Never prayed at an abortion center before? If you’re still not sure about this, please read these stories before you take that leap of faith that thousands are taking right now.

“I thought I SHOULD go and pray,” Pamela wrote, “but I always an excuse not to do it.” Then she listened to the 40 Days for Life countdown webcast before the current campaign.

“What struck me was that they said they were actually blessed by praying,” she said. “Any resistance I had was overcome.”

So she went — and got hooked. “Every single experience I had — whether praying alone, with my daughter, with others … was really inspiring. I think if you can at least go one time … you will also get hooked.”

Theresa is a first-time 40 Days for Life prayer vigil participant this fall.

“I felt nervous energy all morning,” she said, but “once I was there and began to pray, I immediately felt the grace of the Holy Spirit. At times I would be alone physically, but I always felt safe and empowered.”

At first, Mary didn’t want to go pray because she didn’t want to offend anyone. Eventually, she got over it and went to the vigil.

“I may be saving the life of a child — a child like any other child,” she said, “deserving a chance at life. I pray for courage and boldness, and it is granted.”

“I was very hesitant to pray at our local abortion provider, and declined for several years out of fear,” said Pia. “I have three children, and felt extremely nervous about praying outside this facility, which is not in the best part of town.”

When she explained her fear to the local 40 Days for Life coordinator, he said he understood — but he also reminded her to “be not afraid.”

It was the encouragement of her 14-year-old daughter and her daughter’s friend that convinced Pia to go pray at the vigil. “Locally we have had several saves, and there is no doubt in my mind of the power of prayer,” she said, “especially that of our youth.”

“I, too, was one who was scared to go to the clinic to pray,” wrote Kris. “But God spoke to me and told me ‘Go, I will give you the words and protection.’ Thank God I listened!”

This particular prayer vigil was being held at an abortion center that was under construction. It wasn’t yet open, but the vigil helped draw public attention to what would soon be happening at this building.

“One morning when I was feeling very anxious, I went and a young girl — about 17 — stopped and wondered if the clinic was open yet,” Kris said. Her boyfriend was pressuring her to have an abortion.

“My blessing — that still keeps me going today — was her deciding not to have the abortion,” said Kris. “Have courage and don’t fear, because God is with each one of us.”

Here’s the link to the list of cities where 40 Days for Life vigils are taking place:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

If you’re waiting for an invitation … this is it! Today’s the day. Won’t you join us?

Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.

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DAY 32 INTENTION
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Pray that we display an attitude of humility as we stand in peaceful vigil, as we fast, as we knock on doors in our communities. Though we proudly proclaim Christ’s truth, may our boasting be only in His grace.

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SCRIPTURE
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These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

– Proverbs 6:16-19

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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The Lord who made us knows us well. I can’t help but think that perhaps as He inspired these words, He knew that our tendency might be to make the judgment call on which sins should be labeled as detestable.

He wants us to be absolutely clear, however, that the sinfulness of man encompasses much more than the external sins that we easily identify.

Lest we assign a particular sin as that of an abortionist, or a worker in an abortion facility, or an abortion activist, the Holy Spirit insured that our sin of pride would be listed first.

In this passage that speaks of eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet we realize than every part of our being is subject to the curse of sin.

We all need Jesus Christ who saved us from the penalty of sin, saves us from the practice of sin as we abide in Him, and will one day remove us from the presence of sin. Praise His Holy name!

Proper self-esteem in a follower of Christ is a matter of recognizing and confronting yourself in your humanity, including the tendency to sin. It is also a matter of embracing Jesus’ work on the cross — His grace that covers a multitude of sins.

The Apostle Paul sums it up best in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: “But he who glories let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”

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PRAYER
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Dear Father, guard my heart. Prick my conscience and may I be receptive to your rebuke at any moment I drift towards pride. May I remember in fear and trembling that You cause the proud to fall, but the humble You raise up.

Lord, may I never forget my true identity is in Christ and that apart from Him I am nothing. By His grace, I pray, 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/fall2010day32print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: How has 40 Days for Life affected you? If you have a story to share, please leave a comment below.

This is not going to be easy to read. It’s about physical, emotional and spiritual pain. This is the account of women who have had abortions.

When I was a sophomore at Texas A&M, I heard women, for the first time in my life, give their testimonies about their abortion experiences. One was in the military, one was raped, one had been on drugs and one just didn’t feel she could afford a child.

I remember being unaware and naive about how abortion impacted women — but how could it not? Their testimonies were powerful and led me to dive into pro-life work even more.

Whenever I speak I always thank them for their courage to inspire me — and hopefully inspire YOU — to do more to end this injustice.

People with abortion experiences CAN find God’s healing. But there’s no question, as Linda said in a blog posting, that “women DO regret their abortions.”

“I myself had four abortions,” Linda wrote. “1976, 1979, 1982, 1985. This year — 2010 — in June, I only have begun to feel the release of guilt, blame and shame for what I have done. It took me 24 years before I attended a post-abortion healing retreat. It took me another nine years to be a part of the Silent No More program.”

(See http://silentnomoreawareness.org)

She has now prayed in front of the facility where she had three abortions. “I always deeply wish that there had been someone there for me in 1976 or any of my other desperate days,” she said. “I may have listened. And my children would have lived.”

“My abortion was over 30 years ago,” writes P., “and I still cry — when I know of a woman contemplating abortion, when I have prayed outside an abortion clinic and watched desperate women going in to kill their precious baby.”

She thanks God for her tears. “I know this is God’s way of keeping the memory of my child on my heart.”

“How could I have been so stupid?” Anne asked. “For many years I have felt personally responsible for one life being ended and a soul being sent to God. The burden is heavy! I regret my part in this more every day.”

Eventually, Anne turned to God for forgiveness and consolation. Still, “I cannot undo the killing of this precious life. Often, I think of the person he would have been.”

Vivian’s oldest daughter had an abortion at the age of 15. “I paid for the abortion and her father took her to the clinic,” she wrote. “Then later on, she had another one and I drove her there.” At the time, she thought she was doing the right thing to protect her daughter.

At that point in her life, Vivian was not a Christian. “I have since become one, and I had to ask the Father to forgive me for this horrible sin. I know He has — and now I pray for these mothers and fathers and especially for these precious gifts from God.”

Allison was praying in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion center recently. “The spiritual darkness was very apparent,” she said, “but despite this, a man had the courage to approach us so he could share his story after seeing a Men Regret Abortion sign.”

He had a very simple message. “I’m guilty of making abortion happen to my girlfriend years ago before I became a Christian,” he said. “Now I live with regret everyday — but I know I’m forgiven. It is good you people are out here. Spread the word!”

If you meet someone who is suffering in the wake of an abortion experience, you might suggest Rachel’s Vineyard, a group that offers post-abortion healing retreats. You can find out more about this effective, compassionate ministry at:

http://rachelsvineyard.org

Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh, Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference…

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DAY 31 INTENTION
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For the medical community, that the truth they know about the human body may become awe and wonder at the God who made it.

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SCRIPTURE
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Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

–Psalm 139:16

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REFLECTION by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
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Human beings — God’s tapestries.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that reveals the enormity and otherness of God. His divine attributes are on display: omniscience (2-4), omnipresence (7-12), loving-kindness (17-18), justice (19-20), righteousness (23-24), and omnipotence.

Yet, when it came to express this last attribute, what example did the psalmist use — God’s creation of mountains, seas, or far-flung galaxies? No, he used none of these. To express the wonder of God’s unparalleled creative power the writer mentions the fashioning of the human in the womb (14-16).

The Hebrew word used to express God’s forming of us in the womb, raqam, is the same term for needlework or embroidery. In other words, we are a tapestry that displays God’s artistic mastery.

And, like the artist who knows his creation down to the last detail, God intimately knows us. This reality provokes the writer to awe and wonder. He proclaims, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

What is true for this psalmist is true for each human being. Each is fashioned by God and known by him and we can proclaim on behalf of each, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

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PRAYER
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Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions. Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day31print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What’s new with your 40 Days for Life campaign? Please share the news with everyone! You can do so by leaving a comment below.

God works in big ways and in small ways. The big ways are often easy to recognize. The small ways? Not so much.

40 Days for Life is the story of God’s many victories, both large and small. Here are some of the small ones. But they sure add up!

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ZION, ILLINOIS
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Zion is one of several communities participating in 40 Days for Life that do not have an abortion facility. But people there have been called to pray, and their prayers are getting reactions.

Prayer volunteers watched as a man — who was driving way too fast — came around the corner and shouted from his open window, “There is no God!”

Vigil participants took this as a realization that God is indeed at work in Zion. “We immediately prayed for that man,” said Joellyn, the local coordinator. “We don’t know who he is or where he was going, but GOD knows that this man needs HIM!”

While there is no abortion facility in Zion, there is a pro-life pregnancy resource center. And counselors there report that they know of at least one child saved from abortion during this 40 Days for Life campaign.

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA
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“Our vigil is in front of the Planned Parenthood facility,” said Nancy in Orlando. “Normally, abortions occur here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The clinic changed last week’s schedule from Saturday to Friday — it was unannounced, but we got the word. Imagine their surprise when we had great prayer coverage on Friday.”

The following day, Saturday, the facility was closed. There was no explanation on their door, although it was posted on their web site.

“Because many people did not know they would be closed,” said Nancy, “our prayer warriors were able to witness to those coming to the clinic. To top it all off, some of our 40 Days for Life participants went to a different abortion clinic and were able to save a baby.”

An abortion-minded woman was able to see an ultrasound picture of her baby on her own television in the comfort of her home. “She chose life,” said Nancy. “Glory to God! He is so good, isn’t He?”

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PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
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Picture all of this … going on at the 40 Days for Life vigil sites in Rhode Island:

• A father drops off his daughter at a “women’s clinic” and has no idea that she intends to have an abortion until he sees the pro-life prayer vigil.
• A woman is convinced that being a “good sister” includes supporting an abortion she doesn’t believe in.
• A young, desperate, pregnant mom believes she has no option in her situation but abortion.
• Two sidewalk counselors are faced with two cars, a language barrier, and three people to counsel at once.

“An impossible situation?” asks Joanne in Rhode Island. “Nothing is impossible with the Lord. God answered our prayerful efforts by saving the life of a child, and soon after He saved two others!”

The Rhode Island team reports eight lives have been spared from abortion during this campaign at their vigil locations in Providence and Cranston. “That’s the most for any campaign yet,” said Joanne. “Help us to be a sign of God’s love to those most in need. You’ll be glad you did.”

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life…

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DAY 30 INTENTION
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That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.

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SCRIPTURE
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And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

– Luke 1:41-44

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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Jesus not only loves unborn children — He was one himself!

Think about this for a moment.

We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, “She’s expecting a child.” Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother.

Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child “on the way,” but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.

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PRAYER
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Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem.

As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day30print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you had an experience with 40 Days for Life that has had a deep impact on you personally? If you have, please share your story by leaving a comment below.

One of the constant themes I hear is that there is incredible darkness at abortion facilities. Even on a bright, sunny day, there is darkness. You can feel it.

Christ said that we are the light of the world. Thank you for bringing peace to places that have no peace … and light to places that dwell in darkness.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS
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The idea of being a light in darkness was present at the midpoint event in Austin, where the local team organized a candlelight vigil at the abortion center.

There’s a picture of an adult and two small children that shows the spirit of that event most clearly.

The light is indeed shining in Austin — another young woman has changed her mind about abortion.

“She and her boyfriend talked to a sidewalk counselor who was standing next to the driveway,” said Elizabeth, the local coordinator in Austin.

“They never got out of their car! After chatting for a couple minutes, they told the counselor thanks and drove home,” she said. “They are keeping their baby!”

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SIOUX CITY, IOWA
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Every time I tell a story about children praying at a 40 Days for Life vigil, I get more stories! Here’s another one.

Karmen in Sioux City sent pictures of two groups of students praying at their vigil on a day that abortions were being performed at Planned Parenthood.

“One school traveled one hour to our site and the other traveled around 45 minutes,” she said. “We had at least 50 students and it was very exciting!”

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ITHACA, NEW YORK
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Mary Anne in Ithaca also sent a picture of children praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

“It is their innocence that touched me,” she said. “There is certainly something that happens when children are outside praying.”

Mary Anne watched as a van passed by. The driver stopped, backed up, and gave the children a thumbs-up. “I am sure it was encouraging for them as it was for us adults,” she said. “I was blessed by the presence of the children knowing that the Lord is raising up a new
generation for Him.”

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
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Suzanne took her three children — ages 7, 9 and 14 — to the 40 Days for Life vigil in Pittsburgh. Shortly after they got there, the 7-year-old put one foot across the white stripe that marks Planned Parenthood’s property line.

An employee came charging out and issued a sharp order to “MOVE AWAY!”

The children got rattled … and Suzanne started wondering if bringing the family was such a good idea. But about that time, a man tapped her on the shoulder. After what had just happened, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

But a very big guy with a very gentle voice said, “I just have to tell you that I am so pleased to see that you are teaching your young children how important it is to stand up for what is right. You are doing the right thing, you know. God bless you, ma’am, and God bless your children.”

“That man was sent by God — no doubt about it,” said Suzanne. “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me just what I needed, just at the most perfect time!”

Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.

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DAY 29 INTENTION
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Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

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SCRIPTURE
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“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”

– Micah 7:18-19

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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Micah had been sent to declare God’s judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt.

Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David’s throne were practicing abominations and idolatry.

Is it not easy to see the parallels of God’s people in Micah’s day and God’s people today in America?

Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.

In speaking of Old Testament stories of God’s people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.

Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day29print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Are you a first-time participant in 40 Days for Life? If so, I’d love to hear about what you’ve experienced. Please leave a comment below.

Throughout the 238 locations currently conducting 40 Days for Life campaigns, there are signs of encouragement everywhere!

A baby saved, new people coming out to pray for the first time, and even the presence of pro-abortion opposition are all good signs that the campaign is working!

So what do New York City, Columbia, Missouri and Ottawa, Canada have in common?

Signs of hope on the front lines of our culture!

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK
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The 40 Days for Life campaigns in Queens and The Bronx are coordinated by Chris Slattery, who heads up a chain of twelve pregnancy resource centers called Expectant Mother Care.

Expectant Mother Care’s interns are assisting once again with 40 Days for Life — and posting photos and writing about their experiences on their blog.

“Our 40 Days for Life site is in a very busy part of town,” writes one of the interns. “It is not uncommon for women who are pregnant and considering an abortion — or women who have been hurt by abortion — to walk past our prayer vigil. This allows us to minister to the most vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, pro-abortion forces are asking the city to force Expectant Mother Care and other pro-life centers to post notices in their offices that they neither perform nor refer for abortions.

The allegation is that pregnancy resource centers “deceive women” — never mind the fact that Expectant Mother Care’s ads all read, “Free abortion alternatives.”

Perhaps the pro-abortion groups want to stifle free speech because this approach is working. More and more women are choosing the alternatives. Coordinators in New York City know of at least 18 mothers who have decided against abortion during the current 40 Days for Life campaign.

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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
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The date August 9 sticks in the minds of 40 Days for Life volunteers in Columbia. That is the date of the last abortion performed at the Planned Parenthood facility that is the site of the Columbia prayer vigil.

It seems that Planned Parenthood simply cannot find a practitioner to travel to Columbia to perform abortions.

Normally, this facility would have aborted at least 100 babies — probably more — over the course of a ten-week period. But since August 9, the total has been ZERO.

The vigil continues at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, with the hope that the cessation of abortions becomes permanent. Please join them in this prayer!

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO
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A media report from Ottawa says a pro-abortion group is talking about ways to legally challenge pro-lifers who pray in front of the Morgentaler Clinic, a facility operated by Canada’s most infamous abortionist, where the 40 Days for Life vigil is held.

This pro-abortion group says the pro-life presence fails to “respect the dignity, privacy, and legal rights of women to unimpeded access to health services.”

In reality, of course, the vigil is simply a peaceful, prayerful gathering — as seen in photos the Ottawa team has posted on their blog.

When Suzanne arrived to pray, “our group contained about six people and it soon swelled to about twelve.” It soon started raining harder. “I was quite soaked by the time I finished my shift,” she said.

The 40 Days for Life campaign in Ottawa is certainly having an impact. “Little by little,” said one of the coordinators, “hearts are being changed — one small step at a time.”

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PRO-LIFE DAY OF SILENT SOLIDARITY
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I wanted to let you know about a wonderful pro-life event going on today — Tuesday, October 19 — that complements this current 40 Days for Life campaign.

Students from more than 3,500 school campuses are participating in Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity to raise awareness about the injustice of abortion by taking a vow of silence for one day in solidarity for the more than 3,000 children who die from abortion each day.

Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.

Anyone can participate (you don’t even have to be a student) and you can use the time of silence to pray and fast for an end to abortion.

Learn more and find out how you can participate at:

http://www.silentday.org

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Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. Ben Sheldon, President Emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-life.

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DAY 28 INTENTION
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We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates.

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SCRIPTURE
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“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the
widow.”

– Isaiah 1:16-17

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REFLECTION by Rev. Ben Sheldon
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God is just.

Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson: “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.”

If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his being that God is just, how much more ought we Christians to reflect on this profound truth?

The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity, encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our modern society that have led to the cavalier acceptance of abortion and euthanasia.

But, as Jefferson also said, “his justice will not sleep forever.”

God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows of our society.

It is a noble calling! It is one which every true believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should heed with no hesitation and no reluctance.

To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand unequivocally for the right to life of everyone, especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and the terminally ill.

God’s word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant in today’s 21st century world as it was in Isaiah’s 8th century BC world. May God’s grace help us to defend the unborn’s right to life as well as that of the already born.

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PRAYER
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O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit alone can change hearts and minds so that all your human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, 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/fall2010day28print.pdf

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Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: What’s new with 40 Days for Life where you live? Please share your stories below.

Yes, that’s right. As of this writing, there have been …

… 317 babies — that we know of …

… that God has saved from abortion … in answer to your prayers during this 40 Days for Life campaign!

There’s a story behind each of those lives … so here are just a few.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
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If you’ve followed these reports, you may remember reading about Erin, the “wrong number” woman from Indianapolis.

To quickly recap, Erin had scheduled an abortion last spring. She called to confirm her appointment — or so she thought. But she didn’t reach Planned Parenthood. The phone that rang belonged to a 40 Days for Life volunteer who was praying outside the abortion center!

To make a long story short, Erin canceled her abortion and her daughter was born just a few days before this campaign started.

This is Elena, Erin’s baby:

But there’s more!

Prayer volunteers recently met Lori, who had driven four hours from Kentucky for a counseling session — the first step in the abortion process. The vigil participants quickly got in touch with Elizabeth, the pro-life counselor who had helped Erin.

Elizabeth learned that Lori had a small child … and was still suffering from a previous abortion. Lori appreciated the offers of help, but still had doubts about keeping her baby. So Elizabeth called Erin!

“Erin helped Lori to have the courage to trust God and choose life for her unborn baby,” said Eileen in Indianapolis. “Erin was pleased to be able to help someone else.”

Please pray for Erin, Lori and all those who are tempted to “choose” abortion.

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DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
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40 Days for Life volunteers were encouraged to see a large group gathered on a Saturday for a Walk for Life from Calvary Chapel School. “But after they left,” said Patti in Downey, “the steady stream of cars poured in as usual and our hearts were heavy the rest of the day with no apparent saves.”

Prayers did not go unanswered, however. On Monday, when women come in for pregnancy tests and make appointments for abortions, there were three abortion-minded women who changed their minds for sure — and possibly two others who left the facility after talking to prayer volunteers and receiving literature.

“Our hearts were encouraged again, for we now know of ten mothers in Downey who have chosen life since the campaign began,” Patti said.

“People all over the city are beginning to pray and churches are slowly but surely getting involved in this our first campaign,” she added. “We are so thankful for everyone’s prayers and to our faithful Savior who’s in charge of this whole movement of His prayer warriors!”

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SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
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“Great news from Saginaw!” said Robert, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator.

“A woman came out of the abortion facility and told the prayer volunteers that she decided to not have the abortion,” he said. “She took our help and information brochure — and left smiling. The power of prayer and witnessing is incredible!”

The 40 Days for Life team in Saginaw is also seeing encouraging signs from people passing by. Two men were praying outside the abortion facility when a woman stopped and gave them a thumbs-up and said, “Keep fighting the good fight!”

That’s my advice to you as well. Keep fighting the good fight … and please keep praying!

Here’s today’s devotional from Ernest Ohlhoff, Outreach Director for National Right to Life…

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DAY 27 INTENTION
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We pray for humility in our work for God’s Kingdom.

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SCRIPTURE
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Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

– Philippians 2:5-8

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REFLECTION by Ernest Ohlhoff
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There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we don’t care who gets the credit.

Jesus Christ’s life on earth exemplifies a total submission to the will of the Father. His humility, compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are reflected over and over again in the New Testament. He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a humble, working class home.

How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets, the ‘King of the Jews’ was born and raised as a simple peasant.

During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no possessions. Yet, His short time on earth changed more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to more people, than all the rich and powerful human ‘kings’ combined.

And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.

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PRAYER
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O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let us humbly and diligently work to restore legal protection for the unborn, the disabled, the medically dependent and all innocent children of God whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old adage that “He can never lead who has not first learned to obey.” And, Lord, grant us a peaceful heart as we labor in your name. 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/fall2010day27print.pdf

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Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Any miracles at the 40 Days for Life vigil in your city? We’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below.

With two weeks remaining in the fall campaign, on this Sunday, let’s pause a moment to renew ourselves spiritually for the remainder of this journey.

Here are stories from three local 40 Days for Life teams that provide a glimpse into what’s gone on during these past weeks. I hope you enjoy them.

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DALLAS, TEXAS
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“Prayer is not a spectator sport,” reads the title of a Dallas blog entry. Here’s that story:

There is prayer, and then there is PRAYER. On the sidewalk outside Southwestern late-term abortion center, we are witnessing PRAYER.

More than twenty students from Christ for the Nations School of Spanish spent an afternoon facing the abortion center in deep unwavering prayer.

It was a personal experience for each, yet united in a communal effort, as they each recited individual prayers aloud — some with hands raised, others kneeling, others rocking, many with their eyes closed tight — oblivious to everything except the focus of their prayers.

The only breaks they took from this intensity were for the occasional prayer raised in song. Their visible passion and fire was no doubt fueled by their keen sense of the horrors that take place inside that building every day.

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LONDON, ENGLAND
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“My friends in London have really taken this project to heart,” said Robert, the 40 Days for Life coordinator. To say the least, that is an understatement. Robert estimates that between 500 and 600 people have taken part in the London prayer vigil — maybe more.

He says the campaign has generated some 30 positive news stories, hundreds of homes and businesses have been visited during their door-to-door outreach, and at least ten churches have pledged to increase their support of the campaign.

Plus inquiries keep coming in from other countries: Spain, France, Germany and Zambia now, in addition to Russia, Ghana and Colombia as was reported previously.

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FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
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Just prior to the midpoint of this campaign, the 40 Days for Life team in Fort Wayne held a memorial service — a memorial for all the babies lost to abortion over the past year.

“There were hundreds that turned out to honor them,” said Evelyn in Fort Wayne. “As part of the ceremony, we released balloons for each week of the year, and then announced how many abortions took place that week.”

The event was covered by local TV crews, and even made the front page of the local newspaper, the Journal Gazette.

Clergy from Baptist, Lutheran and Catholic churches spoke at the event.

“We mourn the death of these children who were denied the right to life,” said Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, who was quoted in the newspaper account. “Look upon their mothers and fathers with mercy; lead them to forgiveness.”

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Here’s today’s devotional from Vera Faith Lord, director of the Alpha/Omega Life Ministry and representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council…

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DAY 26 INTENTION
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That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.

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SCRIPTURE
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These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

– Psalm 104:27-30

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REFLECTION by Vera Faith Lord
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“I am a feather on the breath of God.”

As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body’s first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father’s choice and happens only by His willing to do so.

He who created the universe also created that which is “me.” I do not “have” a soul – I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.

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PRAYER
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Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.

Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we’re on our way. Through 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/fall2010day26print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Prayer DOES change things! What changes have you seen through your 40 Days for Life campaign? Please leave a comment below.

Want to get the word out about your 40 Days for Life campaign in the local newspaper? Letters to the editor and local opinion columns are doing just that in many cities.

Editorial pages are among the most-read sections of the paper and are usually fair game for abortion topics.

They can work in a big way to bring the campaign to people — and they can stir hearts and minds about abortion in your community.

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CARSON CITY, NEVADA
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The Nevada Appeal published a very supportive column written by Doug Stewart, who is the youth director of a local church.

“The mission of 40 days for life is simple,” he wrote, “to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.”

Doug says the campaign helps renew his faith. “40 Days for Life proves prayer works. It’s so heartwarming to hear about a ’save’ at the clinic, when someone has reached out and was able to change a woman’s heart,” he wrote.

“I feel strengthened when I hear the stories of prayer warriors enduring unkind words and gestures and responding with silent prayer,” he said, adding, “I hope some of you will choose to be prayer warriors too.”

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WAUSAU, WISCONSIN
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Johanna Miller wrote to the Wausau Daily Herald to respond to an earlier letter writer who was critical of the campaign and claimed that abortion was controversial and complex.

In her response, Johanna pointed out that this writer “resorts to name-calling to defend her position,” referring to vigil participants as “anti-choice.”

“Choose what?” Johanna asked. “Choose to kill a defenseless human being? Yes, I am against making that choice, and will advocate for the restriction of that choice.” She added that the peaceful pro-life presence is “a reminder that women do not have to make a bad choice to escape crises or difficult circumstances.”

The original letter writer claimed to be standing up for women. However, Johanna said that opposing the 40 Days for Life vigil “because it makes you feel uncomfortable is not standing up for women.”

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BILLINGS, MONTANA
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“It is so good to see real hope and a living miracle in a place that for years has been one of the most sorrowful places in our state,” wrote Lou Seymour in a letter published in the Billings Gazette.

“Around the clock, you can drive down Wicks Lane in the Heights and see men, women and children praying in front of the abortion clinic that claims hundreds of innocent lives each year.”

Lou pointed out that these people are praying for the women and families affected by these abortions, for the workers at the abortion center and for an end to this horrible practice.

“These people are your friends and neighbors who have stepped up and joined others in the 40 Days for Life campaign.”

Of the vigil itself, Lou said, “It’s quiet. It’s respectful. It’s reverent. And it’s working. After two 40 Days for Life campaigns in Kalispell, the abortion clinic there was shut down. With God, we can do this in Billings.”

Here’s today’s devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

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DAY 25 INTENTION
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We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.

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SCRIPTURE
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Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

– Jeremiah 1:4-5

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REFLECTION by Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
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To be or not to be? There is no question!

The question of “being” is something philosophers have long pondered.

What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer. We have being because we are known by God.

For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God’s own being. Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do.

The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued. To embrace the arguments of the “pro-choice” crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn’t exist, isn’t there, has no being.

But nothing could be further from the truth. That child is known by God and, as such, has being.

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PRAYER
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Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. 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/fall2010day25print.pdf

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Yours for Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you seen signs of encouragement from your local 40 Days for Life campaign? If so, please leave a comment below.

In response to all of the information we’ve shared about the international outreach of 40 Days for Life, I’ve received two notes of encouragement from the Philippines.

“As we continue to pray for our mission, please also remember in your prayer that our country, the Philippines, not legalize abortion,” wrote Sister Guadalupe. So-called reproductive health legislation has drawn strong opposition from religious leaders and is currently on hold in the Philippine congress.

“Horrible to comprehend, but I hope God won’t allow it,” she said. “Keep up the good work and God bless.”

“I am so grateful to God that there is still a group of people who valued life and who remains faithful to God’s teaching,” wrote Elna. “I am with you in my prayer and sacrifices.”

Elna noted with sadness the number of babies throughout the world who are lost to abortion every minute, but is hopeful this tragedy can be brought to an end. “Thanks to your care for life,” she said. “You are there to be a reminder. You are there to give hope. You are there to announce love.”

Please keep the Philippines in your prayers — and who knows? 40 Days for Life may come to their nation, too!

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
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The 40 Days for Life vigil in Virginia Beach is being held in front of a brand-new Planned Parenthood abortion center — a modern-looking building on the edge of a minority community.

About 100 people gathered in front of the facility on Monday evening for a midpoint rally — with 40 Days for Life national director David Bereit and his family among them. The group represented a cross section of the community — black, white, Asian, Catholic, Evangelical, Protestant — all united to pray for an end to abortion.

“To date we know of three babies that have been saved,” said Louantha, one of the local coordinators, “and hopefully there are many other mothers who have changed their minds but just didn’t let us know.”

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BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
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“It is a rare time to witness a save during the 40 Days for Life campaign,” wrote Judy in Birmingham, “but I was present for two saves simultaneously! Yes — TWINS!”

Prayer volunteers watched as a young woman, her boyfriend and her grandmother walked into Planned Parenthood. The grandmother seemed downright unfriendly. Judy said “she went inside for a half hour — and came out a totally transformed woman.

What happened during that half hour? “The prayer volunteers on the sidewalk prayed fervently for the woman’s granddaughter,” Judy said, “a very young woman determined to abort her babies. When she came out … she said that she had decided to keep her babies.”

The grandmother, who was standing beside her, said, “Yes, she’s having TWINS!”

“It was indeed a rare and joyful moment,” said Judy. “We all smiled and thanked God for His gift of life — in this case, GIFTS of life.”

Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.

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DAY 24 INTENTION
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Pray that God will continue to bless the efforts that have gone into the 40 Days for Life campaign, as we trust Him for the results.

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SCRIPTURE
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Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name.

– Nehemiah 1:10-11

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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Nehemiah provides an awesome blueprint for volunteers in God’s service, particularly those responding to the devastation abortion has caused our nation.

Nehemiah grieved for God’s reputation as he witnessed the condition of the city walls of Jerusalem. The walls were broken down which was seen by neighboring people as a sign of weakness on the part of Jerusalem’s God. No wall meant no security for the city and its people.

We learn from his story that he covered every detail in prayer; inspired others to join the cause; organized others to help do the work; confronted opposition directly and turned to God when discouraged; and finally celebrated what was accomplished and gave God all the glory!

Like Nehemiah, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty as we serve Him before a mocking world. We too need to be reminded that we are “fighting” for our families. We too must have an attitude of confession and repentance before a Holy God. We must pray for strength, refute slander, and not be diverted from our work.

