The media likes 40 Days for Life — and we have the abortion industry to thank.

No, I have not lost my mind just four days into the campaign!

Yes, I know at the national level, the media seems to have an agenda that’s radically in favor of abortion. But I’m seeing 40 Days for Life campaigns getting great coverage — and a fair shake — in local media outlets.

This is typically because the abortion center staff complains to the media — and tell the reporters and producers that they’re under a “violent siege” or that “extremist protesters are harassing patients.”

Of course, when the local media go to the vigil, they find moms praying with small children. Or high school students kneeling in prayer. Or businessmen praying on their lunch hour. Or an elderly couple praying quietly.

When this happens, the local media, pro-life or not, sees the vigil volunteers as the underdogs — and the abortion center workers come off as intolerant.

The staff’s overreaction is the catalyst for 40 Days for Life getting a fair treatment.

I just did a local media interview for a 40 Days for Life campaign, and this never fails. Here are a few examples.

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FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA
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The Fairfield Daily Republic reported on the local 40 Days for Life kickoff event — and included a picture of Catholic Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento leading the crowd of about 150 in prayer.

The opening vigil was held in front of a Planned Parenthood facility. One volunteer told the reporter that people would go there to pray “until they close this place.”

While the article quoted talking points from the Planned Parenthood web site, no one from the organization would speak to the reporter on the record.

In reference to the Planned Parenthood staff, another volunteer said, “We are here to pray for them as well. We’re not here to finger-point.”

To see the full story from the Fairfield Daily Republic, please go to:

http://tinyurl.com/3vdujcr

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AMARILLO, TEXAS
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KFDA-TV, the local CBS affiliate, covered the 40 Days for Life kickoff in Amarillo — and gave a very accurate description of the typical vigil: “There was no yelling, no protesting and no arguing, just a peaceful gathering of those fighting to end abortion.”

Local coordinator Stephanie Frausto noted that abortions are not performed at the facility where the vigil is held, but it’s often the first stop for abortion-minded women.

“So we are always here,” she said.

The reporter also noted, “While they prayed and sang songs, several also shared their testimonies, because they’re not just pushing to end abortion, but to also heal those who have had one.”

Here’s a link to the story and video from KFDA-TV:

http://tinyurl.com/4yyzbqa

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VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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Victoria’s first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign got the attention of the Goldstream News Gazette, which interviewed vigil participants outside a local abortion center.

“We are praying for women and their unborn children,” said volunteer Steve Weatherbe. “We are praying for women to change their minds and to keep their babies.”

People praying are restricted by a 30-meter buffer zone — that’s about 100 feet. But they did not let that discourage them.

The reporter quoted a member of a local pro-abortion group, who said she was “appalled it is going on for 40 days.” She predictably called the 40 Days for Life event “harassment.”

“This is not a protest,” countered Weatherbe. “It’s a prayer vigil.”

The only harassment anyone noted came in the form of pro-abortion slogans that were spray-painted on the sidewalk. Police are investigating the vandalism.

To see the full story from the Goldstream News Gazette, please go to:

http://tinyurl.com/3nthbc8

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day04print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: How is 40 Days for Life touching lives in your community? Please leave a comment below.

Reports of saved babies are starting to pour in!

Yesterday as I was traveling to the 40 Days for Life campaign in Helena, Montana, I got an e-mail that really caught my eye.

It was from Lisa in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The subject line read: “40 Days for Life baby saved!”

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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“Alison, one of our core team members, said this save took place in the very first hour the abortion clinic was open after our campaign began,” Lisa said. This is the fifth 40 Days for Life vigil at this location.

Lisa also sent along a photo of an art class project at a local Christian school. Each student created an individual panel that helped build a room-sized, heart-shaped display — all in keeping with the theme of praying for an end to abortion during 40 Days for Life.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
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“The Body of Christ in action” is Eileen Hartman’s description of 40 Days for Life — and the assistance offered by other pro-life ministries in the Indianapolis area.

“We are blessed in Indianapolis to be able to share the love of Christ as we help women who have chosen life under difficult circumstances,” she said. “We don’t walk away from these women after they have given birth. They know they can call on us long after their baby is born.”

40 Days for Life volunteers in Indiana’s capital city are a determined group. They gathered to hear inspirational speakers at the local kickoff event — then walked through a heavy rainstorm to pray at their vigil site outside a Planned Parenthood abortion facility.

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
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Sterling Heights is hosting its seventh 40 Days for Life campaign. “With each kickoff,” said Maribeth, one of the local leaders, “the Holy Spirit infuses us with the energy, encouragement and strength to endure what the next 40 days will bring.”

At the Sterling Heights kickoff event, “we asked God to bless and protect this ground that we will claim as ours over the next 40 days and we prayed for protection for all of the prayer warriors who will come and walk in silent prayer as they lift up their cries to the Lord for the unborn,” said Maribeth.

“We know we will continue to make a difference in our community,” she said, “as we stand together to proclaim that life is a gift and it needs to be protected.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day03print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Please let me know what’s new in your local 40 Days for Life campaign! You may leave a comment below.

