Here's first day of 40 Days For Life campaign. i will try to post them on a daily basis again if anyone's interrested
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Today we begin a 40-day journey of prayer, fasting,
vigil and outreach in 238 locations around North America
... and beyond.
As we start, I recall the first 40 Days for Life effort
six years ago in Bryan/College Station, Texas. As we
prayed for God's guidance on what to do about the
evil of abortion in our community, we were reminded of
how God has used 40-day periods of time in order to
bring about transformation and conversion.
We were reminded of Noah and 40 days in the flood, of
Moses on the mountain, of Jesus and in the desert. When
God repeats himself, He does so for a reason.
The message of 40 days is simple, yet profound.
I'd like to share some of the online comments I've read,
from people just like you, who are speaking from their
hearts about the mission that begins today:
* "I got involved in the movement last fall, following
the example of an online friend. I had heard about
it before but was uncertain, and a little scared...
However, as I discovered it is a beautiful way to
do something positive, and help save lives."
* "I have committed to standing in front of our local
Planned Parenthood office for one hour each week for
the 40 days... I will ask you, my friends, to pray
for the end of abortion, and for me, as I step out
of my comfort zone, and get involved in a cause I
believe in, the end of abortion."
* "Please consider helping out with this effort. It is
an amazing ministry that has produced real results
in our community and across the country."
If you have a few minutes, listen to this audio clip
from our local leaders. It will remind you of what's
at stake and why it's important for YOU to pray and act.
It features local campaign leaders, representing these
40 Days for Life locations:
* Charlotte, North Carolina
* Toledo, Ohio
* Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
* Adelaide, Australia
* Columbia, Missouri
* Shreveport, Louisiana
* Indianapolis, Indiana
Click here to listen:
DAY 1: 40 days and 40 nights | 40 Days for Life
Be sure to listen to the entire 13 minutes. You'll
be rewarded by hearing the story of the "wrong
number" phone call that saved a baby's life!
As we begin this 40 Days for Life, I'll be stopping
today in Green Bay, Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin.
If you're able to come out to the vigil today -- in
Wisconsin or WHEREVER you are -- you'll be blessed
abundantly.
Here's today's devotional from David Brandao, the
communications director for 40 Days for Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 1 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 by David Brandao, 40 Days for Life
-----------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day01print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
Reports from opening events at local 40 Days for Life
campaigns are rolling in ... WOW!
Not only is this the biggest campaign ever, but more
and more people are getting involved in local efforts
from the very start!
Here are just a few examples ...
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:
One of the speakers at the Indianapolis kickoff
talked about embracing the crosses that come with
praying at an abortion center for 40 days.
The people attending the event had an opportunity
to sacrifice their personal comfort almost
immediately: a two-and-a-half mile walk to the
local Planned Parenthood abortion center -- in a
rainstorm!
"The Holy Spirit must have been at work," said
Joseph, one of the coordinators.
"The best part of the experience was being led by
the high schoolers," said Mary, who took part in
the walk. "I believe that the sight of our group
marching in the pouring rain with our banner and
signs was quite compelling as thousands of people
drove past us. Let's pray for the most successful
40 Days for Life ever!"
Click here to see a photo of prayer volunteers in
Indianapolis processing with their umbrellas:
DAY 2: Off to a fabulous start | 40 Days for Life
GLENDALE, ARIZONA:
It didn't rain in Arizona; it was just HOT! By
the time the candlelight vigil began at the 6 pm
Glendale kickoff event, it had "cooled off" to
108 degrees.
Still, several dozen turned out for the first-ever
40 Days for Life vigil at the Planned Parenthood
center in Glendale.
Click here a photo of the candlelight event:
DAY 2: Off to a fabulous start | 40 Days for Life
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA:
The team in Fairfax decided to try something new
to get the word out about their local campaign.
They set up a booth at a Christian music festival
in their area -- an opportunity to reach out to
a huge crowd with the 40 Days for Life message.
It worked! At least 100 people signed up to pray
at the Fairfax 40 Days for Life vigil.
"This project was part of our mission to saturate
our culture with the pro-life message," said
Jonathan, the Fairfax coordinator.
"It pays to go around and ask people to sign up
for 40 Days for Life," he said. "It pays to be
bold and tell people the truth."
