Archive for the ‘Video’ Category

O’Reilly video … double your impact

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Three important items …

1.) O’Reilly Factor video and transcript
2.) Transparency about financial challenges
3.) How to DOUBLE your money in a down economy

Let’s dive right in …

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1.) O’REILLY FACTOR VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT
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God has truly blessed 40 Days for Life. We’re still receiving reports from local campaigns, and the number of babies (and mothers) saved from abortion during this fall has now risen to …

605!!

Two clinics where 40 Days for Life vigils were held are closing their doors forever — and there’s now a “for sale” sign on at least one other location!

Eight abortion industry workers have quit their jobs this fall, including Abby Johnson, director of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Bryan/College Station, Texas — where 40 Days for Life began — who experienced a spiritual conversion and left her job after seeing an ultrasound abortion and having a change of heart. Abby has now joined the prayer efforts outside of her former workplace.

Indeed, God’s blessings have far exceeded anything we could have ever hoped for. And now, thanks to the power of Abby’s conversion story, people from coast to coast are learning about 40 Days for Life — many for the first time.

Abby, along with 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney, appeared on the Fox News Channel’s O’Reilly Factor Wednesday night. If you haven’t seen this courageous woman yet, here’s your chance!

Click here to see the 5-minute video:

Fox News video

Or click here to read the transcript:

Fox News story

This tremendous blessing is a direct result of people just like you praying to God for an end to abortion; I have no doubt that He’s hearing your prayers and that we will continue to see the fruit of these efforts grow and grow.

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2.) TRANSPARENCY ABOUT FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
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So why would God give this fledgling effort — which has only been up and running for the last two and a half years — such a huge mission?

I honestly don’t know.

But He continues to show us that He has much bigger plans for us that will require great faith.

During this fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign, we knew how much was at stake. So we invested everything we could into the campaign to ensure that there would be no regrets at the end.

In addition to conducting two enormously impactful 40 Days for Life campaigns this year, our national team was also called upon to help organize the Stop the Abortion Mandate Coalition — a collaborative project of 70+ pro-life and pro-family groups that rallied unprecedented grassroots opposition to government funded abortion in health care.

We hadn’t budgeted any funds for this, but the urgency of the situation demanded immediate action.

Together, we’ve made progress on this front. But there is still much work to be done as the battle shifts to the U.S. Senate this coming week.

Early next year, we are also preparing to launch a brand new effort to build on the momentum of 40 Days for Life — the “Ending Abortion” initiative that will educate, equip, and empower pro-lifers in communities across North America and around the globe.

And now, with no idea who might financially partner with us on these brand-new initiatives — and with no guarantees of what the future will hold — we are taking a huge leap of faith to press forward with these big plans.

There’s a simple reason why we’re doing it: 40 Days for Life is the single most impactful pro-life project we have ever taken part in. Period.

Until now, we’ve only publicly asked for financial help three times — ever.

We haven’t had to ask again up to this point, because God has been faithful — and because the generosity of many people in the past carried us through a very successful fall campaign.

We’ve squeezed every penny we possibly could and have worked round-the-clock to ensure the success of this vital mission.

My family and I — as well as our national team members and their families — are committed to continue working our hearts out to see this effort through to completion, regardless of the huge challenges, because we know how important it is.

But at this crucial moment when we have unprecedented opportunities to change the course of history, 40 Days for Life has heavily depleted its funds.

Isn’t that just like God to give us an opportunity to stretch our faith while doing His work?

As I was praying about what to do, God reminded me of you and the thousands of other faithful friends across the country who have been a part of this amazing movement.

Well, God is giving me this opportunity to come to you with the news that we are in significant need of financial help right now — if we are to move forward on any of these plans.

Thanks to your prayers and participation, 40 Days for Life is in a unique position to save thousands of children from abortion in cities all across North America and around the globe.

But we can’t do what needs to be done unless friends like you sacrifice with us.

I guess that’s what I’m asking you for: sacrifice.

Our family and the national team is willing to endure the hardships and inconveniences necessary to “fight the good fight” and help end the tragedy of abortion.

I hope you will join us in making whatever sacrifice God puts on your heart today.

Ask God what He wants you to do to help. Then respond to Him — not to me.

I know the economy has been hard on many of us, so I’m simply asking you to do whatever you can after tithing to your local church and taking care of your family.

Here’s my solemn promise to you: every dollar you give to 40 Days for Life will be used in the most effective and efficient way possible to save innocent lives from abortion.

And please keep this work in your prayers — you have no idea how much we appreciate that!

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3.) HOW TO DOUBLE YOUR MONEY IN A DOWN ECONOMY
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Over the last few days, I’ve received touching notes from people who are contributing to this effort even though they’re currently out of work.

One of the reasons they’re taking this great leap of faith is because of a guarantee that their money is being DOUBLED.

Contribute to 40 Days for Life before midnight next Tuesday (November 17) and your gift — or the annualized amount of your monthly pledge — will be doubled — up to $85,000!

Incredibly generous donors have put up this matching challenge, and for that I’m humbled and grateful. They’ve answered the call to sacrificially invest in this work in a way that would encourage others to help as well.

I would like to personally thank the 234 people who have already contributed toward the match — your investment will help take this important work to the next level!

For everyone else — REMEMBER: The matching challenge will only double gifts or pledges made by midnight Tuesday.

