It’s February 29 — leap day.

Why not make it a leap-of-faith day?

For example, if you’re going out of town this weekend, you may be thinking that your schedule won’t permit you to pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil.

That may be true.

But why not see if you can drop in at another 40 Days for Life location?

Miguel had prayed at 40 Days for Life in his home town of El Paso. But when he was in San Fernando Valley, California on business recently, he looked up the nearest 40 Days for Life location online at: http://www.40daysforlife.com/location.html and joined the group for prayer.

Our friends in Florida say they’re hearing from people who want to sign up for the 40 Days for Life vigil in Orlando when their families visit Disney World next month.

There are even multiple reports of people driving three or four hours just to get to the closest 40 Days for Life vigil and pray!

Can you, too, take that leap of faith and go the extra mile?

Carol Marie in the Reno/Tahoe area along the California/Nevada border is asking people to take an additional step outside their comfort zones and engage in the community outreach portion of 40 Days for Life.

One reason for doing so is the fact that people who never have occasion to drive past the vigil may not know that 40 Days for Life is going on!

“I must admit,” Carol Marie said, “that even though I had finally taken the terrifying plunge and gone to the sidewalk of an abortion site to pray for those inside, the thought of going up to the door of a complete stranger and broaching the subject of abortion was numbing to consider. And yet, having had the opportunity to join in this adventure has changed my mind and heart.”

Carol Marie said people are ready to discuss the topic in a non-threatening manner. “All we need to do is approach them in charity. Please help us to spread the word that we’re here to see abortion be brought to an end and solicit their help through prayer.”

If we’re serious about ending abortion, we must be serious about spreading the word.

Jenny is typical of the many people who’ve heard about 40 Days for Life and have stepped forward — for the first time in their lives — to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

“I was not an active pro-lifer before 40 Days for Life,” she wrote to us. “But I realize that it’s a calling from God — to be His eyes, lips, hands and feet throughout the battle. And it won’t be over until it’s over.”

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Rev. Ben Sheldon, president emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-Life…

DAY 24 INTENTION:

Pray that we may realize the generational impact of abortion.

SCRIPTURE:

Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived.

The children struggled together within her, and she said,” If it is thus, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.”

– Genesis 25:21-23

REFLECTION:

What an answer to prayer!

Who dares to say that the unborn are not human, with distinct personality and character right from the moment of conception?

This account emphasizes the vitality and uniqueness of the twins who, because of Isaac’s prayer for his wife, were conceived in Rebekah’s womb.

When Rebekah was told by the Lord that the older would serve the younger twin, God already knew that Jacob and Esau would lead turbulent and conflicted lives.

God knows us and knows all about us, including our personality and disposition long before we are actually born, indeed, from the moment we are conceived in our mother’s womb.

What a tragedy of gargantuan proportions that babies, planned and endowed by the Creator, with distinct and unique personalities and with, perhaps, a future and destiny intended for greatness, have their lives snuffed out by cruel abortionists before they ever see the light of day!

May our prayers that the dreadful scourge of abortion in our land may vanish be as fervent as Isaac’s were for Rebekah.

PRAYER:

O, God, you formed us in our mother’s womb and planned a unique and special life and purpose for each of us, and we do thank you.

Grant that we may pray and work for an end to abortion, especially in these 40 days, so that no unborn baby you have made may fail to achieve your divine intention for him or her because of intentional abortion.

We pray this for the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let’s make this February 29 a leap day that we’ll still remember four years from now!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- CONGRATULATIONS to Virginia State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli who took a leap of faith to introduce an amendment to strip tax funding from abortion giant Planned Parenthood in his state.

Wednesday’s vote was tied at 20 to 20 before Lt. Governor Bill Bolling cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the amendment!

The final state budget will be decided over the next week, and it is very likely that the Planned Parenthood amendment will now be part of the budget negotiations.

We’re all quick to complain when things go wrong in our culture. Now let’s send a resounding thank you to Sen. Cuccinelli and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling for taking such a bold “leap.”

No matter where in the country you live, this action is a big boost for the fight against Planned Parenthood. Please e-mail these men and congratulate them for their courage:

• SEN. KEN CUCCINELLI: district37@sov.state.va.us 
• LT. GOVERNOR BILL BOLLING: bill.bolling@ltgov.virginia.gov

Prayer can soften the hardest heart. And without question, some of the hardest hearts encountered by 40 Days for Life participants belong to the people who work in the abortion trade.

But there are signs — at least in some cases — that frozen hearts are beginning to thaw. Please continue praying for more miracles!