Click here to see a photo of the Fairfax 40 Days
for Life booth at the Awakening Festival:
DAY 2: Off to a fabulous start | 40 Days for Life
Those are just a few of the many, many encouraging
stories that are flooding in already. I'll have more
to share tomorrow.
THANK YOU to everyone who's answering the call to
pray and fast!
We had a GREAT kickoff event Tuesday in Fayetteville,
Arkansas ... and I met a lot of wonderful people on
Wednesday at three stops in Wisconsin. Today, I'll be
making another Wisconsin visit, as I'm heading to the
40 Days for Life vigil site in Milwaukee.
David Bereit, our national 40 Days for Life director,
reports great turnouts of enthusiastic volunteers at
kickoff events where he's spoken in Orlando, Florida,
as well as Dallas and Conroe, Texas. Next he's
heading to Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota where
he'll visit the local 40 Days for Life site.
Where will you be praying today?
Here's the link to the list, just in case you haven't
signed up yet:
40 Days for Life
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone,
National Director of Priests for Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 2 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
Pray for those who work in the abortion industry, and
for those who have repented of committing abortions
and have resolved to defend life.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into
your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said
this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing
what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this
was a righteous man."
-- Luke 23:46-47
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
-----------------------------------------------------
"Those of us who have participated in the killing of
unborn children are the Centurions of today. We have
dropped our swords against the unborn child. Now we
must recognize the depth of our guilt and deal with
the ramifications... To revitalize our humanity we
need to forgive and be forgiven, to reconcile and be
healed."
These words come from a brochure of the Society of
Centurions, an organization for former abortion
providers. These words convey in a beautiful and
moving way what is happening across the nation as
hundreds of abortionists and their staff members
experience repentance, conversion, and healing.
How does this conversion begin? Dr. Philip Ney
writes, "The factors that changed their opinion on
performing abortions, in the following order of
frequency, were: evidence of the infant's humanity, a
spiritual experience, personal distress, evidence of
the mother's distress, scientific articles, being
accepted as a person, a personal relationship with a
pro-lifer, pro-life pickets." (The Centurion's
Pathway, p. 77).
The journey is not easy. But the Jesus who heals us
calls us to face the truth of what we've done, make
restitution where possible, and engage in the hard
work of mending relationships. Let's pray for the
Centurions; may their numbers increase!
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Lord, we thank you for those who have repented of
committing abortions and have resolved to defend
life. We too repent and resolve.
We repent of every instance in which fear has made us
silent when we should have spoken. We repent of the
ongoing bloodshed in our land, and for thinking that
we can deprive the unborn of protection but keep it
for ourselves.
We resolve that we will advance the cause of
righteous candidates for public office, and that we
will be more afraid of offending you by our silence
than of offending others by our speech. We resolve
that we will proclaim your name to the nations,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day02print.pdf
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
The local media in cities all over has been covering the
launch of 40 Days for Life ...
... and that is helping to spread the word!
It's only Day 3 ... and we're already seeing lots of
positive coverage for 40 Days for Life in local
newspaper and TV reports. Here are just a few examples.
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
Want to see how the local media portrays 40 Days for
Life in the community where this mission began?
KBTX-TV reported on the kickoff rally there, and
interviewed a good friend and pro-life hero of mine,
Dr. Haywood Robinson. The newscast shows people
quietly praying, contrasted with Planned Parenthood's
written statement complaining about "harassment"
Needless to say, the video proves there was not a
single person being harassed.
To read the KBTX report and see the video, go to:
DAY 3: See for yourself | 40 Days for Life
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
WAPT-TV reported on the 40 Days for Life vigil at
Mississippi's only remaining abortion center,
highlighting the comments of a kickoff speaker who
talked about having an abortion at the age of 16.
"My baby would be 27 today, she said. "That's a full-
grown person who probably would've had a spouse and
maybe children by now. It wasn't just a blob of cells.
It was a whole line of my family tree."
To read the WAPT report and see the video, go to:
DAY 3: See for yourself | 40 Days for Life
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA
The Fargo Forum carried an account of the 40 Days for
Life vigil at North Dakota's only abortion facility.
"The truth is, babies are dying every week in this
building," said local coordinator Colleen Samson.
