We made it! Day 40 reminds me of Augustine’s famous advice: “Pray as though everything depends on God; work as though everything depends on you.”

You have done just that. We’ve seen faithful volunteers in 258 cities pray, fast, do community outreach and hold peaceful vigils in front of 258 of the most hopeless places in our world.

Your prayers have brought one thing in particular to the public right-of-way … HOPE.

Hope is what the abortion industry is afraid of. Hope is what makes women scheduled to have abortions turn around. Hope is what leads abortion workers out of that industry. Hope is what transforms our world.

It is amazing what can happen when you go to the sidewalks and let the love of Christ be present in places that thrive on hopelessness.

This could not be done without your faith, courage and selflessness.

Let me be the first to say thank you for your efforts these past 40 days. Your prayers sent a clear message. Here’s a great example from this campaign.

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AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN
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When Seth Peters heard that Planned Parenthood was planning a 17,000 square foot abortion center in Auburn Hills, “minutes away from my parents’ house, where I had been lovingly raised and where I still call home, I was heartbroken and angry.”

He signed up to bring a 40 Days for Life vigil to the proposed location — joining other community voices speaking out against the abortion chain’s plans. He received support from many local sources.

Adjacent property owners had previously filed suit, noting that deed restrictions would not permit an abortion facility there. Planned Parenthood may be tied up in court — but not about to give up.

“Planned Parenthood is hungry for this site,” Seth said, noting that it sits near a low-income neighborhood, a college campus and a wealthy suburb — all prime targets for abortion.

He pushed ahead with vigil plans, even though a number of people didn’t see the need for prayer at a place where abortions are not currently taking place. “That is unfortunate,” he said, “because it’s a bit like waiting until the hurricane hits before you board up your windows.”

Planned Parenthood got tired of waiting. They bought an empty medical building in nearby Ferndale and plan to open an office there tomorrow. That facility will not offer abortions, but will refer women to other locations that do.

“You can see how effective prayerful vigilance has been thus far in keeping Planned Parenthood at bay in Auburn Hills,” Seth said. “The fact that they have shifted to Ferndale can be considered a victory.”

At the very least, he said, “this campaign was about planting seeds and praying that abortion will end at this Auburn Hills location before it ever has a chance to begin.”

Clearly, there’s a lot of work to be done … and a lot of praying to be done. But I know that with God’s help, we are witnessing the beginning of the end of abortion.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make this monumental campaign such an amazing success. You inspire me!

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Any final thoughts to share about this 40 Days for Life campaign? Please leave a note below.

Over these last 38 days, babies have been saved … abortion workers have had changes of heart and quit their jobs … and two abortion centers have closed for good.

Guess what? YOU can still be part of it!

It’s not too late to pray at any of the 258 campaigns. Saturday is usually the busiest day for abortions, so know that your presence and you prayers are needed — TODAY!

Please check for a location near you and, if possible, join the vigil.

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LONDON, ENGLAND
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Yesterday, I asked for prayers for the London campaign, as they were holding a major evening vigil in front of the abortion center — and they were told to expect a pro-abortion counter-protest.

So here’s a quick update.

“The event was a massive success,” said Robert, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in London. “We had around 400 to 500 … at least! A really positive vibe and loads of media interest, too.”

The vigil participants prayed and sang hymns. Even the media characterized the vigil as “peaceful.” A pro-abortion group did show up — blowing whistles, banging drums and chanting slogans. But they had no apparent impact on the vigil.

Now … on to the rest of today’s report!

The heart that God impacts the most during a 40 Days for Life can be your own — just read these stories from the 40 Days for Life blog. For each of these prayer volunteers, this is personal.

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PRAYER VOLUNTEER #1
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“This Lent was my first experience with 40 Days for Life. I was very nervous the first day I showed up to pray with people I had never met. I asked myself who or what am I afraid of. It was a very good question to ask myself.

“As a post-abortive woman myself, it was a huge step to take in honoring my son, who was lost to abortion in 1976. I am very grateful to God that I was able to stand there, hold my head up, and pray … to at last DO something productive on this issue.”

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PRAYER VOLUNTEER #2
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“I am inspired to say, ‘Never to stop fighting for life.’ I had my first abortion at age 14 and hardly knew what it meant — then another through the following years, still not understanding that it was true lives being terminated.