Joan in PHILLIPSBURG, NEW JERSEY tells us that six different clinic workers came out to the sidewalk during the vigil. “The abortionist was making them hold signs that say ‘keep abortion legal,’” she said, “and they were curious about 40 Days for Life.”

Sidewalk counselors spent two hours talking to these young women as they came out with their signs. “We promised them our prayers,” said Joan. “We invited them to leave the abortion industry, promising to help them find better jobs.”

As a side note, Joan reports this same clinic experienced plumbing and heating problems during a recent cold snap, and no abortions were scheduled during that time. Praise the Lord!

According to Tim in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA, it’s a sign of hope that at the clinic where their 40 Days for Life prayer vigil is being conducted, the man who carries out the abortions “does not appear to be the typical hard-hearted abortionist.” As this man left the building and walked to his car, the people praying on the sidewalks had the opportunity to tell him of their prayers for him.

Tim says the abortionist usually takes an exit that causes him to drive right past the grassy strip where 68 crosses now stand — “in memory of the babies he aborted this week.”

But after being reminded that the crosses represent the little aborted babies who have souls, he drove a different route. “Perhaps his avoidance of the crosses is an indication that he still has a conscience,” said Tim.

In taking note of the things they witness and the people they are called upon to reach with the truth about abortion, Patti in SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA asks, “Please everyone, keep our wonderful sidewalk counselors in your prayers every day!” She says these people have the most challenging assignment during the vigil.

Patti said, “Our sidewalk counselors get the brunt of the rejection, rude comments and ridicule while they literally pour out every ounce of their compassion” to each person who enters the clinic.

“It just has to be emotionally and physically draining, so please lift them all up in your prayers!” Patti added.

As you pray today for vigil volunteers, sidewalk counselors, and yes, even those who work in the abortion industry, here is today’s devotional by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference…

DAY 23 INTENTION:

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

SCRIPTURE:

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

–Psalm 139:16

REFLECTION:

Human beings — God’s tapestries.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that reveals the enormity and otherness of God. His 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.”

PRAYER:

Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation.

Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

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

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

When it comes to abortion, fathers have no rights.

There is nothing a child’s father can do to legally stop an abortion.

That doesn’t mean, however, that God cannot put it on a man’s heart to reach out and beg the baby’s mother to not go through with it.

The 40 Days for Life team in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA tells of a young couple who arrived for an abortion who agreed to talk to the sidewalk counselors.

“Don’t get me wrong,” the young man said, “if we had the money, I’d like to have another kid. But we’re struggling right now just to care for our little son. And we had to drive a long way for this abortion, so we need to go in now.”

“Do you have a picture of your son?” asked one of the counselors. The picture was in their car, so they went back to get it. They talked. “You have a beautiful little boy, and you’re a beautiful couple,” the counselor said.  “But you have a beautiful baby brother or sister inside too.”

Volunteers filled up the couple’s gas tank, and another agreed to help the man find a job. Because they had the opportunity to think it over, they did not go through with the abortion. “That really got to me when you talked about our little boy’s brother or sister,” said the dad.

There are other fathers who need your prayers — even more so, perhaps, than this young man. These fathers are the men who have dropped out of their children’s lives.

Maria in SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, met a woman at the clinic — a single mom with two children who is relying on a friend’s generosity just to have a place to live.

She was pondering abortion because she would need to work and she feels ashamed that she would have less to give to her other children if she continued her pregnancy.

“We talked for quite a while,” said Maria. “She was emotional throughout our conversation, and finally agreed to talk to a counselor about the help they could find for her. She is a woman of faith, and a loving mother and I feel God will lead her to be strong with her decision not to abort.”

The father, however, is nowhere to be seen. The parents are no longer together, and he offers no financial support whatsoever for his children.

Although this father needs your prayers, there is always hope. “Even on a very dark day like today,” said Maria, “the Lord reaches someone’s heart and lets us know that He wanted us to be there for this young woman.”

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Carmen Pate, the co-host of the nationally syndicated “Point of View” radio talk show…

DAY 21 INTENTION:

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

SCRIPTURE:

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

– Ephesians 4: 21-23

REFLECTION:

According to the Guttmacher Institute, one-third of American women will have had an abortion by age 45. Seldom reported however is the fact that an equally significant number of men have played a role in terminating a pregnancy.

Some have participated through persuasion, or by providing the financial means for the abortion. Still others were against an abortion, but had no sway in the decision to terminate their child.

Only in recent years have we realized that men suffer from their loss, as more and more seek healing.

Warren Williams, founder of Fathers and Brothers Ministries says he believes men are coming forward for help because God instilled in men a desire to be a protector of their lineage, a provider for their families, to be a husband and father.