In greeting the women entering the abortion center,
Marlene, one of the prayer volunteers, said "I dont
raise my voice. I offer them hope."
Laura could not stay a full hour at the vigil, but
felt she just had to stop. "I have 10 minutes between
one job and the next. I wanted to support life."
To access the Fargo Forum story, go to:
DAY 3: See for yourself | 40 Days for Life
PEORIA, ILLINOIS
The Peoria Journal-Star reported on that city's
kickoff event, noting that 40 Days for Life in
Peoria has "grown significantly."
"We're praying to God to end abortion," said Karen,
the local coordinator, "and we're looking to
continue growing to accomplish that."
She said the key is the peaceful vigil at the
abortion center. "Some people will hold signs, but
I don't think that's the most important thing.
Prayer is the most important thing."
"It's important for us to remind people what's
going on," said Robert, one of the volunteers.
"If we can remind them and pray with them, we
can stop this."
To access the Peoria Star-Journal story, go to:
DAY 3: See for yourself | 40 Days for Life
Those are just a few of the many, many news stories
being reported in local newspapers and TV stations.
God is greatly blessing this 40 Days for Life campaign
already. I can't wait to see what He does next!
Here's today's devotional from Dennis DiMauro of
Lutherans for Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 3 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We pray for God's gift of strength as we strive to
protect human life during these 40 Days for Life.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes? Look at the
birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store
away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
-- Matthew 6:25-26
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Dennis DiMauro, Lutherans for Life
-----------------------------------------------------
Billions of dollars are spent each year on diet
plans. But Jesus tells us to stop worrying so much
about our bodies, and instead to trust in God's care
for our physical needs.
What would happen if the people who had started on a
low-carb diet this year had instead gone on a diet of
heavenly food? For non-believers that diet would
include trusting in Christ for their salvation, and
for believers it would include a renewed prayer life,
a new Bible study, or even a spiritual fast. This
diet doesn't include giving up on certain kinds of
foods. What this diet includes is giving up on
anxiety by resting in the loving arms of Christ,
trusting that He will provide.
Such a spiritual diet also frees us from our worries,
and allows us to freely praise Him and serve others.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes? Look at the
birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store
away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
This promised provision teaches us the inestimable
worth of our lives. He will not allow us to go
without. This intimate knowledge and care for human
life on the part of our gracious God is what
motivates us to seek for the preservation of human
life in all its stages.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Loving heavenly Father, help us to see the worth of
all human beings by the way in which you provide for
us. We would ask that you provide also the faith,
grace and courage to enable us to protect that which
is so precious to you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day03print.pdf
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
According to the letter, the pope will be personally praying for "you and all those who seek to protect life in the womb, that their efforts might lead to a growing appreciation of the inalienable rights of the unborn child."
A scan of the exact letter is posted online here.
David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life in the U.S., told LifeSiteNews, "We were encouraged by this communication" from the pope, and urged all those involved in the 40 Days for Life campaign to,
"Keep up the great work!"
Information on the 40 Days campaigns in Canada is available from the Campaign Life Coalition website.
To learn more about the international 40 Days for Life campaign and locations please visit here.
One good way to activate the 40 days for life world wide is to make it coincide with the Eastern Orthodox Nativity Fast which starts on November 15 and lasts until the Feast of the Nativity. The only problem is that the majority of Orthodox Christians are on the old calendar so that there would be a 13 day discrepancy.
Ugh. Can we ever get together.
singing
Let's get together. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
We could have a lot of fun.
I was reading in an old family heirloom, an old Catholic book (if I can find it) that Catholics used to observe 40 days before Christmas as a fast just like the Orthodox. I think that Nativity or Advent fast was abolished in the USA before 1870. Anyone have any information on that?
I'm home -- for a few hours, anyway -- following a
whirlwind trip to visit 40 Days for Life locations
in Arkansas and Wisconsin.
I've posted photos on the 40 Days for Life blog ...
so to look at the enthusiastic and dedicated folks at
the campaigns in Fayetteville, Arkansas as well as
Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin,
please go to:
DAY 4: May God be glorified | 40 Days for Life
I'll be on the road again starting tomorrow, with
stops in Nevada and California. David Bereit, our
national director, is visiting Minnesota today. More
pictures and stories will follow!
