Following an amazing 40 Days for Life campaign, here are two quick things before turning off my computer and cell phone for a much-needed break!
****************************************************** 1.) INSPIRING VIDEO: 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CONCLUSION ******************************************************
While I was in St. Louis, Missouri to wrap-up the spring 40 Days for Life campaign, David Bereit was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for their concluding rally.
In this talk, David covered some things he’s never shared publicly before, including:
The connection between Ronald Reagan, the Berlin Wall, and 40 Days for Life
The first baby David has been able to meet who was saved in connection to 40 Days for Life
What needs to happen following this campaign
You will be deeply inspired by this video!
****************************************************** 2.) HOPE FOR LIFE CONFERENCE THIS WEEK!
******************************************************
There is limited space still available for the Hope for Life conference in Atlanta, Georgia this Thursday and Friday.
This will be an exciting opportunity to personally meet some of the top pro-life leaders and hear the latest news about what is happening on every front of the pro-life movement.
Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life board member and co-host of the nationally syndicated “Point of View” radio show, will be attending the conference and speaking on behalf of 40 Days for Life.
They will be taking registrations up to the time of the conference and you can even register at the door.
To learn more, look over the awesome line-up of speakers, and register to attend, visit:
On a final note, we now have received confirmed reports of 431 lives saved as a result of this spring’s 40 Days for Life campaign. Amazing!
Thank you for all your prayers and faithful efforts that have produced such abundant fruit.
Now I’m turning off my computer and cell phone for the next few days to focus attention on my family (who have sacrificed much during this campaign as I’ve been running from coast-to-coast.)
Upon our return, David Bereit and I will have some VERY exciting news to share with you about how — together — we can move forward and build on the powerful momentum from this 40 Days for Life campaign!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
This Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Of course, there would not have been an Easter Sunday had there not first been a Good Friday.
In order to defeat death, Jesus had to die. And the gospels chronicle the extreme suffering He had to endure because of our sins.
What does that have to do with 40 Days for Life?
Everything!
Many have referred to abortion clinics as the modern-day Calvary — the place where the innocent suffer terrible deaths for the sins of others.
Many of the people who’ve participated in 40 Days for Life are Christians who commemorate Lent — the 40 day season of repentance and penitence that precedes Easter. They see a very clear parallel between the innocence of Christ and the innocence of babies in the womb — and the suffering that both had to endure.
There are quite a few 40 Days for Life teams who will be meeting on Good Friday for prayer and reflection. Here are just a few of them…
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: Good Friday is, tragically, an abortion day at Planned Parenthood in Indianapolis. The local team will hold a prayer vigil outside the clinic from noon to 3 PM, led by local coordinators from the Silent No More Awareness Campaign.
EVERETT, WA: This local team will host a special prayer vigil on Good Friday at 3 PM.
SACRAMENTO, CA: Local coordinator Wynette Sills says this campaign’s formal closing event is set for Good Friday at 5 PM. “Everyone from all seven local Sacramento vigil sites will gather together,” she said. “We are planning for several hundred, including 400 white crosses for people to hold.”
ALBUQUERQUE, NM: “Our prayer campaign actually ends this Good Friday,” said local coordinator Phil Sevilla. “We had 400 people participate last year. Good Friday represents our ending rally. We have a Jericho Walk, seven times around Planned Parenthood. The prayer vigil lasts three hours.”
RICHMOND, VA: Many of the local team members will attend services at 3 PM at St. Benedict Church, followed by prayer at the clinic, which is about four blocks from the church. Fr. James Kaufmann, pastor of St. Benedict, will lead the prayer vigil.
A prayer service familiar to many Christians is the Stations of the Cross — a reflection on Christ’s passion and what it means in our own lives. This service has been held several times during the spring 40 Days for Life campaign in Richmond.
40 Days for Life’s communications director, David Brandao, was present for one of these services recently and offers a short, profound, and inspiring audio report on the Stations of the Cross — as well as Richmond’s spring 40 Days for Life campaign.
Listen to the Audio Online (click “Play” button to start):
Download MP3 (right-click to save file to your computer):
In addition, Richmond is inviting its 40 Days for Life team to pray at the clinic on Easter Sunday.
That reminds me of one of the devotionals from the campaign that just ended.