Men are suffering and grieving the loss of their children, and though their grief may be expressed differently than that of a woman, it is grief nonetheless and they too need tender care and biblical counseling to experience forgiveness and healing.

Intervention at the appropriate time in the decision-making process may spare both the young man and woman from the lifelong pain and trauma of abortion. Biblical counseling for post-abortive men and women is essential for them to heal and begin their life anew in Christ.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for young men who participated in the termination of their child and are broken as You are over their loss.

Forgive their sin, Lord, and bring opportunity for healing and renewal of their minds in Christ Jesus.

For those suffering from an abortion they did not choose, restore their joy as they learn to forgive others and trust You with their future. In the name of Christ, who heals the brokenhearted, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers for my trip to South Dakota! The luncheon in Sioux Falls was packed to standing-room only and then we drove an hour up to Brookings to meet with more pastors and leaders.

I was deeply moved when Leslee Unruh — leader of the abortion ban initiative in South Dakota — told the audience that their effort is a direct fruit of the 40 Days for Life campaign that was held in Sioux Falls this past fall. Wow!

The pro-life momentum is building rapidly across South Dakota, and has also spread to numerous other states that are in the midst of heroic new efforts to end abortion.

I personally don’t think it’s a coincidence that all of these things are happening in the middle of 40 Days for Life while tens of thousands of people are praying and fasting for an end to abortion.

It’s an exciting time to be alive!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Men: today let’s stand up for women and children to protect them from the exploitation of the abortion industry!

The power of prayer is real and the power of prayer is clear. This truth is repeating itself over and over and over as we pass the halfway point of 40 Days for Life.

Jay in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS observes that not every woman entering Planned Parenthood has thought through her situation. “As the pro-choicers have often pointed out, this is an emotional time,” he said. “Perhaps they forgot that emotionalism is often accompanied by ambivalence.”

Saturday morning, Jay witnessed how prayer can overcome that.

The 40 Days for Life prayer vigil takes place in the parking lot of Problem Pregnancy, the pro-life center right next door to Planned Parenthood. This Saturday, four Catholic nuns came to join them.

As the group was praying, the nuns caught the attention of a young woman who was going into Planned Parenthood.

“They asked her if they could speak with her, got her to think about her situation, and brought her inside of Problem Pregnancy to arrange any help she might need,” said Jay.

When the group came out of Problem Pregnancy, the nuns announced, “She chose life!”

The nuns and the other people praying outside of Planned Parenthood showed her something she hadn’t seen until that point — hope.

José in GARNERVILLE, NEW YORK is seeing firsthand how God is calling people to the 40 Days for Life vigil to be that very human sign of hope. He’s spoken to many people who’ve asked for directions to the vigil, including a man with cancer and an 84-year-old woman.

One man in particular had quite an adventuresome journey in getting from his home to the clinic. “I told him that it would take him getting on a train from the Bronx to Penn Station in Manhattan,” said José. “He would need to transfer to the Path Train one stop into New Jersey and switch to the New Jersey Transit line heading to Suffern, New York. Once at the Suffern stop, he would need to take a bus to Spring Valley, New York and finally take another bus.”

That might be enough to convince many people to stay home, but not this man. “He found his way to the abortion location and thought it was a great experience to pray and fast,” said José. This man now wants to bring his students to the vigil — he is a teacher in the Bronx — to experience the saving power of God, and to be signs of hope.

He had never ever done anything like this before. So what drove him to attend? José said, “It was the calling of the Holy Spirit.”

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life…

DAY 21 INTENTION:

Pray that we become vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement.

SCRIPTURE:

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”

– Luke 24:1-5

REFLECTION:

This meditation, based on a sermon I once heard, is adapted for pro-life concerns.

It’s Friday. Jesus is on the cross. He has been killed by his enemies; he is off the scene.

But that’s because it’s Friday. Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday. Abortionists continue their work 3,300 times a day, tearing off the arms and legs of little babies and crushing their heads.

But that’s because it’s Friday. Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday. Pro-abortion groups receive blood money from billionaires who are as deceived as they are.

But that’s because it’s Friday. Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday. Liars attempt to speak for all women and hide the pain of abortion, and ignore the evidence of how it harms women, and call abortion a blessing.

But that’s because it’s Friday. Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday. People of hardened hearts guard the clinics and usher desperate women in to have their abortions, while keeping them from the pro-life people who want to give them hope.

But that’s because it’s Friday. Sunday’s comin’!

Hope does not mean that we ignore or minimize the evils around us. It means, rather, that we see the whole picture, which is that evil is conquered because of what happened one Sunday morning.

