It’s not a cliche to say that abortion is about hearts and minds; it’s a reality.

No one aspires to work in an abortion facility; it is never the plan. When abortion workers see that you are praying for them and that you really do care, the wall comes down. Here’s an example.

A car was leaving the abortion center parking lot, and the driver slowed to talk to them. “Thank you!” the driver said, in a somewhat shaky, emotional voice … then adding, “I’m sorry.”

The driver worked at the abortion facility – but had just quit.

It was while on the way into work that this employee saw people praying. “I felt I was in the middle and they were praying for me.”

“We were!” said one vigil participant.

The boss tried to talk the employee out of leaving, but had no success; the worker was convinced that resigning was the only choice.

Volunteers offered to help in the job search. At this point, the driver broke down in tears, saying it was clear that the 40 Days for Life people really do care, even though the abortion clinic manager said otherwise.

Said one of the vigil participants, “Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!”

That’s our BIG “good news” item for the day. Here are some more brief, joyful, encouraging nuggets from our hard-working local 40 Days for Life coordinators.

Columbia, South Carolina

Two clients went from Planned Parenthood to the pregnancy help center. The boyfriend of the first was particularly delighted to see his baby on the ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. He wants to keep his child!

Merrillville, Indiana

We witnessed our second save during this 40 Days for Life campaign!

Charlottesville, Virginia

A woman and a young boy, out taking a walk, passed the vigil. On their return trip, the woman said that someone out in front of Planned Parenthood had talked her daughter out of having an abortion seven years ago. Now she is enjoying her grandson, who keeps her very busy!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A volunteer got to talk with a woman and she decided to go to the pro-life pregnancy help center after coming out of the abortion facility. Then another woman just needed encouraging words. He shook her hand and off she went!

Birmingham, England

Another TWO mums changed their minds about abortion this morning which means that at least EIGHT women have kept their babies this campaign. A positive start to a solemn day.

San Luis Obispo, California

By the grace of God, two more babes were saved!

Dallas, Texas

We had another baby saved — number 14 for this campaign that we know of! Mom and dad went to the pregnancy resource center for a sonogram, and found out the baby is ten weeks and three days old!

Many countries in the West export great products around the world. But we also export abortion.

We discuss this in detail in the Aborting Africa podcast episode.

One example of this is the British-based abortion business, Marie Stopes, going into Mexico. The people of Mexico have responded with great faith and looked to the United States for ways to oppose the spreading of abortion in their nation.

As a result, Mexico is one of the fastest-growing countries for 40 Days for Life.

Vigils are under way in 22 locations in Mexico right now – and Katharine O’Brien, our director of Hispanic and youth outreach, was able to visit many of them during this campaign.

Here’s a quick look at some of Katharine’s stops.

Roma

Mexico’s first 40 Days for Life campaign took place in the Roma section of Mexico City.

“They have so many great stories,” Katharine said, “as they continue to change and develop. Their volunteers are very dedicated. During the 40 Days for Life campaigns, they notice a decrease in the number of abortions.”

The owners of the small restaurant next to the Marie Stopes abortion center are big supporters of the campaign, and serve many of the volunteers at the vigil.

“One participant has an amazing voice and when she prays,” Katharine said, “Marie Stopes shuts the window. However, we think they can still hear the prayers.”

Pedregal

Pedregal’s 40 Days for Life vigil is next to a Marie Stopes center that’s on a busy, noisy road.

“They have a small team,” Katharine said, “but they were deeply dedicated.”

After one couple chose life for their child, Marie Stops started putting up a metal fence on the sidewalk in an effort to keep the vigil participants away from their clients.

“We saw several women leave looking very upset,” Katharine said. “Most likely, they had just had abortions. One girl was probably 18 years old.”

Iztapalapa

Tere in Iztapalapa is an experienced leader who has a great group of supporters and prayers volunteers.

This campaign is outside another Marie Stopes facility, where the business also sets up a metal barrier every day to keep the 40 Days for Life participants away from the door.

“They have had a few saves,” Katharine said. “However many women decide to get abortions, so it can sometimes be discouraging for them. But they pray all day long. Despite the challenges, the volunteers are lively and love the campaign.”

Xola

At the 40 Days for Life vigil in Xola, Norma and Marcos are extremely dedicated to the campaign. They spend many hours each day on the sidewalk outside of Mexfam.

Mexfam is surrounded by food vendors along the street. Norma and Marcos made sure to tell each vendor about 40 Days for Life and what they are doing.

About 70 people attend on a regular basis to participate on the sidewalk.

Norma and Marcos told Katharine, “Just like a fish needs water, we need the campaign. This is what sustains us. We love 40 Days for Life! The community has said yes to life and has adopted us. They bring us sweaters and food. This is God’s providence at its greatest.”

Coyoacan

At the 40 Days for Life vigil in Coyoacan, Hugo Rico is a very dedicated leader.

“He spends many hours out on the sidewalk,” Katharine said. “There are several different groups of people who came out to take over the shifts, including a group of mothers who come to the campaign after they get their kids to school.”

This vigil is also right next to a Marie Stopes facility.

La Villa

The 40 Days for Life coordinator in La Villa is Marycarmen, a mother of three and a physical therapist. “When she isn’t working and caring for her kids,” Katharine said, “she is out at the campaign.”

The vigil is outside the front door of the facility … in a neighborhood near the basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Marycarmen has found that campaign leadership involves a lot of work, “but she is taking it in stride and doing a great job,” said Katharine. “For better or for worse, she said the clinic workers pretty much ignore them.”

Azcapotzalco

Alejandro Martinez is the 40 Days for Life leader in Azcapotzalco.

“There were several volunteers at the vigil site when we arrived – people who often take several hours on the sidewalk to keep the vigil filled,” Katharine said.

People continued to arrive to pray, she said, “including some very lively participants from other pro-life groups who seemed to really like 40 Days for Life. “

DAY 37: Another worker quits!