“When a friend talked me out of a fourth at age 23, it was the best thing me friend could have done. My one and only son is now 18 and graduating high school. It was the best decision I ever made.”

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PRAYER VOLUNTEER #3
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“The devotional by Carmen Pate on Day 31 struck a personal chord with me.

“I was one of those women seeking love and acceptance wherever I could find it because I was living far away from God. I, too, was faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

“I, too, wanted to ‘get rid of it’ (the pregnancy) because it felt like it was the end of my life as I knew it. It was a devastating feeling at the time.

“My doctor had the good sense to order an ultrasound at four weeks, where I saw a tiny human heart — a beating and alive heart. I knew in that moment that I couldn’t stop that heartbeat. I got the sense that I had a duty to protect the tiny person growing inside me.

“My daughter is now 13. She has been such a blessing in my life. So, yes, my unplanned pregnancy was the end of my life as I knew it. And I thank God daily for that.

“God bless all of you for your dedication and devotion to preserving life and to loving and praying for the unborn children and their mothers.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

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 … it could make a world of difference.

Who knows? God might even use you to help save a life!

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you prayed at an abortion facility for the first time during this 40 Days for Life campaign? If so, please share your experiences by responding below.

I have two stories to share today, both about the results of praying in front of an abortion center during the 40 Days for Life campaign. But first — a special prayer request.

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LONDON, ENGLAND
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40 Days for Life’s national director, David Bereit, and I visited England just before the start of the campaign and met a dedicated group of prayerful volunteers. Here is the video from our trip:

The London 40 Days for Life team will pray tonight outside the BPAS abortion facility. BPAS is the British equivalent of Planned Parenthood … and they are NOT happy about 40 Days for Life!

Bishop Alan Hopes and other clergy will lead an hour of prayer for an increased respect for life in the UK.

It is certainly needed. Several facilities are under investigation for doing illegal sex-selection abortions, and abortion providers have just been granted permission to advertise on television.

But vigil participants will not be alone. Pro-abortion forces plan a “noisy” counter-demonstration.

Since 40 Days for Life began, BPAS has been rallying the media and others to attack the London campaign at an unprecedented level. One BPAS spokesman even told the media there was “no moral justification” for Bishop Hopes to get involved!

A pro-abortion advocate said, “Their protest (meaning 40 Days for Life) should be banned.”

The good news, of course, is that this shows the campaign is working!

PLEASE keep the London campaign in your prayers, especially during this event. The vigil (and the counter-protest) begins at 7 pm London time. That’s 2 pm Eastern, 11 am Pacific in North America.

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GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND
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Andrew, the coordinator of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Germantown, writes of women who have decided against abortion — including one who found out it would be a two-day procedure. “She left and did not come back,” he said.

Infamous abortionist Leroy Carhart travels to Germantown every week to perform late-term abortions. But there have been two weeks during this campaign that Carhart never arrived — meaning no abortions for those weeks.

“God is continuing to answer our prayers,” Andrew said. “We are making a difference. Germantown is continuing to take notice of our constant presence. Please come out and pray.”

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
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Mary said she was about halfway through her prayer time at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sterling Heights when a small car pulled up and parked. A young woman got out and asked Mary if she knew Sue.

The woman explained that three years ago, she had met Sue, who was praying in about that same spot.

The young woman had come for an abortion. She was pregnant and she was about to be evicted from her home. Quite simply, she didn’t know what to do. After talking to Sue, however, “I had my baby — my son. Come see! He’s in the car.”

“I met her beautiful, boisterous, all-boy, 3-year-old!” Mary said. The young mom’s life is back on track. “She said she’s doing well now, has her own place, and the boy’s dad is active in his son’s life.”

Mary said this woman just wanted to tell everyone how important this work and your prayers have been.

“Praise the Lord!” Mary said. “He always knows when I’m getting a bit discouraged. I always read the stories on the national 40 Days for Life site and think, ‘WOW!’ Well, today I had my WOW moment.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you received assurance that your efforts with 40 Days for Life have borne fruit? If so, please share your story by replying below.

Just four days left in this campaign! I have HUGE news today, but I must keep some details confidential.

THREE MORE abortion workers have QUIT THEIR JOBS! That makes a total of EIGHT during this campaign … and a total of 69 who’ve left the abortion industry during 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007!