We are called to proclaim, celebrate, and serve that victory, waiting in joyful hope for Christ’s return and the full flowering of the Culture of Life!

Indeed, Sunday’s comin’!

PRAYER:

Lord, fill your people with new hope. Make us vessels of hope to all around us, especially to those who minister in the pro-life movement, that as we engage in the difficult work ahead, we may experience the peace and joy that come only from you and that nobody can take away from us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Today let’s overcome ambivalence with prayer and be open to the calling of the Holy Spirit.

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- I am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where I will be speaking today at a big pro-life luncheon to share the good news of 40 Days for Life and to encourage people to ramp up local efforts to end abortion. I’d appreciate your prayers! :-)

Wynette in SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA reports that during their local 40 Days for Life, “a young woman walked over to one of the people praying, and said, ‘My friend came here to Planned Parenthood for an abortion, but instead talked to one of you people who showed her the babies in the womb and the list of helpful places. I just wanted to let you know, my friend decided not to have an abortion and now she is expecting TWINS!’”

Gabriela in EL PASO, TEXAS said she could have easily prayed at home and read her bible without any distractions. “Instead, I chose to spend my days at the abortion clinics, out in the sun, sometimes hungry, sometimes sick, being mocked, being told to go away, and even told to mind my own business.”

Gabriela added, “I do not say this to be pitied or to be praised, but rather I say this humbly to motivate others to make sacrifices, stand up for life, set an example, and to speak up.”

Cheryl in Dublin, Ireland is supporting your efforts from across the Atlantic with her prayers. “Satan will very much want to sabotage this great effort and it is important at these times to simply invoke the powerful name of Jesus Christ for protection,” she writes. “Do what’s right and let Jesus worry about the consequences. He makes good out of everything.”

A participant in the 40 Days for Life vigil in AUSTIN, TEXAS wrote in her blog, “I realize that praying at abortion clinics is out of the comfort zone of many people.”

She notes that the apostles had “comfort zone” issues as well. “They too found comfort being with Him when things were going well. But where were they in His agony in the garden? His own apostles failed to keep watch; they fell asleep. Where were they are on the road to Calvary?”

Imagine, she says, how it must comfort the Lord today “when we can be His light in the Calvary of these abortion clinics; when we show these mothers who are in despair during a difficult situation that we care, that we support them, that they and their children are in our prayers. We do not judge them, but we pray for their conversion and repentance.”

Would you like to invite others to join you in the 40 Days for Life effort, but just aren’t sure what to say?

Wynette’s invitation may be just the thing:

“Your prayerful presence is needed at the Calvary of today, where innocent life is still being lost, for whatever you do to the least of His, you also do unto Him. Won’t you come and be there as a prayerful witness for life this Lenten season?”

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Ernest Ohlhoff, the outreach director of National Right to Life…

DAY 20 INTENTION:

We pray for humility in our work for God’s Kingdom.

SCRIPTURE:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

– Philippians 2:5-8

REFLECTION:

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

Jesus Christ’s life on earth exemplifies a total submission to the will of the Father. His humility, compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are reflected over and over again in the New Testament.

He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a humble, working class home.

How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets, the ‘King of the Jews’ was born and raised as a simple peasant.

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

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

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

PRAYER:

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

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

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

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

As we move into the second half of 40 Days for Life, let’s double our efforts and finish strong!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

“But your mother didn’t abort you.”

Those were the life-saving words that came from the lips of a young boy participating in 40 Days for Life in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA.

He probably didn’t think about it in these terms, but he was answering God’s call to be an ambassador for Christ.

The 40 Days for Life team in Bakersfield sent me this boy’s story, and today I’d like to share it with you.

Eight-year-old Hugo had prayed with his older sister Sandra at the abortion center, but it was never on an abortion day.

He kept insisting to Sandra they go on a day abortions were planned. Finally, she was able to fit such a visit into her very busy schedule.

As Sandra and Hugo prayed that day, a young woman named Denisha walked out of the clinic. “I didn’t have it done yet,” she told the sidewalk counselors, but insisted she would be returning for an abortion.

Little Hugo stood nearby listening as Denisha explained her reasons for scheduling the abortion. She has two young children who were taken away by Child Protective Services. She expects to get her children back at an upcoming court date, but being pregnant again could complicate the situation. She was also afraid to tell her parents that she is pregnant.

“I know it’s wrong to have an abortion,” she confessed, “but I’ll just repent and God will forgive me.”

People continued pleading with her for over an hour, but her heart remained hardened. Denisha insisted she was just going to go back inside and “get it over with.”

