When we talk about the number of babies saved during 40 Days for Life vigils, we always add the phrase ?that we know of.? There are women who change their minds and leave the abortion centers ? after rejecting abortion ? and say nothing about their decisions.
They just want to get away from that place ? quickly! Can you blame them?
Occasionally, though, 40 Days for Life volunteers find out much later that a life was spared. A young woman will approach them with a small child, a big smile ? and a huge ?thank you!?
Here?s one of those stories ?
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
When a young mom in her early 20s who lives in the surrounding neighborhood came down the street carrying her son on her hip, one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers greeted her as she was passing.
She responded with a "Hello!" and then added, "Thanks for what you do," as she continued to walk by. Then suddenly, she stopped, turned and said, "Thanks to you my son is alive."
During Lancaster?s fourth 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2013, she came to Planned Parenthood determined to sign up for an abortion, which she was convinced she wanted and needed. When she saw the volunteers praying outside the building, she avoided and went inside. After completing all the required paperwork and "counseling," there was nothing left to do but watch a short video.
?She went into a room, sat down alone and started the DVD,? said Bob, the local leader in Lancaster. ?But she couldn't get those who were praying out of her mind. Suddenly, she realized that they were right ? ending the life of her unborn baby would be a tragic mistake. She stopped the DVD got up, left the building, and never looked back. Her son is now a healthy one-year-old and is deeply loved.
?From those considering an abortion, to those suffering with the pain and brokenness of an abortion, to those simply driving past a vigil,? Bob said, ?we simply don't know how many hearts and lives are touched by 40 Days for Life campaigns ? in Lancaster and across our nation.?