Please keep these three people in your prayers as they seek new employment and go through this transition in their lives.

I also have good news from Virginia and some quick stories of babies saved (including another set of twins). Here are the reports from the front lines:

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
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The Planned Parenthood abortion center in Virginia Beach — where a 40 Days for Life vigil is in progress outside — has cut its business hours. They’re now open four fewer hours each week.

“Does this mean they are struggling financially?” asked Marcia in Virginia Beach. “I do not have an answer, but obviously they are not flourishing if they are cutting back hours.”

Since this new location opened, abortions had been scheduled on Tuesday mornings. But now they don’t open til noon on Tuesdays. At first, it was believed that abortions would just be scheduled later in the day. But not so! They did no abortions Tuesday of last week.

“This means one third of their usual abortion business did not happen last week,” said Marcia. She checked with someone who monitors all of the abortion centers in the area, and abortion numbers were down everywhere.

“Is this the fruit of prayer and fasting?” Marcia asked. “I believe that it is. Let’s go for a strong finish!”

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
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“There have been five more babies saved from abortion in Charlotte since we last reported,” said Andrea. “That makes a total of 46 for this campaign!”

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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
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“Over the past week in Pensacola, those praying in front of Pensacola’s last remaining abortion facility witnessed five mothers choose life,” Ernie reported. “Praise God for these blessings!”

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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
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“Five babies were saved last week in Montclair,” Christine wrote, “bringing the 40 Days for Life campaign total to date up to 16!”

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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
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“I just learned about three more turnarounds at the Southfield 40 Days for Life site,” said Mike. “One of them was a set of twins. Praise the Lord!”

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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
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“Another mom carrying twins chose life for her baby on Saturday,” said Jenny, “so two more from Louisville! God is so good!”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: I’m really enjoying your stories of local 40 Days for Life campaigns posted on the 40 Days for Life blog. If you have news to share, please reply below.

Today we focus on people who are not famous — and probably never will be. Far away from the spotlights of our celebrity-driven culture, they’re regular people, humbly doing the little things — and often, doing them with enormous courage.

They’re the heart of 40 Days for Life … and they deserve a big THANK YOU … ALL of you!

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FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
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I recently spoke at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Fort Wayne — one of SEVEN campaigns in the Hoosier state.

At the vigil, a woman walked up … gave me a hug … and shared that she had an abortion years ago. She knew she needed healing when she got involved with 40 Days for Life in 2010.

“After coming out here and praying,” she said, “I got connected to local post-abortion healing along with the Silent No More awareness campaign. I shared my story for the first time at the 40 Days for Life vigil site.”

I told her, “Thank you for your courage.” It reminded me that it was the powerful testimonies of women who’d had abortions that had really drawn me into the pro-life movement when I was in college.

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SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
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Ginny in Santa Cruz is thankful for everyone who’s been praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil — but she noted a couple of people who go the extra mile.

One is Rae Ellen, whom she described as a real trouper. Rae Ellen uses a wheel chair. “For the last three years, she has come down almost every Saturday to pray outside of Planned Parenthood. For all four of our 40 Days for Life campaigns, she has come down 5 or 6 days a week — even in the rain.”

Ginny also mentioned Bob, another volunteer who uses a wheelchair. He’s a regular at the vigil outside Planned Parenthood every Saturday. Bob has been a bit under the weather of late, so “please pray for him,” she said. “All the babies need this powerful prayer warrior back again.”

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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
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Kathy in Columbia sent a picture of students from St. Joseph Cathedral School in Jefferson City who visited the 40 Days for Life vigil. “The children came to pray,” she said, “and pray they did!”

Kathy also mentioned a woman who had visited Planned Parenthood more than a year ago. She wanted to have a baby, and figured a place called “Planned Parenthood” could help her. She told them she wanted to get pregnant. They told her to come back when she did.

“Well,” Kathy said, “she still hasn’t gotten pregnant. And when she went in this time, they told her they don’t help with things like that. So we are still trying to figure out what ‘Planned Parenthood’ actually means.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What small victories have you witnessed with 40 Days for Life in your city? Please share the good news by replying below.

As I’ve traveled during this 40 Days for Life campaign, there is one constant factor: unity.

