An angry young woman approached 40 Days for Life participants in Thousand Oaks, California to give them a piece of her mind.
After yelling at an older gentleman, she argued that without abortion, pregnant rape victims would be "imprisoned."
But the volunteers were ready for the challenge, explaining that science convinced them of the humanity of the unborn child.
"We mostly listened to her," said Thousand Oaks campaign leader Leonore. "She asked us what we offer the women, and we told her. We even discussed Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood's eugenicist past, which she didn't know about."
An angry confrontation became a productive dialogue.
"Yes, you're right," the woman said. "Most guys are sitting around or staying away from the women, and you're out here trying to help them!"
The woman asked Leonore for a hug before departing with an Unplanned DVD, courtesy of the vigil participants.
A similar scene played out just two days later when a pair of college freshmen confronted Cindy and some friends at the vigil.
Again, the peaceful, loving witness made the difference.
"We ended up having a fully respectful, loving, spiritual conversation with these two young women," Cindy said. "It was such a blessing to see God using us to reach them with His message."
Bangalore, India
The Bangalore campaign features a large, public multimedia display that has captured the attention of the community.
"The pro-life stall had educational materials about abortion," said Prashanth, the local leader. "There were 40 Days for Life brochures [and] 40 Days for Life videos."
Prashanth said the outreach helped stir doubts about the country's family planning system, which he said goes against the population's pro-life beliefs.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven 40 Days for Life leader Tim said Planned Parenthood was busy during a recent prayer shift on the sidewalk. The parking lot was filled with clients, delivery trucks, and even ride-sharing vehicles.
"We are praying and believing for results," he said. "We may look like a small, rag-tag group to some, but what isn't seen is that our God and all of the hosts of Heaven are behind us."
Tim's faith is paying off. He recently confirmed that Planned Parenthood will be closing every other Saturday, resulting in a "mostly empty parking lot."
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.
