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As we begin this 40-day journey of prayer and fasting,
peaceful vigil, and community outreach, imagine what
God can do through YOU ... in YOUR city.

In a NEW kickoff video, David Bereit — our national
director — shares a touching (and rarely told) story
that shows the powerful impact one person can make:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3264

In the video, you’ll learn about one person — who was
personally affected by abortion — who helped to launch
the entire 40 Days for Life worldwide movement ... and
you’ll hear David share an inspiring account of the
baby he met this weekend whose life was spared through
one person participating in 40 Days for Life.

Make time to watch this video — you’ll be glad you did:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3264

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

If we are willing to pray ... and ACT ... God can work
through us. I’m getting ready to visit the 40 Days for
Life in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, and the volunteers
here fully understand that.

Their campaign is focusing on a second abortion center
— because following the campaign a year ago, the FIRST
abortion location where they held their 40-day prayer
vigils CLOSED!

There had been SEVEN 40 Days for Life campaigns outside
a hospital that did abortions. But hospital managers
closed the abortion unit because business had declined
40 percent during that time and abortion was no longer
economically viable (or in plain English, they were
losing money).

The quick point to take away from this is that God
answered prayers in the Twin Cities — and He is ready
to answer prayers in YOUR city!

RENO, NEVADA

The Reno-Tahoe area was among the 89 cities that took
part in the first 40 Days for Life campaign five years
ago. (Yes, it’s been FIVE YEARS!) Faithful volunteers
are back again for this campaign. Over the years,
they’ve seen changes at the abortion center.

This is one of the most challenging locations for a
40 Days for Life vigil. The abortionist is a rather
belligerent individual who taunts vigil participants
with signs on the side of the building. He also turns
a sprinkler system on the prayer volunteers and plays
vulgar music through a powerful sound system.

But even here, the quiet voice of prayer is having
an effect.

People pray outside that abortion center year-round
now. In addition to praying at the sidewalk, they
observe the comings and goings at the building.
Operating hours have decreased. Instead of opening
early in the day, the doors aren’t opened til
mid-morning now. They also appear to be open fewer
days each week.

One day recently, the staff came and went. But there
were no customers. NO ONE had an abortion that day.

Said one of the volunteers, “all we can do is
re-double our prayer in the hopes that this means
lives and souls are being spared the pain of abortion.”

God is moving in a powerful way. Keep praying!

To find the 40 Days for Life location nearest you,
go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Click on the city name — and sign up to get involved!

Day 1 - September 26

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 50 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, 14, 17).

We are called to be God's messengers; or as the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "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 by Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

David Brandao
Communications Director, 40 Days for Life