The call to participate in 40 Days for Life is a call to sacrifice. It’s a call that, when answered, often brings unexpected joy, as seen in these postings from the 40 Days for Life blog:

• Angela wrote, “I am so excited to see so many people arriving at these clinics to pray for life!” 
• Pat noted, “I am so grateful for the 40 days of prayer and fasting. Praise Jesus!”
• Julie said, “I believe this campaign could be the beginning of the end of abortion in this country. In my adult life, I have yet to dare to have that hope — until now.

Unexpected joy arrived one evening at the 40 Days for Life vigil outside the Planned Parenthood location in Sioux City, Iowa as people gathered to pray.

A bus from Michigan broke down at the fast food restaurant right across the street. The bus was carrying a Christian drama team — including 13 children with disabilities. The assistant director saw the vigil across the street, so he walked over and started asking questions.

Stormy, one of the vigil participants, had a bunch of questions for him as well. When she found out who they were and what they did, she asked if they would put on a play — right then and there.

“They did! Right there, facing Planned Parenthood, these special kids and friends re-enacted the Passion of Christ,” Mary reports. “The young man who portrayed Jesus had Down syndrome. He stretched out his arms and ‘hung on the cross.’ ”

The assistant director said he cries every time he watches the kids do this play. “It might have something to do with the actor playing Jesus,” she said, “who gets so emotional that he can’t stop crying.”

Before they left from their home town of Holland, Michigan, their principal had told them that he didn’t know when or where, but he just had a feeling they would hold one additional performance at a time and place that was not listed on their original schedule.

“We are sure glad it was here,” said Mary. “They were terrific and they were so pleased to perform for people who respect all life. Their replacement bus arrived just after the kids were able to receive lots of applause and thanks and a 40 Days for Life
bracelet.”

The death of the innocent Lord and Savior — staged in front of Planned Parenthood, an organization responsible for ending hundreds of thousands of innocent lives every year; performed by special needs children, upon whom the abortion industry has declared open season — how powerful!

There is indeed joy. And there is indeed hope.

Here’s today’s devotional from Kevin Burke, Executive Director of Rachels Vineyard Ministries…

DAY 12 INTENTION:

May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.

SCRIPTURE:

My power is made perfect in weakness.

–2 Corinthians 12:9

REFLECTION by Kevin Burke, Rachels Vineyard:

The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation.

For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation.

For men in particular, entering the unknown waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness.

The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, “I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!”

During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, “the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s right to life.”

Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will.

This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps” (Matthew 16:24).

PRAYER:

Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls.

In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, “Let it be done to me, according to your Word.”

Today’s 40 Days for Life devotional can also be downloaded at: http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day12print.pdf

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- California filmmaker Kenny Cann of Luminous Pictures just posted this 4-minute video on YouTube documenting a few of the West Coast 40 Days for Life visits. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKzn2T_nADY

In Las Vegas, the manager of the abortion clinic came out in a rage. When one of the 40 Days for Life vigil participants said, “We are sincerely praying for you,” she became even more enraged, screaming repeatedly, “I haven’t done anything wrong!”

The manager, her face contorted with anger, turned back towards the building and screamed over her shoulder that she did not need any prayers. She did not need salvation.

That type of irate manager is more often seen at independent abortion facilities. When the clinic has “Planned Parenthood” above the door, however, the management often takes a much slicker approach, appealing through polished public relations pieces.

I point this out because 86 of this fall’s 40 Days for Life vigils are being held outside the doors of Planned Parenthood centers.

Planned Parenthood of New Mexico, for instance, is “shocked and galled” that there are people standing in peaceful prayer on the sidewalk outside their abortion facility in Albuquerque.

An e-mail alert from this Planned Parenthood affiliate accuses 40 Days for Life vigil participants of “harassing” their patients — for the second time this year. “These same protesters harassed our patients and staff last spring.”

After you make your way through several paragraphs of rhetoric and inflammatory accusations, you finally see the real point.

It isn’t that people praying on the sidewalk harass patients; it’s that these peaceful actions convince women that abortion is wrong — which means fewer paying customers for Planned Parenthood.

In fact, one Planned Parenthood abortion operation admitted as much. “We know from past experience that these rallies and prayer vigils create barriers that deter our patients,” stated Chris Charbonneau, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Washington in a press release sent out in response to 40 Days for Life.

In the end, Planned Parenthood’s rant about “choice” is usually nothing more than a thinly veiled pitch for money: “Having protesters here every day is stressful for everyone at PPNM and security expenses add significantly to PPNM’s cost of doing business.”

The head of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas sent this e-mail message on the very first day of the 40 Days for Life campaign: “I arrived at the Fannin Health Center this morning to find the protesters moving forward with their annual 40 Days of Harassment.”