Like Nehemiah, we will draw attention from the enemy when we are seeking to protect the well-being of God’s people. We too must stand firm and seek God’s help to persevere until the task is done. We too will be victorious.

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PRAYER
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Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is Yours. We pray for your continued guidance and protection throughout the remainder of this 40 day campaign.

May we be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labor will not be in vain. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day24print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Good news to report about your 40 Days for Life experiences? Please share it by leaving a comment below.

Have you been to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet?

Some people are physically unable to, others are too far away from one of the locations. But for many — including me, at first — there’s fear.

People will ask, “What do I do?” or “What sign should I bring?”

The answer is simple — the only sign you really need to bring is yourself — for you represent God’s love at the most crucial moment for the woman and her baby.

Fear of the going to pray at the abortion facility is common — and normal. In fact, I recently gave a speech on fear at the national Students for Life conference as they prepared to equip students for this fall’s 40 Days for Life campaign.

Here’s the video of that talk:

YOU are the sign — the sign to women arriving for abortions that someone cares, that God cares, and that there IS another way.

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DALLAS, TEXAS
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40 Days for Life prayer volunteers in Dallas noticed two women sitting in a car outside the abortion facility — a center that does late-term abortions. One of the women appeared to be several months into her pregnancy.

The women just sat and watched the people praying. Occasionally, they held their heads in their hands. Then they watched again. A prayer volunteer reports that they eventually decided to leave — and one more life was saved.

“We had no idea we would experience another life saved by the grace of God,” said Lauren in Dallas. Reflecting on the 3,000 lives saved through God’s mercy at 40 Days for Life prayer vigils, she added, “Do we have any idea how this will change the world?”

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AKRON, OHIO
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A Knights of Columbus group joined the 40 Days for Life vigil in Akron recently, with members taking turns praying at this late-term abortion center over a 10-hour period.

Bob, one of the Knights, had noticed a young woman going into the center while he was praying. A short time later, she came out and simply told him, “I changed my mind. I’m not having an abortion.”

Around lunchtime, Mike saw a woman who was visibly pregnant enter the building. Mike kept praying. It wasn’t long before this woman and her two companions walked out. “I’m keeping this child,” she said.

“This just emphasizes the need for the prayer vigil,” said Greg in Akron. “If we weren’t having an effect, they wouldn’t have security guards and escorts to prevent us from speaking to the women going in … but they do see us outside there praying.”

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HOUSTON, TEXAS
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I’ve talked before about the Planned Parenthood abortion mega-center in Houston. Today I’d like to show it to you. It’s a former bank building along busy Interstate 45, and it is one of the largest abortion facilities in North America.

There’s a big black fence and a gate. They’ve painted “no trespassing” in green on the driveway, and escorts speak sternly to anyone who crosses the line, even though it is now a bit faded and hard to see.

But the fence and the escorts and the faded green letters can’t keep out your prayers.

The picture shows one person kneeling in prayer. One person. And as we know. one person CAN make a difference.

And that one person can be YOU!

If you haven’t prayed at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet, why not do so today?

Here’s the link to the participating locations:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Here’s today’s devotional from Dennis DiMauro of Lutherans for Life.

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DAY 23 INTENTION
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We pray for the strength to love those who do not love us.

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SCRIPTURE
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But the Lord said “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in the night and perished in the night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left, and much livestock? Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

– Jonah 4:10-11

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REFLECTION by Dennis DiMauro
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God doesn’t value people and things like we do. Jonah loved a shade tree more than an entire city of sinful people. We love our dogs more than a terrorist. We love our cars more than a beggar on the side of the road. And sometimes, we love our money more than a child growing in a desperate teenager’s womb.

But God isn’t like us. Genesis 1 tells us that humans were the capstone of God’s creation. We were created on the sixth day after God had completed the land, the stars, the plants and the animals. Therefore, His love for us is greater than His love for a plant, an animal, or any other created thing.

And the book of Jonah tells us that He loves even the most sinful people and seeks to bring them into His merciful arms. And it’s a love that seeks to touch all of his created children: that desperate teenager, the baby growing in her womb, even tyrants and terrorists.

So it’s up to us to imitate God’s merciful love by helping and praying for those who persecute us, and those who don’t love us back.

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PRAYER
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Gracious God, loving our enemies seems like one of most difficult things you could ask of us. Please remind us that this is how you love and that if you ask it of us then you will give us the grace to do it. This we ask through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————–

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day23print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Have you had to overcome hesitation to step out and pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil? If you have, please leave a comment below.