We’re at the half-way point time wise for the matching challenge, and at $34,990, we are close to half of the total — but we’re not there yet.

We certainly don’t want to leave any of this generosity sitting on the table!

If God is weighing on your heart to make a one-time gift that will be instantly DOUBLED, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/donate.cfm?selected=onetime

If you feel called to make a pledge of monthly support (the annualized amount of your monthly pledge will be DOUBLED!) go now to:

http://40daysforlife.com/donate.cfm?selected=monthly

Many people have asked for our mailing address to send a donation. They can be sent to:

40 Days for Life
3515-B Longmire #316
College Station, TX 77845

For those mailed gifts to be doubled, they need to be postmarked by Tuesday, November 17.

This is a crucial moment and we hope that you will respond generously. Thank you!

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Well, that’s a lot to cover, but with all that’s at stake right now — I figured you’d want to know all the important news!

God bless you for all you’ve done to help 40 Days for Life get to this point.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for 2010 and beyond!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- If you have any question about making a gift that I haven’t answered or that isn’t answered at http://www.40daysforlife.com/donate, just reply to this e-mail and we’ll do our best to get back with an answer before the matching challenge expires.

Florida abortion clinic: CLOSED!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

There is a REALLY BIG announcement at the end of this message — that you won’t want to miss — but first I have to share the breaking news…

Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does!

I stand today in wonder at the awesome power of God, as one miracle follows on the heels of another miracle, which follows on the heels of yet another!

Here’s the latest …

For at least 25 years, there’s been an abortion facility at 6700 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola, Florida. But last Friday — Day 38 of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign — as people prayed outside, the clinic CLOSED ITS DOORS and shut down!

The local 40 Days for Life team didn’t even realize it at the time. Ernie Cyr, the Pensacola coordinator, heard reports that law enforcement officers went into the clinic on Friday to serve some legal papers, but no one really knew what was going on.

Then on Monday, a simple legal notice appeared in the fine-print section of the local newspaper: “As of October 30th, 2009, The Community Health Center of Pensacola will be terminating its practice.”

Ernie’s two-word response? “Praise God!”

A local TV news team did some digging, and last night their top story reported what they discovered. The clinic operated a lab, and that lab required a state license. The owners had a license at one time, but the news report documented that it expired 413 days ago. And that’s something state investigators became aware of only recently.

The clinic was given a choice: pay a huge fine or close down. The fine is $1,000 a day — for each of the 413 days the lab was without a license — which came to a whopping $413,000!

The clinic could not come up with the money … and was left with only one choice: CLOSE.

State officials told WEAR-TV that they had offered the abortion facility a reduced fine as part of a settlement agreement — but they never received a response. The abortion center staff would not talk with the TV reporters for comment, but the legal notice in the newspaper certainly suggests that the closure is permanent.

God works in mysterious — and wonderful — ways!

Here’s the WEAR-TV news report:

Now, I do have to tell you that this clinic had been the target of senseless violence in the past — a bombing in 1984 and two murders in 1994.

Because of that, many of the pro-life people in Pensacola quit coming out and opted to pray for the unborn at home or at church — or avoided pro-life efforts completely.

Although some stalwart Christian witnesses kept up their heroic efforts through the years, prayer presence at this clinic had drastically diminished because of the things that had happened.

Bottom line: the violence did not stop the abortions.

And, it drove away the very people who could have been part of the solution to the abortion crisis.

But God had other plans. A young couple named Ernie and Mary Beth moved to Pensacola and were not fully aware of the past history of the area. They heard about 40 Days for Life during a “Being Human” episode on EWTN and decided to conduct a local campaign — and then another, and then another.

It hasn’t always been easy, but throughout the three local 40 Days for Life campaigns over these last two years, Ernie and Mary Beth Cyr have seen more and more people coming back out to pray at the clinic, PEACEFULLY asking God to end abortion there.

And He did!

The TV news story reported the observable facts about a Florida health agency that took action against an unlicensed facility — but it also featured Ernie saying, “It’s just a complete joy and what a blessing for our community to have this facility close.”

During the news report, Bernadette Ensley — a University of West Florida student, and head of UWF’s Students for Life group — said it best: “For this to up and close the last weekend of 40 Days for Life is really shocking and great!”

Here are some of the Pensacola 40 Days for Life team members in front of the now-closed abortion center:

This now makes FIVE abortion centers CLOSED — facilities where people came to pray outside for an end to abortion during 40 Days for Life.

Praise God indeed, for answering your prayers and the prayers of thousands of others!

*** SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ***

Today’s amazing news makes me even more excited to announce that this coming Monday, November 9, you are invited to participate in a live teleconference and webcast where you will:

* Learn about the comprehensive results from this fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign — the impact is even bigger than you think!

* Meet Abby Johnson, former director of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in the community where 40 Days for Life began, who will be on the call live to share more about her amazing conversion — and the power of prayer

* Hear the incredible story of the closure of the Pensacola abortion facility directly from Ernie and Mary Beth Cyr

* Discover the BIG NEWS about what’s next for this nationwide movement

* And some additional surprises!

Here are the details:

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

WHAT: 40 Days for Life “BELIEVE” Teleconference and Webcast Announcement

DATE: Monday, November 9

TIME: 9 PM Eastern / 8 PM Central / 7 PM Mountain / 6 PM Pacific

WHO: YOU!

FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via phone or webcast — it’s your choice)

TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT, GO TO:

http://40daysforlife.com/believe

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With the BIG plans that will be revealed during the event, we believe that this next year could be the most exciting time the pro-life movement has seen in years …

… But we’ll also be totally transparent with you about the significant challenges that must be overcome if this effort is to realize its full potential …

… And how YOU can help make a life-saving impact during this crucial next year.

Register now at:

http://40daysforlife.com/believe

I can’t wait to share the breaking news with you next Monday night!

For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

MIRACLE: Planned Parenthood director converts!

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

I’ve known about this for the past few weeks, but now I can finally share the HUGE NEWS!

The director of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Bryan/College Station, Texas — where 40 Days for Life first began — has resigned her job, experienced a profound conversion, and joined our pro-life efforts.

AMAZING!

Here’s what happened …

Abby Johnson worked at Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas for eight years. She was there when the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign was conducted outside of her workplace in the Bryan/College Station community in 2004.

She was there for the next 40 Days for Life effort as well — the one that helped to launch the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2007.

And she was there for the one after that, and the one after that, and the one after that — and the one after that!

In fact, Abby was able to look out the window of Planned Parenthood and see 40 Days for Life campaigns on six different occasions — as well as the regular year-round prayer presence organized by the local Coalition for Life, under the leadership of our own 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney.

For all those years, people outside the clinic prayed for Abby.

And with all those prayers, Abby finally had a change of heart. She said, “Over the past few months I had seen a change in motivation regarding the financial impact of abortions,” she said, “and I reached my breaking point after witnessing a particular kind of abortion on an ultrasound.”

She quit her job and went across the street to the headquarters of the Coalition for Life where Shawn has been helping her over these last few weeks.

Fox News just reported on Abby’s conversion, stating:

Abby Johnson, 29, used to escort women from their cars to the clinic in the eight years she volunteered and worked for Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas. But she says she knew it was time to leave after she watched a fetus “crumple” as it was vacuumed out of a patient’s uterus in September.

“When I was working at Planned Parenthood I was extremely pro-choice,” Johnson told FoxNews.com. But after seeing the internal workings of the procedure for the first time on an ultrasound monitor, “I would say there was a definite conversion in my heart … a spiritual conversion.”

Johnson said she became disillusioned with her job after her bosses pressured her for months to increase profits by performing more and more abortions, which cost patients between $505 and $695.

“Every meeting that we had was, ‘We don’t have enough money, we don’t have enough money — we’ve got to keep these abortions coming,’” Johnson told FoxNews.com. “It’s a very lucrative business and that’s why they want to increase numbers.”

Read the whole story (and see Shawn with Abby) at:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571215,00.html

Abby finally saw the truth. The truth which Planned Parenthood often tries to hide — even from its very own management staff.

She left on good terms, and says that Planned Parenthood tried to offer her more money to stay. “But this was not about money or me being angry,” she said. “It was about my change of heart on abortion.”

Planned Parenthood has responded by going to court to seek a restraining order against both Abby and the Coalition for Life. The requested court action warns against disclosing any “confidential information.” An initial court hearing is set for November 10, so please keep Abby, Shawn, and the Coalition for Life in your prayers.

Seeing is believing, so here’s the local news report aired by KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station (there’s a short commercial first):

Abby’s amazing conversion demonstrates the importance of a constant, persistent, peaceful prayer presence in front of abortion facilities.

From that first campaign in 2004, we’ve prayed for Abby — and for all abortion workers — that they would come to see what abortion really is, and that they would leave the deadly business. In this case, those prayers have been answered.

We are so proud of Abby’s courage to leave the abortion industry and publicly announce her reasons for leaving.

And now a familiar face has been seen praying outside Planned Parenthood in Bryan/College Station during the final days of this fall’s 40 Days for Life — yes, Abby Johnson.

God can and will do amazing things — if only we ask!

We must continue to pray and fast for more conversions just like Abby’s.

In fact, we WILL continue.

In the days ahead, you’ll learn how — together — we will keep this amazing momentum growing.

In all, eight clinic workers left their jobs during the 40 Days for Life campaign that just ended — and reports are still pouring in from across the 212 participating cities, so it could be even more!

I have another updated total for you as well. The number of babies (and their moms) spared from abortion during this campaign is now up to …

542!

Praise God for ALL these miracles!

For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Please keep Abby in your prayers this week. She goes on the Laura Ingraham radio show to tell her story in a few hours, and is scheduled to be on the O’Reilly Factor on Friday. May God use her testimony to change many hearts and minds!

P.P.S.- Want to share words of encouragement or prayers for Abby? Leave a reply below and we’ll make sure Abby sees your comments.

DAY 39: Shine a light on the truth

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Today is Day 39, and we’re in the home stretch of this fall’s 40 Days for Life effort. As we rapidly approach tomorrow’s finish line for this campaign, I just posted another short on-location video that I think you will love.

This hope-filled 4-minute clip comes from Peoria, Illinois — in the middle of the American heartland.

You’ll hear from several volunteers and the new president of the statewide right to life group about the blessings they have experienced as part of 40 Days for Life — and how they went from a previous campaign that really struggled to this fall’s effort that has involved hundreds of new people. Enjoy:

If you’ve missed any of the other short video reports (which have been getting THOUSANDS of views!) they’re all posted online at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/dbereit

Amazing things continue to happen during 40 Days for Life!

