DAY 20

All I did was send one e-mail…

Since today marks the halfway point for 40 Days for Life, I sent a message out to the leaders of the 80+ local 40 Days for Life campaigns, asking them to report on how their first 20 days had gone.

Within hours, I already had 53 amazing reports back, and they keep rolling in!

My first thought was that I couldn’t possibly share all of these reports with you in one day, but as I read each one I realized that you would probably be as deeply inspired as I was to learn all of the wonderful ways that God is working simultaneously all across America!

Let’s glorify our Heavenly Father for the bountiful blessings He is providing through 40 Days for Life.

But before I share all of the success stories, I wanted to pass on one additional bit of VERY exciting news…

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Earlier today, I had the great privilege of spending 24 minutes on the phone with Catholic Bishop Samuel Aquila of the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota.

Bishop Aquila has demonstrated courageous leadership by example during 40 Days for Life, and he agreed to let me record our phone conversation so he could tell all of you why he is so excited and committed to 40 Days for Life.

The audio recording of the entire discussion is posted here, and I think you will be deeply touched and encouraged. Bishop Aquila has set a great standard for what it means to be a Christian leader!

Listen online (click the “Play” button):

Download MP3 (right click to save to your computer):

http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/aquila.mp3

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now, here’s what God is doing all across America in response to YOUR prayer and fasting…

EL PASO, TEXAS:

We are able to confirm 12 babies lives saved. Also, the lives of their parents were impacted. We are excited and hoping that our LORD will continue to raise up active pro-lifers. Not only have babies been saved but our own spiritual blindness has been lifted.

MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA:

Our first 20 days have been very fulfilling. We started out not knowing what I was doing. It then started to build through the grace of God. We now have our Sidewalk Warriors at every hour that Planned Parenthood is open in Stuart, FL. The Bishop came out last Friday. We have a very diverse group. I could write volumes but I will leave you with this story. A young man and girl came up to me with tears in their eyes (They looked 16 or 17). They described how they had decided to abort their 5 month pregnancy. They saw our signs (one with a pregnancy care center and number.) They went and had a ultrasound and discovered that it was a girl. They decided at that time to keep the baby.  They wanted us to know, and their words were, “Thanks for being here.”

MADISON, WISCONSIN:

Many people choose to ignore what happens inside abortion facilities; 40 Days for Life has given us and others around us the opportunity to wake up and see the reality of what abortion is doing to our community. It has been a way to really rekindle pro-life passions in individuals and our community. But of course the greatest victory is doing the most Holy Will of our Father, regardless of any ’success’ we might see — as Blessed Mother Teresa says “we are not called to be successful we are called to be faithful.”

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA:

Our total hours prayed at Special Events for first half of the campaign were 110 prayer hours and 210 prayer hours at the Planned Parenthood vigil site. One Church Offered its Living Rosary for an end to abortion. I believe there may have been two women who changed their mind about scheduling an abortion or taking “the morning after pill,” and after 2 weeks Planned Parenthood started to bring clients in through the back door so we must be having some effect.

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY:

In 20 days, we’ve grown to 8 vigil sites in 6 counties, and expect to keep on adding two or three more each week. Several saves have been reported from two of our sites where traffic is sufficient to permit that, and the human interest stories abound. One Mom with two kids age 11 and 4 coordinates one of our sites and the children are living witnesses to life, the elder cheerfully handing out literature to people arriving for abortions and turning some of them around.  Another site was manned by a loner who persisted for three long years before being joined by a local doctor, and the group now numbers 8 to 10 faithful witnesses for life. Among the first signs that we are breaking through were two young priests joining one of our vigils. At still another church, 400+ people signed up for 24/7 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the weekend after we began a Walk for Life from the church to Planned Parenthood every Wednesday. Earlier, they had difficulty getting enough people for one day a week. What a blessing!

WACO, TEXAS:

The 40 Days for Life campaign has doubled the number of individuals participating in pro-life activities. We have six entire families signed up for the prayer vigil. One family, involved in a ministry with incarcerated youth, has the young men saying a daily prayer for life. Another deacon, working in a women’s’ state jail, has at least 65 women praying the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to end abortion.

TRI-CITY, MICHIGAN:

One seasoned pro life advocated has been praying on site at our local abortion mill for many years. Last Saturday, Oct. 13th, Dave said he has heard of more “saves” in the last few days than in the last 6 months combined. He was also appreciative of all the support the 40 Days campaign has brought. For the first time since the campaign began one of our local priest and five seminarians were present to pray with us at the abortion mill. Father said they will be back. 

