Q: Who can participate? Is this a Catholic or Protestant event?
A: If you can pray, you can participate! 40 Days for Life is ecumenical and welcomes all people who believe that life is sacred.
Q: When is this event?
A: The 40-day campaign started on Wednesday, February 25 and continues through Sunday, April 5, 2009. Our goal is to maintain an ongoing, daily, public prayer vigil, particularly during daylight hours from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Volunteers are welcome to keep vigil outside of these hours as well, however if you plan to do so, we strongly encourage you to do this in groups.
Q: Why is the campaign 40 days long?
A: The 40-day campaign length reflects Biblical history, in which 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. To learn more about this, view this short video.
Q: Where is the public prayer vigil being held?
A: Planned Parenthood of Hawai'i, 1350 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814. The building is on the mauka side of King, 1/2 block 'ewa of Ke'eaumoku. Participants should remain on the sidewalk in front of the building. Parking is not available at the clinic location; the parking lot is private property and reserved for clients only. Metered street parking is generally available within a short walk of the clinic. Consider carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking if possible.
Q: Will I be arrested if I pray in front of Planned Parenthood?
A: No. 40 Days for Life is both peaceful and lawful. We do not advocate or condone civil disobedience. That's one reason we ask vigil participants to read and agree to a statement of peace. Activities such as praying and holding signs in a public location, like a public park or public sidewalk, are protected First Amendment rights. We have informed the local authorities of the 40 Days for Life campaign and have their full support of our Constitutional rights to conduct a peaceful, public prayer vigil. To preserve these rights, vigil participants must keep clear of the building doorway and driveway, and allow others to pass by on the sidewalk. See the code of conduct for more details.
Q: How do I participate in the public prayer vigil?
A: Sign up online by clicking here. Churches and other groups are encouraged to sign up for blocks of time, such as full or half days, which can be done through the online schedule. Those needing scheduling assistance may contact Mary at marytom100@gmail.com or call 389-2784. Let us know if you'd like to be paired with a prayer vigil "buddy" and if you want to share childcare responsibilities with your vigil partner.
Q: Do I have to sign up using the online schedule to pray at the vigil site?
A: No. We encourage use of the schedule so that participants can see when openings are available, to coordinate coverage, and to streamline the process of contacting volunteers should it be necessary. If you experience difficulty with the online schedule, or if you don't have regular access to the internet, call Mary at 389-2784, and she will assist you.
Q: Why are vigil participants asked to sign a "statement of peace"? What is it?
A: The 40 Days for Life campaign is peaceful, prayerful, and law-abiding. We conduct ourselves in a Christlike manner, and we believe that it's important that everyone understands the intent and expectations for the event beforehand. All prayer vigil participants are asked to read and agree to the 40 Days for Life Honolulu statement of peace before participating. Click here to read the statement and register your agreement online. Also take a moment to read the code of conduct.
Q: Do I have to commit to pray for a certain length of time at the public vigil?
A: We are requesting that volunteers commit to a minimum of one hour. There is no maximum limit, as long as you are able to fulfill your commitment.
Q: Do I have to hold a sign while I pray at the vigil? Where do I get a sign if I decide I want to hold one?
A: Vigil participants should do as they feel led by God, including whether or not to hold a sign, bring their Bibles, pray the rosary, hold a prayer guide, or read from the daily intention. Those who wish to hold a sign are encouraged to contact Mary at 389-2784.
Q: What if it rains while I'm scheduled to pray at the public vigil?
A: The prayer vigil will take place rain or shine, unless weather conditions become dangerous. Participants are encouraged to prepare for variable weather and consider wearing sunscreen, hats, rain gear, or bring umbrellas as appropriate. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water to drink if needed.
Q: What if a police officer gives me certain instructions to follow while I'm at the public prayer vigil?
A: The 40 Days for Life Honolulu campaign is being conducted in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. In the unlikely event that any law enforcement or government official asks you to do something you don't understand or necessarily agree with, comply with the request. Be sure to get the person's name and badge number, if available. Report the incident by calling our campaign director, Isaiah, at 383-5137.
Q: What if I'm at the public prayer vigil, and members of the media ask me about what I'm doing?