The 40 Days for Life team in Providence, Rhode Island report the story about a woman who had an abortion appointment at Planned Parenthood — and abortion facility escorts who tried to prevent her from hearing the truth.

Joanne said the woman “hesitated when she saw and heard the children praying” as part of the 40 Days for Life vigil. When she saw there was a member of the clergy praying with the children, “she stopped right in the middle of the road, her eyes filling with tears.”

Still, she permitted the escorts to hustle her into the clinic.

Fifteen minutes later, however, she walked back out. “She had found herself unable and unwilling to go through with the abortion,” said Joanne.

The escorts at Planned Parenthood didn’t like this one bit. “They shooed her away repeatedly, ending her stay by insisting that she was not to talk there,” Joanne said. “She was so unnerved at being pushed away by the escorts that she finally drove off, still crying. She remains in our hopeful prayers.”

Here’s a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Providence:

Providence, RI 40 Days for Life

People are also praying faithfully outside another Planned Parenthood center — in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Janet said the 40 Days for Life vigil participants have “shared the amazing gift of life, miracle of the preborn, and the devastating effects and aftermath that the abortion ‘choice’ has over our families and communities.”

Here’s a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Honolulu:

Honolulu, HI 40 Days for Life

Honolulu is also home of the “tow truck ministry.” Rocky is a tow truck driver whose job includes removing the vehicles of people who have parked in a nearby lot without paying. That often includes people who are visiting Planned Parenthood.

Rocky came to check on the vigil recently and said it was a real blessing to see everyone praying during 40 Days for Life. He also told Isaiah the story of a teenage boy who came to pick up his car, which had been towed from the lot.

“The boy was trying to reason that he only went into the clinic for a few moments,” Isaiah said. “Rocky was bold enough to admonish the boy over being too concerned over paying for his towed car rather than the life of the child that was aborted. The boy’s head dropped down in realizing the reality of what Rocky was speaking to him. We prayed for God’s blessing over Rocky as he continues to be a voice for life to those teenagers he encounters there at the clinic through his tow truck ministry. God bless you, Rocky!”

Here’s a picture of Rocky and Isaiah:

Rocky and Isaiah

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

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DAY 39 INTENTION
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Pray that God will continue to bless the efforts that have gone into the 40 Days for Life campaign, as we trust Him for the results.

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SCRIPTURE
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Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name.

– Nehemiah 1:10-11

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate
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Nehemiah provides an awesome blueprint for volunteers in God’s service, particularly those responding to the devastation abortion has caused our nation.

Nehemiah grieved for God’s reputation as he witnessed the condition of the city walls of Jerusalem. The walls were broken down which was seen by neighboring people as a sign of weakness on the part of Jerusalem’s God. No wall meant no security for the city and its people.

We learn from his story that he covered every detail in prayer; inspired others to join the cause; organized others to help do the work; confronted opposition directly and turned to God when discouraged; and finally celebrated what was accomplished and gave God all the glory!

Like Nehemiah, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty as we serve Him before a mocking world. We too need to be reminded that we are “fighting” for our families. We too must have an attitude of confession and repentance before a Holy God. We must pray for strength, refute slander, and not be diverted from our work.

Like Nehemiah, we will draw attention from the enemy when we are seeking to protect the well-being of God’s people. We too must stand firm and seek God’s help to persevere until the task is done. We too will be victorious.

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PRAYER
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Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is Yours.

We pray for your continued guidance and protection throughout the remainder of this 40 day campaign. May we be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labor will not be in vain. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day39print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 36: On the streets of New York

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

A few days ago, I mentioned that Shawn Carney, our 40 Days for Life campaign director, was headed to New York City. Shawn made a short video account of his visit to the 40 Days for Life campaign in the city labeled “the abortion capital of America.”

If you only watch one video during this 40 Days for Life, it HAS to be this amazing clip.

During the brief video — which was filmed right on the street in Queens — you will:

  • Hear from a volunteer who puts in 6-10 hours EVERY DAY outside of two of the largest abortion centers in the United States
  • See hundreds of passers-by receiving a pro-life education on the street
  • Discover the challenges of holding a campaign in a crime and drug infested area — on the spot where a murder took place right before 40 Days for Life
  • Meet a sidewalk counselor who shares how they are saving lives in the midst of the hustle and bustle
  • Learn JUST HOW MANY lives have been saved in the Big Apple due to 40 Days for Life campaigns over the last two years — prepare to be amazed in the last 20 seconds of the video!

The video is loud. Everything’s in motion. It’s got attitude. But hey — it’s New York City!

Watch this video now. You’ll be glad you did!

By the way, Shawn is going to be on international TV tomorrow night! The third installment of the Being Human series makes its broadcast debut at 6:30 PM Eastern time on the EWTN network (5:30 Central, 4:30 Mountain, 3:30 Pacific). This episode interviews a physician, former abortion providers, and philosophy professor Peter Kreeft. They answer the question of when life begins and what personhood means.

EWTN is available on many cable and satellite TV services. The program may also be seen online at http://www.ewtn.com where you can click on “television,” then on “watch live.”

Chris Slattery, who is featured in Shawn’s video clip above, not only coordinates the 40 Days for Life campaigns in Queens and The Bronx; he also directs Expectant Mother Care Frontline Pregnancy Centers.

