QUESTION: When can you tell Planned Parenthood is getting desperate?

ANSWER: When you see them launch a “pledge-a-picket” campaign.

This is one of the abortion chain’s typical reactions to your dedication and faith throughout the campaign. It often shows up towards the end of the 40 days.

It has one goal — to discourage YOU.

They start putting up signs and sending out e-mails, asking supporters to pledge a donation for each “picketer” or “protester” who shows up (that’s what they call the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers).

They then say the pro-lifers are HELPING Planned Parenthood raise money — but that’s just to convince you to go home.

The bottom line is that it’s confirmation from them that business is off. In many cases, these attempts only last a few days, as they don’t have the grassroots dedication to match your peaceful presence.

If this has happened in your community, take it as a compliment … and continue to pray.

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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
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Planned Parenthood in Missouri sent out one of the e-mail messages I just mentioned. “You have seen them out in front of Planned Parenthood,” reads the e-mail.

“Protesters harassing and intimidating patients. Protesters trying to keep patients from accessing the health care services they need and deserve… But, Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere!”

The e-mail went on to talk about volunteer escorts who “provide a safe passage for patients and protect them from the verbal insults.”

“For the record,” said one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Columbia, “we are being very nice to the clients, workers and escorts. This is propaganda! I cannot figure out who Planned Parenthood is talking about.”

It seems they only put the sign out when the weather is nice. “It has been windy and rainy the last couple of days. However our signs are out no matter the weather.”

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SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
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It was warm when the 40 Days for Life team in Sioux Falls took these pictures — but it didn’t stay that way long.

Karen wrote, “It was so cold at Planned Parenthood this morning at 9:00. It was about 28 degrees. There was no one there but me, so I was feeling a little alone.”

There wasn’t a single car in the parking lot. “I was thinking that I could have just stayed home and stayed warm. Then the sun shone on my face.”

It was as if God had said, “I will warm you up.”

“As I was wishing someone from my church would show up to pray with me, my pastor called to thank me for being there, even though he had a meeting and couldn’t come today. That also warmed me up.”

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK
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Joanne brought a friend to the 40 Days for Life vigil who was attending for the first time. She stood by the abortion center’s driveway with a sign that said, “Change your mind — adoption.”

Near the other end of the building, Cathy had brought her daughter for the first time.

A young woman drove up, got out of her car and walked up to Joanne. “Five years ago, I changed my mind,” she said, “because of people standing here.” She then showed Joanne a photo of her daughter.

“I remember the woman who talked with me that morning,” she said — and then she noticed Cathy, who was praying nearby.

“That’s her!” the young woman exclaimed, and ran over to Cathy and her daughter. And she showed her child’s picture to the woman whom God had sent to help her, just when she needed it the most.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day35print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Has your community changed during this 40 Days for Life campaign? Please share your stories by posting a comment below.

Are you ready for another serving of Monday morning good news? Here it is!

So far during this 40 Days for Life campaign, we now know of …

… 417 babies whose mothers decided to reject abortion!

Here are some of the stories we’ve received from local 40 Days for Life teams.

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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
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A woman left smiling as she spoke to those praying in front of the abortion facility. She told them, “I can’t go through with this!” The prayer volunteers all rejoiced in her decision to choose life.

The very next day, said Ernie in Pensacola, three more women changed their minds about abortion. “That’s four witnessed turnarounds! Praise be to God!”

Ernie also reports that a former worker at the abortion facility has now found a new job as a medical assistant. ”Thank you for all your prayers for her,” he said.

“We were with her last evening and she expressed how seeing our peaceful, prayerful presence made all the difference in her life. It is truly beautiful how God uses this simple act to draw hearts and minds to him.”

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POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK
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Maureen in Poughkeepsie tells the story of two women who changed their minds.

In one instance, a woman walked into Planned Parenthood, followed a few minutes later by a man. The man had accepted some pro-life information from prayer volunteers. A short time later, he left the building and got in his car.

A few minutes later, the woman also left the building and got into the car with him. They hugged, then drove away with relieved looks on their faces.

Later, two women drove past Planned Parenthood twice — slowly. The younger woman in the passenger’s seat was crying.

