Dear Deacon,
I'm on my way to Glendale, Arizona ... and today's
report stretches from London to Alaska with a stop
in Maryland.
We've talked about 40 Days for Life getting positive
media coverage. Today, it come from an unexpected
source across the Atlantic.
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LONDON, ENGLAND
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"Truly astonishing!" said Robert in London, noting that
a prominent newspaper, known for a pro-abortion stand,
printed a "thoughtful pro-life article."
"Are pro-life campaigners always aggressive? A new wave
of Christian anti-abortion activists say they pray rather
than shout," read the headline in The Times of London.
The reporter wrote that in Central London, pro-lifers
are "witnessing to the belief that abortion hurts women
as well as taking the life of their unborn child."
"With our campaign, we are not judging anyone," Robert
told The Times. "Praying outside a clinic brings a
tangible sign to the local community. It helps to
awaken consciences, hearts and minds to the reality
of abortion. The prayer vigil is also a clear sign
that there are people who are willing to help those
in crisis pregnancies and can make a difference to
those in need."
Laura, another 40 Days for Life participant, talked
about the changes a couple experienced when they
decided to keep their child.
"They were smiling and visibly more relaxed than when
they went in ten minutes before," Laura told the
reporter. "She looked relieved, and he a little
excited but happy. They were grateful, cheerful and
walking away their body language had completely changed."
To see a photo of the prayer group in London, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
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The 40 Days for Life team is holding its vigil outside
a business that calls itself a "family planning clinic."
Susan in College Park said many of the women who arrive
for appointments are there for birth control prescriptions.
"After speaking with a number of them, we found out that
they did not know that this was an abortion clinic," she
said. "We were able to convince some of the women not to go
into this clinic.” They also provided pro-life materials.
There have been several babies spared from abortion at
this vigil site. Susan said, "We are thankful for all of
the people who come out to pray on a regular basis."
To see a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
College Park, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477
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ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
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We often talk about the hidden damage caused by
abortion. The 40 Days for Life team in Anchorage held
an event where they showed just how much of an impact
abortion has in their community.
The tiny victims of abortion are never seen. And
sometimes, a number is just a number. So, said Haylee
in Anchorage, "we released 143 pink and blue balloons
in memory of the 143 babies that were killed by
abortion on average each month last year."
Two local pastors prayed at the event, and the
participants sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves
the Little Children" before sending the balloons skyward.
To see a photo of the balloon release in Anchorage,
please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone,
national director of Priests for Life...
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DAY 30 INTENTION
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That those tempted to abort may understand that their
child is already present, and already a real person.
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SCRIPTURE
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And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of
Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth
was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said,
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the
fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For
indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded
in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
-- Luke 1:41-44
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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one
himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by
saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is
expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As
reflected in our verse for today, however, this is
not the case with the mother.
Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a
mother already, does not have a child "on the way,"
but has a child, already present and in full
possession of his or her human rights, starting with
the right to life.
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PRAYER
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Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of
every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of
every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your
own birth in Bethlehem.
As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send
your protection upon every child still in the womb,
and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that
comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray
through Christ our Lord, 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/fall2011day30print.pdf
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-----------------------For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: Have you had an experience with 40 Days for Life
that has had a deep impact on you personally? If
you have, please share your story by leaving a
comment on today's blog posting at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2477
40 Days for Life
10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
US
