Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I have to pray at the vigil site or can I pray from home?
A: The 40 Days for Life is a visible sign of our prayer in seeking God to end abortion. While we can all pray at home, this is a time for us to show others that we want abortion to end NOW by being present at the abortion clinic (the vigil site).
- Q: Can I pray at any abortion clinic?
A: We have selected the Planned Parenthood of Australia at 8 Campbell St., Bowen Hills, Brisbane as our vigil site. PPoA is the largest abortion provider in Australia.
- Q: How much time do you need from me?
A: We are looking for a commitment of at least a few hours a week from every vigil participant. But, if you can only commit one or two hours, that's good also. It would be great if you could commit to a regular time such as every Tuesday morning from 10am - 12pm or every Friday night 9pm - 11pm.
Also, if you, your church or your prayer group can commit to an entire day or half-day, that is also fantastic! Contact us on 40daysbrisbane@gmail.com for more information.
- Q: Is there street parking? Is there transport nearby?
A: There is some limited street parking nearby in the side street - Hurworth Street has 4 hour daytime parking. However, the inner city 2 hour limit applies during week days (means shifting the car every two hours to a new location). Bowen Hills train station is a 5 minute walk from the vigil site and there are nearby buses.
- Q: Do we have to talk to women going into the clinic?
A: Our primary aim is to have a peaceful, prayerful vigil. If however someone appears as if they need assistance or someone to talk to, you are welcome to speak to them. Please direct them also to resources such as Cherish Life (formerly Right to Life Queensland) on (07) 3871 2445. We are also able to provide unplanned pregnancy pamphlets and other resources to women in distress.
- Q: What if we are approached by employees of Planned Parenthood of Australia?
A: We have been provided a permit by Queensland Police for peaceful, prayerful vigil. Our permit states that we are not to enter private property without permission, impede or unnecessarily delay traffic into or leaving the premises, or use loud hailers, amplifiers or amplified systems.
- Q: When does the vigil start and end?
A: The vigil starts at 12:00am Thursday 25 Feb 2009 (Ash Wednesday) and concludes 11:59pm Sunday 5 Apr 2009 (Palm Sunday). This is exactly 40 days. This will be a 24 hour a day non-stop vigil. We NEED your help to make this happen!
- Q: Why 40 Days?
A: Our 40 Days for Life is linked to the worldwide effort of www.40daysforlife.com . They have set the time period and the start and conclusion of the vigil. The campaign parallels Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities and the entire world. From Noah in the flood to Moses on the mountain to the disciples after Christ's resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.
- Q: I want to be part of the vigil! Do I just turn up whenever during the 40 days?
A: That's FANTASTIC that you feel called to be part of the vigil! However, we need two things from you before you can get going:
- Sign our "Statement of Peace" that states you are committed to be peaceful and prayerful
- Commit to the vigil hours you wish to at the "Vigil Schedule".
ALSO, please be a part of our events where you'll meet other participants and be energised for the 40 days. Our events and location details are on the Events Calendar.
- Q: Is this just a Catholic/Christian thing? Or are all faiths invited?
A: We are inviting EVERYONE to take part in this peaceful, prayerful vigil. We have Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, etc. etc. being a part of this vigil because the right to life stretches through all boundaries.
- Q: I would like to do nighttime slots, but not alone. What should I do?
A: Please let me know if you wish to do nighttime slots and it appears as if no-one else is there on the vigil schedule. I can organise groups but only if I know of specific times.