The location he refers to as a “health center” is actually the largest abortion facility in Houston, that terminates the lives of more than 6,000 innocent children each year.

He goes on to berate the “protesters” for being a nuisance at the clinic when they should really be helping neighbors who are recovering from Hurricane Ike (although helping their neighbors, of course, is exactly what they’re doing).

The abortion executive fails to mention that his organization’s response to Hurricane Ike has been to simply abort more children.

“The women and men in our community have been through enough. Help clients access the health care they need without harassment,” he wrote. But then he added –once again showing what’s really important to Planned Parenthood — “Donate to cover the costs of these unnecessary protests.”

Unnecessary? It will only be unnecessary when Planned Parenthood ceases to end the lives of children and harm women in communities all across America.

Let’s pray harder for these next 29 days!

Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, co-host of the “Point of View” talk radio show…

DAY 11 INTENTION:

Pray that when those representing Planned Parenthood and other abortion groups see volunteers for 40 Days for Life, they see ambassadors of Christ, and may each volunteer be consciously aware at all times we represent Him.

SCRIPTURE:

I…beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.

– Ephesians 4:1-2

REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, “Point of View”:

When a former abortionist and post-abortive woman, Carol Everett, was asked what turned her heart from death to life in Christ, she replied, “It was unconditional love” shown by a man who prayed daily for her in front of the facility where she worked.

He told Carol that “God had sent him” because there was someone in there that God wanted out. She left 27 days later and now serves as Christ’s ambassador to help others. We too have been sent by Christ as an ambassador to love unconditionally those God seeks to “get out” of their bondage and sin.

In his book, “Fishers of Men,” Dr. Sumner Wemp describes what it means to be an ambassador of Christ, the King of Kings:

• God has chosen us (John 15:16)
• We are sent into a world that is not our home (1 Peter 2:11)
• Our walk must match our talk (1 Timothy 3:7)
• We must abide in Him for daily instruction (John 15:5)
• Know our purpose — to seek and to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10)
• We are to reconcile others to God with His authority (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Our service is to be grounded and rooted in love (Ephesians 3:17)

Pray that we each will walk worthy of the calling with which we were called!

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, we are humbled that you have called us and appointed us to be ambassadors of Christ in a world that is not our home. It is a calling much higher and grander than our finite minds can imagine.

We pray that your Holy Spirit will empower us to walk worthy of the calling. We pray that Your unconditional love will flow through us onto those who desperately need Your saving grace. In the name of Christ who is worthy, Amen.

Today’s 40 Days for Life devotional can also be downloaded at: http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day11print.pdf

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- In addition to 40 Days for Life, there are many VERY exciting pro-life activities happening during the month of October. Here are just a few of these worthy projects you might want to get involved in:

NATIONAL LIFE CHAIN
Sunday, October 5, in more than 1,000 cities
http://www.lifechain.net  

RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY
Sunday, October 5, recognized by the Catholic Church http://www.usccb.org/prolife/programs/rlp/index.shtml

PRO-LIFE MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, October 6, gatherings in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and abortion facilities nationwide
http://www.prolifememorialday.com/2008

PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY
Tuesday, October 21, people will give up their voices for a day in solidarity for children lost to abortion
http://www.silentday.org

BOUND 4 LIFE FACEDOWN 40 PRAYER SIEGE
From now until November 2, including a focused prayer siege at the U.S. Supreme Court http://bound4life.com/live

I am in awe of the faithfulness of everyone involved in 40 Days for Life.

Over the last seven days, my family and I have visited seventeen 40 Days for Life locations — from southern California up to northern Washington state.

Tuesday we joined the 40 Days for Life efforts in Salem, Portland, and Beaverton, Oregon after driving up from the Lake Tahoe campaign.

On Wednesday we prayed with hundreds of participants in Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and Everett, Washington.

On Thursday morning we were in Kennewick, Washington, where more than 100 people came out to pray at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility.

And we just wrapped up the last stop of our West Coast tour a few hours ago with an exciting 11:30 PM gathering in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Spokane where more than 50 people were standing together for life — even at that late hour!

During this past week, we’ve met many incredible people and heard many amazing stories of lifesaving results — some of which I’ll share with you in the coming days.

But what has inspired us the most is the dedication and faithfulness of everyone involved in 40 Days for Life — regardless of whether any impact is immediately known.

For example, here is a comment that I hear sometimes when I share news of all the great things that are happening with 40 Days for Life:

“I went to the clinic and nothing happened.”

There’s always something good going on when people gather to pray — we have Christ’s word on it! But sometimes, those things are not immediately evident.

Jenifer wrote, “I have been reading the wonderful, encouraging stories – the babies being saved, the employees who had changes of heart about their jobs and the moms who have given life to their babies instead of having abortions. Truthfully I was envious,” she said. “Why wasn’t that happening in my city? I went tonight asking that of God.”