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN:

It is difficult to begin to describe the success stories that continue to happen at our 40 Days vigil. We are so grateful to our Lord for the babies he has saved, the women who are healing, and the brothers and sisters in Christ that continue to pour out to the vigil. One of my favorite newcomers is Juliette. She has spent an average of 15 hours a weekend out at the vigil. But that’s not the amazing part.  She the mother of 7 young children. But wait, that’s not all. She’s also 4 months pregnant.  Plus, when she’s not at the vigil, she often sends her husband out. 40 Days has really renewed her faith and I can see Christ alive in her.  I would have gone through everything just to have one Juliette. But God has graced us with MANY Juliette’s. Also, another victory is the renewed efforts of shutting Planned Parenthood down in Ann Arbor.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND:

In Providence, the tide is turning. Support for the unborn and their families, by way of prayer commitments, simple blessings, and passers-by who take the trouble to tell us that they appreciate greatly the peaceful, prayerful manner of this campaign, regardless of their convictions regarding abortion at this time, are on the increase! Planned Parenthood’s irritation over people daring to pray for an end to abortion also grows daily. Blessed be God! This campaign is advertising itself by the simple sign of prayer. People are waking up to God! They are beginning to talk to one another and to us about life. I do not doubt that the Lord chose a “David & Goliath” message for Rhode Island by design. After all, the “Independent Man” stands atop our State House! In Rhode Island,  our waking up is the beginning of the end of abortion! I DO believe that the Lord will change our hearts this year!!!

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK:

The most notable accomplishment is two possible “baby saves.” Our increased vigil presence has given local residents more opportunities to converse with us. The daily hours spent in the community has clarified the bridges we need to build between the pro-life community and local residents who have, for various reasons, been co-opted by Planned Parenthood.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA:

1. At various sites it has brought together people of faith united in a common cause; 2. Several women and men have changed their minds about abortion; 3. New faces have appeared in the pro-life work; 4. Despite some minor conflicts internal and external, the campaign continues to march on in holiness and fervor.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK:

We have discovered that with only a handful of people, and few churches participating with us, you can still make great strides to promote and save life. We have been very blessed with up to 23 Sisters of life on the streets with us in prayer. We have continued to turn around on average 2 or 3 moms from a certain abortion per day, mostly in the South Bronx. Three former abortion clinic workers, discovered us on the sidewalks (1 in the Bronx, 2 in Queens) and expressed deep regrets for their past misdeeds and two will be joining us in our work for Life. We have been able to bring out a brand new batch of ministers, and lay people, mostly new immigrants, mostly Hispanics, especially in Queens, and signed up hundreds for future outreach and sidewalk counseling.

FREDERICK, MARYLAND:

The abortion site in Frederick is fairly well hidden in a medical center on a generally little traveled street. We are now covering the three times a week that abortions are done, and are increasing our presence on other days. I personally was involved in conversations with two people. The signs we held said “Women need support, not abortion.” An apparently pro-choice woman parked her car and asked us where someone could get help for a crisis pregnancy. We gave her information and the names of two pro-life support groups.  We will have a public outreach on a main street near the abortion site this weekend. 

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA:

So many things are happening that are simply beyond anything we ever comprehended. On this day 20 of the campaign, we are standing back and looking at the miracles God is conducting in our midst. Not only have babies been saved, not only is the body of Christ responding time and time again, not only are WE being changed BUT God is bringing people to us off the streets that need ministering. Some of our people are going out every single day and every single night. We are ministering not only to the abortion-minded individuals but to many of the walking wounded that need to share their story. We had no surgical abortions this past week in Fargo that we know of. Glory to God! Also, we continue to see people from across the entire state of ND coming to the Vigil in Fargo.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA:

We talked to one woman who changed her mind and chose life for herself and for her child. We talk to the abortionist and workers and are praying to get them new jobs and pray they talk to a former abortionist about getting out. Our community is growing in love with our God and with each other and in our commitment to serve our neighbors.

