DAY 40: It’s amazing what can happen
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.
——————————————————
AUBURN HILLS, MICHIGAN
——————————————————
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.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:28 am
Thank you, Fr. Pavone, for today’s devotional. The Hope of Heaven is what we need to focus on. I get so overwelmed sometimes by the hate in our world and the attacks against people trying to live God’s Word. It makes me sad for my children, growing up in this environment. Your words for today and the faithful work of all those involved in 40 Days for Life give me the Hope and focus I need to have. The success stories from those actively praying at the abortion facilities are an inspiration. I have offered up prayers and fasting, and will continue to do so. I am sad to see this 40 Days for Life end and encourage all of us to continue are labors against the culture of death. May we all have a peaceful Holy Week, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and may we rejoice in the celebration of his Resurrection, which gives us the hope of Heaven
April 1st, 2012 at 7:35 am
May God bless you all and keep working to save and protect all lives Have a blessed Holy Week Jesus is coming soon Your work will be rewarded Amen
April 1st, 2012 at 8:00 am
Six-hundred and twenty-eight lives saved! Praise God!
April 1st, 2012 at 8:14 am
Any new thoughts/ ways which are acceptable to christians, non-christians and Catholics to effectively prevent conception inorder to prevent abortion as well? Thank God for you all.
April 1st, 2012 at 8:20 am
Love will win the game hopelessness is starting from no where to go no where .I read the book and God wins .
Why don’t more businesses stand for life?Why don’t more preachers preach life ?They don’t serve the god of tax exemption they hopefuly serve the God of love and mercy.mary t
April 1st, 2012 at 8:21 am
A.M.D.G. J.M.J. Thanks!
April 1st, 2012 at 8:22 am
As Peter stepped out of the boat on faith and courage, let us all continue to step out into the rough, knowing that Jesus Christ is there to lift us up so not our will but His will be done.
April 1st, 2012 at 8:25 am
Let us all pray for an end to abortion. Happy Easter and God Bless !
April 1st, 2012 at 9:21 am
Ahh, yes Father Pavone…Sundays a Comin’
April 1st, 2012 at 9:25 am
Today’s message was deeply encouraging to me. I am so thankful for HOPE. The Bible says, “Return to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope!” It says, “And hope does not disappoint.” May our Lord continue to save lives through those who faithfully take a stand for life.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:26 am
What a grand 40 Days for Life. God will forsuffer and die for us, but will rise to greater things for all of us on Easter Day. Continue to have hope, Jesus Christ will carry us through. A Blessed Easter to all. Thanks David & Shawn for all your works and travel for 40 Days For Life. Abortion will end-prayer is powerful.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:49 am
The 40 day daily updates and inspirational messages were a real source of strength for me. Thank you.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:49 am
Our last Saturday of our first 40 DFL campaign brought us the second unexpected Saturday gift of a silent and empty Planned Parenthood clinic here in Glenwood Springs, CO. They are scheduled to be open six days a week.
Are we making a difference? Is it a coincidence that families and individuals started showing up unexpectedly on those last days as we counted 27, 29 and 30 with cars honking, and people waving and smiling?
Even though counter protestors promised to outstay us, did they simply forget to show up after a tiring few hours of anger and aggression?
Why did we last and last and last some more? What brought us back with a determination, with a drive for more involvement for ourselves and others, with that ever-compelling need to simply be there?
On Day 40 that is the sense of wonder is almost like a presence spiritually, mentally and even physically.
April 1st, 2012 at 9:53 am
A wonderful 40 days in Pembroke Pines Florida bore much fruit. After volunteering for a few days I went to an Emmaus retreat helping and heard a woman spoke about her abortion. I encouraged her to Project Rachel and offered to go with her. God moves in healing .
April 1st, 2012 at 10:10 am
Thank you Shawn and all the others for working to end abortion. Also thank you for letting us folks who cannot get to these functions to be a part of it by praying at home. God Bless All of You!!
April 1st, 2012 at 10:59 am
Marge Dixon Cleveland,Ohio I love EVERYONE who put such powerfull efforts in 40 Days for life campaign!Thank everyone for joining in to end abortion,this will indeed occur for God keeps His promises to us! We must continue doing our jobs in the places God has called us to do. God bless everyone and have a Happy Easter! Marge , Praise Jesus!!
April 1st, 2012 at 11:12 am
I’ve been a prayer warrior for 40 Days For Life for several years now. My church this year took a day and parishioners signed up for all the times to pray. When I arrived at the abortion center there was over 12 people praying the hour that I was there. What an amazing experience to see so many giving their time to be the voice for the unborn. I thank the leaders of our church and all those who participated for being open to the call.