Today, of course, is Saturday -- the busiest day for
abortions at many of the facilities where 40 Days for
Life vigils are being conducted. If that's the case
in your city, and you have an opportunity to join
the prayer vigil, please do so.
Your prayers are needed -- urgently!
We're all human and we want to know if our prayers
are being heard. I'd like to tell you a couple of
stories that I hope will offer you proof that our
merciful God is listening to every word.
It had been a long day for Eileen at the 40 Days
for Life vigil in Beaumont, Texas. As she was about
ready to go home, she looked up over the roof of the
abortion center and noticed a rainbow beginning to
form. "There was no rain anywhere," she said.
Eileen and the other volunteers had been praying for
the conversion of the abortion facility staff. "As
we stood there in awe looking and beholding a sign
from God that He would protect us," she said,
"another rainbow formed on top of that one."
The rainbows remained for about five minutes, "and the
color seemed to get darker instead of lighter."
40 Days for Life participants in Chandler, Arizona
received a sign as well.
One of the local coordinators has a van with a "pray
to end abortion" sign on the side. The owner watched
from a distance as a woman drove up to the van, got
out, scribbled a note, and stuck it on the windshield.
They wondered if the sign on the van had prompted a
"nastygram," but that was not the case at all. The
message simply said, "Thank You! Never grow weary!
May God be glorified in the excellence of your work."
"That message was not just for us," said Anita in
Chandler. "That message is for everyone who is out
there praying right now. It's for every person who has
taken the time to stand in the rain, the snow, the
heat or on a very beautiful day, simply to peacefully
pray for an end to abortion."
The bottom line? Keep doing what you're doing!
"You are making a difference," Anita said, "even if
you never see any results. God sees them, and that
is what really matters!
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone,
national director of Priests for Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 4 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We ask God that we may understand the concept of
justice, as a gift he gives and as a responsibility
that shapes our work.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like
a never-failing stream!
-- Amos 5:24
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
-----------------------------------------------------
Justice, a key theme of the Scriptures, is something
God does and that we too must do.
When God intervenes to save his people when they are
helpless and in slavery in Egypt, he "does justice."
He manifested his justice in the plagues that were
sent upon Egypt, whereby Pharaoh was convinced that
he must let the people go. Justice is manifested as,
in awe and wonder, God's people see the Red Sea open
before them, allow them to pass without even getting
their feet wet, and then close again to drown their
powerful enemies.
God is a God of Justice; he rescues us when we cannot
save ourselves. His justice, above all, is seen in
Jesus Christ, who, when we could not save ourselves,
rescued us from the kingdom of sin, Satan, death, and
hell. The mighty work of Christ on the cross and in
the resurrection is the perfect manifestation of God
as the God of justice.
We, then, are to be the people of justice; we are to
"do justice" by intervening to save the helpless in
the name and by the power of the God who saves us who
are helpless ourselves. That's why we have a pro-life
movement; that's why we have a 40 Days for Life
Campaign; that's why saving the unborn is our
business.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
God of Justice, you heard the cry of your people when
they were being oppressed in Egypt, and you proved
yourself to be the God of justice, who rescues the
helpless. You likewise rescued us from the kingdom of
darkness, and brought us into the Kingdom of your
Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who saves us from the
power of Satan, sin, death, and hell.
Make us people of justice, ready to intervene to save
the helpless. Indeed, as your prophets have
announced, let justice roll on like a mighty river,
to save all who are in need, especially the unborn.
We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day04print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: How is 40 Days for Life touching lives in your
community? Please leave a comment on today's
blog entry at:
DAY 4: May God be glorified | 40 Days for Life
We often receive stories that get straight to the
heart of what 40 Days for Life is all about. This one
comes from Steve in Charlottesville, Virginia:
40 Days for Life is upon us and sometimes it's
hard to muster the courage and energy to confront
the dark cloud of abortion that hangs over this
nation. However, occasionally a ray of light
shines through the darkness to remind us that God
is still there and His love is triumphant.
When I moved to Charlottesville this summer I met
a couple men who had been standing outside of
Planned Parenthood for years. In fact, one of them
had been standing for so long that he was starting
to question his service.
