?More and more people are expressing interest and coming out to pray as the word spreads,? said William, who?s leading the first 40 Days for Life campaign in El Puerto de Santa Maria.

He said the vigil coordinators are especially motivated ? and noted that one spent eight hours one day in front of the Poliplanning facility to be sure all the hours were covered.

?The endorsement by the Vatican has created no small effect,? William said. Right before the campaign started, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, endorsed the 40 Days for Life project as a means of preaching the Gospel of Life.

The campaign is touching people on the street ? and the volunteers themselves.

One noted that ?it?s striking to see mothers leaving after their abortions with faces full of sadness.?

Another noted the uncomfortable look in the eyes of the business owner. ?He left nervously because of our presence, and got into a big red Mercedes sports car. He almost hit my hand as I tried to hand him a pamphlet.?

David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.