The first 40 Days for Life campaign 20 years ago was designed as a one-time endeavor to stem a growing abortion rate in one city: College Station, Texas...
...until that abortion rate dropped by 28 percent, and the world came knocking. Since then, 40 Days for Life has spread to 60 countries worldwide--a number that continues to grow.
The latest country to launch a 40 Days for Life vigil is Jamaica. 40 Days for Life director of international campaigns Robert Colquhoun and director of medical affairs and education Dr. Haywood Robinson recently visited the island nation to rally the new campaign team.
"The first day of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Jamaica was explosive, with abortion supporters very angry at the presence of the prayer vigil," Robert said.
The abortion advocates right to be concerned, as the vigil has already saved six babies from abortion!
Abortion is largely illegal in Jamaica--though the protections for unborn children are rarely enforced.
Dozens of unborn babies are aborted every day. In a nation with a population of fewer than three million people, abortion is a contributing factor to Jamaica's below-replacement fertility rate.
But with the highest density of churches in the world, Robert is confident that pro-life Jamaicans can reclaim their country for life.
"All of us are overwhelmed and encouraged with the depth of faith present in Jamaica," he said. "The authenticity of the churches and the potential for a very fruitful spiritual mission are here. Praised be Jesus Christ!"
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Across the Caribbean Sea, 40 Days for Life is growing quickly in Puerto Rico--and so is the number of moms and babies spared from abortion in the commonwealth.
A crying woman arrived at the abortion facility looking for a sign. She found one in the form of a 40 Days for Life participant who invited her to the local pregnancy help center, where she chose life!
That's not the end of the good news. Vigil participants directed two more women to the pregnancy center, where they also chose life!
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Last year, the 40 Days for Life team in Alajuela was asked to contact a young woman who was planning to have an abortion after conceiving in rape.
They reached out to the victim's family and were able to connect with the young woman's mother. But that mother only said, "Pray for us" before she quit returning phone calls.
It seemed highly likely that the assault victim went through with the abortion, but her mother recently contacted the 40 Days for Life volunteers to thank them for their prayers.
The woman chose life and is now happily raising her seven-month-old little girl!
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
--John 13:5
God, stir up in us the desire to serve as you serve. Grant us the discernment to understand your will for our lives, to use our gifts for your glory, and to love our neighbor well. When we feel that our efforts are in vain, remind us that we do everything for your glory, not for our own fame or recognition. Amen.