April 1st, 2012 at 12:07 pm
I have prayed from my living room with you and for you and a pro-life America these 40 days.
I am so grateful each day for all who are out there in the “vineyard”.
Ann
April 1st, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Re: ‘Giving hope to others in our path’ — Emily’s story from yesterday at PP in Boise: “It was a rainy morning. A woman in her late seventies approached (clear hair protector and all :-) … I asked her if she was there to pray and she replied that she drives by everyday on her way to and from work and ’sees us there and thinks it is so great’. She said that she wanted to ‘encourage me/us to continue and to recognize me/us for being out there in the rain and all alone’. She said ‘if you pay attention to the media, one might think we were all pro-choice around here, but that is just not true! It is great what we are doing’ and she is ‘proud that we are standing up for what is right.’ So she said she ‘just wanted to encourage us to keep going’….”
… AND … Did anyone notice the “cross before us” as we prayed at PP? You may not have seen it, as it’s quite subtle, because of course there are telephone poles everywhere. But just across the street from where we pray, there is ONE pole that is different — it has a crossbar, unlike all the others there, that forms a CROSS right before us … helping us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven:
April 1st, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Thank you, Shawn for your updates and encouragement through these 40 days and Thank you, Fr. Pavone for today’s devotional and prayer.
May we – sisters and brothers in Christ – be blessed with the grace to CONTINUE to pray each day for the unborn and their parents – that they may see the wonder of God’s plan for Life! Blessings to you all.
April 1st, 2012 at 1:05 pm
A great big THANK YOU to David Bereit, Shawn Carney, and all prayer warriors praying in front of abortion clinics as well as those praying at home. I know our Wonderful God will bless you immensely. Please know that you are making a difference!
God bless and Mary keep all of you.
ja
April 1st, 2012 at 1:29 pm
It is you Shawn who have inspired me all these years. I pray we continue to close more abortion mills down till the day there are No MORE Isnt it amazing the way God works to make all things NEW God bless you until next we meet. Elizabeth.
April 1st, 2012 at 1:44 pm
God bless you all ! You truly are on the front lines of the eternal battle between good and evil. All of your love, dedication, sacrifice, fears, and triumphs will be used for God’s glory, and written in the Book of Life- in that place where death will be no more, and all tears (except of joy) be washed away. Praise God !
April 1st, 2012 at 1:59 pm
THank you again for all your updates. It keeps me praying and thanking God for all His answers to prayer. IT is so encouraging. THanks for all of you who actually are there at the facilities. WE are praying for you as well. Many Blessings.
April 1st, 2012 at 2:05 pm
God bless you all
April 1st, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Dear Shawn,
Thank you for your inspirational messages throughout the Forty Days of Life. I did try to vigil at Planned Parenthood in Boston. Unfortunately, I became very ill after 45 minutes. My friend had to take me home right away, after picking me up so early. I did pray every day for the 40days and sometimes during the night but not able to vigil again. I think she gave up with me.
Thank you again for all the wonderful work you and all your colleagues do.
Sincerely,
Marie T. O’Brien
April 1st, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Hope is due to the fact of what 40 days for life has breathed into everyone involved! Thank you thankyou!!!
God bless this country and this world in which we are stewards of!!
April 1st, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Congratulations and thank you to all the volunteers and staff for a very successful 40 days. We will continue to pray for the unborn and for the workers at Planned Parenthood. God is hearing our prayers. Everyone have a blessed Holy Week!
April 1st, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!!
April 1st, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Thank you to all who participate in the 40 Days for Life. You do not know how God will work through you and whose life will be touched by your dedication. I pray from home and appreciate the daily updates. May God be praised for using us in this powerful ministry!
April 1st, 2012 at 5:47 pm
The 40 Days for Life inspires me, too and your commitment also Shawn.
I thank the Lord for given you the strength and energy to do all you do for the ministry.
I know we are praying about the Planned Parenthood, etc. But, I ask if you would pray for my home congregation as we supposedly move to a different site and our beautiful church is tore down. I do not want to think of the church being removed and I strongly feel that we are missing an opportunity to serve more people in the area. The site is to be a strip mall and pharmacy.
Please help me to pray for God’s will and to have peace in what the outcome is.
Thanks! God Bless!
