What God can do through YOU: Tomorrow it begins ... the next 40 Days for Life

What God can do through YOU

Tomorrow it begins ... the next 40 Days for Life campaign, which kicks off in 252 cities across 19 countries around the world.

If you haven’t done so already ... it’s time to find the location nearest you and sign up for the vigil!

God has provided many blessings through past 40 Days for Life campaigns:

9,699 babies saved from abortion
107 workers who have quit the abortion industry
60 closed abortion centers

What results could be achieved during this campaign?

That will be determined primarily by two things:

1. God, who can do all things. Please pray that our Heavenly Father will hear our prayers, forgive our sin of abortion, and heal our land.

2. You, who are called in Scripture to “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” (Proverbs 24:11-12)

Let’s work and pray that more lives will be spared from abortion, more workers will experience conversions, and more abortion centers will close their doors forever.

If you weren’t able to join us on the webcast last night, former Planned Parenthood director Ramona Treviño shared her story of experiencing a conversion and then quitting her job following a 40 Days for Life campaign outside her workplace. The center she used to manage subsequently went out of business.

Ramona has now written a book about her experiences, unveiling the truth about what goes on behind the walls at Planned Parenthood … and how she was rescued from America’s largest abortion chain.

To listen to the webcast … and find out more about Ramona’s book, Redeemed by Grace … go to:

http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=64379352

In your own community, you may well witness facilities closing ... abortion workers leaving the industry ... and lives saved from abortion!

Speaking of babies spared from death ... here’s one story from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During the last 40 Days for Life campaign, a prayer volunteer told us about her time at the vigil. “I was surprised at how busy the abortion clinic was," she said.

She watched as a young woman left the building with her boyfriend and mother. At first, she feared the worst. But as she approached the three, the young woman’s mother told her, “She’s not having the abortion!”

This woman then said that she’d had an abortion herself when she was young, and that she had terrible regrets about it. Vigil participants offered her information about healing after abortion, as it was clear that she was still deeply affected by her experience all those years ago.

A bit later, they overheard the older woman as she made a phone call. She smiled broadly as she said, “I’m going to be a grandma!”

“Praise God for this miraculous save!” the volunteer said.

Please join together in prayer that God will show us many more miracles in the 40 days ahead!

Devotional for Preparation, February 17, 2015

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: For God’s blessing upon the coming 40 Days for Life campaign.

Scripture: If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflection: Not unlike God’s chosen people of Israel, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. The need for repentance has not been greater since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973. The number one cause of death in America is the needless sacrifice of our children at the altar of convenience called abortion. Conservative estimates put the number of deaths at nearly 55 million. And lest we think this is an issue outside the church walls, 43 percent of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27 percent identify themselves as Catholic. One in four women has at least one abortion by the age of 45 – both nonChristian and Christian alike. Where was the voice of Truth – the church?

Mary Comm of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. sums up the issue best as she writes, “We (the church) have been an unintentional accomplice to the millions of lives lost and to the multiplied millions of lives devastated by abortion. We didn’t want them to abort. We didn’t mean for them to abort. But, because of our lack of knowledge, because of our fear, we have continued to stand by and do nothing. “We, God’s hands and feet in this dark and hurting world, have been unintentional, unknowledgeable accomplice, but an accomplice nonetheless.” May today mark the beginning of change within the church, as God’s people, in unity, seek His forgiveness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, amen.

You know, it’s cold in many of the places where 40 Days for Life vigils start today!

Even so, the weather certainly hasn’t deterred the many volunteers who will kick off 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in 252 cities in 19 countries!

The weather will be unpredictable from now until the campaign ends on March 29, but one thing is certain – you will have the opportunity to stand in peaceful, prayerful witness as the last sign of hope for babies scheduled to be aborted … and the first sign of mercy to moms leaving after an abortion.

What will you do over these next 40 days?

Will you join in prayer? Fasting? If you’ve never done so before, will you go out for the first time to pray at the local abortion facility?

Metro Phoenix, Arizona

While many of the campaign locations I’ll visit soon will be cold, I started the campaign in Arizona – where no one seemed to be complaining about the weather. I spoke at an event that launched four vigils led by amazing women – in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Glendale.

While I was there, I was able to spend time with Bishop Thomas Olmsted – an excellent shepherd who is generous with his support for 40 Days for Life.

It may be fun to talk about the weather, but when it comes to 40 Days for Life, it’s clear that faith, joy and courage are not determined by climate.

Augusta, Maine

What was the 40 Days for Life kickoff event like in Augusta?

“It was cold!” said Janet, the local leader. Augusta’s kickoff was moved to a different day – on short notice – because a blizzard was in the forecast for the original date. As it was, the team there faced a combination of temperatures that were well below freezing and “massive cold winds.”

That frigid weather did not prevent an enthusiastic group of volunteers from venturing out to get Augusta’s eighth 40 Days for Life vigil off to an energetic start. Besides, they were well-prepared with their winter attire!

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Amie, the local leader in Fayetteville, said more than 50 people took part in what she called the “putting-your-heart-in-it Valentine kickoff” on Saturday, Valentine’s Day.

She noted the determination of several of the volunteers who will be taking part in this year’s vigil. “There was a man recovering from double knee replacements. One speaker was toting an oxygen tank since changes in the weather had triggered breathing difficulties. We had a young female student on crutches recovering from a recent surgery and a young man in a wheelchair. Nothing was going to stop them!”

Because this campaign encompasses a wide geographic area, “we were fortunate to meet, face to face, the individuals from surrounding churches who will assist,” Amie said.

“God’s generosity will never be outdone!” she said. “We put our campaign in God’s hands.”

https://40daysforlife.com/2015/02/18/metro-phoenix-arizona/

https://40daysforlife.com/media/day18.pdf

Devotional for Day 1, February 18, 2015

David Brandao, Communications Director, 40 Days for Life

Intention: That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for God’s mercy and grace upon all those involved in the sin of abortion.

Scripture: Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast… Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people.” —Joel 2:15-17

Reflection: The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear estimates of almost 55 million innocent victims, but that’s only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded in abortion’s wake. There are also the mothers and fathers of these millions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered. It’s overwhelming and depressing, but even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that followed Christ’s 40 days in the desert, but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection – His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.

The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as we seek His will: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me… Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me… O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise (Psalm 51:12-17). We are called to be God’s messengers; or as the Apostle Paul wrote: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we encounter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been deceived by the Culture of Death. We don’t bring condemnation; we bring God’s good news.

Prayer: Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us through the work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

In some areas, a warm 40 Days for Life vigil is hard to find right now.

Of course, if you want to be certain of avoiding cold weather, you could visit a 40 Days for Life location in Australia, Nigeria or Brazil!

But please do keep in mind that the invitation to participate in 40 Days for Life is a call to sacrifice. Sacrificing your time – and warmth – can make quite an impression on a mom who’s arriving for an abortion.

It’s often the case that the locations with the worst weather have more women turn around and leave without having an abortion. The willingness of strangers to be out in miserable conditions speaks to the heart of women at that most crucial moment.

Your peaceful presence shows a sacrificial love they simply will not get when they enter the abortion facility. Here are a few cold-weather locations where the frigid temperatures help provide an opportunity to save lives.

Columbia, Missouri

“Snow and hot chocolate” is the subject line of the email Kathy, the local leader, sent to 40 Days for Life participants in the Columbia area.

“Great opening rally,” she said, “sometimes sprinkled with snow flurries! We had a wonderful uplifting evening as we all gathered together on the sidewalk, sang, prayed and shared hot chocolate and cookies.”

The volunteers prayed that God would help them be present in Christ’s name to the moms who would be coming for abortion information during the campaign. The Planned Parenthood center this team prays outside of no longer does abortions … but it does refer women to other facilities that do.

“It was pretty dark, but our hearts were filled with love and joy and peace,” Kathy said, as the group “gathered in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings God has showered upon 40 Days for Life in Columbia. Below freezing weather doesn’t keep us away!”

Anchorage, Alaska

The Anchorage 40 Days for Life team knows cold weather! They pray daily outside a Planned Parenthood abortion center.

Jon, the local leader, issued a call for prayer to Anchorage volunteers. “May we accept the urgent privilege of speaking gently and lovingly to parents for the most innocent and vulnerable, their unborn children.”

He noted that according to state health department statistics, an average of 30 children die in abortions each week in Alaska.

“When we humbly place ourselves in our Father’s hands to be used for life, unexpected events and grace unfold each day ... which many of you have witnessed,” Jon said. “By making the effort of praying at the clinic we serve as a sign and means of hope and help for desperate parents.”

White Plains, New York

In White Plains, the volunteers for the city’s sixth 40 Days for Life kicked off their campaign with a Valentine’s Day rally.

Father Ralph Berg, the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, who hosted the event, prayed for gentleness yet perseverance in seeking to change hearts and minds to treasure “these most innocent and lovable of children” among us.

Gerald, the local leader in White Plains, also noted that Maria Teresa Rueda recounted a story – in Spanish – of how the mere presence and simple greeting of one individual praying in front of an abortion center caused a woman to choose life for her child at the very last moment.

https://40daysforlife.com/2015/02/19/anchorage-alaska/

Devotional for Day 2, February 19, 2015

Kevin Burke, Executive Director, Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries

Intention: May the King of the Universe, who entered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.