A: It's best that you not speak with the media. Let them know that you're there only to pray, and then direct them to communications coordinator Karen at FortyDaysHonolulu@Juno.com or campaign director Isaiah at 383-5137. You may also refer media people to our web site, www.40DaysForLife.com/Honolulu
Q: My friends and I are planning to meet at the public vigil site. Is it OK to talk story while we're there?
A: The purpose of appearing at the public vigil location is to pray. Maintain an attitude of silent prayer, and refrain from talking, eating, or any other activities that would distract you or others from prayer. If you need to speak with someone, step away from the immediate area of the vigil site so as not to distract others who are praying.
Q: I want to make sure that people notice our public vigil to get the message out about life. What methods can I use?
A: The purpose of participating in the public vigil is first to pray and second to provide a silent witness in affirmation of life and against the evil of abortion. Sound amplification devices, including microphones, bullhorns, and electric instruments are prohibited by city ordinance. Shouting; using air horns or other noise makers; waving or other attention-seeking behavior; distributing materials; political signs or activities; and engaging those who oppose you is not in keeping with the spirit of this event. Silently holding a pro-life sign or banner while you pray is in keeping with the spirit of the campaign.
Q: There are homeless people around the vigil site. What should I do if a panhandler approaches me?
A: Silently, ask God to direct your words and actions, and to provide protection. Then, quietly let the person know that you're there only to pray right now. If appropriate, you may wish to invite the person to pray as well. Those who feel led may also tell the person that you'll get back to them after you've concluded your prayer time. If the person persists in speaking to you or otherwise continues bothering you, do not respond, and turn your back if necessary. Do not allow yourself to continue to be distracted from praying.
Q: I've heard that the Planned Parenthood employees sometimes verbally abuse prayer vigil participants. What should I do if this happens?
A: Scripture tells us, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:23-25
This means we must respond in gentleness and love to those who oppose us. Our purpose in participating at the vigil is to pray and serve as a silent witness, therefore, our conversation is with God. It is counterproductive to be caught up in an argument, however, if you feel led of the Holy Spirit, it may be worthwhile to dialogue with those asking questions and genuinely willing to listen to what you have to say. (Be sure to step away from others who are praying so you don't disrupt them.)
If anyone affiliated with Planned Parenthood, other building tenants, or the building management company confronts you or asks you to leave, simply shake your head and return to praying. Turn your back if necessary. (It's impossible to argue with someone who won't say anything in return and who won't look at you!)
Verbal abuse, offensive gestures, angry looks, etc. must be totally ignored. In the unlikely event that someone physically touches you or threatens you with bodily harm, leave the area and report the incident to campaign director Isaiah immediately at 383-5137 so that he can contact the Honolulu Police Department. Be sure to provide as much detail of the incident as possible. Never verbally or physically engage the opposition!
Sidewalk prayer and holding signs is a constitutionally protected right so long as you aren't violating any laws, which includes keeping clear of building doorways and driveways and allowing others to pass by on the sidewalk. The Honolulu Police Department is aware of our vigil and supports our right to free speech in the form of peaceful prayer and holding signs.
Q: What if I'm the only one at the public prayer vigil site?
A: Pray anyway! God will be pleased with your attitude of obedience and that you chose to be personally involved in taking a stand for life. Next time, consider bringing a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone from church! You're also welcome to contact our prayer vigil coordinator, Mary, to request a prayer vigil partner at marytom100@gmail.com or 389-2784.
Q: How can I encourage others to get involved?
A: First, pray! Only God can touch the heart. Next, prayerfully consider those you believe you should tell about the campaign. It is particularly important to tell church leaders, both clergy and lay-leaders, so that they will "catch the vision" and begin spreading the word as well. Direct others to our web site, including our introductory flyer and video. Encourage people to attend 40 Days for Life events as your guests, too!
Q: Why does 40 Days for Life ask people to pray and fast? I have a medical problem that makes it difficult to skip meals.
A: Christ told us that some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. The two go hand in hand. Prayer keeps us rooted in the fact that it is our desire to carry out God's will. Fasting is a sacrifice that helps us reach beyond our own limitations with God's help. Fasting is not a Christian diet; it is a form of physical prayer.
You can fast from food, but it is not necessary, especially if you are physically unable. Ask God to direct you in this area. Some people choose to fast from TV, alcohol, video games ... anything that separates you from God. Each day between now and the end of the campaign, please commit to pray and fast in some way for the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign, and for the efforts here in Hawai'i and beyond.