During much of the conversation, Hugo stood close to Denisha, looking up into her eyes. Meanwhile, Sandra prayed nearby on the sidewalk, tears filling her eyes. “Her situation seemed so hopeless,” Sandra said.

Then Hugo quietly said to Denisha, “But your mother didn’t abort you.”

Denisha broke down and cried, realizing that she couldn’t go through with the abortion.

When her tears subsided, Denisha’s facial expression changed. The look of anxiety was gone, replaced by a huge smile and an appearance of peace and joy.

The eternal rewards of setting aside our busy schedules to invest an hour in prayer outside an abortion center may not always be as obvious as they were in this instance, but when God gives us the opportunity to participate in saving a child’s life we are always blessed when we accept His invitation.

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Carmen Pate, co-host of the nationally syndicated “Point of View” radio program…

DAY 19 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 of Whom we represent.

SCRIPTURE:

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

– Ephesians 4:1b-2

REFLECTION:

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

What a high calling it is — much higher than any presidential appointment to another country.

In his book, Fishers of Men, Dr. Sumner Wemp describes what it means to be an ambassador of Jesus 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)
• Do not let kindness and truth leave you (Proverbs 3:3-4)
• 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.

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 to those who desperately need Your saving grace.

In the name of Christ who is worthy, Amen.

A few hours ago, my daughter Claire and I were flying home from our whirlwind trip across Texas where today we visited 40 Days for Life locations in College Station (where 40 Days for Life began) and Austin (where we were greeted by a great group of prayer warriors including a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus in full regalia.)

On the plane home it hit me — tomorrow, February 25, marks the half-way point of 40 Days for Life!

In some ways this campaign has flown by, and in other ways it feels like it has been going on for a long time. Either way, I marvel at what God has already done and look forward to what He has yet to do during the second half of 40 Days for Life.

Thanks for all YOU are doing to lift this effort up in prayer, and for making it such a powerful force of change in America.

I appreciate you!!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Today let’s have the faith of a child — like young Hugo — as we respond to God’s call to be an ambassador for Christ.

Psalm 112:4 tells us: “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.”

Participating in a 40 Days for Life campaign is hard. We may be called upon to endure adversity, disappointment, and even tragedy.

But in the midst of this darkness, God can provide hope by revealing a glimmer of light.

On a tragic day filled with numerous abortions in PEORIA, ILLINOIS, James reported, “One baby saved. A woman came out, rolled down the window slightly and said, ‘I didn’t do it!’”

While struggling to fill a vigil schedule, Annie in LAKELAND, FLORIDA noted, “One of the things that I have been amazed about is the way that the Lord keeps sending people to us at just the right time. I call them angels. They’re not on the schedule; they just know when they are needed. Every day I witness this and it is just awesome. I am looking forward to seeing the angels He will send tomorrow.”

In the midst of bad weather, Tracy from GREAT FALLS, MONTANA reported: “The candlelight vigil was a great success! The snow fell most of the day and the streets became icy; but right before the vigil, the wind calmed down, the snow stopped, and people came out with their children to pray and sing in front of Planned Parenthood!”

Sometimes a ray of light can even pierce the darkness of the most heartbreaking situations…

During the fall 40 Days for Life campaign, we sent out a prayer request for a couple named Stacey and Joe Persichetti, and their unborn son, John.

Stacey, the mother, had been diagnosed with serious brain cancer. During the course of her treatment, it was discovered that she was pregnant. The family and their doctors tried to determine how best to treat her and Baby John.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Stacey selflessly demonstrated a willingness to risk her own life to give her baby a chance to live.

Thousands of people around the world have been praying for the Persichettis, and we asked the family for an update.

We received this tragic news from Stacey:

“John Christian was born on Saturday, November 3rd and lived only for a short time. He was beautiful and we were able to have him baptized and hold him for a few minutes. Thank you for all the support and love that have been showered on us during this time. Our consolation is that we have a saint waiting and interceding for us.”

Not long after Stacey and Joe experienced the darkness of the loss of Baby John, God provided them with a glimmer of light.

Stacey e-mailed me a few days ago to say:

“After over a year of treatment, the doctors at Duke see no signs of cancer and have officially ended all treatments. They are very optimistic about my prognosis and will continue to monitor me. God has been with us through this journey and I see firsthand His love. Thank you again for the many prayers.”

Yes, life is filled with tragedy and loss — and struggling to end abortion is no different.

But in our times of darkness, we must put our trust in the One who is the Light of the World.

That is where we’ll find the strength to carry on.

