Julia, the local leader of Romania?s first 40 Days for Life campaign, said the kickoff rally drew representatives from Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant faith communities.

?The Greek Catholic bishop attended the whole event including our short vigil at the abortion facility, which is also the second largest maternity hospital in the city,? she said. The bishop read from John 17:13-21 and offered his blessing.

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Julia said one of the priests who attended the kickoff serves as a chaplain at the hospital, and often visits the women in the abortion area to offer counseling and prayer. He and his wife signed up to pray four hours a week at the vigil.

?Three major local media outlets covered the event, including a live interview on the 6 pm news,? she said. ?We were in shock to see how optimistic they were about the message and this movement.?

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Julia had lived in Toronto for 18 years, and was expecting negativity from the media. That hasn?t been the case. ?Another media outlet,? she said, ?specifically asked that we arrange to have a big group?present for the filming in order to have a strong and convincing message!?

The campaign has already received commitments from 200 volunteers. ?Some teachers will be attending with their whole classes, either during or after school hours.?

Julia and her team anticipate 40 Days for Life growing in Romania. ?Already Bucharest and five other cities are looking to join the next campaign!?

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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.