After praying for a while at the 40 Days for Life vigil site, Jenifer said she felt an answer in her heart. “My job isn’t to wonder why we aren’t getting these results. My job is to be faithful to the call He has given me and to be a witness to others. My job is to pray, pray, pray and wait on God to use those prayers in the ways He ordains.”

Michele in Colorado Springs, Colorado said her team never heard of any babies being saved during their entire 40 Days for Life campaign last year. “I believe in my heart that there were,” she said, “but for some reason, God withheld the information from us. For those of you who do not know of any saves yet — and may not know for some time — I just tell you to continue to trust and hope in God and continue to pray. We do not know His ways, but He knows what is best for us and when it is best for us to know.”

John and his family in Methuen, Massachusetts went to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil on Sunday afternoon. Sunday afternoon is one of those times when “nothing happens” at the clinic, but they felt the need to go. As they were on their way to the vigil site, John said a driving rain began to fall. “One of my daughters said, ‘Dad, are we going to be standing in the rain?’ I said most likely, and that if we did, it was part of the sacrifice.”

They were prepared to get drenched, but as they got out and began to pray, the rain stopped. “A beautiful rainbow appeared overhead as we were praying,” said John. “The harder we prayed, the brighter it seemed to become. We were smiling and couldn’t believe it. I said, ‘Girls, that’s your reward.”

As they finished praying and got back in their car, the rainbow faded away. “I know that this was another great sign from our Creator of his love for us,” John said. “God is surely blessing our work.”

I, too, am convinced that God is indeed blessing your work. Please keep that in mind the next time you go to the clinic and “nothing” happens!

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life…

DAY 10 INTENTION:

Let us affirm the unborn by our language.

SCRIPTURE:

Anyone who says to his brother, “Raca,” is answerable to the Sanhedrin; anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.

– Matthew 5:22

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life:

Before the schoolyard bully beats up his victim, he calls him names. This is a way to dehumanize the victim, and therefore make it easier to justify attacking him.

In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that using dehumanizing language is sinful. “Raca” was an Aramaic term of contempt. The respect and love we are called to have for other human lives is not limited to action alone; it also has to manifest itself in language.

Professor William Brennan, in his book Dehumanizing the Vulnerable: When Word Games Take Lives, traces the dehumanizing language used to oppress various groups of people in history, such as our African-American brothers and sisters, or our Jewish brothers and sisters in the Holocaust.

He then shows that the same kind of dehumanizing language is used against the unborn, who have been called “parasites,” “tissue,” and “medical waste,” among other things.

What are we to do instead? We are to affirm one another, including the unborn, with ennobling language that inspires respect and love. The unborn are precious children, they are our brothers and sisters, they are the image of God. Let us multiply the language of affirmation, as we hasten to the day of their protection!

PRAYER:

Lord, we ask your forgiveness for any times our words have dehumanized our brothers and sisters.

We also ask you to send your grace to those who speak and write in degrading terms about the children in the womb. Convert those who do not see the dignity of these children. Loosen the tongues of those who do not know how to acknowledge the humanity and sacredness of these tiny lives.

Keep us all aware of the power of language, and help us to use it rightly in the cause of life and justice. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Today’s 40 Days for Life devotional can also be downloaded at: http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day10print.pdf

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

With more 40 Days for Life locations participating this fall than ever before, the blessings have multiplied…

…but so, too, have the challenges.

The devil is at work, observed Amy, a local 40 Days for Life campaign leader in Texas, “and we’re seeing it on a spiritual level.”

“We have seen a lot more aggression from the pro-choice side,” Amy said. “Last year we didn’t have any problems with this. But already this year, a glass bottle has been thrown that hit someone in the shoulder. Then a couple of days ago, a guy pulled his car over and began making threats to our prayer warriors on the sidewalk.”

Similar reports come from one Arizona campaign, where Cheryl said vigil participants had to call the police. As a large SUV came down the street, “the male driver honked at us and then swerved the vehicle off the road across the median line in front of me.”

Several people saw the SUV drive just a few more blocks — and then stop. That made it easy for the police to find the driver.

“The man admitted that what he did was wrong,” said Cheryl, “but also said that he doesn’t agree with what we are doing.” He told a police officer that he’d return to the vigil to apologize, but that no one would be able to talk to him about abortion. “Can you believe that?” she asked.

There have been several other instances like this cropping up around the country as abortion supporters appear to be getting desperate in their efforts to stop the peaceful — but highly effective — efforts of 40 Days for Life.

We certainly do not want anyone to put their personal safety at risk by participating in 40 Days for Life. For instance, some campaigns have prudently decided not to hold 24-hour vigils in neighborhoods where nighttime safety is a concern. Each particular situation needs to be judged on its own merit.

Yes, be bold. But please take care of yourselves!