They pulled over and talked briefly, then left. Ten minutes later, they came back. This time, they stopped and went inside. As they walked towards the building, the volunteers offered information and help.

They were inside for only ten minutes before they came back out. They waved to the volunteers, got into their car and left — for good.

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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
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A young couple walked out of the abortion center with a handful of paperwork. “They had just found out she was farther than they thought — 17 weeks,” said a 40 Days for Life volunteer. “And after paying $150 for the ultrasound, they didn’t have the $775 to complete the abortion.”

The volunteers mentioned a pro-life center that would do another ultrasound – free – to see if they were told the truth. The couple accepted the offer.

“There’s NO WAY we’re having the abortion now,” the father said, after seeing the ultrasound. “I thought the baby was the size of a quarter from the picture they gave us.”

“We are so joyful to see God’s blessings for our prayerful presence on the sidewalk in front of the abortion facility,” said Mike in Southfield. “This is such a simple plan. We show up and pray in public. God changes hearts, mothers and babies are saved from abortion. What could be easier?”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day34print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What has impressed you most about your 40 Days for Life experience this fall? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.

With 133 of the 301 local 40 Days for Life campaigns holding their vigils outside Planned Parenthood facilities, it’s no surprise that I get a lot of e-mail about Planned Parenthood.

Here are a few stories about how America’s largest abortion chain conducts its business — including a report from Houston, home of the biggest abortion facility in North America — the 76,000 square foot Planned Parenthood complex.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
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Eileen tells the story of a Barbara and her husband, who had recently moved to Indianapolis and called the pro-life pregnancy center for an appointment.

“During the moving process Barbara, realized that she was pregnant for the first time,” Eileen said. “She wanted an ultrasound to be sure the pregnancy was progressing normally.”

Barbara said she was on her way to the pro-life center from Planned Parenthood. “I told Barbara that I was glad she had decided against having an abortion,” Eileen said. “But Barbara said she had not gone there for an abortion.”

Barbara thought she knew what Planned Parenthood was about. She believed they cared about women. But when she went there and asked for an ultrasound, she was told that she could only have an ultrasound if she was going to have an abortion.

Eileen said, “Thank God for 40 Days for Life, for prayer partners and for sidewalk counselors who really do care about women. “

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ITHACA, NEW YORK
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“A minister saw us praying,” said Mary Anne in Ithaca, “and stopped to introduced himself. He wanted to pray over us for protection.”

Right after that, a Planned Parenthood employee jumped into the midst of the people praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil, claiming they had no right to be there.

“One of the prayer volunteers proclaimed that she did have a right to be there,” said Mary Anne, “as she’d had an abortion and regrets it every day.”

She also mentioned a man who was delivering bottled water to Planned Parenthood. He told the volunteers his girlfriend had been scheduled to have an abortion — until he saw people praying on the sidewalk outside.

After seeing the pro-lifers praying that day, he ran into the abortion center and found his girlfriend — and the two of them left. They’re now the parents of a 17-month-old child.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS
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A woman walked into the mobile pro-life pregnancy center across from Planned Parenthood with a coupon for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound. She was given the coupon in February – but did not use it. She had gone through with an abortion.

As she pointed towards Houston’s Planned Parenthood abortion megaplex, she told volunteers, “I never want to go into that building again.” She said the abortion was a terrible experience and that she would never have another one.

The volunteers have seen other women who had been given these coupons — by friends who had gone to Planned Parenthood.

One woman’s friend told her that she really regretted her abortion and that before the friend had one, she should go see “the people in the blue bus.”

“Even if you think your day in prayer at Planned Parenthood was unproductive, think again,” said one volunteer. “You never know how God will use the sacrifice you make to be there and the time you spend in prayer.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day33print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: As always, if you have news to report from your community’s 40 Days for Life effort, please let everyone know! You may leave a comment below.

As I write this message, I’m meeting with pro-lifers in Calgary, Alberta. I was invited here to speak at a conference focusing on the culture. It’s called Life 2011.

This fall, there are a record sixteen 40 Days for Life campaigns going on throughout Canada.

