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The 40 Days for Life kickoff off events this week
have helped generate a spirit of Christian unity ...
and media coverage, too!

Here are two great examples, including one from a
first-time campaign in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

The first 40 Days for Life campaign in Jacksonville,
North Carolina is already attracting a lot of attention
from pro-lifers, from the abortion center’s owner,
from the police chief — and the media.

Local coordinator Elizabeth DeLong was quite clear in
her message that 40 Days for Life is a prayer vigil.
“We will be praying for Dr. Crist (the facility’s owner)
and for his patients,” she told reporters. “This will
be peaceful.”

The owner went on camera with a litany of pro-abortion
talking points, insisting that abortion is necessary in
cases of rape, incest and fetal deformity ... and also
insisting that his business is “not an abortion clinic”
because that’s only a small part of what he does.

“It is an abortion clinic,” Elizabeth responded. “They
do abortions there. We’re here to bring healing to our
city. We’re there to pray. We’re there to love the clients.”

The owner retorted, “They’re not going to turn anybody
around.” Let’s all pray that women in Jacksonville —
and everywhere — DO choose life for their children.

For a look at news coverage of the Jacksonville
campaign from WITN-TV, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2698

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT

Leaders of several faith communities got together to
begin the 40 Days for Life campaign in Bridgeport,
first gathering at a local church and then walking
to the abortion center, where the campaign vigil will
be conducted, for additional prayers and blessings.

Bishop William Lori of the Bridgeport Catholic diocese,
Rev. Christopher Leighton of St. Paul Episcopal Church
and Pastor Hector Muniz of Lighthouse Church all
provided moving words as more than 200 gathered to
launch the spring campaign.

“Through our concerted efforts,” said Christine in
Bridgeport, “we are praying that this will be another
clinic to close down during the 40 Days for Life.”

To see photos from the Bridgeport campaign, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2698

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

I’m not able to tell you where this is happening, but
please keep these people in your prayers.

Volunteers have given some abortion facility workers
copies of the book “Unplanned” — Abby Johnson’s story
of how she witnessed an ultrasound abortion ... and
quit her job as director of the Planned Parenthood
abortion center in College Station, Texas.

It appears that several of these employees have read
the book — and have taken its message to heart.

Some have quit their jobs! More are thinking about it.
So please pray that those who have left the abortion
business may find new employment, and that others will
find the courage to follow them out the door.

Day 4 - February 25

Intention:

Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Scripture:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.

- Ephesians 6:12-13

Reflection:

I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ. We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:

Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) - Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It will protect our hearts - the innermost springs of our beings - from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) - The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) - A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) - The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.

Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on! Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, amen.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors