DAY 18: You’re being noticed; pray harder!
Now that we’re a bit more than two weeks into this 40 Days for Life campaign, we’re hearing reports of abortion center workers and supporters getting a bit testy in response to the prayer vigils.
In Reno, Nevada, police are investigating after a car veered off the road and flattened two large signs that had been placed in the public right-of-way across from the abortion facility. The signs were part of a display featuring the message “abortion stops a beating heart.”
Here’s a photo of those signs in Reno:
According to witnesses, the driver of the car was the abortionist whose business is the focus of the Reno 40 Days for Life campaign.
In Augusta, Maine, an after-hours graffiti artist took a can of spray paint to the signs used by the 40 Days for Life team.
I’m not sure what anyone hoped to accomplish by such vandalism, but the prank has backfired. It’s actually generating positive media attention for the campaign.
Here’s a photo of the vandalism in Augusta:
Janet in Augusta said a local sign maker was already working on materials he’s donating to the effort, so those will be most welcome when they’re finished.
In Little Rock, Arkansas, there were so many teens from a local church youth group praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil that five cars headed towards the abortion center turned around and left without ever stopping.
That infuriated the abortionist.
“He came outside with his armed guard and began to tell the sidewalk counselor and teens that they should not be there, that they will be responsible for forcing girls into back-alley abortions again,” said Mary in Little Rock.
“The guard was later spewing profanities at the youth,” she said. “We are getting the abortionist where it really hurts — his income.”
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, William Harrison — the abortionist who had said praying for an end to abortion is “silly” — now has a huge sign outside his building:
“Never has he ever had the word ‘abortion’ visible on his property. He has often bragged about no one knowing what he is doing,” said Debbie in Fayetteville. “Now they’ll all know what he is doing.”
Also in Fayetteville, the counter-protester who had promised to be out often with his “I love abortion” sign hasn’t been seen lately.
Another counter-protester surfaces occasionally in Atlanta, Georgia. But Kateri in Atlanta said that’s a good sign, as 40 Days for Life “is beginning to be more and more noticed and felt in the community.”
Kateri said the police are out almost every day, probably at the invitation of the abortion center. Of course, the only thing they have to “investigate” is a peaceful prayer vigil.
“That is also a sign that the facility is taking notice of and feeling effects from our efforts,” she said. “We pray this trend ends in the complete change of heart for all who work there and an end to abortion in the place.”
So please keep praying!
Today’s devotional is from Fr. Terry Gensemer, the national director of Charismatic Episcopal Church for Life.
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DAY 18 INTENTION
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May we absorb the truth that God is paying attention to us, and to each human life, personally and individually.
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SCRIPTURE
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When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.
– Psalm 8:3-9
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REFLECTION by Fr. Terry Gensemer
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How often we ignore the phrase, “stop and smell the roses” and instead submit to the all too “urgent” task at hand.
Is this tendency what keeps us, at least in part, from acknowledging that God’s care for His sacred creation is paramount in His own mind?
The Psalmist speaks of God’s handiwork: the heavens, the work of his “fingers,” and then points to God’s masterpiece — human life. He declares to us that God is mindful of us. God keeps His masterpiece in His thoughts.
God, the creator of the awe-inspiring heavens, is not distracted by the tasks before Him. He is not pulled away, as we might be, by thoughts of something “more important.”
God is paying attention to and attending to His crowning glory, His masterpiece of creation, which cannot be duplicated or replaced, which surpasses the beauty of all other created things — the human being.
There is no way to adequately describe how God feels about us as human beings. There are no words to fully portray His love, compassion or desire to be in communion with us.
Perhaps, the closest we can come, is to contemplate the thoughts of a mother as she gazes for the first time at her newborn child.
God cares for Life. We, as His followers, should take time to consider the life He has created and called upon us to love and protect.
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PRAYER
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Lord, you are the creator of all things. Guide my thoughts to consider your creation in all of its majesty, beauty and holiness. Guide my heart especially to your creation of precious human life.
Help me to comprehend how essential life is in your own heart. Teach me to appreciate, love and protect all human life through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2010day18print.pdf
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Today, let’s show our love to all those involved in abortion by heeding the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
PS: How has 40 Days for Life in your community affected you? Please let us know by posting response below.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:17 am
In Fairfield, CA two racist police officers had detained a Young undocumented boy after he left the vigil place with no reason, they insult him because he was holding a Rosary in his hand and because he has been praying to stop abortion. All charges has been cleared by the judge but because of his migrant status now he is facing deportation. We felt sorry but he answer “I’m not, because this was while I was working for the Kingdom of God” And at the same time when we was supposed to be released, a few of the presents at the vigil center smell roses… I’m sure a life has been preserved because of his sacrifice.
Keep praying our enemy, the evil is like a lion looking for his catch
March 6th, 2010 at 7:42 am
On Tuesday in the Texas Primary, both parties had an “amendment” to vote on to require an ultrasound for any woman prior to her non-”medically necessary” abortion. The next day, I could not find the results of that vote among the 10 or so pages of elections stories in the Dallas Morning News.
My brother reported to me that this DID pass on the Republican ballot, but I have not heard how it fared on the other ticket.
Perhaps Texans will have a chance to vote on this again in November, God willing.
March 6th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Matthew 25: 40
” The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
March 6th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Let us all pray for an end to abortion in the world.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:24 am
We are seeing many pro-life groups that have been operating in this area come together for the first time in united effort. Some of these organizations or ministries did not even know about each other! Now, they are collaborating efforts and sending representatives “to the sidewalk” to pray! Since the beginning of 40 Days for Life in our area, we have seen two babies saved, thus four parents saved from a lifetime of regret as well! God has been bringing others into our paths as well….people who were saved but were straying and needed prayer and someone to encourage them back to the right path, people who had honest questions about our stance and were willing to listen, people who needed prayer for the little ones they are raising…all kinds of physical and spiritual needs that our 40 Days folks are now praying for. God is such a big God and not limited to any “agenda”, so we are thankful for every opportunity He has given us to sow seeds of Life in all areas. We pray for all of the national 40 Days areas. May God continue to bless us, hear our prayers, and heal our land.
March 6th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Although we have “unjust laws” that make abortion legal,
there is no such thing as a “safe” abortion. It takes the life of an innocent human being and permanently injures another.
ABORTION IS NOT HEALTHCARE! ABORTION IS MURDER!
Murder by any other name is still murder! Murder is not a constitutional right!
March 6th, 2010 at 11:38 am
I am so glad this doing so good and getting good coverage. We need to be out there with pictures of what the baby looks like in the womb and bring an hand held ultrasound machine or get a mobile van with an ultrasound machine in it. I like the idea of free Ultrasound coupons. Everyone should use them. The back alley is horrible, but this isn’t anybetter. Woman have died having so possed safe abortions. None of them are safe, because the poor baby is torn limb from limb. Maybe we should do that to these doctors so they can see what they are inflecting on these poor inocient little ones. I hope one day everyone gets to see what a horror this abortion really is. Life is precious and should be held in the utmost respect. There are people out there who can’t have babies and want them very badly and here we are killing them and throughing them in the garbage. People have to wakeup and understand that this is a horrible atrocity that needs to stop. And the kids need to learn about abstinence and wait til marriage and respect yourself and your body. It is a good thing to be a virgin and save yourself for that special someone when you get marriaged and it makes the marriage more special and makes it lot stronger. There is also natural family planning which we need to get out there with no sideaffects like regular birth control. It makes the relationship a lot more special. Plus you don’t have to worry about contracting diseases if you are not fooling around.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I’m so uplifted and inspired by the daily blog postings. I’m not able to participate in 40 Days for Life vigils due to my location, but I’m participtaing in other ways and am so happy to be connected to others in these efforts.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Are all you people who are praying also writing to your Congressmen to prevent passage of the current health care reform bill(which has federal funding for abortion written into it) and also telling them not to vote for other pro-abortion and other bills that endanger the elderly and disabled?
March 6th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
This story is wonderful because it reflects what the power of prayer can do in a positive way. God created us and gave us life, we are to live it to the fullest. I have studied the Bible for the last 4 years, and I went away with the knowledge that God does not give us life for it to be taken away. Life is a GIFT FROM GOD!! As humans, we are to respect that and we should view new life as a blessing. So from God’s point of view, according to the Bible, abortion is very wrong. I believe in peaceful vigils and to keep the prayers coming. Keep up God’s work, the light and truth of His Word will last forever!
March 6th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Our church has started supplying ultra sounds for anyone thinking about an abortion. Praise God that you have given coupons for ultrasounds too.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Forty days for life has given me a new hope and faith in the “Almighty’” love for his children…born and unborn. Praise His Holy Name! Thanks to your perservence to “fight the good fight” for those who cannot fight for themselves.
March 6th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Last Tuesday while 5 or 6 of us were praying at the Planned Parenthood in Bremerton, Washington, the manager or director of the facility came out and carefully explained to us where his property line is (not that we didn’t already know!). He seemed to be taking measurements. We speculate that he was preparing to a) notify the police the instant any of us put a toe over the property line, and/or b) build a fence.
March 6th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed the comment: “We are getting the abortionist where it really hurts — his income.” That is fantastically true and is evident by all of their desperate attempts to counteract our prayer! Little do they know that they are no match for God and His people! Keep standing strong for Life!
March 6th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
David,
We in Birmingham, Alabama have had “sign rage” as well. On the second day of our campaign, a gentleman from the community spoke to one of our volunteers and said that the police had been notified and that our signs HAD to come down. The police investigated, and after much discussion, said that we could keep our signs. Then, just this past week, a gentleman from the Mayor’s office came by, saying that we could keep our signs up, but we could not have anything attached to the trees, by virtue of city ordinance!! After much discussion again, we took down the signs attached to the trees, BUT our creative men have rigged up a sign holder that rests on the ground. Now, let’s see what “they” come up with next!!! Thanks for all you do.
March 6th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Preterm, the largest abortion clinic in Ohio, has been losing employees during our presence in front of their building. We have pointed out to new job applicants entering the clinic of the lies of the facility as ponited out by the 2 signs on their front windows, “We respect life and women’s sacred role as life’s gatekeepers. and “We promote a world that values women and cherishes children”.
March 6th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I’ve noticed that here in Birmingham people are more supportive than they were during the fall campaign. They show it more outwardly, in any case. We still have our detractors, some of whom have made it their mission to harass us at every opportunity. I take that as a good sign. I’ve had grown men stop their cars in the street, roll down their windows and try to intimidate me (little old, gray-haired, barely 5 foot tall me!) into silence. Anyone who knows how difficult it is to intimidate me can guess how successful those attempts were.
I gently point out the illogic and lack of charity of their arguments. And I continue to pray for them; they are under the sway of the powers of darkness.
“Because your iniquity is great, great, too, is your hostility.” Hosea 9:7, NAB.
We know that the powers of darkness hate the light. We need to keep bringing the Light of Christ to shine into their darkness and into their hearts. Our precious Lord will do the rest and bring His lost sheep home. Peace be with you all!
March 6th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I know the enemy is working overtime during this spring campaign!!!!
during the fall campaign I prayed and fasted and spent time doing Holy
hours in front of the tabernacle 4-5 days a week. I was so uplifrted by
all of your reports David. It is much more difficult this time as my parish
priest will not allow me to spend this time in front of the Blessed
Tabernacle and each day I feel I’m not doing as much as I would like
to. I unite my prayers and small fast and sacrifices each day to yours.
Pray for all of us who are unable to “be there” on the front lines and
who pray alone at home.
