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Today's email update -- lots of links in this!

Well, here we are! The first week of the fall 40 Days
for Life campaign is complete.

Since it's been a most incredible week, I'd like to
share some "most incredible" happenings, in
categories large and small.

Weather-wise, we've seen a bit of everything -- warm
in the south, cool in the north, a lot of rain in the
east. But clearly, the honor for Most Incredible
Weather Report goes to Colorado Springs for Day 1 of
the campaign.

"Colorado Springs woke up this morning to a howling
wind," Michele told me. "I looked outside and there
was blowing snow." Snow! The wind died down and the
snow stopped, but it was still pretty cold. But more
than 60 people showed up -- in winter coats, hats and
mittens -- for the opening event of the 40 Days for
Life campaign. "No," Michele said, "the cold won't
keep us away!"

We've seen tons of great pictures from many local
efforts, but the Most Incredible Picture of a 40 Days
for Life Banner Hanging from a Church Bell Tower is
definitely from Pensacola, Florida, where Sacred
Heart Cathedral's very tall banner features the 40
Days for Life logo and a scripture verse, John 10:10
– "I came that they may have life, and have it
abundantly."

Go here to see the banner on the bell tower:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292

We also have photographic evidence for the Most
Incredible Falsehood from Planned Parenthood -- the
banner hanging from the walls of an abortion center
in St. Louis with the message, "Defend the truth."

Click here to see the abortion center's banner:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292

Defending the truth? That's what YOU are doing!

Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion
chain and despite the constant claim that Planned
Parenthood somehow "reduces abortions," this
organization's latest annual report shows a record
total of 305,310 abortions for the previous year --
numbers that continue to go up.

That's indefensible.

Local campaigns had many good TV news reports thus
far (you can check them out through the links on our
news page at http://40daysforlife.com/news.cfm )

But I thought the Most Incredible TV News Report came
from WFMZ-TV, whose report on 40 Days for Life in
Phillipsburg, New Jersey gives a fair, objective view
of the campaign -- and an interesting look at those
who "defend" the abortion business.

See the video report here (note that there's a
commercial before the news story begins), and please
pray for the lone "pro-choice" supporter. You'll see
what I mean:

hhttp://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=292

While mentioning incredible things, an incredible
pro-life event that takes place during this fall's
40 Days for Life is the annual Life Chain. It's
happening this Sunday, October 4. People will line
the sidewalks in communities across North America to
stand up for life. You can find out much more at:

http://nationallifechain.org

If you've never taken a public stand for an end to
abortion, please consider this invitation. It will
give you a first taste for pro-life activity that
will whet your appetite for doing even more -- like
taking part in the nearest 40 Days for Life vigil,
for instance! ;-)

Without a doubt, however, even in a most eventful
week of lives saved, hearts consoled and prayers
answered, my Most Incredible Inspiration is -- YOU!

YOU are the ones who answer God's call to speak out
for those who cannot speak for themselves. It has
been genuinely amazing to watch you in action. And I
can't wait to see what happens these next 33 days!

Wow! Testamonies of people praying in front of a Planned Parenthood Clinic for the FIRST time!

I'll have to admit it -- going out to stand and pray
in front of an abortion facility is not exactly an
appealing proposition.

It isn't easy, especially if it's something you've
never done before.

The first time I went to pray outside an abortion
facility I was very worried about what could happen
and who might see me there.

But please trust me; when you make the commitment,
God will provide every ounce of grace that you'll
need to answer His call.

We've gotten notes from people who had never taken
part in 40 Days for Life until this past week.

Hopefully, these notes will encourage you to step out
in faith if you have not yet signed up for a time to
pray at the abortion center.

"I did my first hour Friday night at 10 as part of my
church's adopted day. I could sense such evil," wrote
one first-timer. "It was powerful to pray there for
the end to abortion and the conversion of the
doctor."

Another first-time participant writes, "This issue
has been close to my heart for a long time, but to be
honest, participating in the vigil Friday has put
this front and center in my heart now."

"I wish there was a way I could bottle the experience
and send a copy to each of you so you could
experience it fully right from the comfort of your
living room, but this is something you'll simply need
to experience for yourself," said Carol Marie of the
40 Days for Life campaign in the Reno/Tahoe area of
Nevada and California.

"I believe that when we go to the sidewalk and pray
to end abortion we each are given a special grace so
that we can better address the issue," she added.

"Because we are each called to play our own
particular role in this effort, that grace varies
from person to person, and thus the experience also
differs. How is God calling you to help? What role
are you meant to play?"

Pamela is another person who had never taken part in
40 Days for Life -- or even participated in any
visible pro-life activities -- until this campaign.
"I have to tell you," she said, "it was an eye
opening and powerful experience."

She prayed that God would give her courage. "I have
to admit that I was scared," she said. "The knowledge
that I could potentially watch a woman walk into a
facility carrying a baby and watch her come out
without one brought me to tears."

Pamela arrived late -- and nervous. "I felt an
overwhelming need to pray; and there in the grass I
wept and prayed for the men and women who entered the
facility to work and receive services."

She prayed for everything she could possibly think of
that God could offer these people to change their
hearts and minds.

"What I observed this morning was a demonstration of
grace and truth," she said. "If anyone feels the same
hesitation and uncertainty I did, please consider
coming to the event with another group or a group of
friends. I am certain you will be blessed and
awakened by the experience."

Brian Westbrook of the St. Louis 40 Days for Life
campaign said if people like Pamela can find the
courage to stand for Life on the sidewalk, "then so
can you. We will not end abortion by sitting at
home," he said, "but we must proclaim the truth from
our roof tops and on the street corners."

Ready to give it a try? Visit the list of all 212
communities participating in this 40 Days for Life:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Then, if you possibly can, go out and pray at the
vigil closest to you!