[Salvation]

Today's email update:

 

Most 40 Days for Life prayer vigils are conducted
outside abortion facilities that are either in
stand-alone buildings or in medical office parks.
There are, of course, some exceptions.

One of those exceptions is in Halifax, Nova Scotia,
where abortions are performed in a hospital. So it's
hard to know who among the many hundreds of women
entering the hospital are there for an abortion, and
good news about lives changed through prayer is hard
to come by.

Still, local coordinator Julie Culshaw has always
been convinced that prayer works. Vigil participants
were asked to pray for specific people in the
hospital, including a woman who worked part-time as a
counselor in the abortion unit. Julie just learned
that this woman has given up that position and has
asked for a transfer to another ward.

"She said she 'felt such darkness' when she had to
work in the Pregnancy Termination Unit, as it is
called," Julie said. "Praise God; this is an answer
to prayer!"

At another 40 Days for Life vigil location -- this
one will have to remain anonymous, for reasons you
will see -- a local business had been helping the
campaign. The business owners serve as agents for a
prominent national company.

"Abortion advocates have continually harassed the
local agents and pressured the national corporation
to mandate that they disassociate from our 40 Days
for Life campaign," said the local 40 Days for Life
coordinator. "I cannot in good conscience ask them to
place their livelihood as risk."

It's really too bad. 40 Days for Life had been good
for this company's business. Still, the local
campaign coordinator is optimistic. "My heart
rejoices that we were honored with this level of
persecution and the opportunity to persevere and
witness to God's truth and pray for His glory to be
revealed in the strength and sustenance He provides
for us to continue onward."

Sometimes, the truth is revealed in other ways.

It isn't often that anyone from Planned Parenthood
agrees to publicly debate abortion; but in Lubbock,
Texas, a Planned Parenthood representative agreed to
take part in a discussion organized by a group of
pro-life medical students at Texas Tech.

But once a notice of the event was published in the
newspaper, the Planned Parenthood spokesperson backed
out, reportedly saying he would be unable to
participate in anything related to 40 Days for Life.

"The question is," asked Dan in Lubbock, "if abortion
is such a good thing, in their view, why isn't it
robustly defensible 24/7?"

The answer is simple: They cannot argue the facts.
There is no defense for abortion ...

... And that's something even children understand.

It was a dark, rainy day in Richmond, Virginia. Becca
was headed to the abortion facility to pray at the
40 Days for Life vigil with her 3-year-old daughter,
Anna. "As we drove to the clinic," she said, "I
explained to her why we were going, what we would be
doing there, and who we would be praying for."

While they were standing in the rain, Becca took
Anna's picture. It's the only time Becca can ever
recall that Anna didn't smile for a picture.

See the photo online at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=337

Anna is only 3 years old, but she understands. Please
continue to pray that all may see, with a child's
eyes, the darkness that must be overcome.

[Salvation]

 

Day 16 - October 8

 

Intention:

Pray that as young couples or single moms choose life for their child, the church will come alongside them physically, emotionally, and spiritually to help bear their burdens.

Scripture:

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

-- Galatians 6:1-2

Reflection:

Restoring those who are broken from sexual sin and who desire to live life differently -- a life focused on Christ -- is a burden the church must share. What an awesome opportunity for a spiritually mature woman to come alongside a single mom as a mentor and friend.

A regular time together praying and studying God's Word will help her mature in her walk with the Lord. Allowing her opportunity to observe life as you live it --- meal preparation, family time, and providing wholesome conversation and wise counsel on a frequent basis --- can provide teaching moments that will benefit her for a lifetime. Introducing her to a small group or class in the church where she and her baby are welcomed and plugged in will be vital to her restoration.

These are just a few examples of things the body of Christ can do. Staying connected with young couples or single moms who have chosen life should continue beyond the celebration of the child's birth if we truly desire to fulfill the law of Christ in bearing one another's burdens.

You will find it is not a burden after all, but a tremendous blessing as your family line extends to include these precious souls as part of your own.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as our Shepherd You so tenderly care for us -- pulling us from the miry pit, guiding and directing us safely along the path of life, protecting us from the dangers that are ahead and taking us to pastures that are green. Lord, use us as Your vessels to shepherd these young men and women who have honored you by choosing life for their child. Give us wisdom and discernment along with Your love and compassion so that we are never a stumbling block but rather a guide that always takes them to You, the true Shepherd. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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