April 1st, 2012 at 6:18 pm
This campaign I chose to wait to be called rather than signing up for a date in advance. Last Saturday morning I felt compelled to drive the 30 minutes to pray in front of the PP in Fort Collins. When we got there, I found a small group of pro-life warriors and a large group of loud, angry, and ignorant college students who it appears were paid (?) picketers for PP. My boys and I set up our chairs and sat down to pray the rosary together. Three of PP’s agents began targeting us, yelling nonsense and profanity at us. We simply continued to pray, ignoring them. I noticed a young African American man who kept moving closer to us as we prayed the decades, but moved away when we prayed the intentions…the prayers that target abortion and abortionists. After we finished praying I went to find him. Rather than arguing religion, I asked him if he new the history of PP…of how it’s roots are deeply set in a desire to “exterminate the Negro”. I also shared the inequity of the rate of abortions within the African-American population. He listened quietly, and, within 5 minutes, told those in charge of the PP rally that he was leaving. Pray for him! I also talked with 3 other pro-death protestors…challenging their emotions and beliefs in science rather than discussing religion with them. They were frustrated to find that they had prepared for a fight about religion and, instead, got a calm discussion about science. I wasn’t surprised to be told, a short time later, that there had been a save earlier that morning. Satan doesn’t relinquish his hold gladly. One of the other prayer warriors told me, “Too bad you weren’t here last weekend. The tone was so positive! There were more of us…no supporters for PP…and everyone driving by supported us. It’s too bad you came this weekend instead.” All I could think was, yes, but God didn’t need us here LAST Saturday. He called us when we were needed. As St. Francis said, “Make me a channel of your peace.”
April 1st, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Thank you, Sean, for your encouragement through the 40 Days for Life. It’s amazing and inspiring to read the testimonials from the different sites. Please keep up the good work.
April 1st, 2012 at 7:31 pm
I went out to the hospital one last time this afternoon. I thought I would stand there by myself, at least until the Youth Group arrived at 2:00 PM. One thing about 40 DFL – you never know what’s going to happen! A few other adults joined me and the youth showed up shortly after. We gathered around with our signs and prayed the Rosary. It was glorious! While we meditated on the Descent of the Holy Spirit the wind started blowing like mad! I closed my eyes and imagined I was in the Upper Room on Pentecost….
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:2-4
I am sure biblical scholars will interpret speaking in tongues differently than I do but to me, to speak in tongues is to be able to speak in a language/way that your listener hears what God wants him to hear. I hope that everyone our group encountered over the last 40 days heard what God wants them to hear – that abortion ends an innocent life, it hurts mothers and fathers, it kills the souls of the doctors that commit them.
At Mass this morning Father T. made a very honest confession – he said that at first he was a bit intimidated by hanging an 18″ x 24″ sign around his neck that said “40 Days for Life”. Well, he wasn’t the only one! Many people told me they didn’t want to do it but by the end of 40 Days lots of people were. Many people said when someone approached them in the first few weeks to ask what they were doing they were a bit vague in their reply. As the weeks went on everyone began to speak more boldly. It went from “praying for babies and moms” to “praying for an end to abortion.”
“And now, Lord…grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
—-Acts 4:29-31
40 DFL is of God and good WILL triumph over evil!
April 1st, 2012 at 10:54 pm
This has been the best Lent ever, for a number of reasons. Today was a fantastic beginning of Holy Week. I have been praying with the 40 DFL this spring. I knew that I would be a prayer warrior, as I was not comfortable with the idea of actually going to one of those evil PP centers.
This afternoon I headed up to McKinney, Texas (which is the location of the 40 DFL that I joined online) to go shopping at a store that I had never been to. After I got off the highway, I made a wrong turn and drove around the block to the next major intersection. The light turned red and as I sat there reading the signs that announced the stores in the strip mall across the street, I noticed “Planned Parenthood”. I thought, “OH, that’s where it is.” Then I saw two people standing on the sidewalk holding 40 Days for Life signs. I thought, “Hmmm. God showed me that. But I think I will go shopping first then come back here afterward, if I have time.”
When the light turned green I turned my car back toward where I originally intended to go. But then before I knew it, I was in a turn only lane which lead me to another street and all of a sudden I was back at that intersection, only this time I was at the PP parking lot!
I thought, “Apparently God wants me to do His job first.” So I parked my car, got out and walked up to the couple who were praying the rosary. They were so kind, signed me in, I picked up a sign and stood there at the street, praying the rosary and wondering how in the world I wound up there.
It was a great experience though not one I would have ever volunteered for before. But now I am looking forward to the next one, although of course I pray that we never need to have another vigil. When you sign up for this, be prepared for God to direct your paths!
Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and bravery.