Scripture: My power is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection: The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing often feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the unknown waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness. The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, “I have committed a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!”

During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, “the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life.” Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps” (Matthew 16:24).

Prayer: Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, “Let it be done to me, according to your Word.”

https://40daysforlife.com/devotionals/

Abortion knows no borders. It will go anywhere ... and the same goes for 40 Days for Life!

Volunteers in 19 countries are participating in the current campaign, including three nations that are on the list for the first time: Ethiopia, Romania and Slovenia.

Robert Colquhoun, the international outreach coordinator for 40 Days for Life, first witnessed the campaign during a trip to Canada. When he returned home to England, he organized the first British vigil ... and has since helped 40 Days for Life spread in four continents.

Leading a campaign is hard work ... and there can be unique challenges in different parts of the world. Here’s a look at two new vigil locations where faith has led the way.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Julia, the local leader of the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Romania, said the kickoff rally drew representatives from Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant faith communities.

“The Greek Catholic bishop attended the whole event, including our short vigil at the abortion facility, which is also the second largest maternity hospital in the city,” she said. The bishop read from John 17:13-21 and offered his blessing.

Julia said one of the priests who attended the kickoff serves as a chaplain at the hospital, and often visits the women in the abortion area to offer counseling and prayer. He and his wife signed up to pray four hours a week at the vigil.

“Three major local media outlets covered the event, including a live interview on the 6 pm news,” she said. “We were in shock to see how optimistic they were about the message and this movement.”

Julia had expected negativity from the media, but that hasn’t been the case. “Another media outlet,” she said, “specifically asked that we arrange to have a big group present for the filming in order to have a strong and convincing message.”

The campaign has already received commitments from 200 volunteers. “Some teachers will be attending with their whole classes, either during or after school hours,” she said.

Julia and her team anticipate 40 Days for Life growing in Romania. “Already, Bucharest and five other cities are looking to join the next campaign!”

Gloucester, England

Robert Colquhoun helped kick off the 40 Days for Life campaign in Gloucester. “We had about 25 there for the event,” he said. “They are a first-time campaign and have been working hard to get new people on board.”

Members of the clergy attended the kickoff, as did members of the local Polish community.

“We are delighted a campaign is happening in Gloucester,” Robert said. “Let’s pray God brings them many blessings.”

https://40daysforlife.com/2015/02/20/cluj-napoca-romania/

Devotional for Day 3, February 20, 2015

Rev. John Ensor, President, PassionLife

Intention: Pray for your local pregnancy help center: for those who answer calls from women considering abortion, those who provide ultrasounds, and those who personally help mothers prepare to parent or place for adoption.

Scripture: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. — Psalm 82:4

Reflection: When a woman arrives at her local pregnancy help center, the hard work of “rescuing the weak” begins. They listen to her. What desperate circumstance is driving her? They act. A professional ultrasound and medical care is provided. They pray, “God use us.” Then, they take up her burdens and work towards life. It is cross-bearing for the child-bearing. Recently, I prayed for one volunteer who was working with one mother in her struggle. Here is what “rescue the weak” looked like in this one case:  Aug 3: She made an appointment for Thursday to get an abortion and while she feels terrible about it, she also feels like she has no choice. Pray that her heart is changed!  Aug 10: She is 12 weeks along but missed her appointment. She had some good conversations with people at the pregnancy center. She is now considering adoption.

 Aug 13: Things are down again. She now has an abortion scheduled for Monday. Pray!  Aug 17: Missed appointment! God is working in her life.  Sept 1: We’ve hit another rocky period. She has an abortion scheduled for tomorrow. She found out today that her parents are planning a trip to visit her and she is panicking.  Sept 15: Missed third appointment. But feels like she has no choice. Please pray today.  Sept 20: She fears her parents but has agreed to another ultrasound (a breakthrough).  Sept 22: I was there with her for her ultrasound. She saw her baby moving and made the realization that she wants to carry her baby. Please keep praying against attack by the enemy. We are overwhelmed by seeing God's hand move in this situation and are so very thankful for the prayers lifted up by each one of you. God is good!

Prayer: Father, we praise you for this one sister who gave herself, heart and soul, to rescue this one mother and baby. O may you empower the hundreds more today who are serving in our pregnancy help centers. Grant those answering calls, providing ultrasound and following up with a bold spirit of truth, love and perseverance.

Saturday is often the busiest day of the week at abortion centers. Some estimates say that there are as many as 8,000 abortions in the United States alone on any given Saturday.