This organization offers internships for young people to learn first-hand about various aspects of pro-life ministry.

The interns’ blog tells a story of life on the sidewalk at Dr. Emily’s Women’s Health Center, the 40 Days for Life vigil location in The Bronx.

It was 11:30 in the morning, and the interns were going to a pro-life conference. As they were leaving, they watched two young women leave the clinic. Once they reached the sidewalk, one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers handed one of them a brochure.

One intern saw this, walked up beside them, and started asking questions. “Have you had an abortion? How far along are you? Have you been allowed to see a sonogram?”

She learned that the women had only been inside the clinic for a short time — it was already too late in the day to schedule an abortion. The two were sisters, she learned. The older sister was there for the abortion, the younger one for support.

The intern saw an opportunity.

“I offered her a free sonogram appointment and began to tell her about fetal development. She was so surprised to find out that her baby’s heart started to beat at 17 to 21 days,” the intern said. “She thought that wouldn’t happen until the sixth month. I asked her what she knew about the abortion procedure, what had they told her in the clinic? She knew nothing, so I started to explain.”

The woman who had tried to schedule the abortion said she wasn’t feeling very well, so the intern offered to treat her and her sister to lunch.

As they walked to the burger shop, the intern and the younger sister had to steady the older sister.

About that time, some clinic escorts walked towards them — and then walked right past. “They saw a girl in obvious distress who had just come out of the clinic,” said the intern. “They just didn’t seem to care!”

The pro-life people on the sidewalk tell the women going into the clinic that they are there to help them. “Of course, the ‘clinic escorts’ scoff at the idea,” the intern said, “but when it counts, the proof is in the pudding.”

They sat in that restaurant talking for a long time — “almost two hours,” said the intern. “She started to feel better. In the end, she decided not to abort her baby!”

By the time lunch was over, this young woman knew that even if she faced hardships or had to make sacrifices, it would all be worth it for the life of her child.

God bless pro-lifers in the Big Apple — and all around the world!

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

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DAY 36 INTENTION
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We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the “pro-choice” slogan.

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SCRIPTURE
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Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

–2 Corinthians 3:17

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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Norma McCorvey (the former Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade) used to work at an abortion mill named “A Choice for Women.” She now realizes what a cruel irony that title was.

She saw first hand, just as pregnancy resource center counselors see, that women don’t get abortions because of freedom of choice, but rather because they feel they have no freedom and no choice.

They feel trapped, abandoned, desperate and afraid, and have been led to believe that abortion is their only option.

As Frederica Mathewes-Green has written, no want wants an abortion like she wants a Porsche or an ice cream; rather, she wants it like an animal caught in a trap wants to gnaw off its own leg.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” That doesn’t mean that the Spirit allows us to do whatever we want or to decide for ourselves what’s right and wrong.

Rather, it means that the Spirit gives us the freedom to do what is right, the power to choose what is good, when we see it before us and yet feel pulled in the opposite direction. Liberty means that we no longer have to feel doomed to do what we know is wrong.

We are the people of the Spirit of the Lord, and when we take action on behalf of life, especially by being present at abortion mills, we are acting on behalf of true freedom, and imparting to those who are in bondage the power to do what is right.

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PRAYER
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Come, Holy Spirit. You are the Spirit of freedom, the source of all that is good, the power to do what is right. Fill us, and fill those who are in bondage today, feeling doomed to do what is wrong. Set them free, and help us to hasten them on the road to freedom, where your grace overcomes every temptation. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day36print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 35: Sometimes it takes a while

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Here’s the latest video, a touching three-minute report from the frontlines in Toledo, Ohio:

As we enter the final days of this 40 Days for Life campaign, please keep in mind that God does not always grant the blessing of seeing immediate results from our efforts.

Such is the case in one 40 Days for Life community where the campaign has been conducted several times. Participants knew that because of their peaceful, prayerful witness outside the abortion clinic, lives had been saved from abortion. But what was really going on inside that building?

One person found out in a most surprising way. This person was not scheduled to pray at this particular day and time, but stopped by the vigil following a meeting. The clinic manager stepped outside to clean windows, so the vigil participant saw an opportunity. “I spoke kindly and introduced myself.”

About half an hour later, the manager came out and asked to talk — “and invited me into the clinic!”

To say the least, what followed was an interesting conversation.

The manager wanted to explain and justify what goes on at the clinic, but it seemed like this clinic staffer was offering excuses for being involved in the abortion business. Furthermore, the manager professed to be a Christian who was certain “in my heart” that this was God’s calling, and that what goes on in the clinic is not wrong.

“I asked if the manager’s heart had ever been wrong,” said the vigil participant, “and did my best to lovingly communicate my disagreement and the reasons I am passionate about defending both the unborn and their mothers. I said that Jesus cared for children, and that it does not matter what anyone thinks about when a fetus is a person or whether abortion is wrong. What matters is what God thinks; what Jesus thinks.”

If not for 40 Days for Life, this vigil participant would have been somewhere else, would not have spoken to the clinic manager — and would certainly not have been invited inside for this discussion that planted many seeds.

Is the clinic manager reconsidering the abortion business? We pray! Or as the vigil participant said, “Please pray that God would use my small efforts and words to accomplish big things!”