Since I’m currently outside the United States, let’s take a quick look at what’s happening in two NEW international campaigns — Argentina and Germany — as well as here in Canada.

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ROSARIO, ARGENTINA
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“Everything is going great here,” writes Gabriela in Rosario. “We have over 400 people praying and fasting. They receive daily prayers and reflections — most of them translated into Spanish from the 40 Days for Life devotionals.”

She’s received countless messages from people who are taking part in the campaign. “Many have said this initiative has arrived as a blessing in our country.”

Gabriela said the vigil is working out well so far in this first-ever campaign in Argentina. “Many people in Rosario are getting to know that there is a group of citizens that defend human life from the moment of conception.”

As part of the community outreach, they have organized a couple of talks, inviting well-known professionals to speak about medical and legal aspects of abortion.

“You can’t imagine the positive impact 40 Days for Life is making, not only in Argentina but in many Latin American countries,” said Gabriela, noting that she has received inquiries from people in other nations.

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SAARBRUECKEN, GERMANY
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Praying in front of an abortion center, said Tori in Germany, “was a wonderful witness and a couple of people passing by actually nodded their heads in the affirmative and smiled.”

The group took part in a pro-life march earlier this month. “There were a lot of people on the street and shopping in the city looking at our signs and amazed at how many young teenagers were marching. You could see the other young people on the street — taking notice of the young people who are openly showing their solidarity to the innocent babies losing their lives through abortion.”

Tori said the team is reminding people, “The Lord will provide; be not afraid. This is the message we want to relay to anyone facing a crisis pregnancy situation.”

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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The first 40 Days for Life campaign in British Columbia’s largest city is seen by the local leadership team as “a landmark event.”

They’ve sent along a few pictures of their vigil, which is taking place in front of the BC Women’s Health Centre, “night or day, rain or shine.” That’s exactly what the pictures show — groups from several churches in the Vancouver area, often carrying umbrellas.

They DID have a sunny day for their midpoint event, and were appreciative of the big crowd that turned out to support the 40 Days for Life campaign.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day32print.pdf

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Are you a first-time participant in 40 Days for Life? If so, thanks for joining the campaign! Please share your impressions by replying below.

Today’s story is not one you’d hear every day.

Two years ago this month, former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson experienced a conversion after witnessing a live abortion on an ultrasound at her office in Texas.

She walked into my office at the Coalition for Life next door, told me her story, then resigned from the abortion industry.

I had known Abby for eight years before that day and I’d had multiple conversations with her through the fence outside Planned Parenthood. But after her conversion, I realized how much I didn’t know.

I didn’t know that her parents were pro-life and had been praying for her to leave Planned Parenthood.

I didn’t know her husband was pro-life and her job created tension in their family.

I didn’t know that before Abby saw that ultrasound, even she was starting to see that Planned Parenthood cares more about abortion than anything else.

We don’t know what God is doing behind the scenes. We must trust, we must pray — and we must know that our witness on the sidewalk is always part of a larger picture.

Here’s a story that shows what I mean. I’m not revealing names and locations, and I’ve changed some details. This is still a work in progress!

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THE ABORTIONIST’S WIFE
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A vigil participant was noticing that nearly all the cars in the abortion center parking lot were parked in the staff area — very few were in the area reserved for those with appointments. And that was good.

The volunteer was soon deep in prayer when the abortionist drove up — with his wife and their teenager. He got out of the car and headed toward the building while the wife and teen drove away.

The abortionist’s wife pulled up next to the vigil participant, rolled down her window and asked, “How are you doing?” The surprised volunteer answered, “Good! How about you?”

She responded, “I just wanted to tell you that I so appreciate what you do and how you are always so nice and respectful.” That simple response turned out to be the opening line in a very lengthy conversation.

The wife expressed her gratitude for the way the 40 Days for Life vigil is conducted. In another city, there is a group outside the abortion center that yells at her husband.

Here, however, he’s been told that the vigil participants are praying for him. “He just can’t understand how you can be so against what he does and yet so nice to him.”