SARASOTA, FLORIDA:

Hundreds of people from Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties already have participated in the quiet daily vigil, praying silently for an end to abortion in front of the Planned Parenthood facility. One person plans to spend time praying every day this coming week outside Planned Parenthood. He’s Bob, a periodic visitor on vacation, all the way from Cincinnati. If visitors do it, certainly we can. Babies are being saved from abortion and people are being educated by pro-lifers as a result of the prayer and the work of sidewalk counselors.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS:

There have been over 500 people come out to pray in the 1st 20 days of the campaign, with 132 at the kick off rally, over 70 at a praise & worship session, and the latest — over 170 people at a Rosary rally on Oct. 13. Volunteers stay out there rain or shine, many over 4 hours every week. People come to our office everyday to pick up yard signs,
wristbands and t-shirts. We’ve had numerous of women call our office asking for alternatives to Planned Parenthood because of the prayer presence. The amount of new people getting involved has been amazing! We’ve also had a lot of people already wanting to go out and pray after 40 days for Life is over. God is amazing!

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY:

The 40 Days For Life Campaign has helped move hundreds of pro-lifers from the “sidelines” into the “field of play.”  This has certainly been the largest mobilization of pro-life “prayer warriors” in recent memory.

GRAND CHUTE, WISCONSIN:

The Vigil is going well considering that we were three weeks late in starting our preparation. As of Friday, October 12, we have had over 120 persons participate in the 40 Days For Life vigil. The Grand Chute Planned Parenthood facility has not done abortions since early last summer. Praise the Lord! Our Vigil is concentrating on causing that temporary closure to be permanent.

AKRON, OHIO:

We’ve gotten many more people involved and pumped up about praying at the clinics.  The clinics have certainly noticed and responded by calling in escorts. So now our prayer witnesses feel even more engaged in the battle!

DALLAS, TEXAS:

River of prayer going forward from all over nation — ministering to God’s Heart; incredible Opening Rally at which even the police were blessed; children saved from abortion — from the second day on; many others ministered to on-site; multitudes ministered to in churches as we brought this “issue” to the forefront via this instrument (40 Days for Life); multitudes experiencing on-site ministry at abortion clinic for the first time. Churches are advertising the 40 Days for Life in their bulletins and announcing it from the pulpits like nothing I have ever seen or heard before. People are either praying inside their church, at home or at the abortion center on their assigned day of prayer. And there have been five days of 100 or more pray-ers at the abortion center in Dallas.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA:

I personally have ministered to two post-abortive fathers and two other post-abortive women. We believe there have been saves, but no one has actually kept track. 2 women were stopped from going into Planned Parenthood’s “free food… free condoms!” event on Thursday as PP bused in students from Robert Morris college. President Dougherty at Duquesne University pulled PP’s sponsorship from their radio program. Last night we had a candlelight vigil/Jericho walk. There were about 25 of us and the prayer was powerful!

BUFFALO, NEW YORK:

On day 2 the abortion mill’s drains all clogged up and halted the killing for 6 STRAIGHT DAYS. All the young people who are coming out… High school and College students and young couples. They are an true blessing. We are overwhelmingly supported by the people driving by.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA:

On day one of the campaign, several young mothers (with children) were interviewed by a local TV station. We have had at least one hour of adoration every day at our church–many more hours than usual–with many participants overall. I’ve seen a spiritual growth and awakening about the abortion issue. The abortion facility in our community which we are praying at is in a location which gets much traffic –we have been a visible witness to many!

CENTRAL TEXAS:

Liz was on the sidewalk by herself praying last Tuesday and a lady went into the abortion clinic. She had 2 young children, I believe 4 and 7ish. Apparently, the man who she is staying with doesn’t want the expense of another child and she is not employed so he wants her to have an abortion.  She went over to speak with Liz who listened to her story and got her phone number which she passed on to me and I passed onto a counselor at Hope Pregnancy Center. She called the woman and the next day she went to the Hope Pregnancy Center for help. She is keeping the child and Hope is assisting her. Praise God.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:

Our key victories have been 48 babies that have been saved and one of the abortion worker/provider asked for a bible today and took it into the clinic.

NORWICH, CONNECTICUT:

A truck driver dropped of 1/2 case of water to 40 Days for Life on Oct 1 after he filled up bottled water in the building. Also our local pregnancy center has seen a significant increase in abortion vulnerable and abortion minded clients as well as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Our nurse manager has already doubled the amount of ultrasounds she had for all of last month and it is only the 15th!! We received the exact amount, $6,500, needed to pre-screen Bella in southeastern CT! A man named Cleveland came from Bridgeport (over an hour away), stayed overnight at the Marriot around the corner from PP, and prayed with us on Oct 3 and 4. He heard about the 40 Days for Life at the Rally for Liberty at the State Capital in Hartford on September 12. How awesome is this!