And sometimes it does take time.

Again with today’s reports, I’m not mentioning locations because these are “works in progress,” and I don’t want publicity to unsettle any hearts that may be in the process of changing — or give the abortion industry a reason to threaten or pressure workers who are considering quitting. Just pray!

At another 40 Days for Life vigil, the prayer team has been praying specifically for a security guard — ever since the first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007.

Last week, the security guard and a clinic escort approached the local coordinator with a request — to pray that another pro-lifer, who was not associated with 40 Days for Life, would leave. This particular individual was described as “harsh.”

“Well, you pray for everything else,” said the security guard, “so I thought maybe…”

The coordinator said praying for the person to leave was out of the question, “but I could ask him to reconsider the tone of his message, and we could pray that he would say what God gave him to say. They were actually happy with that response, and thanked me.”

While the local coordinator took all this with a grain of salt, they have been praying for this security guard for more than two years now. “It comes as a sign to me,” the coordinator said, “and I am overjoyed! A beginning is a beginning. Blessed be God!”

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

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DAY 35 INTENTION
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Pray for post-abortive women who cannot forgive themselves; may they understand that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

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SCRIPTURE
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Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sin is covered. Blessed is the one to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.

– Romans 4:7-8

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate
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In the passage above, the Apostle Paul making a point about justification by faith, refers back to David’s words in Psalm 32:1-2. In spite of the enormity of David’s sin — adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband — and the utter absence of any personal merit, David in his brokenness, understood the imputed righteousness of God. David’s response was not continued guilt over his sins, but praise for his freedom from guilt, and God’s power to live life differently.

Once your relationship with God has been restored, your guilt has served its purpose and should no longer be given place in your life. This is true regardless of the sin, including the sin of abortion. As a post-abortive woman, I too struggled with this issue until I realized that punishing and hating myself after receiving God’s forgiveness was an insult to God.

It was as though I were minimizing Christ’s work on the cross as insufficient to cover my sin. I was denying Him the opportunity to bring glory to His name for the healing and restoration He wanted to do in my life. I was giving victory to the enemy who having lost the battle for my soul, was bent on destroying my testimony as I accepted the continual guilt he heaped on my mind.

It is my joy to continually sing of God’s grace rather than give the devil a foothold in my life. Don’t waste God’s mercy! Accept His forgiveness and forgive yourself as testimony of His amazing grace.

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PRAYER
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Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. I come against the enemy of my soul who would have me feel cast down and dejected.

Lord, keep your children from falling prey to the accusations of the father of lies. Turn our mourning into dancing and may we bring praise to you as we give testimony of Your healing and restoration in our lives. For by His grace we are saved, Amen.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day35print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 31: Abortion capital of America

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Here’s today’s AMAZING video report, this time from Jacksonville, Florida:

If you have trouble watching the video here, watch it on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK2dxclzVtc

In this three-minute clip, you’ll see pastor Ed Martin, local 40 Days for Life campaign coordinator, leading a Jericho March — marching seven times back and forth between two abortion facilities — during which a woman changed her mind and chose life!

Hope you enjoy it!

Well, it’s Friday, and 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney is on the road headed to New York City — a location described as “the abortion capital of America.”

That phrase is the title of a New York Magazine article. It was published a few years ago, but the story still paints an accurate picture of the uphill battle pro-lifers face in the nation’s largest city.

More than 100,000 abortions are performed in New York City every year. There are almost three dozen abortion facilities there.

To quote from the magazine article:

In absolute terms, there are more abortions performed on minors, more repeat abortions, and more late abortions (over 21 weeks) in New York City than anywhere else in the country. In parts of the city, the ratio of abortions to births is one to one.

Fortunately, people are willing to do something about it. One of those people is Chris Slattery, who runs a group of pregnancy resource centers and a variety of other pro-life outreaches.

Chris is also helping lead 40 Days for Life campaigns in two of New York’s boroughs, Queens (where there are two abortion clinics side by side) and The Bronx.

The New York City team just posted a marvelous slide show of 40 Days for Life in action on the sidewalks of America’s abortion capital. Check it out:

In each of the past 40 Days for Life campaigns in New York City, through God’s blessings, dozens of lives have been saved from abortion through these sidewalk efforts.

One New Yorker, who is known for his strong pro-life stand, headed west this week – and he stopped at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Kalispell, Montana. Fr. Benedict Groeschel had traveled to Montana for speaking engagements.

Karen in Kalispell said Fr. Groeschel’s detour to the vigil there was “unexpected and much appreciated.” Fr. Groeschel is a Franciscan friar who is familiar in Catholic circles through his regular appearances on the EWTN network.

Here’s Fr. Groeschel (second from left) with 40 Days for Life vigil participants in Kalispell:

While the abortion toll in New York City almost defies belief, Fr. Groeschel’s trip to the clinic in Kalispell underscores the fact that abortion would still be a tragedy even if it only claimed one life.

Abortion also remains a deadly reality in Ithaca, New York (roughly a four-hour drive from New York City). The very thought that abortions were being performed in their community brought a small group of Cornell University students out to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil recently.

A staff physician saw them – and didn’t like it. So she went out to complain to the students that they were “harassing” her customers. “Of course,” said Mary Anne in Ithaca, “they were very peaceful and were doing no such thing.”

