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Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

The media.

Yes, I know a lot of people shudder when they hear
those words. At the national level, there is often
disdain for Christianity and everything Christians
do. At the local level, however, it’s often a much
different story.

40 Days for Life campaigns are finding local news
organizations are willing to listen ... and our
local leaders have done a great job during this
first week of the campaign to take full advantage.

Even when the the media doesn’t agree with us,
they’re still providing a huge platform and enabling
local leaders to spread the word about 40 Days for
Life throughout the communities they serve.

See for yourself!

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

Green Bay was part of the first 40 Days for Life
campaign five years ago, and is now participating
for the ninth time. Among the local media covering
the opening day event was the Fox affiliate.

One of the local team members told the reporter, “We
decided the best thing to do is just surround the
buildings with prayer, with our prayer for those who
are involved with abortion, those who are considering
abortion, and hopefully to change their hearts and
minds through a peaceful prayer vigil.”

The reporter asked for comment from the abortion
facility’s staff, but no one wanted to talk.

For a link to the WLUK-TV coverage of the Green Bay
vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND

Milton Keynes is about 45 miles northwest of London.
The city is taking part in its first 40 Days for Life
campaign, praying near a BPAS abortion facility. BPAS
is one of the main abortion providers in Great Britain.

Local director Andy Burton recently had an opportunity
to spread the word about the campaign on BBC Three
Counties Radio. While he was able to talk about the
vigil, the need for prayer and the nature of the BPAS
abortion business, the host was intent on interrupting
him and questioning him repeatedly about “hard case”
scenarios such as rape and incest.

It was not an especially friendly interview. But more
people in the area now know about 40 Days for Life.

To hear a 5-minute segment please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN

This is the fourth 40 Days for Life effort in Saginaw.
The opening day of this campaign saw a number of people
come out to pray — including Bishop Joseph Cistone of
the local Catholic diocese.

A news team from the local CBS affiliate was there to
report on the vigil — and to interview Bishop Cistone.

“We believe in the power of God so we are interceding
that God will do His work among our people,” he said,
“that there would be an end to abortion and we would
have a deeper respect for life at all its stages from
conception to natural death.”

As for the “other side” of the story, here again, no
one from the abortion center would go on camera.

For a link to the report from WNEM-TV, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

Day 5 - September 30

Intention:

May the truth of the final judgment shape our thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.

Scripture:

The King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

-- Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:

Caring for others is not optional.

Jesus' picture of the final judgment concludes with this sobering word: the wicked, who failed to care for others in their various needs (e.g., the hungry, the thirsty, the aliens, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous who did seek to meet those needs will end up with him, enjoying eternal life.

We know that this was no parable! Jesus has given us fair warning! Everything in God's Word points to the truth that compassionate concern and practical care for all people, especially for the poor, the destitute, the weak and needy is required of us, if indeed we hope to escape the punishment of the fire of hell.

And who are the poor and needy, if not helpless, unborn babies, as well as the aged and infirm at the other end of life? Surely the "least of these" embraces not only those at both ends of the continuum of life, but all others in between. Just how we, as Christ's true followers, respond to his admonition "inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me" will determine whether we enjoy eternal bliss in his presence or the bleak and dreadful reality of eternal punishment in hell. Nothing in God's Word could be clearer!

Prayer:

Gracious and merciful Father, we gladly embrace your Word that counsels us to care for the least of your children, and we renew our dedication to defending the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised by our godless society's selfish lack of concern. Free us from our own failures and sins so that we will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-Life