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March 27, 2010

Day 39 - March 27

Intention:

Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!

Scripture:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

-- 1 Peter 1:6-7

Reflection:

We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.

Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms -- difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.

Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, We sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show

Today’s email is a “WOW!” email:

Here we are, approaching the end of another 40 Days
for Life campaign. But do keep in mind that someone,
somewhere will hear about 40 Days for Life — for the
first time ever — TODAY!

Every day, someone new is inspired to pray for an end
to abortion. Ever day, someone new answers the call to
go the abortion center and join the peaceful vigil.

Until she took part in the current 40 Days for Life
campaign, Rhonda had never done anything like this
before.

“I went to the vigil for the first time this year,”
she said. “We were so nervous trying to find the place
and wondering what it would be like. I kept thinking
how much more scary it would be to be going there for
an abortion.”

Rhonda overcame her fears and answered God’s call.
And so can you!

Sheila knew she was exactly where she was supposed to
be, doing exactly what God wanted her to do, when a
woman stopped at a traffic light and started to yell
at her.

At the time, Sheila was praying outside a Planned
Parenthood abortion center, holding a sign reading
“Pray to end abortion.”

“Keep church and state separated, and leave your
prayers inside your church,” the driver shouted.
“Go home!”

Sheila looked up, and the woman kept yelling.

“She was really angry and I just kept on praying,”
Sheila said. “I was really struck with how important
it is to not go away and just ‘pray in our churches.’
Our Lord always went to where the people were. I was
renewed with energy, strength, courage, and
perseverance.”

“If you don’t think 40 Days for Life works, this
should be proof,” said one of the 40 Days for Life
team members in Fort Pierce, Florida.

This volunteer has been a sidewalk counselor for
eleven years, but can’t remember an instance where,
three Saturdays in a row, women changed their minds
about abortion.

“We’re not doing anything different as sidewalk
counselors,” the vigil participant said, “but during
40 Days for Life, there is more prayer going on, and
this is the fruit of your prayer. Thank you and
keep it up!”

Judy in California tells of a co-worker who learned
she was pregnant. This young woman was separated from
her husband, and this was not his child. Abortion
seemed the only answer.

She was then told that the baby had Down syndrome
and abortion was advised.

But then one morning, she stopped at the fast-food
restaurant next to the abortion center and noticed
people praying — it was Day 1 of this 40 Days for
Life campaign. One of the people praying was Judy.

“She knew right then that there was no way she could
throw this baby away,” Judy said.

Just a few days ago, a specialist told the woman heard
that the baby looks fine. “She’s having a girl,” said
Judy.

“Praise God and thanks to all who are out there day
after day praying,” she said. “You all have a part in
this miracle.”