Today’s devotional is from Fr. Terry Gensemer,  national director of the Charismatic Episcopal Church for Life…

DAY 18 INTENTION:

May we absorb the truth that God is paying attention to us, and to each human life, personally and individually.

SCRIPTURE:

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.

– Psalm 8:3-9

REFLECTION:

How often we ignore the phrase, “stop and smell the roses” and instead submit to the all too “urgent” task at hand.

Is this tendency what keeps us, at least in part, from acknowledging that God’s care for His sacred creation is paramount in His own mind?

The Psalmist speaks of God’s handiwork: the heavens, the work of his “fingers,” and then points to God’s masterpiece — human life. He declares to us that God is mindful of us. God keeps His masterpiece in His thoughts.

God, the creator of the awe-inspiring heavens, is not distracted by the tasks before Him. He is not pulled away, as we might be, by thoughts of something “more important.”

God is paying attention to and attending to His crowning glory, His masterpiece of creation, which cannot be duplicated or replaced, which surpasses the beauty of all other created things — the human being.

There is no way to adequately describe how God feels about us as human beings. There are no words to fully portray His love, compassion or desire to be in communion with us.

Perhaps, the closest we can come, is to contemplate the thoughts of a mother as she gazes for the first time at her newborn child.

God cares for Life. We, as His followers, should take time to consider the life He has created and called upon us to love and protect.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the creator of all things. Guide my thoughts to consider your creation in all of its majesty, beauty and holiness. Guide my heart especially to your creation of precious human life.

Help me to comprehend how essential life is in your own heart. Teach me to appreciate, love and protect all human life through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today, let’s pierce the darkness by heeding the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

Her name was Joy. She was 76 years old and worked for one of the most notorious abortionists in America.

“She would use all of the standard arguments for abortion, including all of the harsh words,” said Allan. “Our response to her no matter how bad she got was to respond with love and the true answers about life.”

This went on for many months. Finally Joy shared what was really bothering her. “She lived all alone,” he said. “She had no savings and could not survive on what little she would bring in if she stopped working for the abortionist.”

Eventually, Allan said, “love cast out the fear.” Joy quit her job at the clinic and was able to find another position that provided enough money to live on. “This is an example of what God’s love can do if we will walk in it,” said Allan.

Jonas in Orlando, Florida reports that a participant in the 40 Days for Life vigil met a young woman who worked at the abortion clinic. “She said she was not happy with what she was doing and was going to quit. She told him that it was because she saw our group praying in front of the clinic. Wow!”

Some of the people involved in the abortion business have been caught in this trap for years. It may be that the seeds being planted during 40 Days for Life may not flower for some time to come; but now is the time to plant the seeds.

Dale tells of approaching an abortionist at his clinic some time ago and saying, “If anyone has been unkind to you and said words to you in anger I want to apologize for that right now and ask for your forgiveness.” The abortionist accepted the apology!

At the invitation of pro-lifers on the sidewalk, Dale said he would “stop and pray with us before he went inside his clinic. Not long after that we were told by the staff that they were now offering adoption services. On one occasion when he was interviewed by a local newspaper, he mentioned us and remarked, ‘Now these people are true Christians.’”

In a second newspaper interview about a year ago, the doctor declared that he had stopped doing abortions. “God got the glory, honor and praise,” said Dale.

In some cases, it took polite invitations and a whole lot of patience. In others, all it took was simply being there. Your peaceful presence IS making a difference!

Today’s devotional comes from Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life…

DAY 17 INTENTION:

Pray that we choose to trust God to bring an end to abortion soon, no matter how impossible that may seem to others.

SCRIPTURE:

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.

He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

– Ezekiel 37:1-3

REFLECTION:

You and I are standing in a world today over a field of dry bones: those who have been killed by abortion, those who have been killed by so many other things attacking the dignity of human life. And God has placed us here; we find ourselves here in the midst of this incredible tragedy.

Like Ezekiel, you and I are in a dilemma because God says to us: “Speak and proclaim the Word of Life. Keep doing it. Let nothing deter you.”

People can say, “This is humanly foolish, humanly impossible. How can we transform the world from the path of death that it’s on?”

Yet we choose to do the “foolish” thing rather than the dangerous thing.

If you ever doubt that we can bring an end to this culture of death, this destruction of the family, this destruction of life by abortion, if you ever think for a moment that it’s impossible, then ask yourself this: Can a man who has been scourged, crowned with thorns, nailed hands and feet to a cross, pierced with a lance, has died and been buried; can such a man ever live again?

PRAYER:

Lord, I thank you for giving me the holy dilemma of having to choose between the foolish thing or the dangerous thing.