He said to me, "It's very rare that I get any
positive feedback." I told him that it was a small
town, but I knew from my experience in Houston that
lives were being changed simply by the presence of
men and women outside of the abortion clinic praying
and handing out literature.
No sooner had he crossed the street than a woman
pulled up into the Planned Parenthood parking lot
and started yelling at me. At first I thought she
angry with me. But then she told me she wanted to
tell me something.
She pointed to the back seat of her car and said she
had a grandson in a car seat that was alive because
people were standing outside of the clinic -- and
she wanted to say thank you.
I ran across the street to the parking lot where my
friend was parked to tell him the good news.
But God wasn't done!
A week later a young woman pulled off the side of
the road to tell me that she, too, had changed her
mind because people were standing outside the clinic.
This woman later sent Steve a note. Here's what she said:
I'm not sure why I was so inclined to stop and speak
to you but remember feeling like I needed to tell
someone my story, someone who changed my thought
process when I was trying to decide whether or not I
should carry my child to term.
I cannot thank you and others like you enough for
standing up for what you believe in, because had it
not been for you all I may have made a horrible
decision and terminated my pregnancy. My girl is my
entire world, and everything I do now is so that I
can create a better life for her.
Please, do not stop doing what you are doing. I know
it may seem like your messages are falling on deaf
eyes and blind eyes, but I can assure you that me and
my daughter are proof of the power that you all have.
"So when your feet start to hurt and your back begins to
ache," said Steve, "just remember this baby is alive today
because a group of people overcame their fears, anxieties,
and personal plans to help others."
Amen!
I'm in Reno, Nevada today ... heading for California on
Monday, with stops in Sacramento, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and
Napa. Yes, that WILL be a busy day! But I'm blessed to
witness God use this effort coast-to-coast.
Here's today's devotional from Rev. Ben Sheldon,
president emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 5 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
May the truth of the final judgment shape our
thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
The King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I
say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the
least of these my brethren, you did it to me."
-- Matthew 25:31-46
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. Ben Sheldon
-----------------------------------------------------
Caring for others is not optional.
Jesus' picture of the final judgment concludes with
this sobering word: the wicked, who failed to care
for others in their various needs (e.g., the hungry,
the thirsty, the aliens, the naked, the sick, the
imprisoned) will go away into everlasting punishment,
but the righteous who did seek to meet those needs
will end up with him, enjoying eternal life.
We know that this was no parable! Jesus has given us
fair warning! Everything in God's Word points to the
truth that compassionate concern and practical care
for all people, especially for the poor, the
destitute, the weak and needy is required of us, if
indeed we hope to escape the punishment of the fire
of hell.
And who are the poor and needy, if not helpless,
unborn babies, as well as the aged and infirm at the
other end of life? Surely the "least of these"
embraces not only those at both ends of the continuum
of life, but all others in between.
Just how we, as Christ's true followers, respond to
his admonition "inasmuch as you did it to the least
of these, you did it to me" will determine whether we
enjoy eternal bliss in his presence or the bleak and
dreadful reality of eternal punishment in hell.
Nothing in God's Word could be clearer!
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Gracious and merciful Father, we gladly embrace your
Word that counsels us to care for the least of your
children, and we renew our dedication to defending
the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised
by our godless society's selfish lack of concern.
Free us from our own failures and sins so that we
will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day05print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
Chantal, have a blessed Sunday!
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: On my visit to Wisconsin last week, I was
interviewed by Drew Mariani of the Relevant Radio
network (their web site is http://relevantradio.com ).
Drew is a great supporter of 40 Days for Life and we
really appreciate him!
To listen to a short clip of the interview, go to:
DAY 5: A ray of light | 40 Days for Life
I'm in California today, visiting the 40 Days for
Life locations in Sacramento, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and
Napa. Tomorrow, it's on to Santa Cruz and San Jose.
I have a question for you: Will you be speaking at
a 40 Days for Life kickoff event with the director of
your local abortion facility at this time next year?
That's what I just did!!! And I have the video for you.
This video was recorded in Fayetteville, Arkansas --
where former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson
and I spoke outside of the Planned Parenthood
facility there.
This time last year, we were both at the 40 Days for
Life kickoff event in College Station, Texas -- but on
opposite sides of the fence!
