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Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life board of directors

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

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.

Thank you for hearing our requests for

direction and protection. Thank you for

the victory that is ours because of Your

Son Jesus, amen.

This week marked the beginning of 40 Days for Life
vigils in many places. But one particular location
has inspired many.

Five years ago, I couldn’t have predicted 40 Days for
Life going beyond the United States. But it did!

Even as God has taken this campaign to other
countries, I would have never imagined that Moscow
would ever launch 40 Days for Life. But on Wednesday
of this week, that’s exactly what happened.

The international reach of 40 Days for Life keeps
growing, with 24 locations outside the United States
this time, including the first-ever sites in Wales,
Nigeria and South Africa in addition to Russia.

There are 261 locations in all. So please follow this
link and get involved in the closest campaign:

http://40daysforlife.com/location

Here’s a look at just a few of the countries hosting
40 Days for Life.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Pastors and their congregations from seven different
churches in Moscow have each agreed to take one day
a week to pray at the vigil. They’ve also opened up
their churches for people who wish to pray.

“I see a great grace for this campaign,” said Arevik,
the campaign coordinator. “I have met a lot of young
and talented persons from my church whom I didn’t
know before. They are writing about abortion ... and
care about human life.”

According to a report released recently, the number
of abortions in Russia exceeds the number of births.

“It is so painful to hear from women that had abortions
before they met Jesus,” Arevik said. “Russia needs to
be healed from this spiritual disease.”

Please keep this campaign — and this entire nation —
in your prayers these next 40 days.

AUSTRALIA

There are seven 40 Days for Life campaigns in progress
in Australia (where it is currently summertime),
stretching from coast to coast. It may be halfway
around the world from the United States, but the
problems are the same ... and so are the answers.

“I have been moved by the prayerfulness and commitment
of the hundreds of people involved giving witness to
Christ’s love, with many being young adults,” said
Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney, one of many
Australian religious leaders commending the 40 Days
for Life mission.

“In light of the rising attacks on life, faith and
family,” he said, “this loving witness is needed
all the more.”

The Australian team has produced an excellent video.
I really recommend that you take a look! The message
applies ... wherever you’re praying and fasting for
an end to abortion.

To see the video from Australia, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3926

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

“The first day in Cape Town was exciting and long,”
said Colette, the local coordinator. “This morning
there were lots of teenagers going to school and
taking pamphlets and asking questions. We got a
very positive response from the community.”

The prayer volunteers did receive a few negative
comments, but Colette said it was nothing to
worry about.

“We have stood at this abortion centre before,”
she said, “but what I have noticed today was that
the number of clients has declined.” On this
particular day at the Marie Stopes facility, there
were only four clients.

“The clinic got very upset with us and wanted us
to move,” Colette said, “but we had a permit with
us that stated we will be there till 24 March.”

To see a photo of the vigil in Cape Town, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3926