I’m in Texas today … but I would like to turn my attention westward — to California. I’ve been to California during nearly every 40 Days for Life campaign — and I’ll be there again in two weeks.

“West coast” and “pro-life” don’t often go together in most people’s minds. But … they really do! And California continues to show what God can do, no matter where you live.

California now has 37 campaigns currently under way — more 40 Days for Life locations than any other state in America. There are voices for life standing witness from one end of the state to the other. And people are listening!

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
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Rebecca says Thursday is typically a surgical abortion day at Planned Parenthood in San Luis Obispo — and it appeared this would be the case as usual. “Young women showed up for abortions,” she said, “although in drastically reduced numbers than we’ve seen in the past.”

One woman came out, got in her car and left. It was clear she had not been inside long enough for an abortion. Then another woman came out, accepted pro-life information from one of the volunteers — and she also left. One by one, these young women all went home.

The abortionist never showed up!

“Whatever the reason for no surgical abortions being performed,” Rebecca said, “God is answering our prayers! We’re now praying that no abortions are performed in San Luis Obispo during the 40 Days for Life campaign. To God be the glory!”

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STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA
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Janelle in Stockton says this campaign has brought blessings in disguise. When the planning process began, she was concerned that there would not be enough prayer volunteers to be present for all of the hours Planned Parenthood would be open.

But, she said, “God proved otherwise.”

Something happened at Planned Parenthood after 40 Days for Life started. They’ve been closing early. Not only have they closed early, but on one Saturday, they didn’t even open at all.

“When they are closed,” Janelle said, “we are there. We’ve been able to help and offer information as an alternative. So far we’ve taken three women to the local pregnancy help center just down the street where they can receive good, healthy counseling for themselves and their children.”

Because Planned Parenthood was closed, she said, several lives and souls were saved … and there’s less money for Planned Parenthood. “God is good,” Janelle said, “all the time!”

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MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
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Mill Valley likes to be known for its tolerance — but only, it seems, if you’re pro-abortion. At the first-time 40 Days for Life vigil outside Planned Parenthood, Ruth Ann says she’s been lectured on overpopulation, on Planned Parenthood’s alleged value to poor women — even on global warming.

“I was called judgmental, a bigot, stupid — and I was told I was wasting my time,” Ruth Ann said. “I was told to go home, as the locals were sure I wasn’t from Mill Valley.”

But, she says, there have been blessings. A woman stopped by to thank them for being there. A man who arrived with his two sons asked what they were doing — and praised God when he found out. “He said we were in the belly of the beast,” she said, “and he has come to pray with us every day.”

Ruth Ann’s volunteer list has continued to grow. “I believe it is important,” she said, “for people to know that not everyone believes abortion is good for our society.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What are people in your community saying about 40 Days for Life? Please leave a comment below.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 11th, 2012 at 11:15 pm and is filed under 2012 Fall Campaign, 40 Days for Life, Devotionals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.