While every 40 Days for Life campaign is organized locally, prayer builds connections between vigils around the world to save lives.
On a recent visit to Georgia, 40 Days for Life outreach director and former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino helped orchestrate a complex international network of pro-lifers that saved a baby from abortion.
A woman in Mexico learned that her neighbor's daughter was scheduled for a late-term abortion in Mexico, so she called her brother, Jacinto, who co-leads the Augusta 40 Days for Life vigil.
Jacinto contacted his fellow leader, Lucy, who was providentially hosting Ramona for a campaign rally. Ramona called 40 Days for Life Latin American communications coordinator Laura in Mexico...
...and Laura set the expectant mother up with an appointment at a pro-life pregnancy center, where she chose life!
The young mom was abortion-minded because she feared how her own mother would react to news of her pregnancy.
"When she saw that her mother supported her pregnancy, she chose life," explained director of international campaigns Lourdes Varela.
"This story illustrates the global network that 40 Days for Life has become, helping to save lives on and off the sidewalk," Ramona reflected. "Our leaders, volunteers, and headquarters team make the connections necessary to help mothers in crisis all around the globe."
Forest Park, Georgia
Ramona's visit to suburban Atlanta turned into a bilingual prayer rally when she learned that some of the most dedicated prayer warriors spoke only Spanish.
"However, the bigger treat came after the event, when I got to share lunch with the local leaders and a few special guests," Ramona beamed.
Those guests included a six-month-old baby, spared from abortion by the vigil, and her mother.
Ramona also met a woman who suffered multiple abortions after conceiving as a result of abuse, but who is finding healing in Jesus.
"God will use her in mighty ways to help bring about hope and healing," Ramona said.
Columbia, South Carolina
While the rally in Forest Park turned into a bilingual event, Ramona's visit to the Palmetto State's capital was designed for both English and Spanish speakers from the start.
"The morning kicked off with a prayer walk with the English-speaking volunteers while I gave my presentation in Spanish," Ramona explained. "Everyone came back together for refreshments. Then I gave my English presentation while the Spanish-speaking group went on their prayer walk."
Before leaving, Ramona met a woman who was suffering a miscarriage. "She felt that by participating in the event, she was honoring the brief life of her baby," Ramona added. "Very moving!"
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.”
--Luke 15:20
Jesus, you have given us good pastors to lead your faithful. We thank you for their guidance and service, and we ask you to give them renewed strength. Help them to follow you with steadfast devotion. Guide their every action and give them the words to say to bring many people back to you. Amen.