In another Arizona location, Lynn and several others were praying next to Planned Parenthood as part of the 40 Days for Life vigil in their community.

“A black SUV with two guys in it pulled up. They jumped out and attacked all of us with fire extinguishers. They doused us all with the powder (it was very frightening while it was happening) and then jumped in their car and sped off.”

The SUV’s license was covered, so they couldn’t get the number. But the police did respond and a report was filed.

“The reason I am telling you this is that I have been sidewalk counseling for many, many years and NOTHING is going to scare me away, but I did anticipate that some of the people who were there for the very first time might be very intimidated with what happened and leave and possibly never come back.”

But that didn’t happen. “No one left, and one man who had come out for the first time said it only made him more courageous and strong in his conviction to come out again.  Praise God!  So even though we were covered in powder, we continued praying.”

Satan is clearly not happy about what 40 Days for Life is doing to one of his strongholds — the abortion industry.

But as Lynn added, “Christ said, ‘Be not afraid!’ We won’t be!”

Here’s today’s devotional from Day Gardner, President of the National Black Pro-life Union…

DAY 9 INTENTION:

May we grow in joy, knowing we serve a living God.

SCRIPTURE:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

– John 1:14

REFLECTION by Day Gardner:

The Word of God came to us in human form in Jesus Christ. Every time I contemplate this fact I get chills! And I think it is something that we, as Christians, tend to gloss over. I can only imagine how the first disciples felt when they were looking into the eyes of the one and only Almighty God who created them.

The first disciples developed a close relationship with Him as they daily walked and talked with Him. They ate with Him, prayed with Him and rested when He rested. As they listened to the Word of God, who was and is Jesus….they believed and “beheld His glory.”

Today, this is something we can still do because we serve a living God. Remember, Jesus died on the cross but rose from the dead in victory! Jesus is every bit as real and alive for all of us as He was to the first disciples. He wants us to develop a close relationship with Him in the very same way. Jesus wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to walk with Him and talk with Him on a daily basis.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and saving grace in Christ Jesus. Help us to realize every day the great blessing we have in our Savior.

I pray that we will rise every morning with excitement and zeal, looking forward to walking another day in your footsteps fully knowing that you continue to dwell among us. Amen.

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

Today’s devotional is a reflection on Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan.

In many ways, the women — and men — who have experienced abortion are a lot like the victim who was left by the side of the road.

They’ve been hurt — and had their money taken — by those who cared nothing for them or their well being… or for what happened to them after the deed was done.

Can you and I be Good Samaritans to a brother or sister in need?

“God is drawing people to 40 Days for Life who have experienced abortion firsthand,” said Ed in Everett, Washington. “They have either had an abortion or they have encouraged others to abort their child.”

Ed has seen the damage this causes. “A woman approached me who had pen and paper in hand, held tightly to her chest. She looked teary-eyed, and started to ask questions of what was going on here, what were we doing, and what are we about.”

At first, he thought the woman was a reporter. “But as we continued talking, she shared that she had an abortion years ago, and regretted it. It was humbling.”

Virginia in Las Vegas notes that at the 40 Days for Life vigil outside the abortion facility there, “we had a man from a neighboring architect’s office join us in tears to tell us how he had strayed from his faith and participated in the killing of three babies. Today, he stood with us.”

She notes that in dealing with women just leaving the clinic following an abortion — as well as those supporting them and clinic employees as well, “It is critical to feel love for them and operate from the premise that ‘they know not what they do.’”

On my recent stop in Bakersfield, California, I appeared for an in-studio interview on a popular secular talk show on KNZR radio, hosted by a man named Jaz McKay.

We talked on the air about the hurt that women and men can carry with them for years after abortion.

We talked about it off the air as well. During the commercial break, this big burly man choked up as he told me how he had participated in two abortions years earlier and said, “I hope God can forgive me.”

I assured him that indeed God could forgive him.

When I left the studio, I didn’t hear what happened next. Jaz continued talking on air about the pain and regret that haunts people — and how one of the millions of men hurt by abortion was Jaz McKay.

He admitted to his listeners that as a young man, he had paid for two abortions, and has spent the years ever since praying for forgiveness.

I am certain that Jay’s heartfelt confession impacted many thousands of listeners that afternoon.

It’s powerful. It’s heart-wrenching. And if you have a mere five minutes to invest, it’s worth a listen:

http://40days.glorifyjesus.com/daily/?p=91

As Jaz said, “We’ve got to stop this madness.”

Thanks to Tim Palmquist of the Bakersfield 40 Days for Life campaign for his hard work and dedication… and for capturing this truly remarkable recording.

If you — or someone you know — need compassionate assistance in the aftermath of abortion, please check out the resources available from Abortion Recovery International at:

http://www.AbortionRecoveryInternational.org

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life…

DAY 8 INTENTION:

May the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan fill the hearts and minds of all our citizens.