I have to say that the ENTHUSIASM I’m seeing and hearing is really uplifting — and also humbling.

The dedication and prayers of so many — like you — have made this the largest 40 Days for Life campaign ever … and prayer always sustain us through adversity. Here are a few examples.

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FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS
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The people who arrived for the 40 Days for Life kickoff event outside the abortion center in Fayetteville got a bit of a surprise — a brand-new sprinkler system, with the sprinkler heads pointed directly at the prayer volunteers.

“The owner of the business complex turned the sprinklers on as soon as we set up all our equipment,” said Tiffany in Fayetteville. “And they kept the sprinklers on for two hours.”

One co-owner spent the entire two hours “pacing and walking up and down the parking lot, yelling at us and telling the police to arrest us,” she said. “Needless to say, the police officers were polite and explained they could not arrest us.”

The prayer volunteers were then greeted with loud, obscene music from inside the building. “We sang and played worship music and lifted our voices to God,” Tiffany explained. “Our God songs drowned out the vulgar music.”

Through it all, the prayer volunteers refused to be discouraged. “The bottom line — God triumphed,” she said. “Praise the Lord!”

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TOCCOA, GEORGIA
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Bright and early on Day 1, a young woman stopped by the 40 Days for Life vigil site in Toccoa and gave Mary a great big hug.

“Please know that people are noticing what you are doing,” the woman said. With tears in her eyes, she showed Mary a picture of her son.

This young mom said she had been on her way to have an abortion when her car broke down. She had to use the money she had saved up for an abortion to get her car fixed. Soon after, she decided to keep her baby — and now was so very happy with her choice.

“She also agreed to stop back and sign up to join our campaign,” said Mary. “We are looking forward to seeing her again, and hope to be able to send more stories like this.”

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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About 75 people came out for the 40 Days for Life kickoff in Las Vegas. “The sun was hot,” said Linda, one of the local leaders, “but many were willing to brave the heat … in support of the dignity of human life.”

The event began with music — and the sound of the shofar, the traditional ram’s horn. “Pastor Wally Smith of House of Israel Fellowship proclaimed a Bible passage and called us to bravely fight the evil of abortion that occurs here in our city nearly every day,” said Linda.

“Let’s stand ready to storm heaven with prayer,” she said, “and then humbly await God’s will.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day02print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: If you have stories to share from the first day of your local 40 Days for Life campaign, please add a comment below.

It’s just the first day of the 40 Days for Life campaign … and I’ve already got great news to share! Let’s get right to it.

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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
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The 40 Days for Life team in Columbia holds its vigils outside a Planned Parenthood center that is the only abortion location between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Last Thursday — less than a week before the start of the campaign — the abortionist quit!

This is not the first time this has happened. Planned Parenthood in Columbia has gone through six different abortionists during the past two and a half years — and this facility has gone months at a time with NO ABORTIONS — including times DURING 40 Days for Life campaigns.

“Praise the Lord!” said Kathy in Columbia. “We know that God will do many miracles these 40 days!”

Planned Parenthood is referring women to its facility in St. Louis, so the prayers will continue in Columbia — and in St. Louis as well.

Here’s a photo of the prayer vigil in Columbia:

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ROSARIO, ARGENTINA
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Rosario is one of two cities in Argentina taking part in 40 Days for Life for the first time.

“We have worked hard in order to adapt it to our culture,” said Gabriela in Rosario, “maintaining at the same time the core elements.”

Argentineans are enthusiastic about praying and fasting for an end to abortion, she said, “and I think this will be THE key element of our first-time campaign.”

For now, Gabriela said, the primary goal is to get the word out.

“And,” she said, “God is certainly helping us to achieve this goal!”

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SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
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Yesterday, I mentioned 301 locations for this campaign — and the importance of another number … ONE.

Right after I wrote that message, I got a campaign update from Mary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The subject of her 40 Days for Life e-mail? “The power of one.”

“David, when he went up against the giant Goliath, was one of the least likely ones to stand a chance,” Mary wrote. “But he had faith in God! He had five smooth stones. And with God, it only took him ONE!”

The Sioux Falls update closes with an invitation, which I now extend to YOU!

Do you want to make a difference to end abortion over these next 40 days? Then ACT!

Join the vigil closest to you or call just one person and ask them if they will join you during 40 Days for Life. Invite others to get our e-mail updates by signing up at:

http://40daysforlife.com/

… and please share this e-mail with your friends and family.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day01print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Here’s the link to the list of locations for this 40 Days for Life campaign:

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

On the eve of the largest 40 Days for Life campaign ever, I cannot wait to see what God has in store over these next 40 days!

After speaking at the 40 Days for Life kickoff event in Germantown, Maryland on Sunday night, I will be heading out to meet our national director, David Bereit, in Montana for a kickoff event there later this week.

The excitement has NEVER been higher going into a campaign!

This fall’s campaign is BIG. Let’s just look at the numbers:

• 301 locations taking part from September 28 to November 6
• hundreds and hundreds of church congregations joining the campaign
• 48 NEW locations including Argentina, Puerto Rico and Germany
• tens of thousands of people who will take part … and maybe more!