It seems appropriate on Good Friday to take a second look at this poignant reflection (originally sent on day 21) from Fr. Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life…
——————————————————
GOOD FRIDAY 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 by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
——————————————————
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.
——————————————————
May you and your family have a very blessed and Holy Easter.
We continue to be overwhelmed by success stories from the spring 40 Days for Life campaign. Praise God!
Alejandra in Orange County, California passed along this amazing report of how one little girl’s faith helped to save the life of a baby.
“Tim came to me with his daughter and told me that his little girl (about 4 years old) told him before he went to Planned Parenthood, ‘take this plate of cookies and give it to a Mommy. Tell her to keep them so that she can give them to her baby when he is born.’”
“When Tim approached one of the women that he talked to last Saturday morning, he told her the message of his little daughter. The woman broke into tears and the thought of not being able to give her baby the plate of cookies that Tim’s daughter sent her made her decide to keep her baby!”
Here’s a look at the 40 Days for Life closing event in Orange County — outside the Planned Parenthood that just had $292,000 in tax funding stripped away by a unanimous vote of the local board of supervisors during this 40 Days for Life:
Shawn Carney, who coordinated this spring campaign, is finally home from the road. His last stop on day 40 was in St. Louis, where he encouraged 40 Days for Life participants to ask God what they should be doing next — now that this campaign has come to an end.
Shawn’s inspirational talk was recorded, and here is the audio for you to listen…
Listen to the Audio Online (click “Play” button to start):
Download MP3 (right-click to save file to your computer):
Gabriela in El Paso, Texas is one of the many volunteers eager to keep the spirit of 40 Days for Life going. She notes that today is really Day 44.
“Our work doesn’t end at 40,” she wrote. “God needs us to continue! The fight for the end of abortion doesn’t end there! There are abortions every day, and here is the challenge: to continue praying and doing prayer vigils at the abortion clinics. The babies, mothers and fathers too need our constant presence at the abortion clinics.”
She added, “They need Christ’s love, and we are the ones who need to offer that to these mothers and fathers. That is why I challenge you to continue your shift at the abortion clinic, to continue going the same days and times you are used to going. Remember, this isn’t our battle, it’s God’s battle, and he has chosen us to fight with prayer and presence to end abortion.”
I’m anticipating quite a response in El Paso after an enthusiastic call like that!
Rita in Burlington, Vermont is hearing that same call to continue. “Burlington is quite small compared to some of the cities that have been involved in 40 Days for Life,” she wrote, “but the momentum is certainly building and we look forward to the next campaign. In fact, as has been the case with so many other vigil sites, people do not want to stop, some of us will continue to stand vigil in front of Planned Parenthood in Burlington. I have decided to stand vigil on Wednesdays, abortion day.”
Rita also explained how so many of the cold-weather cities were able to sustain a faithful presence despite snow and wind chill readings that were far below zero. “Despite the cold, chilling to the bone cold, and the harassment from those passing by, when your time praying came to an end, this sense that you did your Father’s work came over you and left you feeling all warm, despite some of the frigid Vermont temperatures,” she said. “Doing the Father’s work does leave one feeling joyful!”
Let’s ensure that the spirit of 40 Days for Life never ends, even though one specific campaign has finished.
The reports keep flooding in from the 135 cities that have just concluded the spring 40 Days for Life — and there are still more we’ll be getting over the next few days — but I just had to let you know that the confirmed number of lives saved from abortion during this campaign has now reached…
421!!
There are many other things to report to you as well, just as soon as we finish compiling these reports. But here are just a few of the comments from some of the participating cities:
GREENVILLE, SC: “We are truly humbled at the response and dedication. What we saw during the 40 Days for Life was God’s hand at work.”
AUGUSTA, ME: “People have come from all over Maine. Prayer volunteers have come from a distance of 180 miles.”
OCALA, FL: “More than 350 individuals prayed at the vigil. One couple, between them, totaled 70 hours.”
RIVERSIDE, CA: “Clinic security guards said we have opened their eyes about some things and one is quitting. She doesn’t want to work there any longer.”
CHARLOTTE, NC: “During this 40 Days for Life campaign, there were 41 babies saved from abortion.”
LITTLE ROCK, AR: “We plan to offer training and build a sidewalk counseling team. We also plan to maintain our public presence at Planned Parenthood.”