She explained that her husband grew up in a home that had no use for religion — the concept is totally foreign to him. The volunteer promised to pray that he would be able to grasp — and eventually embrace — faith. The teen blurted out, “Please do!”

“I asked the abortionist’s wife to pray for me,” said the volunteer, “and she said she would.”

The wife said, “I’m really impressed that you believe in something so strongly and passionately that you’re willing to be here every week for years in every kind of weather.”

“There is much to meditate upon from this conversation,” said the 40 Days for Life volunteer. “It confirmed the constant presence, the peaceful method, the prayerful attitude. It helped give me a renewed sense of dedication to continually trying to get people to sign up so that we can have a constant presence on the sidewalk. We never know who will see us and when they will see us.

“God gave me an awesome story in order to ask once again for you to join us for 40 Days for Life. Please keep praying for an end to abortion and for ALL those involved. God is using us to help bring His children to Him — ALL of them!”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day31print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What’s new with your 40 Days for Life campaign? Please share the news with everyone! You can do so by leaving a comment below.

I’m on my way to Glendale, Arizona … and today’s report stretches from London to Alaska with a stop in Maryland.

We’ve talked about 40 Days for Life getting positive media coverage. Today, it come from an unexpected source across the Atlantic.

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LONDON, ENGLAND
——————————————————-

“Truly astonishing!” said Robert in London, noting that a prominent newspaper, known for a pro-abortion stand, printed a “thoughtful pro-life article.”

“Are pro-life campaigners always aggressive? A new wave of Christian anti-abortion activists say they pray rather than shout,” read the headline in The Times of London.

The reporter wrote that in Central London, pro-lifers are “witnessing to the belief that abortion hurts women as well as taking the life of their unborn child.”

“With our campaign, we are not judging anyone,” Robert told The Times. “Praying outside a clinic brings a tangible sign to the local community. It helps to awaken consciences, hearts and minds to the reality of abortion. The prayer vigil is also a clear sign that there are people who are willing to help those in crisis pregnancies and can make a difference to those in need.”

Laura, another 40 Days for Life participant, talked about the changes a couple experienced when they decided to keep their child.

“They were smiling and visibly more relaxed than when they went in ten minutes before,” Laura told the reporter. “She looked relieved, and he a little excited but happy. They were grateful, cheerful and walking away their body language had completely changed.”

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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
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The 40 Days for Life team is holding its vigil outside a business that calls itself a “family planning clinic.”

Susan in College Park said many of the women who arrive for appointments are there for birth control prescriptions.

“After speaking with a number of them, we found out that they did not know that this was an abortion clinic,” she said. “We were able to convince some of the women not to go into this clinic.” They also provided pro-life materials.

There have been several babies spared from abortion at this vigil site. Susan said, “We are thankful for all of the people who come out to pray on a regular basis.”

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ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
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We often talk about the hidden damage caused by abortion. The 40 Days for Life team in Anchorage held an event where they showed just how much of an impact abortion has in their community.

The tiny victims of abortion are never seen. And sometimes, a number is just a number. So, said Haylee in Anchorage, “we released 143 pink and blue balloons in memory of the 143 babies that were killed by abortion on average each month last year.”

Two local pastors prayed at the event, and the participants sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children” before sending the balloons skyward.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day30print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you had an experience with 40 Days for Life that has had a deep impact on you personally? If you have, please share your story by leaving a comment below.

Just 11 days left in this 40 Days for Life campaign! For me, it’s time for another road trip — and it’s a busy one.

I’m stopping in Allentown, Pennsylvania this morning to meet, pray and speak at a 40 Days for Life event in front of the abortion facility there.

Tomorrow, I head west and Friday it’s north — WAY north — to Calgary, Alberta.

As we head into the final quarter of the campaign, I want to challenge you to go to a 40 Days for Life vigil (if you haven’t already). Nervous? A little scared?

Well … just go for it!

Everyone who overcomes the natural fear of doing this for the first time finds out one thing that works at an abortion facility — PRAYER!

Here’s what I mean.

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FLINT, MICHIGAN
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Last Saturday, a group had arranged for about 40 people from seven different churches to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Flint.

It figured to be a busy day. “On a normal Saturday, there are about 5-12 clients who enter the clinic,” explained Tina in Flint.

