention:

Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.

Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms -- difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.

Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.

Prayer:

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. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show