TOCCOA, GA: “People learned the truth by reading information, by listening to post-abortive women and by standing in the gap in silent prayer for the unborn.”
EVERETT, WA: “There is no question of continuing our involvement in fall 2009 40 Days for Life campaign. We are motivated!”
ALBUQUERQUE, NM: “We are encouraging our supporters to continue to work in pro-life ministry throughout the year. There’s plenty of work for everyone.”
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI: “This is our second campaign and we have doubled in size. We have determined, faith-filled men, women, teens and children who will not give up.”
PROVIDENCE, RI: “One mother stopped, on her way out of the abortion clinic, to tell us that she had decided against her scheduled abortion.”
ABILENE, TX: “Since the 40 Days of Life campaign started we have had many more abortion-minded girls coming to our pregnancy center.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA: “We had a woman and what appeared to be her boyfriend walk up to the Planned Parenthood, look at us, and then walk away.”
SAN MATEO, CA: “One clinic worker said to a vigil volunteer: ‘Why don’t you pray at your homes? You’re making our work here difficult!’”
And that’s a perfect note to end on.
It’s clear that being present in prayer at abortion facilities makes a world of difference — for the mothers, for the babies, for the abortion workers.
Please look within your heart and pray about this as we approach Easter Sunday — how will you continue to answer Christ’s call to stand up for the least of His brothers and sisters?
Thanks again for all you do to be their voices!
In Christ Who Is Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- On day 39 of this campaign, Shawn Carney was traveling across Canada visiting 40 Days for Life sites, and was able to record a quick audio interview with George, the local campaign leader in Montreal, about the impact of 40 Days for Life. Here’s the recording for you to listen (including part in French):
Listen to the Audio Online (click “Play” button to start):
Download MP3 (right-click to save file to your computer):
Clearly, this particular coordinated campaign has come to an end. But people in city after city have come to see that the ongoing needs are great.
There is much work to be done — and much willingness to dive in!
Here are just a very few of the Day 41+ efforts that are already beginning…
ABILENE, TEXAS: Vigil participants are making plans to establish the West Texas Coalition for Life. The Abilene News Reporter quoted local 40 Days for Life campaign coordinator Paula Matchen, who said momentum from the spring campaign has been the catalyst for this new project. “The goal is to bring an end to abortion,” she said, “and do whatever we can to help bring that about.”
RENO, NEVADA: 40 Days for Life vigil participants are saying, “We’re not stopping!” One volunteer senses that “something has changed in the pro-life effort, and that there is speculation that the prayer component of 40 Days for Life has shifted the balance of the entire debate.”
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: This city is already making plans for the fall 40 Days for Life campaign (the dates are September 23 – November 1). To maintain momentum, they’re organizing at least two days of prayer each week at the abortion facility. During this 40 Days for Life campaign, Virginia’s governor signed legislation authorizing “choose life” license plates that will help fund pregnancy resource centers.
AUGUSTA, MAINE: Participants in this community’s first 40 Days for Life campaign have made a commitment to continue the effort by holding a weekly prayer vigil outside the abortion facility.
CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY: The campaign’s results have encouraged efforts to solidify an increased regular presence at the abortion center. The number of abortion patients appeared to drop by more than half, and the clinic began closing early. It’s clear that prayer works — and it simply cannot stop!
There are many other communities with big plans that can’t be revealed yet; but they are all showing faithfulness to God’s call — and the local abortion businesses are going to be in for some big surprises in the not-too-distant future!
Please prayerfully discern how God can use YOU and your community in these ongoing efforts — and when He reveals His plans, be willing to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
As a final thought, we are constantly reminded that through 40 Days for Life, God does much more in addition to saving babies.
He saves souls!
Again during this campaign, even with all these big plans that local groups are contemplating, the biggest, most lasting effects are often profoundly spiritual and profoundly individual.
Of all the letters I’ve received, perhaps none is quite as touching as one from Anne, who wrote about the excitement of getting ready to go pray in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion center for the first time ever.
“I can hardly wait to experience what you’ve been talking about,” she said, “that special feeling of doing something to stop this legalized killing that goes on behind those closed doors. I can feel God smiling down on me.”
She said that answering God’s call “is a lasting feeling — saving lives and changing hearts.”
Praying outside Planned Parenthood is not the only change in Anne’s life.
