Major pharmacy chains' decision to sell dangerous and deadly abortion drugs isn't just unhealthy for women and babies...
...it doesn't appear to be healing the ailing pharmacies either.
Walgreens recently announced it will close 1,200 stores. CVS just replaced its CEO amid disappointing earnings and tumbling share prices. And Rite Aid just emerged from bankruptcy, a process that involved plans to close 800 locations.
On top of all that, 40 Days for Life vigils are taking place outside abortion-dispensing pharmacies across America.
An Ohio pharmacist approached vigil participants to tell them she's pro-life and that she wrote a letter to her employer's leaders asking them NOT to sell abortion pills.
The presence of 40 Days for Life volunteers can be a HUGE encouragement to pro-life pharmacy staffers to stay strong in their convictions.
"So far, it looks like the pills will not be coming to [this] pharmacy," reported Lisa, the local 40 Days for Life leader. "That is our continued prayer...that they never sell the abortion pills."
Lisa added that her team has had a lot of fruitful conversations.
"We talk to so many people," she said. "We have given out many 'What Is the Abortion Pill?' brochures. We also have brochures that show a baby's development and brochures for people who ask about healing."
Claremont, New Hampshire
Becky's team in Claremont is growing each week...
...and so is the number of passersby who express their support for her volunteers' efforts. A volunteer named Marlene has documented dozens of interactions during her weekly shift:
- A community member stopped to ask for brochures so that he could discuss abortion with a friend;
- Other community members shared donations, a thank-you card, and water;
- One CVS customer stopped to thank vigil participants for their presence.
One day, Marlene noted that 74 percent of responses were positive. Another day, nearly 90 percent!
Helotes, Texas
Laurie led a 40 Days for Life campaign at an abortion facility in Washington state for years. She said it's a different experience praying at a pharmacy deep in the heart of Texas.
"I cannot measure the impact in lives saved here," she said. "But every day someone stops to thank us with bottles of cold water, snacks, and even a chair and umbrella to help us tolerate the South Texas heat!"
Many of those passersby have stopped to pray with the team. "We seem to be growing," Laurie added.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
From the blistering heat of Texas...to blustery autumn in Northern Wisconsin!
Joni is a daily presence at the Walgreens in tiny Rhinelander, spending countless hours in prayer. Her heroic sacrifices are inspiring others to join her!
College Station, Texas
Julia is leading the first 40 Days for Life pharmacy campaign in College Station.
Among the positive reactions she's gotten, a man approached vigil participants to share that his daughter was pressured to abort her baby 22 years ago...but Mom stayed strong and kept the baby, who is now a college graduate!
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."
--John 19:26
Most loving God, please help the victims of abuse, trafficking, and broken relationships. Provide them with immediate and permanent safety from danger. In your loving arms, heal them from injuries--physical, psychological, and spiritual. Lead them to the best sources of support and healing. Bring comfort to all victims of abuse, and help children conceived in abusive situations to know they are loved by you. Amen.
