If there’s a 40 Days for Life campaign going on, I’m either visiting a local vigil … getting ready to travel to one … or just getting home from one. Today, I’m at home. But yes, that only means there will be another trip before Day 40!
Here’s a look at some of my recent stops in Ohio and South Carolina.
Columbus, Ohio
The abortion center in Columbus is a father and son operation. And they do not like 40 Days for Life. In fact, they covered the windows so there is no way for patients to see the volunteers praying outside.
Abortion facilities usually look sterile … but this one takes it to a whole new level. The building may be cold on the inside but outside there was hope and joy – and strong Ohio winds!
Beth, the local leader, has brought many groups together through the campaign and has helped train sidewalk counselors, who stand at the driveway and offer free alternatives.
While I was there, I met some seminarians who came out to the 40 Days for Life vigil to pray. They hold a regular time slot during the campaign. These young men are an inspiration to everyone at the vigil!
Greenville, South Carolina
It’s the 11th 40 Days for Life campaign in Greenville, where the abortion center is right next door to the pregnancy help center. It’s always a blessing when such assistance is so readily available.
Columbia, South Carolina
The vigil in Columbia takes place in front of a Planned Parenthood center that does around 40 abortions every week.
The Southern hospitality was amazing … but not everyone I met was a native of the area. When I arrived at the vigil in Columbia, the leader, Sharon, said, “I met you last year when you spoke in Green Bay, Wisconsin.” When her husband was transferred from Green Bay to Columbia, Sharon decided to get involved in the local 40 Days for Life campaign.
Charleston, South Carolina
As I drove to the Charleston campaign, I saw a huge billboard in the distance with a scripture verse on it. As I got closer, I saw the 40 Days for Life logo … on a big sign that invited people to join the campaign!
That evening, close to 200 came out to the vigil, where Sarah, the young local leader, spoke and shared the amazing history Charleston has had since their first 40 Days for Life effort back in 2007.
Devotional for Day 36, April 9, 2014
Vera Faith Lord, Director, Alpha/Omega Life Ministry
Intention: Pray that those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
Scripture: These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. — Psalm 104:27-30
Reflection: “I am a feather on the breath of God.”
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body’s first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father’s choice and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which is “me.” I do not “have” a soul – I AM a soul, as well as a body.
My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
Prayer: Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you.
Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death.
Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday.
Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign.
Father, we’re on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.