SCRIPTURE:

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

– Luke 10:30-37

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life:

Here Jesus commands us to show mercy to the victims of the culture of violence and death.

But why did the priest and Levite fail to show mercy? Perhaps they feared that the robbers were hiding just around the next corner to attack them. They asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”

The Samaritan, however, reversed the question, and asked, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

In working to save the unborn, let’s not worry about what will happen to us if we act; let’s worry about what will happen to the unborn if we don’t.

PRAYER:

Father, we are moved by the lesson of the Good Samaritan, who allowed compassion to influence him more than fear. Give us the same heart.

Grant that we may never count the cost of standing up and speaking out for the unborn. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Today’s 40 Days for Life devotional can also be downloaded at: http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day08print.pdf

I appreciate all that you are doing to be a Good Samaritan to those around you!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

Over these last 48 hours, the Bereit family has been to four more 40 Days for Life locations: in Vallejo, Napa, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe, California (I know — it’s a tough job, but somebody has to visit these beautiful places…)

Here are some short audio interviews with each of the local 40 Days for Life leaders who shared amazing and inspirational stories of how God has been working through their efforts as well as photos of the heroic people we’ve met during these stops:

Listen to the Audio Online (click “Play” button to start audio):

Download MP3 (click to play, right-click to save to your computer):

http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/california2.mp3

Vallejo, CA 40 Days for Life

Napa, CA 40 Days for Life

Sacramento, CA 40 Days for Life

Reno/Tahoe 40 Days for Life

In addition to the inspiring people we’ve met, we’ve also learned that a little star treatment can help work miracles!

John Anthony is helping lead the 40 Days for Life vigil at Family Planning Associates, the busiest abortion facility in Los Angeles. He knew Saturday would be a difficult day, and was praying as many volunteers as possible would be on hand to stand witness.

Those prayers were answered — and then some — with the arrival of actor Eduardo Verastegui, the star of the movie Bella, and several of his friends.

“Eduardo arrived a little after 8 am and did not stop counseling, praying and encouraging women to choose life for their babies — with love, tenderness, humility and compassion — until a little after noon,” John Anthony said. “God is good — five babies were saved that morning!”

But that isn’t the end of the story. John Anthony said it wasn’t just abortion-minded mothers that caught Eduardo’s attention. “The day had a dramatic ending when eight nurses from the clinic came outside to meet Eduardo!” He spoke with the nurses and gave them copies of his new Spanish language pro-life video, “Dura Realidad.”

“Please pray for these precious turnarounds,” John Anthony asked, “and for the conversion of all clinic workers and for Eduardo — what a courageous witness and backer of courageous words with action!”

Here’s a photo of Eduardo at that 40 Days for Life outside the abortion center on Saturday morning:

Eduardo Verastegui (center) at 40 Days for Life

In Los Angeles, lives were saved because a well-known actor answered the Holy Spirit’s call…

…That same day in Little Rock, lives were saved because no one showed up!

Marti says that at the abortion facility in Arkansas’ capital city — one of only two remaining abortion centers in the state — Saturday is usually the deadliest day of the week. But not this week.

“We had quite a surprise on Saturday,” Marti reports, “the clinic never opened. Quite a few of us assembled to pray and it was so odd and so wonderful to see the hours tick by and have no staff or women arriving.”

The clinic’s parking lot was empty. The typical Saturday finds it full. But this Saturday, no one arrived to open the building. No appointments were kept. No abortionist arrived. No babies died!

“We don’t know the reason it did not open, but regardless of the official reason, we are claiming it as an answered prayer,” said Marti. “Clearly, babies’ lives were saved that day. I truly believe that some of the women that would have had an abortion on Saturday will change their minds and not schedule an abortion.”

“Thank you for all that you are doing to bring 40 Days for Life to 179 cities,” she added. “We have truly been blessed in Little Rock, Arkansas.”

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Terry Gensemer, the National Director of the Charismatic Episcopal Church for Life…

DAY 7 INTENTION:

May we have a heart and a zeal to save the poor and release the oppressed.

SCRIPTURE:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

– Luke 4:18-19

REFLECTION by Fr. Terry Gensemer:

This passage is a very familiar one. It has been preached on many occasions, even made popular in books and songs. Though the quote is about Jesus, all Christians take this commission seriously as a directive on how to reach the world with the gospel.

We, like our Savior, are to bring the good news to the poor, the broken hearted, those in captivity, those who cannot see, and the oppressed.

The commission given to us in this passage is clearly a charge to care for those for whom God cares the most. I wonder though, whom do we look for to be touched by the Holy Spirit as we go out into the world?

Who are the poor, if not those unborn children who have been abandoned by their parents before they ever leave the womb?

Who are the broken hearted, if not those unborn children whose only example of love is having their mother take them to an abortion clinic to be destroyed, or the mother of a child who has been deceived by everyone around her into believing that what she is doing is best for her and her child?