God bless
March 6th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I am puzzled and saddened by Maureen’s statement that “this time” her “parish priest will not allow (her) to spend this time in front of the Blessed Tabernacle”….Last year, during the fall campaign, she “spent time doing Holy hours in front of the tabernacle 4-5 days a week.” We are not told her priest’s reasons for his position; perhaps they are very valid. I do pray that Maureen’s desire to do occasional holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament in intercession for the unborn and the end of abortion be honored, if at all possible. And may all who are prayer warriors, either in front of abortion facilities or in the privacy of their own homes, be blessed and protected from evil.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:35 am
All I could think of when they said “it’s silly” is that ‘well, who’s silly now?’, when they ran down the signs. It gave me something to giggle at, cause what they did was sillier!!
God is on our side so who can be against??
So, we will keep marching on until the victory is won…
March 7th, 2010 at 12:47 am
As a school teacher of mentally retarded high schoolers, I recently had a girl find me alone to tell me of her recent abortion. I was very sorry not to have know her before this happened, but anyway–she let me pray with her for her broken heart and for forgiveness… I feel privileged to have been trusted with the information. And maybe after we talked about it honestly, like talking about the baby who has died and broken her heart, rather than something medical she had done…She will not let this be pushed on her again. I know she wasn’t given a choice the last time, but maybe she will be armed if she is pregnant again, to protest loudly. Maybe she will make better choices in moral areas as well. Anyway, I am glad I know about standupgirl.com and other resources and could pass the info on to her.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
When we think of the opposition on the streets, in clinics, and in the media it can seem overwhelming. With the new healthcare reform and Obama’s strong pro-choice stance it can seem scary. We must remember that if God is for us who can be against us. He has defeated the enemy even though sin is still very present in the world. We are called to be the salt of the world. And one of salts main purposes is to slow decay. The christain presance in the world slows decay. That’s what your prayers and actions are doing and we are seeing the results in your stories. Thank you to all who have prayed and participated. God bless.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I have done three shifts on Fridays at the late term(up to six month) abortion clinic in Sacramento located at 53rd and F in the Sutter Hospital complex. After the first shift, I realized that I needed to enlist a prayer warrior to support me. My prayer warrior is a former nurse who is too ill to go out and she suffers from seizures. She agreed to pray and offer some sufferings for me.
There was a dramatic change in my effectiveness from week one to week two to week three. By week three, I had cars stopping while my back was turned and a person reached out her window waiting for me to turn around and give her literature! As a sidewalk counselor, this is really a first for me! My rosary supply ran out by week three. My effectiveness was noticeable to others on the shift who encountered a couple waving their ultrasound pictures out the car window stating, “It’s a girl and we are keeping it!”
Encountering a male wanderer on the street, I asked him to pray for me. Although he did not know the Our Father, he launched into a spirit filled prayer of intercession on my behalf and on behalf of the women and children affected by abortion at this abortion site! I was blown away by the Spirit of God in this man!
Each week, I continue to enlist more prayer warriors so that God can use my hands, my feet, my eyes, my ears, my mouth for the Kingdom. I am a long time sidewalk counselor but this season is definitely one of renewal and life. Praise the Lord.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Wow, Miriam. I never thought about that. But you’re right, that is exactly what salt does! And brings out the flavor. Preserves and flavors what it’s applied to. Food for thought. (Pun intended.)
March 9th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Let’s pray that these pro-choicers will have a change of heart and become pro-life and end aboriton.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:33 am
The Planned Parenthood facility in Columbia, Missouri beefed up their security cameras just before the 40 Days for Life spring campaign. Of course, all their security cameras have ever done is exonerate us from their baseless charges.
According to the latest annual report, the local affiliate had $8,000,000 in revenue. It’s sad how they used their profits to install new security cameras, but they still use the same old ultrasound and suction equipment for their patients. So much for a supposed health care provider putting patient care over everything else. We learned how old their equipment was last fall when two pro-life state representatives took their lobbyist up on her invitation for a tour.