Anne has also returned to church — for the first time in 50 years!
Praise and glory to our wondrous God, who makes all things new!
As a special “end of campaign bonus” here is one final devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life…
——————————————————
DAY 41+ INTENTION
——————————————————
Pray that the witness of 40 Days for Life bears abundant fruit, and that we begin again each day to storm the gates of hell until God welcomes us into the gates of heaven.
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. On this rock I will build my church; the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
– Matthew 16:18
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
——————————————————
When we read this verse, we usually think that the Lord is promising that the church, which is His Body, will withstand all the attacks launched against it.
Of course, that is true. But when we think about it more carefully, we realize that in a battle, the gates do not run out into the battlefield to attack the enemy. Rather, they stand still to defend the city from the enemy attacking it.
So when the Lord says that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, who is doing the attacking?
It is the church storming the gates!
The church, all of God’s people in Christ, is called to take the offensive, to run into enemy territory, and to gain ground for Jesus Christ.
We do not wait for an invitation; we already have a command.
We prepare, but we do not wait for circumstances to be perfect; we already have one who has gone before us.
During these 40 days, we have stormed the gates. We have taken the offensive. We have pushed forward the boundaries of the kingdom. And we must keep doing so, in numerous ways.
Indeed, the gates of hell will not prevail. The gates of falsehood will flee in the presence of truth. The gates of sin will melt in the presence of grace. The gates of death will fall in the presence of the church, the People of Life!
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
Father, we praise you. We have heard the voice of your Son, and therefore we can make our voices heard.
We have done battle with the power of evil, and therefore we can have compassion on those still within its grip. We have been freed from the kingdom of darkness, and therefore we can bear witness to your Kingdom of Light.
May the witness of all your people through these 40 Days for Life bear abundant fruit, and may we begin again each day to storm the gates of hell until You welcome us into the gates of heaven.
We pray in the victorious name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
As David Bereit and I return home from our final spring 40 Days for Life travels, we can’t tell you enough how much we have appreciated your prayers and your participation in this campaign.
You provide tremendous HOPE for our nation’s future!
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
I want to personally thank you for your prayers and participation in this spring 40 Days for Life.
You are truly a hero. Really!
Everyone who has prayed, fasted, stood vigil, or engaged in community outreach is a hero — for responding to God’s call to speak up for the most helpless who we will most likely never see or meet.
Standing witness outside abortion facilities — even when it is tough and unpopular — is always worth it. Just ask the 368 children whose lives have been saved from abortion during this spring 40 Days for Life.
Yes, reports keep pouring in and the number is now up to 368 lives saved. Praise God!
There is much to celebrate on Day 40 of this 40 Days for Life. Here are just three examples among many…
To say that it snowed a lot during this “spring” campaign in Kalispell, Montana is an understatement.
But Kalispell, which is in a county of about 85,000 people, has maintained a 24-hour vigil since February 25 despite the waves of wintry weather.
Their sacrificial efforts just gained front page news coverage in their local paper…
When the vigil at Planned Parenthood began, the Kalispell clinic was open five days a week. The facility has now cut back to three days a week.
In addition, the area’s other abortion center has cut back from six days a week to five. “So they have begun to downsize,” said Sandra Bois, a local coordinator. “A beginning!”
Other true heroes are the men and women who’ve shared the message that Christ’s healing is available in the wake of abortion. They’ve stepped forward during 40 Days for Life to tell the world, “I regret my abortion” or “I regret lost fatherhood.”
Frances Wilkinson spoke up after an angry abortion supporter’s letter to the editor appeared in the Ottawa Citizen. The writer said she was “increasingly outraged” at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Canada’s capital city and encouraged others to follow her example of donating to a pro-abortion fund.
Frances answered — and the paper printed her response and a photo of her holding her “I regret my abortion” sign at the 40 Days for Life vigil.
Frances said she wants to help other women “so they will not make the worst mistake they will ever make, for themselves and their child, and anyone else affected by the abortion.” She added, “No one has the right to kill another human being.”
There are true heroes in Toccoa, Georgia as well. Toccoa is in a county with a population of around 25,000. But this town has served as an amazing example of a community coming together to take a stand.
A Christian businessman offered his parking lot on a busy highway as the vigil site. The coordinators set up a tent and invited people to pray.
