The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in all 50 states originated in Texas...
...but now the Lone Star State is leading the way toward ENDING abortion. The Texas Heartbeat Act took effect last fall--and was quickly followed by a 60% drop in the number of abortions in the state.
Campaign Director Steve Karlen just visited 40 Days for Life rallies across Texas, where he found it's not just legislation responsible for saving lives. Prayer is playing a huge role too.
The San Antonio Coalition for Life has already saved 17 babies this year through its 40 Days for Life 365 vigil.
The vigil features a network of interns who do sidewalk outreach to abortion facility clients. Every week, the interns give out dozens of gift bags filled with supplies to encourage abortion-minded moms.
And there's more life-affirming firepower on the way!
Cathy, who helps lead the campaign, used the rally to announce the launch of a new website providing a wide variety of abortion alternatives and support resources that equip and empower women to choose life!
Nearly 100 people joined the event--including Bishop Gary Janak as well as a young family who drove two hours just to attend.
"This campaign is firing on all cylinders right now," Steve noted. "They even got a local television station to cover the rally!"
Speaking of Texas, celebrate the 60% drop in the Lone Star State's abortion rate with Vice President Mike Pence at the National 40 Days for Life Gala on April 2 outside Houston.
Get your ticket or table for the pro-life event of the year at 40daysforlife.com/gala.
After visiting San Antonio, Steve spoke at North Texas campaigns. Here's his report from the road.
Denton, Texas
Meagan got involved in Denton's campaign when her boyfriend invited her to participate.
Both the vigil and the relationship went well because Meagan and Billy are now married...and they lead the campaign together.
Recently, Billy noticed that a business next door to Planned Parenthood had vacated the property. Billy alerted a local pregnancy help center--which is now constructing a new clinic in the building.
Scheduled to open next month, the pregnancy help center will share a wall with Planned Parenthood!
McKinney, Texas
McKinney's Planned Parenthood office closed years ago after numerous 40 Days for Life campaigns.
But when the abortion industry returned to the city, so too did Paul, the longtime vigil leader in McKinney. The campaign hasn't missed a beat.
Steve said dozens of pro-lifers showed up on a weekday afternoon for his visit--and some of them decided to sign up for recurring weekly shifts at the vigil.
As a result, Paul's vigil schedule for the campaign was already 50% full before Day 1!
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
— Luke 2:13-14
Father God, giver of life, creator of life and sustainer of life, thank you for each life you give us. Father, I pray each one that is faced with a decision will choose life and know that she is favored by you. I pray, we, your mouthpieces, will console, comfort, support and equip your mothers to make the decision to choose life. Help us Lord to love and comfort those who do not.