Who are the captives, if not those unborn children who are bound over to death by the “choice” of abortion?

Who is more blind than an unborn child in the darkness of a womb that has become a waiting room for their death?

And who is more oppressed than those unborn children whose oppression has been legitimized by their government, their church and even their family and loved ones?

PRAYER:

Lord, You empower us with Your Spirit to do your will in the earth. Send us to the poorest, the most broken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mother’s wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

We are now one week into 40 Days for Life, and God is already making a powerful impact. Let’s commit to do even more — and save even more lives — in week two!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

Want to hear some great news this Monday morning?

Thus far, local 40 Days for Life coordinators have reported 48 babies saved from abortion! And reports are still coming in. It’s awesome!

Karen in Oklahoma City tells of a young woman who approached sidewalk counselors outside the clinic. “They could tell she was conflicted and open to their words,” she said.

This young woman was the victim of sexual assault. “She was afraid of carrying a child she did not really want,” said Karen, “but she was also afraid that she might fall in love with her baby if she chose life.”

After the counselors described the free resources available, she asked if she could choose an adoptive family for her baby. The answer was a resounding yes. “The counselors hugged her and thanked her for choosing life for her unborn child,” Karen said. “She left smiling and happy. Praise God!”

Michele in Colorado Springs reports a car drove up to the clinic and two young women got out — a woman scheduled for an abortion and her friend. The friend called out to the people praying outside the clinic, “I’m with you! Pray for her!” And of course they did just that. The two women went inside the clinic, then came back out and talked. They went back in again, and came back out and talked again.

This time, someone shared a scripture verse with them — Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” After reading this together, the two young women went home. The baby was saved!

Carol in Toms River, New Jersey was praying with a small group outside the clinic when a young couple walked out, quietly talking to one another. “She was crying,” Carol noticed. “He hugged her and then she began to walk down the steps with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes.”

The young woman looked at the vigil volunteers and said, “I could not do it. I just could not do it.” Still, she was afraid of her mother’s reaction, because it was her mother who was pushing the abortion. She also had concerns that her boyfriend might not be able to finish college. “But she took the first step in conquering those fears,” Carol said, “and God will bless her.”

Carol added, “There is much to be said when you realize that our prayers really make a difference. There is much to be said when you know in your heart you are part of God’s plan. If you have not yet gotten involved in 40 Days for Life, I cannot tell you the blessings you will experience and the wonderful people you will meet — all for the glory of God.”

Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. Paul Stallsworth, President of Lifewatch (United Methodist Church)…

DAY 6 INTENTION:

That knowing the shortness of life, all may value it more deeply.

SCRIPTURE:

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

– Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

REFLECTION by Rev. Paul Stallsworth, Lifewatch:

God is giver of all life. Short lived or long lived, human lives are lived out in this world. The metaphors for death are many. But their meaning is clear and singular: all will die. Even so, death is not the absolute end. It is not the end of the story. For as certainly as God gave life, at death the life or spirit that God gave returns to God.

By God, we are created. For God, we live our given days. To God, we return at the end of our earthly days. And with God, we live through eternity. Clearly, all along the way, this gracious, loving God is with us. No human life is random or alone. No human life was created without purpose. Not one human life is without destiny.

All human lives, acknowledged or not, are related to God — from beginning, to end, throughout eternity. Therefore, in this world, all human lives are to be respected and protected, for their lives are signs of God’s sovereignty.

PRAYER:

O God, we too often try to live in ways that ignore our coming death. We forget that our days are numbered by You, that at the end of our days your judgment awaits, that You are the Lord of our destiny.

Help us to repent daily, and then to live each day in joyful obedience. Lead us to live in the light and promise of eternity. Prepare us to live fully and sacrificially. Prepare us to die faithfully and hopefully, so that we might live forever with You. Through Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, we trust and hope and love and pray, Amen.

Today’s 40 Days for Life devotional can also be downloaded at:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day06print.pdf

If YOU have experienced blessings as a result of your 40 Days for Life involvement this fall, please take a moment to post them as a reply at the bottom of today’s blog posting.

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 5: 

The past two days on the West Coast have been amazing as my family and I have prayed and visited with many faithful 40 Days for Life volunteers in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Monterey, California. 

To help you get a feel for how God is at work in cities like these across the country, I have posted photos from our visits as well as an audio recording of short, inspiring interviews with each of the local campaign leaders here:

Listen to the Audio Online (click “Play” button to start audio):

Download MP3 (click to play, right-click to save to your computer):
http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/california1.mp3

Bakersfield, CA 40 Days for Life

Fresno, CA 40 Days for Life

Monterey, CA 40 Days for Life

More from Monterey 40 Days for Life

One of the many inspiring stories I heard while out here was from Josh Brahm, the dynamic young man who is coordinating the 40 Days for Life campaign in Fresno, California. Josh shared a story with me that I’d like to share with you.