The woman came out a second time to complain – and then a third. The last time, she told the students she would call the police if they didn’t leave.

“The students did better and went to the police themselves,” Mary Anne said. “The police said as long as they were not cursing, threatening or following people, that what they were doing was fine. We will keep this physician in our prayers.”

In cities both large and small, 40 Days for Life is having an impact. The power of prayer is very real!

Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh, Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference…

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DAY 31 INTENTION
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For the medical community, that the truth they know about the human body may become awe and wonder at the God who made it.

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SCRIPTURE
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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

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REFLECTION by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
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Human beings — God’s tapestries.

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

Yet, when it came to express this last attribute, what example did the psalmist 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 needlework 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, “I am fearfully 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, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

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PRAYER
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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, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. Amen.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day31print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 30: Video … and God hears children’s prayers

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

I just posted a special 3-minute video here that I think will bless your day.

This video will introduce you to just a few of the amazing volunteers who are making 40 Days for Life such a huge success — and will give you a chance to see what campaigns in various cities look like.

Over the final 10 days of this fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign, I’ll be sharing short “on site” videos from various locations across the country.

Today’s video comes from Louisville, Kentucky, where you will hear from young and old, Evangelical and Catholic, male and female — all with one mission to end abortion.

On the video, you will hear from a young school girl who talks about why she is involved in 40 Days for Life. She is one of the many children who have blessed this fall’s campaign.

The headmaster of a school in Pennsylvania just had to tell parents what happened at a 40 Days for Life vigil, so this item was included in the school newsletter: “Our seventh and eighth grade students braved pouring rain and frigid temperatures to give prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life in front of Planned Parenthood in West Chester.”

As it continued to rain, the children marched, prayed and sang. But a man waiting in the parking lot took exception to their presence. He turned up his radio in an attempt to drown out the students’ prayer.

It didn’t work. The children kept praying. So he turned up the volume even louder.

It still didn’t stop the prayer.

“As we were preparing to leave he finally broke down, exited his vehicle and engaged a sidewalk counselor in conversation in a very contrite and humble fashion,” the headmaster wrote. “I am confident that our students’ faith-filled witness made possible an opportunity for conversion to the truth that otherwise would not have occurred. Our Lord hears the prayers of his children.”

When we speak of God hearing His children’s prayers, we don’t just mean seventh and eighth graders in Pennsylvania — we mean ALL of us!

“God always does something every time we go down there,” says Vicki in Fargo, North Dakota, who prays often at the 40 Days for Life vigil at the state’s only abortion facility. “I was so blessed to be there and I believe God wants to show us He is there. He will reveal His presence in some way and usually in unexpected ways!”

Here’s a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Fargo:

The prayers are being heard.

One woman came out of the abortion facility in Fargo and told vigil participants that she “couldn’t do it.” The people who had accompanied her to the clinic seemed angry with her decision — but she looked delighted.

Another woman in Fargo was intent on having an abortion. But when she drove up to the abortion facility and saw “that icky place,” she just couldn’t bring herself to park her car and walk in. She said the place “looked awful.” When she called one of the volunteers later, her voice was filled with joy as she is now “so excited about having the baby.”

Rosa in Pasadena, California was just ending her prayer shift at the 40 Days for Life vigil at Planned Parenthood when a woman walked out of the clinic and said she’d changed her mind about having an abortion.

“When I saw you praying out if front it made me think about what I was planning on doing,” the woman said. “I was inside the center and realized that God has been good to me and that this baby is a blessing. Please keep up what you are doing. You are making a difference.”

She then pointed to a sign reading “choose life” and said, “I am choosing life for my baby.” She then thanked Rosa and left. Rosa is convinced that the vigil participants’ prayers saved two lives that day – both the baby and the mother.

God hears His children’s prayers!

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

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DAY 30 INTENTION
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That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.

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SCRIPTURE
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And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

– Luke 1:41-44

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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Jesus not only loves unborn children — He was one himself!

Think about this for a moment.

We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, “She’s expecting a child.” Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother.

Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child “on the way,” but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.

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PRAYER
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Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem.

As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day30print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 29: Your prayers are WORKING!

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

YOU — and others like you in 212 communities — are praying and fasting for an end to abortion.

Is the tide finally turning? I pray that it is!

More and more abortion centers seem to be experiencing a decrease in customers. And I have to think the reason is all that intense prayer!

Ann in Toledo, Ohio was surprised when the Center for Choice, the location of Toledo’s 40 Days for Life vigil, was closed on Friday, one of the two days each week when abortions are usually scheduled.

“It is extremely rare that the center is closed on a Friday unless it’s a holiday,” she said. “Praise God!”

Kathy in Columbia, Missouri also reports the abortion center where the 40 Days for Life vigil is being held was closed on Saturday. “It is usually open from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm every Saturday,” she said, “but no one showed up.”

The abortionist arrived around 2 o’clock, went inside for five minutes and then left again — and did not seem very pleased when she saw the five people standing in prayerful vigil.

On Thursday, the abortion day in Columbia, eight women arrived for appointments instead of the usual 15 to 20. “We feel this indicates that many are cancelling or just not showing up,” said Kathy, who notes that the clinic staff is starting to get antsy.

As she was leaving the clinic parking lot, the abortionist drove up to Kathy and a priest, who were praying on the sidewalk, and called out, “Didn’t the police tell you to stay away from OUR sidewalk?”