“The response from the road traffic was fantastic!” said Andrea Sosebee, one of the coordinators. “People honking horns, thumbs up, hollering positive words of encouragement to all — it was awesome!”
She added, “We may not have had an abortion clinic to stand in front of, but our community has truly been awakened to the issue of abortion and the need for change and healing. This has been such an exciting campaign!”
An awakening. Just what this culture needs, don’t you think? And it’s all thanks to the grace of God — and the faithful response to His call by people just like you in 135 cities across 43 states, Canada, Northern Ireland, and Australia.
Once again, THANK YOU! A remarkable effort is ending — but it’s really only just beginning.
Today’s devotional is from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life…
——————————————————
DAY 40 INTENTION
——————————————————
Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
– Revelation 21:4-5
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
——————————————————
Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when “death will be no more.”
Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered.
Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future in which the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new.
As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered.
It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey.
Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven.
When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away.
When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory.
When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life.
Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more.
Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth.
As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
As 40 Days for Life comes to a close the opposition is getting more vocal — but it’s wonderful to see YOU responding in a Christ-like manner!
Thank you!!
“The Planned Parenthood people are getting more and more upset at our presence as time goes on,” said Terese in Napa, California. “They have been taking pictures of people, trying to make it look like we are approaching the women going into the clinic and calling the police because we are loitering.”
One man kept demanding to know when the pointless “protesting” would end. “He told us abortion will never end,” said Terese. “He doesn’t know this, but because of him we began to pray even harder.”
People are praying even harder — in spite of the weather. While it’s starting to get warmer in the South, and many areas been drenched in rain over the last few days, a wave of blizzards has created challenges in other regions.
David in Kalispell, Montana said he was inspired by praying with a local pastor, late at night, during a snowstorm. “The Planned Parenthood folks are undoubtedly hoping to simply outlast us,” he said, “but I for one am ready to commit to keeping on.”
He added, “I feel certain that we are close to our goal if we but persevere in faithfulness until another ‘for rent’ sign appears.”
I also hear from many people who bring their children to the 40 Days for Life vigil — and not just infants and toddlers, but children who are old enough to understand what’s going on — and old enough to beg God to make it stop.
Jenna in St. Louis writes that this was her first time taking part in 40 Days for Life. Once she got to the clinic, “I couldn’t stop crying for two straight hours,” she said. “I was so saddened when I realized what was going on in the facility.”
After that first day, she went back again with her husband and children. She said her youngest, Joel, prays from his heart: “Lord, please let the ladies know these babies are a blessing from you!”
A picture can say a lot, and that’s certainly the case with the picture of Joel that Jenna sent me.
I have to believe the Lord undoubtedly hears the prayers of children like this!”Thank you all for your hard work,” Jenna added. “I have truly been blessed!”
Speaking of the prayers of children — I told you yesterday about the young people I met in Mobile, Alabama. Here’s an opportunity for you to hear their amazing story firsthand. I recorded a quick audio interview with these young prayer warriors, who are praying very hard for an end to abortion:
Listen to the Audio Online (click arrow-shaped “Play” button to start):
Download MP3 (right-click to save file to your computer):
Today’s devotional is from Carmen Pate, a 40 Days for Life board member and the co-host of the nationally broadcast Point of View radio talk show…
——————————————————
DAY 39 INTENTION
——————————————————
Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
– 1 Peter 1:6-7
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
——————————————————
We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.
Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service.
Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days.
The attacks of the enemy come in many forms — difficulties in relationships, finances, health.
Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for April 5.
Consider these trials in light of God’s plan for you.
The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might.
We rest in You, dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us.
May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Today — Saturday — is typically the busiest day of the week for abortions in many locations.
To ensure that this 40 Days for Life finishes strong, if there is any way you can carve out one extra hour this weekend to go pray outside the nearest abortion facility (even if it isn’t an official 40 Days for Life location) it could make a world of difference.
Who knows — God might even use you to help save a life!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
40 Days for Life media coverage is booming in newspapers, TV and radio stations, and web sites across America!
The Abilene, Texas 40 Days for Life was highlighted in a story on KRBC-TV. You can read the story and watch the video at: http://tinyurl.com/cwmmlk
Just this week, Elizabeth McClung from 40 Days for Life in Austin, Texas was featured on the nationally syndicated Point of View talk radio show.