Just two nights ago, I spoke at an event in New Jersey and an Evangelical pastor came up afterwards, smiling. “I’m sure glad the Reformation has not stopped us from working together to end abortion,” he said.

This event had Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals in attendance, and his comment reflected the unity that the pro-life movement should be proud of.

This unity is a gift — and the abortion industry sees it as a threat. We’re seeing the evidence at 258 vigil locations. Here are just a few examples.

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FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
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Linda in Fort Collins says a class from Holy Family Church comes to pray at the vigil every Saturday morning. As they were concluding their prayer hour, a couple came in from Greeley, a town about 30 miles away. The couple only spoke Spanish, but a few of the kids were able to talk to them.

The woman was told to visit Planned Parenthood because there was some sort of complication with her pregnancy and that she could die if she had the baby.

One of the student’s parents arrived and picked up the conversation, telling the couple that Planned Parenthood does abortions — and it would be much better for them if they scheduled an ultrasound through the pro-life pregnancy resource center, where there would be no pressure to abort the baby.

A prayer volunteer gave them additional information about all the help that’s available locally.

“The couple left,” Linda said. “Praise God!”

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JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
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Speaking of youth groups at 40 Days for Life vigils … Elizabeth in Jacksonville sent a photo of the girls’ soccer team from Jacksonville Christian Academy in prayer outside the abortion center. That’s just excellent — young people sending a message of hope to other young people — so we’re really glad to see that.

“They came out to the vigil Thursday afternoon in place of their practice time,” Elizabeth said. Their coach “reported very positive responses from those who passed by.” The team spent over an hour praying in the public right-of-way.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
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The Planned Parenthood facility in Cedar Rapids does not currently do surgical or RU-486 abortions. But the 40 Days for Life volunteers praying on the sidewalk outside know they’re making a difference.

“The response from people driving by has been very positive lately,” said Jim in Cedar Rapids, “and we’ve seen some success.”

When volunteers talk to clients about the things Planned Parenthood does in other places, they start to think about getting routine health services from somewhere other than America’s leading abortion chain.

They’re also able to give information about local pro-life resources to women who go there for pregnancy tests.

They also heard from a teenager who had an appointment to remove a contraceptive implant. “She said she would rather be abstinent and not return as a client,” Jim said. “How often do you hear that from a teen that’s used Planned Parenthood’s services for several years?”

Jim said with continued prayer, “we hope webcam (RU-486 distributed via the internet) and surgical abortions never make it to Cedar Rapids — or your community.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: If you have stories to share about the 40 Days
for Life campaign in your area, please respond below.

Here we are — the final Monday of this 40 Days for Life campaign. And the stories of God’s miracles keep rolling in! In the first 33 days of prayer and fasting, there have been 496 babies saved from abortion — that we know of!

Here are just a few stories from the sidewalk.

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INSIDE STORIES
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You may remember a story last week about an abortion center employee advising a young woman not to have an abortion after her ultrasound showed pictures of twins.

Well — a campaign director in another location wrote me to say the SAME THING happened there!

It’s not the first time this employee has suggested that a client visit the local pro-life pregnancy center. “We’re trying to pray her out of the abortion business,” the director said.

That’s at least TWO SETS OF TWINS saved by ultrasound.

BUT WAIT! It gets better!

Keep in mind that abortion facilities usually have a policy: DO NOT let the client see the ultrasound. Once they see a baby rather than a “fetus” or “blob of tissue,” they’re much more likely to choose life. And it’s not just a baby they see — it’s THEIR baby.

We then heard another story of an employee who showed a young woman her ultrasound image. She took one look and headed for the door.

“Abortion?” she said. “NO WAY!” … because the ultrasound image showed … QUADRUPLETS!

Praise God — times four!

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MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
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A volunteer at the 40 Days for Life vigil outside the abortion center in Modesto struck up a conversation with a man on the sidewalk, showing him a model of what the child in the womb looks like at 12 weeks.

Never, he said, had anyone in his family ever had anything to do with an abortion — until that day. He told her he had driven his son and his girlfriend to the abortion center to schedule the abortion of his grandson. The three left shortly afterward, and returned the next day.