See our talks and learn how your peaceful presence led
to her conversion. Enjoy this video and know that with
God all things are possible:
To see the video, please go to:
DAY 6: 44 babies saved! | 40 Days for Life
The subject line of today's message no doubt got your
attention. It's the one thing EVERYBODY always wants
to know -- "How many babies have been saved?"
As of the time I'm sending this, the total is indeed ...
44 ... that we know of.
We always add "that we know of" because no one other
than God Himself knows exactly how many lives He has
spared in response to your prayers and fasting.
With that in mind, here are some wonderfully
encouraging reports from local 40 Days for Life
campaign coordinators:
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EVERETT, WASHINGTON
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Friday is an abortion day at Planned Parenthood in
Everett, the site of a 40 Days for Life vigil.
This past Friday, however, the abortion total at
this facility was ZERO!
The place was CLOSED!!!
That was most unusual. No one really knows why.
And no one knows for sure how many lives may have
been saved. Women whose appointments were rescheduled
now have more time to think -- and reflect on what it
is that they were about to do.
Keep praying!
-----------------------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
-----------------------------------------------------
TWO women rejected abortions on the first day of
the campaign in Birmingham.
One young woman went into the Planned Parenthood
center -- and turned right around and left within
15 minutes. She spoke to one of the volunteers
and followed her to the pro-life pregnancy center
nearby, where she decided to keep her baby.
Later, a couple took information from a volunteer,
but entered the Planned Parenthood building and
stayed for hours. It didn't look good. But finally
they walked out -- with huge smiles -- and told
the people praying they canceled the abortion.
-----------------------------------------------------
TOLEDO, OHIO
-----------------------------------------------------
While several people were praying at the 40 Days
for Life vigil, a young woman drove out of the
abortion center and pulled up to the volunteers.
She rolled down her window and told them she had
changed her mind.
"Our prayers and presence make a difference,"
said one of the volunteers. "Christians of different
faith backgrounds coming together for the same
purpose! What a witness!"
-----------------------------------------------------
CHICO, CALIFORNIA
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Early one morning, several 40 Days for Life vigil
participants watched -- and prayed -- as a woman
entered Planned Parenthood.
They kept praying, hoping for a miracle.
After a while, the young woman exited the abortion
center, turned towards the prayer volunteers ...
and gave them a big thumbs-up.
"Be encouraged," said Mary in Chico. "We most
often do not see the results, but know that each
and every prayer is touching someone."
I couldn't have said it any better!
Here's today's devotional from Rev. Paul Stallsworth,
president of Lifewatch (United Methodist Church)...
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DAY 6 INTENTION
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That knowing the shortness of life, all may value it
more deeply.
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SCRIPTURE
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Remember your Creator before the silver cord is
loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher
shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the
well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it
was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
-- Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
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REFLECTION by Rev. Paul Stallsworth, Lifewatch
-----------------------------------------------------
God is giver of all life. Short lived or long lived,
human lives are lived out in this world. The
metaphors for death are many. But their meaning is
clear and singular: all will die. Even so, death is
not the absolute end. It is not the end of the story.
For as certainly as God gave life, at death the life
or spirit that God gave returns to God.
By God, we are created. For God, we live our given
days. To God, we return at the end of our earthly
days. And with God, we live through eternity.
Clearly, all along the way, this gracious, loving God
is with us. No human life is random or alone. No
human life was created without purpose. Not one human
life is without destiny.
All human lives, acknowledged or not, are related to
God -- from beginning, to end, throughout eternity.
Therefore, in this world, all human lives are to be
respected and protected, for their lives are signs of
God's sovereignty.
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PRAYER
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O God, we too often try to live in ways that ignore
our coming death. We forget that our days are
numbered by You, that at the end of our days your
judgment awaits, that You are the Lord of our
destiny.
Help us to repent daily, and then to live each day in
joyful obedience. Lead us to live in the light and
promise of eternity. Prepare us to live fully and
sacrificially. Prepare us to die faithfully and
hopefully, so that we might live forever with You.
Through Jesus Christ, who has gone before us, we
trust and hope and love and pray, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day06print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: So what did you think of the video? Please leave
your comments on today's blog posting at:
DAY 6: 44 babies saved! | 40 Days for Life
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