They’re ALWAYS open on Saturday. “This clinic has been open on Mother’s Day weekend,” she said, “and even on Christmas Eve one year when it fell on a Saturday.”

But last Saturday, when these 40 people showed up at 7 in the morning to pray outside the abortion center, there was a sign on the door:

CLINIC CLOSED FOR THE DAY.

“We rejoiced and prayed together for about an hour and a half,” Tina said. “We are not sure of the reason for the closure … but we are grateful.”

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PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY
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The 40 Days for Life group in Plainfield is praying near an abortion facility located in an office building.

“Most people don’t know that there’s an abortion facility there,” said Katie in Plainfield. “It’s a block away from the high school, and there is also a pediatrician’s office located there.”

For instance, a man stopped by who was surprised to see the vigil. “He was shocked to learn that abortions were done in the building,” said Katie. However, the man was quick to tell her that sometimes abortions are necessary, as in the case of Down syndrome.

“I explained to him that my uncle had Downs, and that he was a blessing to our family,” she said.

The man then drove away, warning Katie to be careful, as he said Plainfield is a violent town — killings happen there.

As Katie stood and prayed outside the abortion center, she thought to herself, “They certainly do.”

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NAPA, CALIFORNIA
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Some 300 people attended a midpoint event for the 40 Days for Life campaign at a church in Napa. Afterward, about 60 of them walked about a mile to the Planned Parenthood facility.

“Their candles could be seen swaying and their songs and prayers heard blocks away,” said Margie in Napa. “It was a wondrous sight. Once at the clinic, prayer and song continued in Spanish and English.”

They were joined by a baby — a child saved from abortion during a previous 40 Days for Life campaign in Fairfield, California.

“It was just the perk we needed to carry us to the end of a successful campaign,” said Margie.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day29print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Are you a first-time participant in 40 Days for Life? If so, I’d love to hear about what you’ve experienced. Please leave a comment below.

College Station, Texas and Madrid, Spain have very little in common.

But this fall, the simple campaign of prayer and fasting that started in Texas is having a profound impact in Spain — and in other nations around the world.

The international expansion of 40 Days for Life was unexpected. But it is now one of the many blessings God has given to indicate that abortion is a crisis wherever it takes place.

We have multiple campaign locations in both Spain and Canada this fall. Here’s a story from each country.

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MADRID, SPAIN
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On one of the early days of the campaign, a man approached the 40 Days for Life vigil in Madrid and read the sign one person was holding: “Pray for an end to abortion.”

He stared for a moment, then unleashed a tirade of rude words and gestures — and passersby reacted by laughing. The vigil participants just kept praying — and the man kept hurling insults.

It appeared he had been drinking for some time. He was carrying a beer — which he tried to pour on the volunteers. They responded by praying for protection from evil.

At that point, things changed. Another man came along and told the guy with the beer to move along. Instead, he broke the beer bottle against the ground. The plaza then cleared out, leaving only the vigil participants and the man who had stepped in to help.

They had witnessed spiritual warfare — but God had come to their rescue.

Two weeks later, the man with the beer bottle was spotted again — sober and well-dressed, this time. He was seen in church — on his knees … and in tears.

“This strikes us as quite noteworthy,” said Frank in Madrid.

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FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK
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A woman passed the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Fredericton and called out to them. “My husband made me have an abortion,” she said. “It’s never over.”

To make sure she was heard, she came closer and repeated herself. The volunteers then began to pray for her.

A little while later, a young man approached. He had just received a text message from his wife announcing she’d had an abortion.

He did not want the abortion. His wife apparently felt she couldn’t handle a fourth child. They were supposed to discuss it further. He was shocked by the news.

The mother said the pregnancy had been terminated at seven weeks. The volunteers carried an image of a baby at eight weeks. He was very much moved. He said, “I knew we shouldn’t do it.”

In her text message his wife had mentioned that said she had been assured her it was “just a bunch of cells.”

“How unconscionable,” said Peter in Fredericton. “How could anyone who cares about women lie about anything so fundamental?”