Of course, not every 40 Days for Life campaign has been featured in the media. So some 40 Days for Life participants have helped put 40 Days for Life in the news themselves — by taking a really easy step that YOU can take without ever leaving home!
There is one simple outlet where the impact can last for days (and sometimes weeks) that you can tap into: letters to the editor.
“During the 40 Days for Life, from February 25 to April 5, a peaceful prayer vigil is taking place across from that facility and, in my opinion, that is a wonderful gesture,” Lorraine Fecteau wrote in a letter published in the Kennebec, Maine Morning Sentinel. “It is important to note it is not a demonstration nor is it a protest.”
Lorraine stressed the peaceful approach of 40 Days for Life, which is a key element of this mission.
“The tranquil, private setting of the Augusta Family Planning Association of Maine on Gabriel Drive is in sharp contrast to the violence regularly performed there on these defenseless babies whose only crime is to have been conceived.”
A letter to the editor gets your story in the paper — and often on the paper’s web site. And it can be very short.
David Greskowiak’s letter appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle.
“I think we need to thank and salute the pro-life volunteers who have been staging a vigil at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in San Mateo every day this Lenten season as a part of the ‘40 Days for Life’ project. They are an example of what’s good in this country,” he wrote. “Hopefully, with some more effort and prayer, the evil of abortion will be gone from our society in the near future.”
College campuses can be a tough place to spread the pro-life gospel, but sophomore Robert McNeily’s voice was heard in the Daily Illini at the University of Illinois.
Robert noted the rights that are listed in the Declaration of Independence. “The United States has seen its patriots, civil rights leaders and the ‘Greatest Generation’ fight for these truths for more than 230 years without fear, but with courage and resilience,” he wrote.
“The same call for justice is upon this generation today. I ask that you pray, reflect and join the peaceful movement that will be the voice for the unborn and the challenge to the status quo for months and years to come.”
Thanks to Lorraine, David, Robert — and many, many others — for getting the good news about 40 Days for Life in the media!
Today’s devotional was written for you by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference…
——————————————————
DAY 38 INTENTION
——————————————————
We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
– Jeremiah 1:4-5
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
——————————————————
To be or not to be?
There is no question!
The question of “being” is something philosophers have long pondered.
What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer.
We have being because we are known by God.
For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God’s own being.
Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do.
The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued.
To embrace the arguments of the “pro-choice” crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn’t exist, isn’t there, has no being.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
That child is known by God and, as such, has being.
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being.
Because You are, we are.
May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. Amen.
National Director David Bereit and I are running hard in the final days of this 40 Days for Life, visiting as many campaign sites as possible before Sunday.
While visiting Mobile, Alabama, I learned that there is only one abortion center still in business and the pro-life excitement has never been higher.
From volunteers who have been out there praying for the last 30 years to a 9-year-old and a 13-year-old who have been going door-to-door during the 40 Days for Life — amazing!
Praise God that our youth are more committed to saving life than Planned Parenthood is to destroying life. They make me feel old!
When I arrived in Birmingham, campaign leader Michael told me the vigil presence has been very powerful. In the last few weeks prayer volunteers have helped turn two women away from abortion including a 13-year old girl whose mom had been pushing her to have an abortion. The other woman who chose life said she saw the prayer presence as “a sign from God.” Wow.
No time to rest as I fly north to Montreal and Ottawa before traveling to St. Louis for day 40, while David Bereit heads across Pennsylvania and Maryland today before flying to South Dakota to end this campaign.
You inspire us to keep going!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
There are people praying at 40 Days for Life vigils who have NEVER taken part in any sort of pro-life activity — before coming out for the first time now!
“I’m encouraged by all the people that I meet at the vigil,” said Brian in St. Louis, “especially those who are standing in the rain. As I stood at the vigil this weekend, I met a wonderful woman named Mary.”
This was Mary’s first time to the clinic and she was excited to be there to share God’s message of hope and healing to those passing by on the street, even if you had to stand in the rain.
Brian added that Mary is certainly not alone. “Most of the people I’ve talked to have never been to the clinic. ‘This is my first time’ has been repeated over and over.”
40 Days for Life touches people and opens their hearts to Jesus’ call to defend the least of our brethren. So many of YOU are answering that call — and to God be the glory!
