On the first day of the vigil, the abortionist came out to speak to the 40 Days for Life volunteers in Munich.

He told them that he was happy doing his job ? and he hoped that the vigil participants would become seriously ill from pneumonia as a result of being outside for all this time. During the first Munich campaign earlier, abortionists had written in large letters ?a woman?s right to choose? in all the windows of the abortion facility. So the vigil does receive a response.

About two weeks ago, a young man came crying to the 40 Days for Life team and begged them to talk to his girlfriend, who had an appointment for an abortion. They tried, but the conversation seemed pointless because the young woman was determined to have the abortion.

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But then just this week, the young man returned ? with his girlfriend. And both were crying. She had now decided against the abortion. She would be going to a pregnancy care center ? and the volunteers were invited to their baby?s christening. ?Praise be to Jesus!? said one of the team leaders.

40 Days for Life?s international campaign director, Robert Colquhoun, and board chair, Matt Britton, visited Munich recently. They found a campaign that is facing ? and meeting ? major challenges.

?The police inspect their vigil almost every day and are extremely intrusive, needing to know everything about their vigil -- names and exact arrangements,? Robert said.

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The team is led by Martina, a Croatian national living in Munich, and most of the volunteers come from the city?s 50,000-member Croatian community. ?Martina has struggled to get Germans involved in her campaign,? Robert said.

During their visit, Robert and Matt visited with German pro-life leaders, appeared on a German radio program and spoke at a campaign event.

Only one German was at the event ? everyone else was Croatian. ?But they were inspired and encouraged with what Matt and I said,? Robert observed, ?and I think it will encourage them to finish their prayer vigil to the best of their ability. I was proud of Martina -- doing a great effort in a difficult country!?

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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.