Here it is in his own words…

I stood outside of Planned Parenthood for about 6 and a half hours today, most of those hours alongside my wife, who is 9 months pregnant. A young, attractive girl started walking toward me from the Planned Parenthood driveway. I smiled at her thinking she was a Planned Parenthood employee. 

The young woman said she wanted to ask me some questions, and I told her that I’d be glad to answer any questions she could think of. She asked why we were out here. At that point I knew she wasn’t a Planned Parenthood employee, because she would have known exactly why we’re out here! I told her that we were there to peacefully pray for an end to abortion. I introduced myself and asked for her name, and she shook my hand saying her name was Ashley.

Then she said, “Well, I changed my mind.” I figured maybe she had become pro-life, so I asked her what she meant by that. Ashley responded, “I was going to have an abortion, but I’m not going to now.” My eyes widened, I gave her a huge smile and told her that she was my new favorite person! (Except for my wife, of course!)

Ashley explained further that she saw a news story on TV about us this morning and knew she couldn’t have an abortion. I hadn’t seen that coverage yet, so I asked her what it was about the story that changed her mind. She said that she saw men and women praying and holding signs and Bibles, and she knew that she couldn’t go through with the abortion. 

Ashley is 16 years old and 5 weeks pregnant. Her parents wanted her to have the abortion and have now kicked her out of their house and taken her cell phone. She’s living with a friend now. I began to tell Ashley about the local pregnancy care center and how much help we personally can offer her as well. I told her, “You’re not alone.”

Josh, thanks to you and your wife for faithfully leading this effort in Fresno, and Ashley — I was so honored to get to meet you while there. Your courage is truly inspiring.

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!

Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-Life…

DAY 5 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 by Rev. Ben Sheldon:

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.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

This fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign in New York City has already documented 7 children saved from abortion due to the peaceful vigils…

…And the abortion industry is furious.

On the first day of 40 Days for Life, the pro-abortion Speaker of the New York City Council held a news conference outside city hall with executives from Planned Parenthood, NARAL, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and one of the city’s largest abortion chains (which is currently the focus of a 40 Days for Life vigil.)

The purpose of the press event — to attempt to silence pro-life prayer and free speech outside abortion facilities by proposing a restrictive 15-foot “buffer zone” around all abortion centers in New York City.

The proposed bill would also allow abortion workers to file harassment charges against pro-lifers as well as “ease the burden of proof” currently necessary to prosecute on harassment charges, according to the press release issued by the New York City Council.

This measure flies in the face of both freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.

The proposal also appears to target Chris Slattery, who directs 40 Days for Life campaigns in the Bronx and Queens and has a history of effective pro-life activism as president of Expectant Mother Care-EMC FrontLine Pregnancy Centers.

Slattery said, “Volunteer street counselors often hurt abortion businesses by successfully and peacefully dissuading abortion patients from entering their sites when offered free help, education, medical care and housing.”

Chris Slattery has fought similar battles before and is well known for refusing to back down from abortion industry attacks, and he certainly isn’t backing down in this case, either.

Slattery told the media he will vigorously oppose the legislation. “Within minutes of learning of this new proposed bill on Wednesday, I contacted David Bereit, and we have begun assembling a crack legal team and activist support network for a full scale counter-attack against this unfair, biased and blatantly unconstitutional bill,” he said.

ACTION NEEDED:

Please contact the New York City Council immediately at (212) 788-7116 or use the online form posted at: http://snipurl.com/3vsoy 

Ask them to stop the proposed “clinic access” bill that attempts to silence 40 Days for Life and other pro-life efforts.

LEARN MORE…

• 40 Days for Life press release:
  http://snipurl.com/3vtgw
• NYC council press release:
  http://snipurl.com/3vthi

We’re honored to stand with Chris and his NYC 40 Days for Life team, and hope you will also stand with them by making the call or sending the e-mail today.

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life…

DAY 4 INTENTION:

We ask God that we may understand the concept of justice, as a gift he gives and as a responsibility that shapes our work.

SCRIPTURE:

Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

– Amos 5:24

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life:

Justice, a key theme of the Scriptures, is something God does and that we too must do.

When God intervenes to save his people when they are helpless and in slavery in Egypt, he “does justice.” He manifested his justice in the plagues that were sent upon Egypt, whereby Pharaoh was convinced that he must let the people go. Justice is manifested as, in awe and wonder, God’s people see the Red Sea open before them, allow them to pass without even getting their feet wet, and then close again to drown their powerful enemies.

God is a God of Justice; he rescues us when we cannot save ourselves. His justice, above all, is seen in Jesus Christ, who, when we could not save ourselves, rescued us from the kingdom of sin, Satan, death, and hell. The mighty work of Christ on the cross and in the resurrection is the perfect manifestation of God as the God of justice.