Yet for me the solution is clear.

Lord, I will obey you, even if it means aiming for a goal which, in the eyes of others, seems foolish.

I will obey you, and will hope for the end of abortion soon, no matter how impossible that may seem to others. I dare not mistrust you; I dare not doubt your power; I dare not fail to follow your call. In you, who raise the dead, all hope comes alive. Amen.

Have a blessed weekend!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Thanks for your prayers — the banquet in Houston went great last night. There was only a tiny handful of anarchist Planned Parenthood supporters that showed up, and the police kept them from disrupting anything.

Just 48 hours after 40 Days for Life spread the story nationwide about Eileen Smith  — whose daughter Laura died following an abortion last September — there is a huge BREAKING NEWS development!

More on that in just a moment…

When we first shared Eileen’s story with you, we had no idea how profoundly it would affect people. The outpouring of reactions was immediate, intense, and heartfelt.

“You are a very courageous woman in making your daughter’s story known,” wrote J.M., “and Laura’s life is now sending a powerful pro-life message to others through you.”

J.M. also lost an adult daughter — through different circumstances — but she understands Eileen’s determination. “I have always been a part of the silent pro-life majority, being active in what was comfortable only,” she said. “My daughter taught me that just isn’t enough, as she stood up for life, even when she was not well.”

In Southfield, Michigan, Shirley also found inspiration in Eileen’s story. She went out very early in the morning to pray at the abortion center. “It is the first time I have ever done something like this,” she said. While driving to the clinic, she was overcome by doubts: “Just go home. It’s too cold and you are not dressed for the weather. Praying at home will be good enough.”

Shirley suddenly realized that praying at home was not good enough. “I needed to go and stand up to be counted no matter the cost,” she said. “Then afterward, coming home and listening to this story, I feel that my actions have been confirmed. My pro-life convictions can’t just stay in my heart.”

Anna’s note mentioned the abortion she had 37 years ago. “I had been on a life destroying downhill ride ever since until I determined to let God lead me out. If ever there was a poster child for post-abortion syndrome I could fill the bill.”

Anna, too, is now committed to “speaking out wherever and whenever God calls me to do so. I believe as more women come forward with their stories of how abortions have devastated their lives, we will see this nation turn away from the culture of death.”

The most stunning responses we received were the BREAKING NEWS updates from Eileen Smith herself, who first e-mailed me a few hours ago to say…

“I just received a phone call from the Boston Medical Board of Registration that the doctor that caused Laura’s death had his license taken away TODAY because they view him as a risk to PUBLIC SAFETY!”

Then, just a few minutes ago, Eileen sent me the latest news about the abortionist:

“It just keeps getting better. After the doctor’s license was suspended today, he came back with an offer to turn in his license to practice medicine FOREVER. The resignation was accepted by the board. He can never practice in Massachusetts or any other state. This is an answer to much prayer. Thank you for yours!”

Eileen, thanks to your courage — and the prayers of thousands of faithful people — there is one less abortionist practicing in America today.

Praise the Lord!!

Today, we give thanks to God for answered prayers — and for people who step out in faith to answer His call.

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Randolph Sly of the National Pro-life Religious Council…

DAY 16 INTENTION:

May the mystery of the Incarnation increase our zeal for defending life.

SCRIPTURE:

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

– Luke 1:30-33

REFLECTION:

“God has assumed Humanity, joining it with Divinity, and kindled in men’s hearts new love of me.” These words were written by a Roman poet in the Fourth Century. He spent his life finding ways to express the greatest mystery of the world: the incarnation, in which God became man.

The womb has been referred to as the “first home of the whole human race.” It is the place where life begins, where our stories start.

In the womb the great men and women of history began their magnificent march through life.

In the womb Divinity met humanity, and God the Son was born into the world.

As one of the Fathers of the early church, St. Leo the Great, declared, “Within her spotless womb Wisdom built itself a house and the Word became flesh.”

Recently, I was at the hospital for the birth of my fourth grandchild. Looking through the nursery window at the rows of newly born babies, I began to think of the great stories that would be written about these tiny lives.

During his visitation with the Virgin Mary, the angel prophesied to Mary about the life of her child. Here in this hospital, I pondered, what would he say about each of these?

Would they meet the one who also came from His mother’s womb to redeem the world and kindle our hearts afresh for God?

I thanked God for each baby alive and prayed for each story yet to be written.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, you have made the womb of each woman a very special place.

Help us to hold fast to the sanctity of this first home of humanity, remembering the wonderful mystery, that God inhabited the womb of a young woman and came forth as the savior and deliverer of the world.