This time, another volunteer approached the man and showed him an image from the brochure — the child in the womb at 16 weeks. That “really seemed to change his mind,” said the volunteer. “When he saw how developed his 17-week-old was, his eyes sort of bugged and he immediately rushed back into the abortion center to try and stop the abortion.”

Later on, the first volunteer saw the three of them driving out of the parking lot. They rolled down their window and told her they had changed their mind!

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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
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A young man pulled off the road to talk to vigil participants at 40 Days for Life in Southfield. “He was beaming as only a proud new father can,” said Mike.

This father of a newborn wanted to thank one of the prayer volunteers for talking him and his wife out of having an abortion during last fall’s 40 Days for Life.

“I’m struck with awe and humility to be part of this wonderful vigil for life,” Mike said.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: There are miracles happening every day at 40 Days for Life locations near and far. Please share your thoughts, feelings and any good news by replying below.

Much attention in a 40 Days for Life campaign is on the mother and her unborn child — and saving the life of the baby scheduled to be aborted. But each of those children has a father — someone who is legally in no man’s land. He has no rights — and often no influence.

Steve, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Glendale, California, tells the story of one such man — a guy he refers to as “Bill.”

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GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
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“Our ‘Women DO Regret Abortion’ and ‘Men Regret Lost Fatherhood’ signs were out as we prayed for all those affected by abortion,” Steve said, as Bill — a man in his early 40s — walked by, pushing a young girl in a stroller.

“What you do here — does it work?” he asked. “Yes,” Steve responded. “We pray for the women, the babies and the abortion workers and sometimes they change their minds.”

“My wife, she had an abortion here last Friday,” Bill said.

Steve was a bit stunned. “I am so sorry for your loss,” he said. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Bill said. “I just don’t understand. Why did she do it?”

His wife was having problems with morning sickness, but Bill kept telling her in a couple more weeks it would be okay. “Now, my wife is sad and says that she regrets that she did it.”

Steve and another man encouraged Bill to seek post-abortive counseling for him, his wife and perhaps marriage counseling together.

“We provided him contact information to several local organizations that would help him start the healing process and to deal with all the emotions he now had and that he would have as the shock wore off and the realization set in that he and his entire family would have to deal with something that has forever changed his family.”

“Could God forgive us of this?” Bill asked tentatively.

“Yes, he can!” Steve answered. “There is no sin God cannot forgive.”

In reflecting on this conversation, Steve said, “I am routinely amazed by how God uses the 40 Days for Life ministry as a means for healing to all those affected by the horror of abortion.”

Still, he said, “I can only imagine that path that Bill will travel now; asking for an answer to ‘Why did she do it?’ when there is no answer. How does he deal with his wife’s actions, coupled with her regret, while processing his own grief and loss?

“How does he deal with the fact that his wife’s family was counseling her to get the abortion against her husband’s wishes? How does he someday tell his beautiful daughter that she was going to have a little brother or sister, but her mommy decided to get an abortion and by law, he couldn’t stop her?”

Steve knows there are no human answers. “I do know where Bill can find the answers,” he said, “and they are in Christ Jesus, the great redeemer and healer of our souls. He is the only one that can help Bill forgive himself, his wife, his family and cause healing to occur.”

Steve said he is “left with the resolve that there is so much more work to be done to end the horror of abortion. To you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I call on you to join me as an active participant on the front lines … we need you!”

There is still time for action. Find a 40 Days for Life location near you … and get involved!

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

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.

Some inspiring stories and great pictures today … from 40 Days for Life campaigns from Miami to Manassas to Montreal!

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MIAMI / PEMBROKE PINES, FLORIDA
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Our 40 Days for Life national director, David Bereit, just visited two South Florida campaigns — one in Miami and the other in Broward County, where the Pembroke Pines site is a first-time 40 Days for Life location.

At the two vigil sites, he shared words of encouragement with participants and prayed with volunteers.

Both sites have had consistent vigil coverage at all hours — despite the heat and humidity — thanks to the dedicated local leadership and the faithfulness of many volunteers.

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MANASSAS, VIRGINIA
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Bishop Paul Loverde of the Arlington, Virginia Catholic diocese has a regular pro-life outreach. Once a month, he offers a respect life Mass … then goes to pray outside one of the abortion centers in his diocese.

Last week, he visited All Saints Church in Manassas, then traveled to the 40 Days for Life vigil site for prayer. Said Mike in Manassas, “300 people came to pray with us!”

