DAY 1: Looking forward to victory

Dear Deacon,

Today is the beginning of a somber season -- when we
are reminded of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

But we are filled with joy!

As we prepare to commemorate God's victory over death
with Christ's resurrection, we look forward to the
lifesaving results of this spring's 40 Days for Life
campaign ...

... and we're off to a fast start!

David Bereit, 40 Days for Life's national director,
and I have both already spoken at 40 Days for Life
kickoff events these past few days and the excitement
is HUGE!

Let's begin in Nebraska.

For one thing, I can tell you that Nebraskans are
one dedicated group of people!

Over the weekend, I flew to Omaha to help Nebraskans
United for Life kick off their 40 Days for Life vigils.

One of the vigils is located outside one of the few
late-term abortion facilities in America.

The abortionist makes no apologies for it, with a
big billboard that says "ABORTION & CONTRACEPTION
SERVICES OF NEBRASKA" right above his door.

Despite the cold, the local 40 Days for Life leader,
Mary Crosby, had invited a large crowd gathered to
pray for the doctor and begin 40 days of prayer and
fasting in front of a place that takes innocent human
life in the womb up to 24 weeks.

Click here to see a couple of pictures from Omaha --
one of me with Mary, and one where I was speaking to
the vigil participants at the kickoff event:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

In Glendale, Arizona, Monica reports the campaign
there is holding its prayer vigil outside a Planned
Parenthood abortion center. That's where the kickoff
was held, which Monica describes as "an amazing,
peaceful vigil" attended by many prayer volunteers.

Click here to see a photo of the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Glendale:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

In Orange County, California, the 40 Days for Life
team launched the spring campaign with a baby shower.

"Around 80 people gathered in this celebration of
life," said Alejandra, one of the local leaders.
"We celebrated the lives of twin boys saved from
abortion and helped two newborn girls in need."

Click here to see photos of the 40 Days for Life
baby shower in Orange County:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1519

Those are just a few of the record 247 locations
taking part in this campaign -- and we can't wait
to see what God has in store.

The best news -- YOU can join in!

Click here to be a part the 40 Days for Life campaign
nearest you:

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

Today's devotional is from David Brandao, the national
communications director of 40 Days for Life.

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DAY 1 INTENTION
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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.

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SCRIPTURE
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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

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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.

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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.

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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/spring2011day01print.pdf

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For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: That link for finding -- and getting involved in
-- the closest 40 Days for Life campaign is:

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

 10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
US