There’s one 40 Days for Life vigil participant who had seen first-hand the importance of being present outside the abortion center, and she wanted to do more. So this young mother of three discerned that God was calling her to become a sidewalk counselor.
Her very first day on the job in Colorado Springs was a most eventful one.
“On her first day actively talking to the men and women going into this place of death, we all celebrated when one couple came out and told us, very specifically and repeatedly, they chose not to have the abortion,” said Douglas, who was one of a number of people praying at the clinic that day.
“The father told us this news first, and we all waited for the mother to come out, warning him that they might be pressuring her inside. He seemed confident she wouldn’t agree to the abortion and that she’d be out soon,” he said.
The woman finally emerged from the clinic, and confirmed the news that she would not be having an abortion. “This mother seemed so much happier and relieved about choosing life today with the father of this new baby in her womb,” Douglas said.
This would not have happened if there had been no vigil outside!
It underscores the need for more people to take that first step to pray in front of the local abortion facility — and then see where God leads from there.
“We need more, much more presence and praying — walking the sidewalks, carrying signs and pushing strollers,” Douglas said, adding that your presence causes the young people entering the clinic to question their “choice.”
He’s praying that God will provide the necessary grace to close this clinic – and many others. “It’s going to happen!”
Today’s devotional is from Fr. Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life…
——————————————————
DAY 37 INTENTION
——————————————————
We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the “pro-choice” slogan.
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
– 2 Corinthians 3:17
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
——————————————————
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.
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
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.
I won’t tell you where this is happening, but there is a woman we know of who’s pondering a career change.
An abortion center employee has been talking to the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers outside of her workplace — and she wants out!
Her message was simple — she just couldn’t take it any longer. It was time to look for a new job.
She asked the vigil participants to pray for her. She could not simply quit her job, because she needs the income. Her prayer request was that she be able to find a suitable position elsewhere so she could give her notice at the clinic.
She also said the prayers of the vigil participants have a definite impact at the clinic. “When there are prayers happening outside, she said the tone of what happens inside changes,” the local campaign coordinator told me. “Everyone is aware of their presence, and she for one, can no longer pretend that what is happening is OK.”
There are women in Carson City, Nevada who “can’t take it any longer” either. Because of 40 Days for Life, they’ve learned the shocking truth that the ob/gyn practice they go to for routine health care also does abortions.
It is indeed a fact that many people are simply unaware that abortions are going on in their own communities — even at their own doctors’ offices. But thanks to you, 40 Days for Life is opening their eyes.
This ob/gyn practice is “feeling the heat of our presence,” said Carol Marie, one of the local 40 Days for Life coordinators. “We know of at least three patients who have left the practice once they learned that abortions are performed.”
One of those women told the abortion clinic staff she would no longer be their patient and the receptionist gave her a stack of forms to fill out. But the woman’s response was that she was only interested in one form — a form where she could explain to this medical practice why she was going away.
“She then proceeded to put a long note in writing as to exactly what she thought of an ob/gyn center performing abortions as a part of their regular practice,” Carol Marie said.
“This wonderful woman has ensured that they fully appreciate the reason they have lost her as a patient. By being present at the sidewalk, we are informing their patients about what is being done behind closed doors,” she said. “With enough patients lost, they could rethink their commitment to performing abortions.”
She added, “If you ever wondered if what we’ve been doing has been making a difference, well the Lord has given us an answer, loud and clear. Lives are being saved, people are leaving the business and we are costing them the money that motivates the doctors to do what they do. All praise and glory goes to God!”
Today’s devotional is from Vera Faith Lord, the director of Alpha/Omega Life Ministry…
——————————————————
DAY 36 INTENTION
——————————————————
Pray that those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
——————————————————
SCRIPTURE
——————————————————
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
——————————————————
REFLECTION by Vera Faith Lord, Alpha/Omega
——————————————————
“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.
——————————————————
PRAYER
——————————————————
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.
In my community of Bryan/College Station, Texas, we’ve been told by family and friends of Planned Parenthood volunteers — and even former employees of the clinic — that our prayer presence outside has a big impact.
They’ve also told us that the presence really affects the work atmosphere inside, so please remember to pray for those who work in the abortion industry — that our prayers and peaceful vigils change many hearts.
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
