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A few days ago, I shared the great news about two
40 Days for Life locations in Iowa where Planned
Parenthood facilities closed.

That makes 22 locations where 40 Days for Life
vigils have been held on the public right-of-way
outside — and the abortion centers shut down.

Praise God!

Sometimes ... the abortionist just stops showing up!

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

The 40 Days for Life vigil in Columbia takes place
outside a Planned Parenthood office that has had a
hard time keeping an abortionist on the payroll.

For months at a time over the past few years, this
center has been unable to offer surgical abortions
because no one would perform them.

Earlier this week, the local team in Columbia
learned that for at least two weeks, there will
be no abortions at Planned Parenthood.

“We’re not sure what the reason is,” said Kathy in
Columbia, noting that Planned Parenthood is being
very tight lipped. They are just “not scheduling
appointments in Columbia until March 27.”

“Please continue to join us on the sidewalk as we
thank God for His gifts to us,” said Kathy.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Volunteers in Richmond marked the midpoint of the
40 Days for Life campaign with a candlelight vigil.
They also shared stories that they pray will have
happy endings.

They watched as a car with an out-of-state license
pulled into the abortion center’s parking lot. But
the two people inside never got out. They sat there
for half an hour, drove away — and did not return.

A short while later, prayer continued as another
couple walked toward the building. One of the
volunteers asked if they wanted to talk, but they
entered without stopping. Within about 20 minutes,
however, they left the abortion center, turned up
the street and walked away.

Ann in Richmond said they prayed that both couples
“have a change of heart ... and chose life for their
child. Praise God for faithful witnesses who stand
and pray and who offer the love of Christ.”

For pictures of the vigil in Richmond, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2959

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Here’s an update on an item from earlier in the
campaign. The Orange County team shared the story
of Fernando, a man who rides his bicycle 10 miles
to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil for several
hours every day. Getting to the vigil site was a
challenge because he had to stop often to fix the
bicycle.

After the story got out, Fernando got some
unexpected assistance — a repair job for the
bicycle, complete with new tires and tubes, thanks
to anonymous donors. It was a kind gesture that he
really appreciated.

The Orange County prayer volunteers were also
joined by an unexpected guest — a woman who was
on her way into Planned Parenthood.

“She shared that she had an abortion in the past,
but that this time she wanted to continue with her
pregnancy,” said Alejandra. “She joined the vigil
to help other women avoid getting an abortion.”

The volunteers offered the woman post-abortion
healing referrals. “Please pray for her as we try
to reach out to her and help her,” Alejandra said.

Day 25 - March 17

Intention:

That God will bless us with His gift of strength as we respond in obedience to His call.

Scripture:

Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'surely we did not know this', does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

-- Proverbs 24:11-12

Reflection:

In this age of technologically advanced communication, ignorance of human rights abuses is no excuse. We know there are persecuted Christians in China, there is genocide in Darfur, and there are babies aborted and women and families devastated right in our own communities.

"But I can't save them all" you say. God isn't asking you to. He has equipped each of us with time, talent, and treasure to do what we can when He provides the opportunity. He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us as we abide in Him. He is asking us to be on His side in speaking out and protecting those who can't protect themselves.

When we are obedient to His calling to get in on the work He is doing, we will experience intimacy with Him in a whole new way. Our faith will increase as we see God at work! You have responded to His call during this 40 Days for Life campaign.

Let your efforts be for His pleasure and His purposes. Pray without ceasing!

Prayer:

God Almighty, we pray for continued guidance and strength as we intercede on behalf of the young women and their babies who are stumbling to the slaughter. Open the eyes of the mother's heart to see her child as you do - a precious gift to be treasured. Let her feel Your loving arms around her and may she be assured that you have a plan and a future for her and her child. Give her reason not to enter the abortion clinic. Give her wisdom and discernment to find life options through a local pregnancy care center and may she boldly choose life. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayer. Because of Your Son's sacrifice we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors