40 Days for Life -- March 3 through April 13 -- Pray to End Abortion

Scripture: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond- servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and be- came obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. — Philippians 2:5-8

Reflection: There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we don’t care who gets the credit.

Jesus Christ’s life on earth exemplifies a total submission to the will of the Father. His humility, compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are reflected over and over again in the New Testament. He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a humble, working class home.

How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and powerful that the Son of God,

the Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets, the ‘King of the Jews’ was born and raised as a simple peasant.

During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no possessions.

His short time on earth changed more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to more people, than all the rich and powerful human ‘kings’ combined.

And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.

Prayer: O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Let us humbly and diligently work to restore legal protection for the unborn, the disabled, the medically dependent and all innocent children of God whose lives are threatened.

Let us remember the old adage that “He can never lead who has not first learned to obey.”

And, Lord, grant us a peaceful heart as we labor in your name. Amen.

See the photos at the 40 Days blog.

Thankfully, Steve Karlen, our North American outreach coordinator, packed warm clothing for his five campaign stops across the state of New York!

Today, he mentions the cold conditions that these campaigns have endured. But the weather has not deterred them from standing strong for the unborn.

In fact, courageously facing the cold can make your witness on the sidewalk even more profound … in the eyes of those driving by — and those entering the abortion facility.

Here's Steve's report ...

Goshen and Newburgh, New York

I spoke at a joint event for the Goshen and Newburgh campaigns. Turnout was so good they ran out of parking places!

Planned Parenthood opened its Goshen facility in a spot that’s tucked away from the street. It was supposed to be isolated from vigils; but with the new construction, a public easement was set up, allowing people to stand and pray on land that was once – but is no longer – private property.

The campaign team had to clear out a big pile of snow so they’d have a place to stand. They call it their “mud den.”

Syracuse, New York

Two mothers – Jeanie and Shannon – lead the Syracuse campaign. Between them, they have 14 children … and, of course, very supportive husbands. But in spite of busy home lives, they knew they were called to lead this campaign.

I spoke at an awesome interdenominational candlelight vigil. Pastors from several faith communities participated, including one pastor who is doing pro-life work while he’s home for a break from his missionary work in Ecuador.

Yes, snow fell throughout the whole vigil. We were all freezing! That did not dampen enthusiasm at all.

Ithaca, New York

As with Syracuse, this was a great interdenominational effort with praise music and pastors from a number of churches leading prayer.

Mary Anne, the local director, and her team have been building a pro-life movement in Ithaca almost from scratch. She has done an incredibly inspirational job building relationships with churches across faith lines and with the local pregnancy center.

Planned Parenthood escorts even came outside during the event … and appeared to give great attention to our vigil.

White Plains, New York

White Plains is in the middle of its fourth 40 Days for Life campaign now. Their efforts have been highlighted by their persistence in very difficult weather.

This event drew a bilingual crowd, as both English and Spanish speaking Christians took part. One bilingual volunteer offered to translate my talk for the Hispanic vigil participants!

Spring Valley, New York

The folks in Spring Valley reported that during the campaign, they’ve seen an unusually peaceful neighborhood — and less turmoil.

This is their 12th 40 Days for Life campaign. Over the years they have also seen the community become much less hostile to their presence. One volunteer told me that off-duty police officers even participate enthusiastically … and crime in the area actually goes down during the campaign.

Thanks again to Steve Karlen for today’s report!

Devotional for Day 21, March 25, 2014

Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

Intention: We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.

Scripture: Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:4-5

Reflection: To be or not to be?

There is no question!

he question of “being” is something philosophers have long pondered.

What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer.

We have being because we are known by God.

For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God’s own being.

Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do.

The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, “n Him we live and move and have our being”.

One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued.

To embrace the arguments of the “pro- choice” crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn’t exist, isn’t there, has no being. but nothing could be further from the truth.

That child is known by God and, as such, has being.

Prayer: Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being.

Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. Amen.

See the photos at the 40 Days for Life blog site.

Today, we are reminded that anyone can change their mind at the last moment before an abortion. And if we face any discomfort in going out to pray outside the abortion center, it’s worth it to give a mom or a dad a chance to choose life.

When they do, we are sometimes surprised. But we must trust that the voice of God will be heard and responded to in that moment. Here are two examples of that happening … from two different countries.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

It wasn’t hard to see the excitement in Michele’s note from Colorado Springs: “Another baby saved!!!!” Yes, four exclamations! But that’s always great to hear.

“I have some more amazing news,” she added. “I learned that another baby was saved last Friday. So there were two on the same day!”

All of this is happening at a place where the weather has often been, as Michele put it, “yucky.”

When a group from Immaculate Conception Church was praying outside the abortion center, a couple pulled over near the stop sign and talked to a vigil participant for quite a while.

The conversation went on for a bit, and the couple said they were going in to have an abortion. “The volunteer gave them some information and told them the truth about their baby,” Michele said. The young man then turned to the woman and said, “We can’t do this” – and they left!

Michele noted that the sight of sincere, determined, steadfast Christians standing in prayer in uncomfortable weather often makes abortion-minded women stop and think – and choose life for their babies.

Campbell River, British Columbia

Campbell River is a community on Vancouver Island, which is along Canada’s Pacific coast. The city is taking part in 40 Days for Life for the first time, and the vigil is being conducted outside a hospital.

“We heard great news last Wednesday of a woman that was supposed to have an abortion but did not go through with it,” said Vanessa, the local coordinator in Campbell River. “We heard this through inside info — from a doctor and nurse at the hospital.”

Volunteers have been able to speak with women – and men – who have suffered emotionally because of their experiences with abortion. “We are really praying that many post-abortive women along with men find healing in Christ and become front-runners for the fight against abortion in this city and nation,” she said.

“Please continue to pray that God would do a mighty, great work in this city of Campbell River and that many would choose life instead of death.”

Devotional for Day 22, March 26, 2014

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: Pray for fathers who participated in the decision to abort their child, and for those who did not have a voice, that they would find freedom and healing in Christ.

Scripture: If indeed you have heard Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. — Ephesians 4: 21-23

Reflection: According to the Guttmacher Institute, one-third of American women will have had an abortion by age 45. Seldom reported however is the fact that an equally significant number of men have played a role in terminating a pregnancy. Some have participated through per- suasion, or by providing the financial means for the abortion. Still others were against an abortion, but had no sway in the decision to terminate their child. Only in recent years have we realized that men suffer from their loss, as more and more seek healing. Warren Williams, founder of Fathers and Brothers Ministries says he believes men are coming forward for help because God instilled in men a desire to be a protector of their lineage, a provider for their families, to be a husband and father. Men are suffering and grieving the loss of their children, and though their grief may be expressed differently than that of a woman, it is grief nonetheless and they too need tender care and biblical counseling to experience forgiveness and healing. Intervention at the appropriate time in the decision-making process may spare both the young man and woman from the lifelong pain and trauma of abortion. Biblical counseling for post- abortive men and women is essential for them to heal and begin their life anew in Christ.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for young men who participated in the termination of their child and are broken as You are over their loss. Forgive their sin, Lord, and bring opportunity for healing and renewal of their minds in Christ Jesus. For those suffering from an abortion they did not choose, restore their joy as they learn to forgive others and trust You with their future. In the name of Christ, who heals the brokenhearted, amen.

The next time you’re at an airport, look for Steve Karlen! And if you see him, why not buy him a cup of coffee?

It seems like Steve, our North American outreach director, has been traveling a lot during this 40 Days for Life campaign. And he still has a bunch more stops to make before Day 40.

Here’s Steve’s account of his recent visits to campaigns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Morristown, New Jersey

We had a great turnout in Morristown – despite the rain!

This is the first 40 Days for Life campaign there since 2007. I spoke to a number of the volunteers. Nora, who handles outreach to the Hispanic community, always knew she was called to do “something pro-life” – but she wasn’t sure what that was until she found 40 Days for Life. She’s calling the campaign her “first step.”

I asked Dennis, another volunteer, about the greatest blessing of the campaign. He simply said, “The biggest change is in us.”

The folks in Morristown are working very hard to fill their hours and recruit new participants. Stephen, the local director, is spending many hours on this campaign. It has been hard work, but they are persevering and making this campaign happen after stepping out in faith.

Woodbridge, New Jersey

The 40 Days for Life vigil in Woodbridge is taking place in the public right-of-way outside an abortion center owned by Stephen Brigham, a notorious abortionist who has lost his medical license in other states.

It was a cold day with a biting wind – the weather matched the surroundings. This abortion center was decrepit. Trash was strewn across the property and the building had broken blinds. I was told there had been an ambulance call here during the campaign.

There are other challenges as well. Nora, the local coordinator, told me about a pastor she asked to help promote the campaign. He declined, saying he could not support 40 Days for Life.

Still, despite all this, God’s grace is shining through. So far, they’re aware of two mothers who changed their minds and rejected abortion.

Allentown, Pennsylvania

I had a great visit with the 40 Days for Life team in Allentown, too. This is their eleventh campaign!

But this is not the first location for their vigil. A couple of years ago, a clinic they had prayed in front of earlier in the history of 40 Days for Life shut its doors and went out of business. They’re praying that this one will close, too!

Thanks to Steve Karlen for another 40 Days for Life travel report!

Devotional for Day 23, March 27, 2014

Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

Intention: For the medical community, that the truth they know about the human body may become awe and wonder at the God who made it.

Scripture: Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. —Psalm 139:16

Reflection: Human beings -- God’s tapestries.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that reveals the enormity and otherness of God. His di- vine attributes are on display: omniscience (2-4), omnipresence (7-12), lov- ing-kindness (17-18), justice (19-20), righteousness (23-24), and omnipotence.

Yet, when it came to express this last attribute, what example did the psalm- ist use God’s creation of mountains, seas, or far-flung galaxies? No, he used none of these. To express the wonder of God’s unparalleled creative power the writer mentions the fashioning of the human in the womb (14-16).

The Hebrew word used to express God’s forming of us in the womb, raqam, is the same term for needle- work or embroidery.

In other words, we are a tapestry that displays God’s artistic mastery.

And, like the artist who knows his creation down to the last detail, God intimately knows us.

This reality provokes the writer to awe and wonder. He proclaims, “ am fear- fully and wonderfully made.”

What is true for this psalmist is true for each human being.

Each is fashioned by God and known by him and we can proclaim on behalf of each, “ am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Prayer: Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, “ am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. Amen.

See the photos at the 40 Days for Life blog site.

It's always a huge blessing when God answers your prayers ... and a mother chooses life ... and spares her baby. But how about when the Lord hears those prayers ... softens one woman's heart ... and saves two babies!

Well, that's exactly what happened ... warming up the volunteers in one of the coldest vigil locations.

Here's the story!

Anchorage, Alaska

It's always great to get an email like the one I got from Jerad in Anchorage. "I have some really exciting news!" he said. "I am so joyful right now I can hardly stand it til I tell everyone!"

The news was the first save of this 40 Days for Life campaign. Actually, Jerad said, it was the first two saves. "She was carrying twins!"

Two volunteers were praying at the vigil outside Planned Parenthood when a woman drove up and stopped. She told one of the men, "I need you to know something."

Needless to say, he stopped to listen very closely. "I was going to have an abortion," she said, "but I saw your signs. Now ... I'm having twins!"

She was just coming from an ultrasound appointment, and wanted to say thanks to the volunteers, whose peaceful prayer presence led her to her rethink what she was about to do.

"I have been praying and claiming that if all our efforts, blessed by God, saved just one life, it would all be worth it," this man said. "Well, we know that so far, there have been two lives saved!"

"What a gift, to be honored with such news!" he said. "Praise God!"

Nashville, Tennessee

A woman who was on her way inside the abortion center in Nashville saw the people peacefully praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

"Once inside," said Roy, the local coordinator in Nashville, "she found that she herself was praying. She realized that she needed to think about this a little bit more, and decided to step outside."

She spoke to volunteers, who encouraged her to visit a pregnancy resource center, where she received a free ultrasound and counseling. She decided to keep her baby, and then returned to the vigil site to thank all the people praying for her.

"Your presence out there made a difference," Roy said. "It makes a difference ... and it keeps on making a difference in the lives that are saved. God asks us to be faithful — and that is what we need to do."

Devotional for Day 24, March 28, 2014

Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-life

Intention: That we may realize the generational impact of abortion.

Scripture: Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said,” If it is thus, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the el- der shall serve the younger.” — Genesis 25:21-23

Reflection: What an answer to prayer! Who dares to say that the unborn are not human, with distinct personality and character right from the moment of conception? This account emphasizes the vitality and uniqueness of the twins who, be- cause of Isaac’s prayer for his wife, were conceived in Rebekah’s womb. When Rebekah was told by the Lord that the older would serve the younger

twin, God already knew that Jacob and Esau would lead turbulent and conflicted lives. God knows us and knows all about us, including our personality and disposition long before we are actually born, indeed, from the moment we are conceived in our mother’s womb. What a tragedy of gargantuan proportions that babies, planned and endowed by the Creator, with distinct and unique personalities and with, perhaps, a future and destiny intended for greatness, have their lives snuffed out by cruel abortionists before they ever see the light of day! May our prayers that the dreadful scourge of abortion in our land may vanish be as fervent as Isaac’s were for Rebekah.

Prayer: O, God, you formed us in our mother’s womb and planned a unique and spe- cial life and purpose for each of us, and we do thank you. Grant that we may pray and work for an end to abortion, especially in these 40 days, so that no unborn baby you have made may fail to achieve your divine intention for him or her because of intentional abortion. We pray this for the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

For pictures see the 40 Days for Life blog.

God has taken 40 Days for Life to some unexpected places during the past six years – but none quite so unexpected as Russia.

The second 40 Days for Life campaign in Moscow is now going on …. and there are plans for more Russian campaigns in the future.

Robert Colquhoun, our international outreach director, just visited Moscow to encourage the volunteers there. Here’s Robert’s report from the capital of Russia.

Moscow, Russia

It was a great trip! I enjoyed meeting Arevik, the local leader in Moscow, and enjoyed their kind hospitality. I also met Anastasia, who wants to start a campaign in St. Petersburg. A number of other cities have also followed on board praying for life.

A press conference at the Interfax news agency was the highlight of the trip. It was a bit odd to have a receptive national media willing to spread your message – as opposed to the UK and the US.

At this event, Arevik spoke about the history of abortion in Russia and how that has shaped people’s values and mentality.

In 1920, Russia became the first country in the world to legalise abortion. For several generations of women, Arevik said, abortion was the primary means of birth control. Abortion became the norm, and a significant portion of the population believes that a person’s life begins at birth, not conception.

I was able to meet with Father Dimitry, an Orthodox priest, and Bishop Matts-Ola Iskhoel, the senior pastor of Word of Life Church in Moscow, which is Arevik’s church. This church is well organised, with about 4,000 members and seven churches in Moscow.

The Moscow vigil has been beset by challenges. For one thing, public prayer is something totally inconceivable in Russia.

In addition to that, the police have not granted permission for the vigil this year, apart from having a small number of people for a very restricted period. The police stopped some of the prayer volunteers on the first day because of this. However, they are still praying around the corner and keeping the vigil going.

Last year, they conducted the vigil more anonymously; but this year, they wanted to have signs. Freedom of expression is not something that is deeply enshrined in Russia. But Arevik hopes this will change over time.

In short, the Russian volunteers are doing great in adverse situations – and hats off to them!

Thanks to Robert Colquhoun for this special look at 40 Days for Life in Russia.

Devotional for Day 25, March 29, 2014

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: That God will bless us with His gift of strength as we respond in obedience to His call.

Scripture: Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, "surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man ac- cording to his deeds? — Proverbs 24:11-12

Reflection: In this age of technologically advanced communication, ignorance of human rights abuses is no excuse. We know there are persecuted Christians in China, there is genocide in Darfur, and there are babies aborted and women and families devastated right in our own communities. “But I can’t save them all” you say. God isn’t asking you to. He has equipped each of us with time, talent, and treasure to do what we can when He pro- vides the opportunity. He has given us His Holy Spirit to em- power us as we abide in Him. He is asking us to be on His side in speaking out and protecting those who can’t protect themselves.

When we are obedient to His calling to get in on the work He is doing, we will experience intimacy with Him in a whole new way. Our faith will increase as we see God at work! You have responded to His call during this 40 Days for Life campaign. Let your efforts be for His pleasure and His purposes. Pray without ceasing!

Prayer: God Almighty, we pray for continued guidance and strength as we intercede on behalf of the young women and their babies who are stumbling to the slaughter. Open the eyes of the mother’s heart to see her child as you do - a precious gift to be treasured. Let her feel Your loving arms around her and may she be assured that you have a plan and a future for her and her child. Give her reason not to enter the abortion clinic. Give her wisdom and discernment to find life options through a local pregnancy care center and may she boldly choose life. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our pray- er. Because of Your Son’s sacrifice we pray, amen.

There are stories of God’s blessings and God’s victories at 40 Days for Life vigils. But there are also stories of pain. There are hearts that are hurting in this battle to end abortion, and they all need your prayers.

As you pray this Sunday, particularly at church, please ask the Lord to share His grace with those who are suffering … and that He will provide the spiritual healing they so desperately need – and can find only in Christ.

Sacramento, California

While people prayed in the rain at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sacramento, Wynette – the local coordinator – watched a scene unfold outside the abortion center.

“Several abortion business employees huddled together, holding their umbrellas, as they took turns hugging one abortion worker in particular,” she said … wondering what was going on.

A few minutes later, that worker exited the driveway right in front of Wynette and rolled down the car window, ignoring the falling rain.

"I've had enough!” the distraught worker called out. “I hate this place! I quit!”

“I cannot say much more,” Wynette said ... but she added that the worker asked for prayer.

She encouraged prayer “for all abortion industry employees, in hopes that they would discontinue their involvement in destroying lives and hurting women.

"I've been there"

One of the prayer volunteers (I'm keeping the location confidential) tried her level best to convince a young couple to reject abortion and spare their baby.

She poured her heart out. But the pair walked into the abortion center and kept their appointment, and the vigil participant was overcome with a profound sense of failure.

“She came to us totally sobbing,” said the local leader. “You could see her soul with so much pain.”

Once she was able to speak, she told the other members of the team that she had an abortion — “not only once. I had four abortions and helped two other women get abortions. That makes six. This is too much — too much pain I’m bearing.”

One of the other volunteers knew the feeling – all too well. “I’ve been there,” she said, as she began to minister to the other woman. This vigil participant acknowledged that she’d had an abortion, but had experienced recovery and found forgiveness.

The volunteers shared information about healing after abortion with their friend, who was still in tears. “We were able to pray with her and her healing began,” the leader said. Still, the woman felt the need to return to the vigil.

“I just want to save a baby,” she said.

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