If you’ve never been to a 40 Days for Life vigil, make this Saturday your first time to go and pray. Find your nearest location here:

http://40daysforlife.com/browse-campaigns

Steve Karlen, our North American outreach director, knows the impact your presence can make every day of the week. He recently traveled south from his home in Wisconsin to several locations in Alabama ... but warmer weather was nowhere to be found. Here’s Steve’s report.

Birmingham, Alabama

The Birmingham kickoff was a great event in freezing cold weather, so it was extra encouraging to see our Alabama friends turn out in force for this candlelight vigil. The volunteers pray outside a Planned Parenthood center that had been closed for nine months before reopening. It no longer does surgical abortions, but lives are still being lost to chemical abortions.

Both Bishop Robert Baker and Bishop Emeritus David Foley came out to pray. Joy Pinto of EWTN was at the event, and Fr. Terry Gensemer of the Charismatic Episcopal Church was the MC.

The evening started with a short prayer service including readings from scripture. It ended with the signing of Amazing Grace as the participants laid flowers on the sidewalk in front of the abortion center.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile, on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, was also pretty brisk with a cold wind coming in. We had quite an enthusiastic crowd for the event at the vigil location outside a Planned Parenthood abortion center.

I was told there is a law still on the books that dates back to the civil rights movement, limiting the number of people who can stand together on the public sidewalk. If that’s true, no one’s trying to enforce that law … and the attorneys who work with the local team here believe the ordinance is basically unenforceable.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

As I pulled up to the Tuscaloosa kickoff rally, I assumed I’d be alone. It was in the 40s and pouring rain! Nevertheless, we had about 20 people, mostly University of Alabama students, out for a somewhat truncated kickoff event.

A local priest opened us in prayer. There was music provided by some students who brought a guitar out in the cold, rainy weather. I even got splashed by a passing car.

What is great about this vigil — in addition to people coming out in cold rain — is that the abortion center is temporarily closed. But the faithful still came out to pray with the goal of a permanent shutdown.

Thanks to Steve Karlen for today’s report!

https://40daysforlife.com/2015/02/21/road-alabama/

Devotional for Day 4, February 21, 2015

Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries

Intention: Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Scripture: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. — Ephesians 6:12-13

Reflection: I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ. We must see the battle for what it is and we must daily “put on” the armor God has given us:

 Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) — Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.  Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) – It will protect our hearts – the innermost springs of our beings – from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.

 Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) — Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God’s work.  Taking the shield of faith (vs. 16) — The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.  Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs. 17) — A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.  Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs. 17) — The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.

Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit.” (vs. 18)

Prayer: Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. Thank you for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, amen

Abortion is often accepted blindly ... masked by vague terms such as “a woman’s choice” or “safe and legal.”

Today, we are reminded of the truth that is hidden behind the slogans. Abortion ends the life of an innocent human being who has no choice in the matter – and it can therefore never be described as “safe.”

But abortion is also not safe for the mother.

During a 40 Days for Life campaign, prayer volunteers outside abortion centers around the world sometimes witness this grim reality. We need to be there – to pray ... and to offer life-affirming alternatives to women who are told that abortion is “health care.”

Pensacola, Florida

The volunteers praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil were suddenly presented with a reason to pray even harder. An ambulance arrived at the abortion facility, and emergency teams were called to treat a woman there.

Vigil participants say it was an unusually busy day at the abortion business and the parking lot was quite full.

“Abortion hurts women,” reads a statement from the Emerald Coast Coalition for Life in Pensacola. “Abortion is not safe. Local pregnancy resource centers provide the best care for mothers in need.”

We join the Pensacola team in asking for your prayers for the woman who was taken away in the ambulance.

Roswell, Georgia

40 Days for Life participants in Roswell are wondering if this was a mistake … or God’s plan.

The story starts out with a woman who got lost on the way to the 40 Days for Life vigil location. It seems she took a wrong turn when she walked out of the lot where volunteers have to park.

By the time she got in touch with other volunteers to come pick her up, she had walked about two miles in a big loop and was still a mile away from the vigil.

“She cheerfully remarked that now she would not need to go to the gym today,” said Kateri, the local leader in Roswell. “She certainly carried her cross for God and the babies, walking up and down hills – in below-zero wind chill – and faithfully trying to reach the vigil location.”

But, the volunteers said, this may not have entirely been a mistake. The whole time she walked, she was carrying her sign. It read “Hurting after abortion?” and listed contact information for anyone looking for help. Many drivers were reading her sign and beeping their horns and waving.

“Was there someone on those roads she walked who desperately needed the hope and healing offered by Christian post-abortion counseling?” Kateri asked. “We’ll never know for sure, but God works in mysterious ways. I think He used her to take that message of hope to people who would never have seen it otherwise. Praise God for that!”

https://40daysforlife.com/2015/02/22/pensacola-florida/

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