Kathy politely answered that the sidewalk was public property. The abortionist said people were complaining of harassment when they came in. Kathy responded, “I only give them information when they leave.” The abortionist called the police; Kathy called an attorney.

A police officer arrived and went inside the clinic to check out the “several complaints” she had received. “Within five minutes the police woman came out said everything was okay and just be careful not to block the sidewalk,” Kathy said. “The attorney told me that we had just called their bluff and we won. But the battle continues.”

Fewer customers are also being reported at the abortion center where a 40 Days for Life vigil is in progress in Atlanta, Georgia. This past weekend, Kateri said the facility’s parking lot, which is usually jam-packed on Saturdays, had the fewest cars the prayer volunteers could ever remember seeing on a Saturday. Hallelujah!

The Atlanta group had its mid-point rally on the sidewalk across from the clinic on this particular Saturday — and they’ve posted a two-minute video clip showing part of the event:

“It was a tremendous outpouring of prayer in a display of unity that was probably the most pro-lifers at a single time that the facility has seen in its five year history,” Kateri said. A Catholic priest led the prayer, while a praise band from a Baptist church in Gainesville provided music.

One of the unexpected blessings was the group of teenagers who came to pray. “That was a youth group that had driven up from McDonough, at least an hour away, to pray just for a few minutes,” she said. They had known nothing about 40 Days for Life and had no inkling that a big prayer service would be taking place.

“They ended up staying for the whole thing,” Kateri said. “It was truly God’s timing.”

God will act when we are faithful and respond to His call. We have His word!

Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, Co-host of the “Point of View” Talk Show…

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DAY 29 INTENTION
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Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

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SCRIPTURE
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“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”

– Micah 7:18-19

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, “Point of View” Talk Show
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Micah had been sent to declare God’s judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt.

Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David’s throne were practicing abominations and idolatry.

Is it not easy to see the parallels of God’s people in Micah’s day and God’s people today in America?

Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.

In speaking of Old Testament stories of God’s people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.

Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, Amen.

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day29print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

DAY 26: It’s often personal

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

It’s a great joy for me to bring you stories about things that have happened at 40 Days for Life vigils and how prayers were answered.

Today, I’d like to offer a slightly different look at how 40 Days for Life affects people.

People often tell about the profound personal impact they experience while praying at an abortion center as a part of 40 Days for Life. Here are just a few of those stories.

“I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood a bit daunting,” wrote Melanie in Indianapolis. As she stood and prayed on a cloudy day, she simply couldn’t help staring at the building.

“I couldn’t fathom that such horrific events as abortion could occur within those walls. I looked up into the sky, hoping for something from God to remind me that He was truly present, despite the place that stood before me,” she said. “I saw rays of sunshine beaming through the clouds onto the center and recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall be light.”

Melanie said she thanks God “for the chance to be a witness of His love for life and pray that the mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn child.”

There have been plenty of clouds at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Painesville, Ohio as well. Local coordinator Dawn Slike described one recent day’s weather as “horrific.”

She said the cold, relentless, pelting rain and wind made her question God’s purposes “and led me to doubt and reexamine the pureness of my own heart’s motives. Of course, then it became apparent to me in my solitary brokenness that that was exactly God’s intent,” Dawn said. “Focusing on God’s purposes within me made me forget how cold I was.”

To take a quick look at the 40 Days for Life campaign in Painesville in this short video that was produced by the News-Herald, a local newspaper:

In Kitchener, Ontario, faithful volunteers have kept the 40 Days for Life vigil going 24 hours a day.

One volunteer often takes the hours right before dawn. On this particular day, there was a determination to spend an hour kneeling in prayer. It was cold. It had been raining all night. An umbrella was a big help, but it did not protect the vigil participant’s legs, which got thoroughly soaked as the cold rain picked up and fell even harder.

“I found myself wishing for the hour to hurry up.” But thoughts suddenly turned to Christ’s suffering, and everything that Jesus endured for our salvation.

“At this time, my experience of discomfort began changing. It struck me that I had set out that morning with the attitude that I would be providing a service to God. No; not at all. God did a service to me. He blessed me with an enriched prayer experience and understanding of Christ’s sacrificial love.”

Soon, daylight began to appear. “I literally watched darkness give way to the light of day all around me, and I could not help but see the metaphor for our society’s culture of death. Was God showing me that he would use our 40 Days for Life to scatter the darkness of abortion in our nation with a new dawning light, and a culture of life? I hope so. I believe so. And I am grateful that he allowed me to take part in His mighty work.”

Have YOU yet had the personal experience of praying at a 40 Days for Life vigil?

Find a location near you and get involved:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Here’s today’s devotional from Vera Faith Lord, Director of the Alpha/Omega Life Ministry and Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council…

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DAY 26 INTENTION
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That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

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SCRIPTURE
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These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

– Psalm 104:27-30

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REFLECTION by Vera Faith Lord
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“I am a feather on the breath of God.”

As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body’s first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father’s choice and happens only by His willing to do so.

He who created the universe also created that which is “me.” I do not “have” a soul – I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.

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PRAYER
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Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.

Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we’re on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

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

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day26print.pdf

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For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Two weeks from today the fall 40 Days for Life campaign will draw to a close. The finish line is now in sight — let’s pull out all the stops to finish strong! The stakes have NEVER been higher.

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