The volunteers and this distraught young dad had a prolonged conversation. They told him about the help available for post-abortion counseling. The young dad and volunteers parted with hugs. “God bless you,” he said.

“Our 40 Days for Life volunteers were exactly in the right place at the right time, both for the hurting mom and the young dad,” Peter said. “It was divine providence — the grace of 40 Days for Life at work. Praise God!”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day28print.pdf

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What’s new with 40 Days for Life where you live? Please share your stories below.

It’s Monday. But that’s OK. During 40 Days for Life, Mondays bring GOOD NEWS!

So here is your Monday good news — so far during this 40 Days for Life campaign, we are now aware of …

… 361 babies whose mothers changed their minds and rejected abortion!

God has done wonderful things! Here are a few of the stories.

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COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
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People praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Columbus had a bad feeling when a young woman arrived on an abortion day. They had seen her previously – and tried to convince her not to abort her child. But here she was once again.

She went in – but a short time later she left … calling out that she had changed her mind. The volunteers put her in touch with the local pregnancy help center and promised to keep her – and her baby – in their prayers.

Later that day, two teenagers drove in – but walked on in after refusing to take information from one of the pro-life counselors. An hour later, they walked out – and handed the volunteer a receipt. At first, she didn’t look at it.

One of the other vigil participants then called out, “They’ve changed their minds!”

Yes – they were BOTH there for abortions – and they BOTH chose life.

“I didn’t get a chance to look at the receipt until that evening,” the volunteer said. “The driver had had an ultrasound and lab work … but ‘first trimester abortion – $385’ had been scratched out. Praise God!”

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DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
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“It’s beyond belief, but oen Saturday there were five babies saved in Downey,” said Patti.

One woman helped changed a friend’s mind about abortion. She then spoke to another woman, who changed HER mind. This woman then spoke to a couple … and THEY changed THEIR minds too.

Two days later, two more women rejected abortion for their babies. Then Patti herself had a chance to speak with a young man outside the abortion center, “who then went in and got his lady out of there and they are keeping the baby. “

Patti said it’s a miracle – “eight babies in two days! The Lord is so kind and good!”

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TOLEDO, OHIO
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One of the counselors outside the 40 Days for Life vigil site in Toledo asked a young woman arriving at the abortion center if she would take some information. She replied, “On my way out.”

The counselor’s prayer shift ended, but she stayed longer than planned because that young woman said would take the literature when she left.

She walked out an hour and a half later and headed
towards her car – it looked like she was avoiding the counselor. As she drove out of the parking lot, however, she rolled her window down and said she was not going to have an abortion.

“Thanks be to God!” said Ann in Toledo.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet – you’re invited!

Here’s the link to the list of locations:

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

Please click on the city nearest you – and join the prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.

Here’s the link totoday’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day27print.pdf

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Any miracles at the 40 Days for Life vigil in your city? We’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below.

Since 40 Days for Life began as a national — and then international — movement, our leadership team has always felt that if we were going to ask you to stand up for life through participation in 40 Days for Life, the least we could do is come out to the streets and stand with you.

As a result, Shawn and I have visited more than 300 cities over these last four years, and we consider it a great blessing to meet many of you, encourage you and THANK YOU for your faithful involvement in this mission.

Yes, the non-stop travel, shortage of sleep, fast food meals and long hours of driving and flying takes a toll (especially on our amazingly supportive families back home) but we are honored and humbled to stand with you, hear your stories and pray with you.

Here’s a short summary of what I’ve been blessed to experience over just these last two weeks (be sure to click the link to see the pictures of the dedicated people in each of these locations.

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ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA
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Upon arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, I drove 1.5 hours to ROCHESTER, where the 40 Days for Life is being held outside a Planned Parenthood center that recently began performing telemed RU-486 abortions by webcam — putting women’s lives at risk for the sake of expanding profits. A TV news crew was there, helping to raise awareness in the community.

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MANKATO, MINNESOTA
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Then, I drove 2 hours to MANKATO, to join the 40 Days for Life team in prayer outside a Planned Parenthood abortion referral center. The lunchtime gathering drew a big crowd of enthusiastic prayer warriors, and a TV station interviewed me and reported on the gathering.