We, then, are to be the people of justice; we are to “do justice” by intervening to save the helpless in the name and by the power of the God who saves us who are helpless ourselves. That’s why we have a pro-life movement; that’s why we have a 40 Days for Life Campaign; that’s why saving the unborn is our business.

PRAYER:

God of Justice, you heard the cry of your people when they were being oppressed in Egypt, and you proved yourself to be the God of justice, who rescues the helpless. You likewise rescued us from the kingdom of darkness, and brought us into the Kingdom of your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who saves us from the power of Satan, sin, death, and hell.

Make us people of justice, ready to intervene to save the helpless. Indeed, as your prophets have announced, let justice roll on like a mighty river, to save all who are in need, especially the unborn. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL:

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day04print.pdf

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

Great reports are still flowing in from Wednesday’s 40 Days for Life kick-off events around the country, and we are receiving many, many stories of lives that have already been spared in the first two days of this fall’s campaign.

To experience some of the excitement of a 40 Days for Life launch, listen to this audio recording from Wednesday night’s kick-off event in South Bend, Indiana, that was attended by more than 300 people:

Listen Online Now (click “Play” button to start audio):

Download MP3 (click to play, right-click to save to your computer):

http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/southbend.mp3

“I am so encouraged by this campaign,” writes Angie. “I have always been pro-life but this is the first time I have done something other than slap a couple bumper stickers on my van! I know God will bless those involved for their sacrifice during the next 40 days.”

Thousands of people just like Angie are stepping out in faith…

…But we must all pray for God’s strength to prepare you for what you might experience.

Susan tells of the truck that arrived at the abortion center while she was praying. “The driver got out and we exchanged hellos. Then I watched him take out a biohazard box from the truck and walk up the stairs into the clinic. A few minutes later he came back down with another biohazard box. This time he didn’t even look at me. As soon as he took the box out of the truck, I started crying knowing he was going to bring back aborted babies.”

But through her tears, Susan recognized the hand of Christ bringing her strength. “Thank you for this opportunity to pray for these people and start my day focused on God’s will for me.”

Jennifer reports seeing a woman leaving the abortion center crying hysterically. She learned the woman was five months pregnant “and they injected the heart of her baby with a medication to make it die.” She has to return tomorrow to complete the abortion. “She asked for a priest, but a man came and yanked her away before my mom and her friend could get her to a priest. Her name is April. I hope someone will be there when she comes back. Please pray for her.”

Please pray, indeed, and please participate in a peaceful vigil at an abortion facility whenever you can. You may never know how much of a difference you can make — even if your presence cannot prevent an abortion. Just being there could be the key to someone’s healing and salvation.

“I know firsthand of the tragedy of abortion as I aborted my child,” said Darlene. “Although I felt it was wrong at the time, pressures due to already being a single parent and from family had me go through with it.” But as she left the abortion facility that day, she took note of the people outside who were praying.

“I truly believe in God’s mercy, healing and providence,” Darlene said, describing how she eventually found forgiveness after a long journey of searching and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “The people of God do make a difference with their prayers and commitment to the end of abortion. I am silent no more!”

We can do all things through Jesus Christ, who gives us strength.

Here’s today’s devotional from Dennis DiMauro, of Lutherans for Life…

DAY 3 INTENTION:

We pray for God’s gift of strength as we strive to protect human life during these 40 Days for Life.

SCRIPTURE:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

– Matthew 6:25-26

REFLECTION by Dennis DiMauro, Lutherans for Life:

Billions of dollars are spent each year on diet plans. But Jesus tells us to stop worrying so much about our bodies, and instead to trust in God’s care for our physical needs.

What would happen if the people who had started on a low-carb diet this year had instead gone on a diet of heavenly food? For non-believers that diet would include trusting in Christ for their salvation, and for believers it would include a renewed prayer life, a new Bible study, or even a spiritual fast. This diet doesn’t include giving up on certain kinds of foods. What this diet includes is giving up on anxiety by resting in the loving arms of Christ, trusting that He will provide.

Such a spiritual diet also frees us from our worries, and allows us to freely praise Him and serve others. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

This promised provision teaches us the inestimable worth of our lives. He will not allow us to go without. This intimate knowledge and care for human life on the part of our gracious God is what motivates us to seek for the preservation of human life in all its stages.

PRAYER:

Loving heavenly Father, help us to see the worth of all human beings by the way in which you provide for us. We would ask that you provide also the faith, grace and courage to enable us to protect that which is so precious to you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL:

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2008day03print.pdf

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Can I ask you to please keep our family in your prayers? This morning we are flying out to the West Coast, where we will be visiting 17 of the 40 Days for Life locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington over the next week. We sure appreciate it!