We ask this in the Name of the one who came forth, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Praise the Lord who hears our prayers!

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- If you didn’t hear Eileen’s recorded audio interview where she shared her powerful story, it is posted online for you to listen at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=65

P.P.S.- In a few hours my 9-year-old daughter Claire and I will be flying to Texas where I will be speaking at a banquet in Houston tonight along with Phill Kline, the heroic District Attorney from Kansas who is holding Planned Parenthood’s feet to the fire over 107 criminal charges. (See news story at: http://snipurl.com/2028l )

We just learned that a group of anarchist Planned Parenthood supporters plan to protest the dinner and, in their words, “cause a ruckus.” Please pray for a conversion of these misguided abortion advocates. Thanks!!

“When we sensed that God was calling us to hold this 40 Days for Life campaign,” said Tim in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA, “we knew that the devil would throw obstacles in our way. But we are committed to persevere through the obstacles, knowing that God will use our experiences to His glory!”

To Teresa in MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, vigil participants are getting used to the constant distractions. They’ve come to expect people honking and making rude gestures, or shouting out “Go home!” or complaining to them, “You’re making us feel bad.”

Teresa said clinic workers have even come out to tell people they can’t stand in one place but must keep walking, or to inform them that they cannot leave their supplies on the ground. “There aren’t any codes against either one that we are aware of,” she said.

Jennifer writes in her blog that the 40 Days for Life vigil occasionally attracts vocal critics. “One such personage was present during my last shift, equipped with Sharpie and marker board, sometimes dancing on the corner like one of the kids Domino’s Pizza hires for advertising.”

When a vigil participant displayed a sign with the message, “Smile! Your mother chose life,” the guy with the Sharpie scrawled out, “Frown! Unfortunately, yours did too.”

“It amazes me that the Christians are the ones that get accused of hate,” she said.

Monica reminds us we should just persevere. She was praying outside Planned Parenthood when “a young man came out of the building. He was a bit scary looking.” He blew cigarette smoke at her and made making mocking gestures. “I just continued to pray.”

The young man ran to his car and returned with a hand-made sign reading, “Pray for the end of nonsense protesters”

He then walked beside Monica, carrying his sign. “Suddenly, he stopped. He crumpled up his sign and apologized to me for his immature behavior. I was so taken aback.” For 15 or 20 minutes, she spoke to him about God and faith. When a young woman walked out of the building, he left with her.

“It was truly a humbling experience,” said Monica. “I know God touched him in some small way. I am so blessed to have witnessed it!”

“I know that something huge is happening here by the testimonials you publish and share,” writes Ed. “Even if God is changing one heart at a time, God is changing hearts! Let all of us remain steadfast in prayer and fasting. It is working.”

Today’s devotional was prepared for you by Carmen Pate, co-host of the nationally syndicated “Point of View” radio program…

DAY 15 INTENTION:

Pray that we will not become defeated by the enemy’s attacks but rather call on the name of the Lord who is on our side and our help in time of trouble.

SCRIPTURE:

What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger.

Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

– Psalm 124:2,3,6,8

REFLECTION:

The enemy attacks in many ways, but one of his favorites is to slander us with hopes of tarnishing our reputation and character, and ultimately to defeat our good work for the Lord.

It is interesting to note however that it is usually not the slander that causes harm to our testimony, but our response to the slander.

Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.”

If we are applying God’s truths to our lives moment by moment, we are not swayed by the lies of the enemy and we will be strong. Standing on the front lines, armed with God’s truth, places you in the battlefield for the mind.

As you are prepared to present words of love, for the sake of the unborn and for the distraught and confused women and men who are entering the abortion facilities, know that the enemy has prepared his forces to attack your mind.

Unkind words from a protester, or vicious lies in the local paper about who you are and what your mission is, can indeed be hurtful.

But rather than give in to defeat, that is the time to shine for the Lord, standing firm, as you call on Him to defeat the enemy.

Remember the words of Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Let’s stand strong for those who need us most.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, help us to ignore the verbal attacks of the enemy and instead turn to You, our refuge and strength.

Help us to find shelter in the blessed promises and provisions of Your Word.

Thank you that no enemy can defeat us, and we praise You knowing that nothing can separate us from Your love. In the name of Jesus, we come to You, amen.

As 40 Days for Life participant Ed said, “Let all of us remain steadfast in prayer and fasting. It is working.”

Yours for Life,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- We’ve gotten rave reviews from the 20-minute recorded audio interview where Eileen Smith shared her story of triumph over tragedy. If you haven’t heard it yet, stop now and take a quick listen at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=65