Q: Why is it so important to pray in person at the public prayer vigil? Isn't it just as good to pray at home or in church?
A: Scripture instructs us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and there are many forms of prayer. The Bible also informs us that "if two are in agreement about anything for which they make a request, it will be done for them" (Matthew 18:19) and "where two or more gather, Jesus is in their midst" (Matthew 18:20).
The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity 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 in America. This can't happen if we all remain isolated at home! Also, the peaceful, public, prayer vigil is a powerful witness to the clinic's patients and employees, and to the entire community, that evil is in our midst and that with God's help, it will be defeated.
The result of people taking action through public prayer has already borne incredible fruit, and we have seen God move in miraculous ways. On the first day of the current 40 Days for Life campaign, there were already reports of mothers who were ready to abort changing their minds and choosing life instead! During previous 40 Days for Life campaigns over the past three years, God heard and answered prayer in mighty ways. Abortion clinics closed, many people became active in the pro-life movement for the first time, and literally hundreds of women made the decision to choose life for their children as a direct result of volunteers praying in front of abortion clinics.
Q: Why doesn't 40 Days for Life endorse or oppose political candidates?
A: The 40 Days for Life campaign is not political in nature. It specifically focuses on the power of prayer to the exclusion of everything else, because prayer changes things. For this reason, we ask that public prayer vigil participants refrain from displaying or distributing political information. In the fight against abortion, it's easy to forget that we are struggling not against people, political parties, or even ideas, "but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Abortion is a symptom of a deeper problem: the sinful condition of the human heart. Without repentance, there can be no lasting change.
Q: Since 40 Days for Life is non-political, where can I go to get information about candidates and legislation?
A: A great local resource is Hawaii Right to Life, which has information about local and national pro-life candidates and life issues legislation. Visit HRTL.blogspot.com or contact the HRTL office at HRTLProLife@Yahoo.com or 808-585-8205. Another excellent source for information is Hawaii Family Forum/Hawaii Catholic Conference. Visit www.hawaiifamilyforum.org or contact them at info@hawaiifamilyforum.org or 808-203-6704.
Q: I know someone facing an unplanned pregnancy and who is considering abortion. Where can I find resources to help her?
A: There are both local and national resources available, with live help standing by 24/7 to assist when needed by calling 800-395-HELP. Visit the "pregnancy help" link at the top of our home page. Next, be sure to contact us, and others you know who are pro-life, so that we may pray about the situation at FortyDaysHonolulu@Juno.com.
Q: I know someone who has had an abortion and is now struggling with the emotional trauma. What can I do to help her?
A: Sadly, the devastation abortion brings to women is part of the "cost" of this terrible practice, albeit often a hidden one. It is important to pray for those who have been wounded through participation in abortion, and also to raise awareness of the forgiveness and healing available through Christ. Visit the "post-abortion healing" link at the top of our home page to see local and national ministries devoted to helping individuals begin the path to wholeness.
Q: How can I help support the work of 40 Days for Life Honolulu?
A: Our mission to end abortion can only be accomplished through the prayers and contributions of many good people. To volunteer, contact us at FortyDaysHonolulu@Juno.com or call 383-5137. To contribute to our work financially, make your tax-deductible donation payable to Church of the Risen Lord, and reference 40 Days for Life in the memo line of your check or money order. Mail to Church of the Risen Lord, 94-265 Leowahine St, Waipahu, HI 96797.
In-kind donations of goods and services are also welcome. If you'd like to contribute in this way, contact us at 383-5137 or FortyDaysHonolulu@Juno.com.
Also, 40 Days for Life promotional items are available for purchase as fundraisers for the campaign:logo tee shirts ($12 and up)
rally signs ($3)
yard signs ($10)
All items are available for purchase through Father Bill at Church of the Risen Lord, 94-265 Leowahine St, Waipahu, HI 96797 (contact Father Bill at 671-5222 to make arrangements).
Rally signs are available for purchase from Alana at Aloha Pregnancy Care & Counseling Center at 45-1151 Kamehameha Hwy Ste G
Kaneohe, HI 96744. Contact Alana at 234-7233 or alana@cherishlife.org.
Rally signs are also available for purchase from our prayer vigil coordinator, Mary, in Honolulu. Contact Mary at 389-2784 or marytom100@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support!