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC
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The 40 Days for Life vigil in Montreal seems to have struck a nerve. Brian in Montreal said about two dozen university students showed up, “banner and noise-makers in hand … parking themselves directly in front of our banner. They stayed nearly three hours, spending this time chanting and enjoying the support from pro-choice motorists.”

As they left, he said, “they swarmed our banner, plastering it with stickers. Fortunately, there wasn’t any damage.”

A couple of hours later a mother, with her 18-month-old, arrived with a homemade pro-choice sign. On another occasion, a young woman asked whether they knew their presence was intimidating to women. Said Brian, “I wondered if our visitor had seen the sign at our prayer site offering free help to pregnant women.” The message “nous pouvons vous aider” translates as “we can help you.”

Brian says there have been cold, windy days — but the spirits of the prayer volunteers are never dampened. Many travel from afar to spend hours in prayer.

“Also, the site is drawing diverse prayer groups,” he said. “The vigil is a magnet for individuals who otherwise do not see one another. For example, over the weekend, persons from different faith communities converged to pray and share fellowship.” The French signs below read “pray for the end of abortion.”

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
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Prayer vigil participants pretty much had the abortion center’s staff and clientele outnumbered on a Saturday morning. Around 30 people were there praying … representing more than a dozen local churches.

Trudy in Jacksonville says that pro-life turnout is fairly typical for a Saturday. She sent this photo of some of the people standing on the sidewalk — with a mostly-empty parking lot behind them.

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: How is 40 Days for Life changing your community? Your church? How is it changing YOU? Please reply below.

How close is your nearest 40 days for Life campaign?

Even with a springtime record 258 cities taking part, many people are traveling far — really far — to pray at the peaceful vigil. But for so many dedicated faithful the need is great, the urgency is high … and the journey is but a small obstacle.

This first story comes from Canada, where some people are really going the extra mile — well, kilometer. For these volunteers, the trip from home to the vigil site takes upwards of FOUR hours!

As we enter the home stretch of this campaign, be encouraged by these efforts and challenge yourself before this campaign ends — it may help save a life!

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
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“The prayer vigil in Vancouver, BC is really taking off,” said Peter, the local coordinator. “We’ve had groups coming out all the way from Powell River – that’s over 170 km away (about 105 miles) and you need two ferries to get here – and they’re coming out again!”

Students from Christ the King Seminary in Mission, British Columbia came to pray on a rainy day and stayed for four hours. A Benedictine priest also brought students from another seminary that same day.

Peter also said a visit from Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church was reported by a prominent Chinese language newspaper, the Sing Tao Daily.

He provided a translation of the article, part of which noted that the volunteers “braved the cold weather to participate in the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign outside the BC Women’s Hospital, catching the attention of passing drivers and earning honks in support.”

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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
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Patricia writes that it was a very quiet morning at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Southfield. Only staff cars were in the abortion center’s parking lot when a taxi quickly pulled up into the driveway.

She found it curious that the car stopped near the street and didn’t go all the way into the lot. But it soon became clear what was happening – the taxi driver had just stopped to pray.

He “got out of his door looked at the building for about a minute, blessed himself and turned to look at us. We waved. He waved back,” Patricia said.

The driver then walked over to the vigil participants and said, “What they do in this place is very bad. I can’t stay because I am working.”

“We had a little discussion with him sharing some personal things,” she said. His final comment was about the gift and blessing of fertility, “You should not kill someone because you are healthy.”

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CLEVELAND, OHIO
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Marge in Cleveland shared the story of a young woman who approached the abortion facility in Cleveland where a 40 Days for Life vigil is in progress. She stopped to talk to the people praying, telling them she was pregnant and was there to have an abortion.

“I told her there were many places she could receive help,” said Marge. “She was struggling because she already had a 4-month-old child.” She quickly accepted a list of places where she and her children could find assistance.

“She went back and sat in her car for some time,” Marge said. “All the while, I prayed for her that God would change her mind.”

After a time, she started the car, headed towards the exit – and gave Marge a great big smile as she said she had decided not to have the abortion. “A saved baby!” Marge said. “All the glory to God!”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: How have you been personally — and spiritually — affected by 40 Days for Life? Please reply below if you have a story to share.