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have two stories to share today, both about the
results of praying in front of an abortion center
during the 40 Days for Life campaign. But first —
a special prayer request.

LONDON, ENGLAND

The London 40 Days for Life team will pray tonight
outside the BPAS abortion facility. BPAS is the
British equivalent of Planned Parenthood ... and they
are NOT happy about 40 Days for Life!

Bishop Alan Hopes and other clergy will lead an hour
of prayer for an increased respect for life in the UK.

It is certainly needed ...

... several facilities are under investigation for
doing illegal sex-selection abortions, and abortion
providers have just been granted permission to
advertise on television.

But vigil participants will not be alone. Pro-abortion
forces plan a “noisy” counter-demonstration.

Since 40 Days for Life began, BPAS has been rallying
the media and others to attack the London campaign at
an unprecedented level. One BPAS spokesman even told
the media there was “no moral justification” for Bishop
Hopes to get involved!

A pro-abortion advocate said, “Their protest (meaning
40 Days for Life) should be banned.”

The good news, of course, is that this shows the
campaign is working!

PLEASE keep the London campaign in your prayers,
especially during this event. The vigil (and the
counter-protest) begins at 7 pm London time. That’s
2 pm Eastern, 11 am Pacific in North America.

40 Days for Life’s national director, David Bereit,
and I visited England just before the start of the
campaign and met a dedicated group of prayerful
volunteers. Have you seen the video of that visit?
You can watch it by going to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3109

GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND

Andrew, the coordinator of the 40 Days for Life
campaign in Germantown, writes of women who have
decided against abortion — including one who found
out it would be a two-day procedure. “She left and
did not come back,” he said.

Infamous abortionist Leroy Carhart travels to
Germantown every week to perform late-term abortions.
But there have been two weeks during this campaign
that Carhart never arrived — meaning no abortions
for those weeks.

“God is continuing to answer our prayers,” Andrew said.
“We are making a difference. Germantown is continuing
to take notice of our constant presence. Please come
out and pray.”

For a picture of a candlelight vigil at the Germantown
site, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3109

STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN

Mary said she was about halfway through her prayer time
at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sterling Heights when
a small car pulled up and parked. A young woman got out
and asked Mary if she knew Sue.

The woman explained that three years ago, she had met
Sue, who was praying in about that same spot.

The young woman had come for an abortion. She was
pregnant and she was about to be evicted from her home.
Quite simply, she didn’t know what to do. After talking
to Sue, however, “I had my baby — my son. Come see!
He’s in the car.”

“I met her beautiful, boisterous, all-boy, 3-year-old!”
Mary said. The young mom’s life is back on track. “She
said she’s doing well now, has her own place, and the
boy’s dad is active in his son’s life.”

Mary said this woman just wanted to tell everyone how
important this work and your prayers have been.

“Praise the Lord!” Mary said. “He always knows when I’m
getting a bit discouraged. I always read the stories on
the national 40 Days for Life site and think, ‘WOW!’
Well, today I had my WOW moment.”

To see some photos from the Sterling Heights vigil,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3109

Day 39 - March 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
40 Days for Life board of directors