COLUMBUS, OHIO:

We have had 100% of the the days “covered” in so-far-as having had at least one person there for some amount of time. A person who had previously had an abortion expressed great thanks and prayed with us for a bit.
�
WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA:

We received word that a baby was saved last week. A woman had come to the West Chester Planned Parenthood and because she was unhappy with the counseling she received inside, went to talk to a priest. He “dropped everything” to help her. He connected her with an active pro-life couple who’s daughter was pregnant. After seeing the ultra-sound of the daughter’s baby, she decided to let her baby live. Also, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who keep showing up to pray at Planned Parenthood on their own, without having actually made a commitment to come.

CONROE, TEXAS:

We are mobilizing much prayer locally and vigil hours at the Planned Parenthood clinic on Fannin. We also have stimulated letters to the editor, a kickoff of around 100 people at the County Courthouse, front page local newspaper coverage and PP’s CEO and COO from Houston confrontation in the local press here.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA:

On Sept. 25 we worried that we’d have to scale back our round-the-clock vigil, but about 200 people have come out to pray and keep our vigil going 24-hours a day! We’ve been able to talk to a number of post-abortive women about counseling and healing programs–including one woman who between domestic violence and abortion had lost 9 children. People are waving, honking, stopping to pray with us or sing to us, bringing us coffee and pizza…just an amazing outpouring of support from the community.

HOUSTON, TEXAS:

We have had reports from the 2 Crisis Pregnancy Centers that we refer to (we have their phone numbers on the backs of the brochures we hand out) that women are coming in with these brochures in their hands! Also, it has been obvious to those of us who come out on a regular basis that their abortion business is down. This was evidenced last week when the Stericycle truck that picks up the babies came. The driver went into Planned Parenthood with about 8 boxes and came out with 3. I expected him to go back in for more because he usually picks up 5-10, and he never did. Several of the new escorts told us that we were not what they expected and have been very friendly.

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA:

The most incredible blessing we have witnessed during this campaign has been the number of girls who have just walked over to us and asked which side is the right place for a pregnancy test? We have never had so many turn-arounds each day. It is surely due to the prayer and fasting of so many faithful people. The number of people that are being affected by God’s Grace and Mercy is endless and we are humbled every day.

TOLEDO, OHIO:

We have heard of at least one baby that has been saved during our “watch”; we’re being a witness to many people who might not have otherwise known that the building is an abortion center; and we’re seeing a “family” grow out of this. Many people are telling me that they have been pro-life for so long and yet didn’t know what to do. A lot of these people are excited to keep coming back to pray because incredibly what they’re feeling outside the abortion center is peaceful prayerfulness! A “bubble of grace” is definitely covering us! This unitive power of prayer is the weapon that will bring the end to abortion!

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA:

We have had several miracles over the past 20 days. AMS of Pensacola (a local abortion mill) has been closed for 3 weeks!! We do not know why it has been closed, only to say it is God’s miracle! Praise the Lord! Taking into consideration the average number of lives lost each week at both clinics this would mean roughly 75 lives saved over 3 weeks! Also, we have had at least 6 confirmed turn-arounds along with 5 post-abortive women coming forward looking for healing! Last Friday, the day abortions take place in Pensacola, we had the largest group of people ever gathered on a Friday morning at least in the past 12 years. The number = 35. Prior to 40 Days for Life there would be just 3 – 5 gathered to defend life. God has been working miracles left and right! The miracles keep coming. 40 Days for Life has definitely increased community awareness and people that have never been involved in defending life are getting involved. In just 20 days God has done so much for our community, just because a few faithful believe that prayer is the most powerful witness.  I cannot imagine the wonderful things that will happen to our community and across our country over the next 20 days.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE:

The Diocese of Knoxville has been keeping vigil at two different abortion sites in the City of Knoxville. The response of our volunteers, the majority of whom have never done any pro-life work before, has been amazing. A local pregnancy help center said that since the campaign began, they’ve never been busier — all of which they attribute to the campaign. Beginning today, we’re taking our vigil to the doors of the Planned Parenthood office for Middle and East Tennessee. 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:

Planned Parenthood was closed on its regular Saturday that they perform abortions this past weekend. Also, PP workers have come out twice, once to take photographs and once to pick up the most minute pieces of trash they could find on the ground. We suspect they were trying to provoke us. Rest assured that we continued our peaceful prayerful vigil while making sure we leave have no trash for them to report to the authorities. Last week we believe we had another save when a couple drove up to PP, the woman looking rather serious at our prayer warriors as they drove by, but came out less than a half hour later, the male smiling as he drove out of the parking lot. But I believe our biggest accomplishment is that we have had many people come out who have never prayed at an abortion facility before as well as some how have not come out in a long time. Some of our prayer warriors have mentioned meeting people they have not seen for many years, while others have made pro-life contacts they had not known before from their own parish. Last week the regular sidewalk counselors thanked 40 Days for Life for being there and are very appreciative to see men coming out.

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA:

The 40 Days for Life campaign is giving us little victories with much potential: Definitely more people visibly praying at Planned Parenthood and being seen by the PP staff and passers-by; finding out that PP has a GLBT support group going for teens which we will address in the future; having a repetitive ad in the local paper is increasing awareness of abortion to the general public.  

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA:

The key victories thus far in this vigil has been the growing body of Christ that is coming out to pray here in Charlotte. We have had about 70% of the total hours during the past 20 days covered by over 170 people made up of all ages, denominations, genders, and generations! Last week, one veteran pro-lifer was out praying and a car stopped. The young Mom told her that about 6 months ago she had planned to come to have an abortion, but she saw people out praying then (during our first 40 Days for Life) and decided to keep her child. That child was the infant in the car with the beaming and thankful Mom! Last Friday, two families of home schoolers came to pray  for the first time. While these families were out  praying, one of the young moms scheduled for an abortion decided to keep her child and left the clinic. The families praying had the blessing to see this Mom make this choice for life! It was a time for thankfulness on the grounds! Two other victories have been the faithfulness of the Bound for Lifers that come nightly to stand and pray and the church, St. Thomas Aquinas, that is hoping to provide coverage for an entire day. Lastly, and most significantly, are the pastors that have been coming to stand and pray at the facility! Here in Charlotte we have been blessed in the first twenty days, and we stand in expectation for what the Lord will do in the next 20!

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK:

All faiths working together including our Jewish brothers and sisters. People walking up to us and asking to join us off the street, including a police woman who works for the village of Spring Valley. The owner of the building where Planned Parenthood is located, politely asked we move a sign and we had the chance to tell her we were praying for her. Incredibly favorable press coverage!

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON:

Public awareness of Planned Parenthood presence is rising, hearts are being changed and foot traffic into their offices seems lower day after day. Probably most significant is the growing strength and solidarity of the pro-life movement itself. Many who have never been involved in pro-life work before are becoming radically involved through this campaign.

SUN CITY (PHOENIX), ARIZONA:

Our original “starter” group has tripled in size. We are experiencing a wonderful collaboration of different denominations and organizations praying, fasting and walking for life. Several of us are excited about continuing to meet, after the official campaign ends, sharing our plans for furthering our goals to stop abortion.

COLLEGEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA:

There has been the constant awareness to the evil of Planned Parenthood that Collegeville has not seen in years. People have been praying everyday at all hours.  It may not be 24 hours around the clock but it is making a difference all the same. I give thanks today for saying yes to “40 Days for Life” and I am excited to anticipate what God is going to do with the remaining 20 days and our Victory Rally on Nov. 4!

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA:

In addition to saving lives (a hand full of confirmed saves and additional turn-arounds) the blessings have been amazing. Those passing are asking where they can get a banner or something they can show that they are pro-life. Others passing stop, seeking help and consolement. Pro-life individuals are coming forward for their first time to become involved. Some want 40 Days for Life to continue. The movement has brought a new found hope and unity.

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA:

It’s been fantastic since the 40 days for Life started! The Holy Spirit is moving in a big way. First, its just wonderful to see and meet so many new people on the front lines praying. Second, the dedication of the people who come out is just amazing we see them taking another hour after their hour is up and coming back again and again. A friend suggested we continue praying from 7pm-9pm every day after the 40 days as he found it so much easier to pray the rosary with others! We had one woman who spent the entire night out and a neighbor who joined her to keep her company. Just amazing! We have parishes who signed up in the first 20 days scheduling another day in the second 20 days because they really enjoyed coming out to pray. In the past three weeks, I have seen couples arriving early Saturday morning for an abortion and leaving early before the abortionist arrived.  Last week, it appeared to be the slowest day as only 3 appeared to go in for an abortion. No one drove in to the entrance where I was standing where most normally come in. The prayers and prayerful witness is definitely making an impact!