April 1st, 2012 at 11:12 pm
There were two minds changed this past Wednesday in Sharonville. One was a 14 year old girl who was at the abortion mill with her father. After extended discussion and prayer with one of the sidewalk educators, the heart of both dad and daughter were opened. Tears were shed and she decided to carry her baby. Another sidewalk educator was able to get a young woman to talk to her. This woman had many reasons as to why she should have an abortion. After much discussion, the educator was able to talk her into going to the pregnancy center for counseling and ultrasound. This young woman also decided to carry her baby. Interestingy, she had already had an ultrasound at the abortion mill but it didn’t show how perfect her little baby was. As this young woman was leaving, she stopped by a couple praying in front for 40 Days. She was so happy and excited and wanted to share the news. She showed them a picture of the ultrasound. This couple felt it was a God moment for them and made them realize that prayers are answered and that being there was having a positive effect.
Thanks to all Shawn, David, Lauren and all of the 40 Days for Life Team. Your enthusiasm, love and passion are so inspiring. God bless all of you for answering God’s call.
April 1st, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Though I have not been on the front lines during the 40 Days For Life I have been deeply inspired by the daily reports of hearts changed and babies saved. Thank you Shawn and the whole 40 DFL network for the work you are doing. You are truly the hands and hearts of Jesus here on earth. May God bless you all!
April 2nd, 2012 at 3:52 am
Thanks to all those who made Everett 40 Days for Life a success! We made it: 40 Days of prayer & fasting, vigil and community outreach for an end to abortion in Everett & beyond: from 8 am to 8 pm for 40 days!
Between 5:15 pm to 6:20 pm, in the midst of my minor digestive problem, because of which I had to take a sudden quick trip to nearby McDonald (a couple of miles south), I had the most prayerful conversation with a friend with whom I came to better understanding and knowledge about my own marriage and how God uses our experience to help others.
As soon as we were done praying for our husbands and men in our society – that God raise them up to be courageous men; my husband arrived to join us; then Ed Mohs, our Fall Campaign Director, followed by David Graves from Atonement Free Lutheran Church in Arlington – who simply couldn’t stay home; and even our new friend in the PP neighborhood who is considering Mormon religion; then finally another prayer volunteer who also volunteers at the nearby crisis pregnancy center with ultrasound.
Even rain stopped while seven us stood in circle praying thanksgiving and for each other; especially for our new friend who is searching God because He keeps him out of trouble.
It was such a symbolic and hopeful sight to have Catholics, a Lutheran, and a God-loving/searching man praying together in unity. This was possible because of 40 Days for Life. Thank you! And we are determined to continue on even from Day 41…and it looks like throughout the year! Amen!
April 2nd, 2012 at 11:33 am
Though I have not been on the front lines praying at abortion clinics I have been following the daily reports from the “field” with great interest. I thank God for all those brave and faithful souls, and you Shawn, for the amazing work you are doing to save the lives of the unborn.
April 2nd, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I have also been following reports from the field and praying for the success of
the work being done.I hope to attend a meeting tommorow night to stop the building of a fertility clinic near one of our local colleges. The thought of all those fetuses that eventually are destroyed is also an abomination.Keep up the Lords work!!
April 2nd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
i am offering morning Mass for the unborn who are in danger of abortion & their parents & in thanksgiving for all the people who attend 40 days for life & for those who constantly pray outside these clinics. Thank you. i will also pray for all your intentions. looking forward to our next campaign!
April 3rd, 2012 at 3:45 pm
I have made reading every one of the daily emails a part of my observance of Lent, as an intentional participation with you all, and so that I am led in prayer along with you. I love hearing stories describing God’s awesome answers to prayers at the vigil locations. This is very important intercessory work and a wonderful blessing to people everywhere. To those of you who are out there physically in all kinds of weather conditions; my deep thanks and praise for your demonstration of courage, hope and peace. Stand firm and strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus!
April 4th, 2012 at 12:31 am
It would be hard to count all the times I have read these testimonies of our God’s faithfulness to “show up” at our vigils with hands raised and joyful tears flowing.
I was at Fort Collins and was also a witness of what Beth spoke of above. When I saw the pro abortion President of the UNC Atheist club unloading a barbeque grill, cooler and cases of pop I got a little apprehensive. I tried to call a few Pro lifers who I knew would be able to defend our faith and our stance for life. I was only able to get one to come but through the day Pro life students just “Happened” to show up. I rejoiced to see God was at work as I scanned the sidewalk and saw multiple conversations going on between capable Christian Pro lifers and pro choicers. When Beth arrived she had this undaunted look of resolve about her and said matter of factly “God told me to come!”
We serve a Strange and Magnificent God! He is WITH US and HE REIGNS!