Even as the tide of history turns against abortion, so-called abortion "sanctuary states" are doubling down.
Bordering several states where abortion is largely prohibited, Illinois has anointed itself the abortion destination of the Midwest.
The misnamed "Hope Clinic" abortion facility even put up a billboard along the Missouri border, reading "Welcome to Illinois, where you can get a safe, legal abortion."
40 Days for Life outreach director and former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino recently visited that abortion facility and was inspired by vigil participants who are bringing REAL hope.
The Granite City team has reported three moms and babies saved from abortion so far this campaign--including one truly remarkable story I'll share with you in an upcoming video blog!
Joan from the Granite City leadership team noted that two of her prayer warriors are nonagenarians.
"Augie and Ruth...may be the oldest prayer partners we've had, 95 and 94!" Joan shared. "They have been participating in pro-life activities as long as they can remember!"
Springfield, Illinois
Ramona also visited the Land of Lincoln's capital city, where she spoke to a school assembly of several hundred teenagers.
From there, she toured a local pregnancy help center, just across the street from Planned Parenthood. That center proudly posts a 40 Days for Life "We Will Help You" sign in the front window, welcoming mothers in crisis.
Planned Parenthood repeatedly plants trees to try to block clients' view of the pregnancy help center, but Ramona said the trees keep dying!
Ramona closed the day by speaking at a campaign rally with turnout so high that organizers needed to bring in more tables and chairs.
That event also featured a powerful moment between Ramona--a former abortion worker--and a woman who had personal experience with abortion.
"She shared how it hadn't occurred to her until that very moment that she had never forgiven the abortion workers," Ramona recalled. "We had a special moment together in which we both felt a great deal of healing, grace, and mercy."
Chicago, Illinois
All the way across the state, vigil participants in the Windy City reported their first confirmed saved baby of the campaign.
"A young mother spoke with our strongest sidewalk counselor, Anne Marie," said Joe, the Chicago leader. "Anne Marie is known for finding a way, by God's grace, to earn a strong level of trust among moms and dads at the clinic in a short period of time."
That trust helped empower at least one mom to cancel her abortion appointment!
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
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 choose life always. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign.