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DULUTH, MINNESOTA
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Early the next morning, I began the three hour drive to DULUTH. Despite my 9 AM arrival time at the start of the work and school day, they had a wonderful crowd of pro-lifers on the sidewalk outside the independent abortion center. Three of the four local television stations and the local newspaper covered the gathering.

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WALKER, MINNESOTA
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I then drove 2.5 hours to WALKER, a town of about 1,000 people that has had more than 1,400 people participate in their 40 Days for Life!

Yes, people have come from many miles away to join this campaign, which is being held outside their county courthouse. Though there’s no local abortion center, these prayer warriors feel called to be intercessors for those participating in 40 Days for Life campaigns around the world.

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ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA
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From Walker, I drove 2.5 hours to ALEXANDRIA. I pulled up and saw the crowd praying outside Planned Parenthood — and heard a commotion from across the street.

A lone man was yelling at the Christians through a bullhorn, trying to mock and antagonize them. The believers did not respond to his anger. I joined them in praying — not only for an end to abortion, but also for all those who have been negatively impacted by abortion. A reporter documented everything for the local newspaper.

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ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA
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From there, it was a 1.5 hour drive to ST. CLOUD, where I joined a big group of people gathered outside the local Planned Parenthood at dusk.

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TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA
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Then I headed 1.5 hours east for the last stop of the day — at 9 PM in MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, where the 40 Days for Life is being held outside a hospital where abortions are performed. What a joy to pray in the dark with the amazing folks there!

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BURLINGTON, VERMONT
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The next day, I was on a 6 AM flight to Burlington, Vermont. The visit allowed me the chance to pray with 40 Days for Life folks outside the Planned Parenthood abortion center, across from the University of Vermont.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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Next, I was off to Michigan, where I joined a big crowd of people at the GRAND RAPIDS 40 Days for Life. They shared with me the story (reported earlier in this campaign by Shawn) about the three lives that had been saved there the week before, and how this campaign has profoundly impacted their city.

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EASTPOINTE, MICHIGAN
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Early the next morning, I started driving across Michigan. I arrived in EASTPOINTE, joined the 40 Days for Life volunteers and pregnancy center workers in prayer and watched the dedicated sidewalk counselors reaching out to offer help to women going in for abortions.

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
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Then I drove to STERLING HEIGHTS, joining a circle of people praying fervently, even as drivers passing by yelled obscenities at them. They only prayed more.

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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
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From there, I drove to SOUTHFIELD, and joined young families, elderly people, seminarians and professionals who were praying outside an independently owned abortion facility. Little did we know that shortly thereafter a FOR SALE sign would be posted at that abortion center!

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN
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The day ended with a late dinner for all the 40 Days for Life leaders from the greater Detroit area. It was a beautiful time of networking, encouragement and prayer.

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
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Early the next morning I drove to ANN ARBOR to pray with the 40 Days for Life participants. It was a cold, windy day and prayers were especially needed as abortions were being performed. God bless the sidewalk counselors who were reaching out to women, trying to prevent them from making a tragic abortion decision.

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FT. MYERS, FLORIDA
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Next I was off to Florida. I flew into FT. MYERS and headed out to the 40 Days for Life outside the local Planned Parenthood abortion center. This is the first 40 Days for Life conducted in Ft. Myers, and the campaign has been amazing.

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NAPLES, FLORIDA
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From there, we drove down to NAPLES, and joined more than 75 dedicated people outside a Planned Parenthood that started doing abortions two years ago.

As I spoke to the prayer volunteers about the many Planned Parenthood workers who have had conversions during 40 Days for Life campaigns, the abortion center director was standing mere yards away — listening to every word. Pray that some seed fell on fertile ground!

All in all, I traveled 7,200 miles over these last couple weeks, visiting 15 cities and meeting thousands of people with one focused mission — END ABORTION.

I’m honored to be laboring side by side with you in the Lord’s harvest field!

Here’s the link to today’s devotional:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day26print.pdf

For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Prayer DOES change things! What changes have you seen through your 40 Days for Life campaign? Please leave a comment below.