Some stories of babies saved by the prayers and sacrifices of 40 Days for Life participants feature more twists and turns than a spy film.
That was the case in Croatia, where a woman had recently arrived from Nepal on a work permit to provide for her family after her husband was hospitalized with severe burns following an accident.
The woman soon learned she was pregnant and sought an abortion.
"She told me how much she already loved her baby but that her circumstances made carrying to term impossible," explained Marija from the Split 40 Days for Life team. "Normally, I'd have a solution...but this case was different. She was here on a work permit. [But] how could she manage such hard work...while suffering from constant nausea?"
Marija made the hour-long trip to meet with the expectant mother. She had no answers, but the drive gave her time to pray.
God came up with a plan. Marija and her team would send financial support directly to Nepal to provide for the woman's family. They would also find lighter work that the mom could do while pregnant.
"The obstacles never stopped," Marija said. "But one by one, by God's grace, we overcame them--housing, employment, doctors, paperwork, language barriers, food, cultural differences."
And when it came time for the woman to deliver, she named her child Cvita, "a Dalmatian name to honor the people who saved her life."
Cvita will soon turn three years old.
Lynnwood, Washington
Vigil participants in the Seattle suburbs are drawing the attention of their community.
One passerby falsely accused volunteers of being paid to pray--and also complained that there were no 20-year-old women among the prayer warriors. "Only those of reproductive age are allowed to have a say in the truth of abortion?" commented Lynnwood leader Rebecca.
But there was positive feedback, too, as another woman stopped by to share that she chose life 17 years ago when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant.
"She parked and walked over to the group to share her story and thank them for their presence," Rebecca added.
Georgia
The Peach State recently held its March for Life...
...and 4o Days for Life was well represented, as Georgia campaigns sent delegations to encourage involvement in their vigils.
Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
--Mark 1:17-18
Lord, we pray that you might grant each of us the courage to follow your will, regardless of the personal cost. You made your disciples Simon and Andrew into “fishers of men” so that they could bring other people closer to you. Help us to do the same. We ask that you bless all people in the pro-life movement by reminding them that you are with them. Help them to carry out their earthly mission in a way that reflects your eternal love. Amen.