While those numbers are exciting, I really want to focus on a small number — ONE …

… and the one is … YOU!

40 Days for Life makes a deep impression on each person who takes part in the prayer, fasting and vigil.

That message comes through loud and clear in an article Jennifer Fulwiler wrote recently for the National Catholic Register online.

In her story, “What I Learned from Praying in Front of an Abortion Clinic,” she wrote, “it ended up being a powerful, eye-opening experience.”

Among other things, Jennifer noted that spiritual warfare is real. “But I’ve rarely experienced it as intensely as when I’ve been at a prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic.

“It’s not just the intense reactions we get or the knowledge of the terrible things that go on just a few yards away, but there’s an eerie, unmistakable feeling in the air. You get the sense that you’re truly on the front lines of the war between good and evil.”

That’s a sobering thought. But it’s one to keep in mind today as we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.

I know I often go back to those wonderful numbers — 4,313 lives saved from abortion, 53 clinic workers who’ve left the abortion industry, and 16 abortion centers that have gone out of business after 40 Days for Life’s peaceful prayer vigils were held in the public right-of-way outside their doors.

But the important thing is what those numbers represent.
They represent God’s love and mercy — and the simple fact that PRAYER WORKS.

Or as Jennifer put it in her article, “There is hardly a better example of the power of prayer than the 40 Days for Life campaign.”

She added, “I count the time I’ve spent as a 40 Days for Life prayer warrior as one of the most important things I’ve done recently — maybe ever.”

You may read Jennifer Fulwiler’s entire article at:
http://tinyurl.com/446×7ku

These next 40 days will be intense. So please take some time today to listen for God’s still, small voice — as we prepare to seek and follow His will in the days ahead.

This is my personal invitation for you to get involved. Here’s the link to all 301 locations — please find the one nearest you and learn how you can help:

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

We begin our series of daily devotionals today with this offering from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day00print.pdf

Let’s pray, fast, and shape history together starting tomorrow!

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

The fall 40 Days for Life begins one week from today, and it’s going to shatter all records!

From next Wednesday, September 28, through November 6, 40-day campaigns of prayer and fasting, constant vigil and community outreach will be held in …

… 301 cities …

… all across the United States (48 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) plus Canada, England, Spain, Australia, Argentina and Germany.

Four dozen of these locations are launching their FIRST-EVER 40 Days for Life campaigns.

Amazing!

And, as we all prepare to pray and fast, stand vigil and conduct grassroots outreach together, there is BREAKING NEWS that shows — with God’s abundant grace and blessings — what could happen in YOUR community.

Since the last 40 Days for Life campaign ended, two more abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have been conducted have shut their doors and CLOSED!

In PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, volunteers arriving to pray at the abortion center found a sheriff’s notice on the front door of the facility. Legal proceedings had begun against the abortion business, and a judge ordered the center CLOSED.

In FOREST GROVE, OREGON, the local 40 Days for Life team confirmed that the owner of the abortion center had CLOSED this facility — and one of his other locations as well. Volunteers told me the signs are down, the building is empty — and a phone call confirmed the permanent closure.

This makes SIXTEEN abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have occurred that have SHUT DOWN.

To God be the glory!

If you’ve not taken part in 40 Days for Life before, I hope this shows you what can happen when you put your trust in God and step forward in faith.

Find the 40 Days for Life campaign nearest you — and learn how you can help make a lifesaving difference in your own community — by going to:

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

Look for your nearest location, click on that city name, and then sign up to help however you can.

I’m excited! And I’d like to invite you to join us on this journey — and look forward to what God has in store!

Expecting great things,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: To find the nearest 40 Days for Life campaign to you — and GET INVOLVED — please visit:

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

Last week I shared the great news about a Planned Parenthood facility in Sherman, Texas, closing after the first local 40 Days for Life was held outside its doors.

The closure was a direct result of the conversion and resignation of the manager of the facility (for which she credits 40 Days for Life) — and the 40 Days for Life prayer presence outside that reduced the organization’s customer traffic.

The abortion organization even admitted to media outlets that the closure was due to “lack of business.” (It also helped when the Texas legislature voted to strip Planned Parenthood of $34+ MILLION in taxpayer funding so it couldn’t rebound from the lack of business.)

On Sunday, 40 Days for Life national director David Bereit was in Sherman for the celebration rally outside the closed Planned Parenthood office in 111-degree heat — and was joined by the center’s former manager, Ramona Trevino, who spoke to the 40 Days for Life participants.

Her talk was AMAZING, and media outlets from the Houston Chronicle to the Dallas Observer have since been buzzing with the news!

A 14-minute video with highlights of the event, and Ramona’s entire talk, is posted above. I know you’ll be blessed as you watch this!

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS- I have a favor to ask … after Ramona started speaking out about her conversion, she received a letter from Planned Parenthood seemingly meant to intimidate her into silence. As you watch her video, please LEAVE A REPLY below with a comment to encourage Ramona and assure her of your prayers.