“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

These words spoken more than 2,000 years ago by the angel of the Lord to the shepherds tending their flocks remind us that when God chose to come to Earth in human flesh, He did so through the womb of a mother.

During this Christmas season, we give thanks for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ … and we count the many blessings God has showered on 40 Days for Life through your prayers and efforts:

• 1,633 individual campaigns have taken place in 422 cities across all 50 American states and 13 countries
• More than 500,000 people have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion
• More than 14,000 church congregations have participated in the 40 Days for Life campaigns
• More than 1,800 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows and TV programs
• Reports document 5,045 lives spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we know about
• Thousands of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, and many have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery
• 61 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry
• 19 abortion facilities have shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns outside their doors

On behalf of my family — and the families of Shawn Carney, David Brandao, Lauren Muzyka and Chantel Poisel (our national team) — THANK YOU for all you have done to help make such a profound impact on our world.

As we prepare for the new year of 2012, let’s rededicate ourselves to protecting every child made in God’s image and likeness.

Merry Christmas!

For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

PS: We’ve received inquiries about whether 40 Days for Life is a 501(c)(3) organization that is able to receive year-end, tax-deductible contributions. Yes. If you feel led to make a year-end gift to help save more lives in 2012 and beyond, visit:

http://40daysforlife.com/donate

Have you ever considered leading a 40 Days for Life campaign in your community?

If so, it’s time to apply for the first campaign of 2012!

Applications to lead a local campaign are NOW OPEN for the next internationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign, which runs from February 22 – April 1, 2012.

(IMPORTANT: You do not have to apply to participate in a local 40 Days for Life. Only those who wish to LEAD a campaign need to apply.)

There’s plenty of time to pray, discern and decide — these leadership applications will be open for the next four weeks.

Here’s the link to more information and the application form for those who feel called to lead a local 40 Days for Life campaign:

http://40daysforlife.com/apply

That’s a pretty long page, because we wanted to be completely transparent with you about what’s involved. Leading a local 40 Days for Life campaign is a bold undertaking that requires determination, heart and — above all — faith.

Also, we wanted to describe everything a leader gets when the campaign application is approved by our national team.

You can apply online or by mail. Complete instructions are available at:

http://40daysforlife.com/apply

Ready to make a decision today? GO FOR IT!

Need more time? PRAY ABOUT IT!

You’ve got four weeks to keep this matter in prayer — and we’ll send you additional information to help discern if you’re being called to lead a 40 Days for Life campaign in your community.

If you haven’t already read it, a great starting point would be to download and read the freshly-updated 40 Days for Life Campaign Overview Report:

http://40daysforlife.com/report

Here’s that link to apply for the next 40 Days for Life campaign one more time:

http://40daysforlife.com/apply

**PLEASE NOTE** Online applications must be received by midnight on Tuesday, January 10. Mail applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, January 10.

With everything that’s at stake at this crucial moment in history, let’s mobilize the Body of Christ and bring an end to the tragedy of abortion!

Looking forward to what God has in store for the next 40 Days for Life campaign from February 22 – April 1!

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life