SALEM, OREGON:

The local Catholic Newspaper, “The Sentinel”, had a story about the “40 Days for Life” Salem, OR vigil with the 15 students from the teens for life group called “Life Savers” for two weeks running and had photos in the second article.  The teens were very pleased. We also noticed that there were two days in two weeks that the PPH office was closed down.

EVERETT, WASHINGTON:

We have sensed the hand of God on our campaign from day one, and have seen at least 3 women turn away from abortion! God has given us the opportunity to counsel and refer at least a dozen women to pro-life pregnancy centers or post abortion healing, offering a “choice” to women that they didn’t get inside Planned Parenthood. In addition, many members of our team have testified of the many ways the Lord has blessed them and how they’ve grown spiritually through their commitment to pray, fast and be present at our vigil site. 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA:

There have been 600 participants so far in our continuous prayer vigil, which is a miracle! We have seen healing, hope, love, and ministry taking place.  Many people who simply came to spend an hour in prayer have told me “40 Days” has changed their life. Post-abortive women (and men) who came to pray have recalled “choices” they have made and can now find the hope, compassion, love, and healing they need. People who have never done anything about their pro-life values are coming to the sidewalk for the very first time, leaving touched very deeply and personally as to the enormity and destruction of this “choice” as they see first hand the women going in and most especially, seeing the same women coming out of Planned Parenthood afterward, never to be the same again. Lives have been saved as abortion appointments were canceled when the abortionist didn’t arrive for work on two scheduled killing mornings.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA:

At least 3 or 4 babies have been saved every week at the Atlanta Surgi Center location. Yesterday a gentleman (sidewalk counselor), holding his baby son up to the waiting room window, caused one of the woman to abandon her abortion plan! God is good! Someone remarked, live babies are so much better than posters of aborted babies!

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS:

We have been wonderfully blessed with people who have never come out or participated in a campaign against abortion all of a sudden becoming so visibly dedicated to the cause of life for the unborn. The community has been wonderfully supportive as well — honking and waving as they pass. We were able to train sidewalk counselors and have begun to see babies being saved by our presence — at least 1 or more each abortion day. Praise God — he is so good!!!

With all of these blessings in mind, here’s your devotional by Carmen Pate…

INTENTION:

Pray that we will not become defeated by the enemy’s attacks but rather call on the name of the Lord who is on our side and our help in time of trouble.

SCRIPTURE:

“What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 124:2,3,6,8

REFLECTION:

The enemy attacks in many ways, but one of his favorites is to slander us with hopes of tarnishing our reputation and character, and ultimately to defeat our good work for the Lord.
It is interesting to note however that it is usually not the slander that causes harm to our testimony, but our response to the slander. Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.”

We sometimes forget Whose we are and from Whom we receive our strength.

If you look back a few verses to Proverbs 24:5 you find, A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. Wisdom is applying God’s truths to our lives.

So if we are applying God’s truths to our lives moment by moment, we are not swayed by the lies of the enemy and we will be strong.

If we have knowledge, understanding who God is and the power of His might, we will increase our strength because we will surrender to His power and not our own in the day of adversity!

Standing on the front lines, armed with God’s truth, places you in the battlefield for the mind. As you are prepared to present words of love, for the sake of the unborn and for the distraught and confused women and men who are entering the abortion facilities, know that the enemy has prepared his forces to attack your mind.

Unkind words from a protester, or vicious lies in the local paper about who you are and what your mission is, can indeed be hurtful. But rather than give in to defeat, that is the time to shine for the Lord, standing firm, as you call on Him to defeat the enemy.

Remember the words of Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Let’s stand strong for those who need us most.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, we know that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us and is our very present help in time of trouble.

Lord, help us to ignore the verbal attacks of the enemy and instead turn to You, our refuge and strength. Help us to find shelter in the blessed promises and provisions of Your Word. Thank you that no enemy can defeat us, and we praise You knowing that nothing can separate us from Your love.

In the name of Jesus, we come to You, AMEN.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 15th, 2007 at 10:22 pm and is filed under 40 Days for Life, Audio, Devotionals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.