From 40 Days For Life: DAY 1: Answering God's call

Dear Deacon John,

 

It's Day 1! And 40 Days for Life is already off to a big start. Your 40-day journey starts today ... no matter where you live!

There are 253 campaign locations — find the closest one ... sign up ... and help end abortion in your community:

http://40daysforlife.com/location
 
I spoke at the kickoff in Port Charlotte, Florida last night ... while our North American outreach director, Steve Karlen, spoke in north Houston.

Here's a quick report from Steve regarding the first of many visits he's planning this campaign.

Little Rock, Arkansas

 

The Little Rock kickoff was one to remember because it took place in pouring rain and a temperature of 35 degrees. When I learned that this event was moving forward rain or shine, I assumed that I’d be speaking to a group comprising the organizers and not one soul more. It turns out that more than 30 people showed up despite the miserable weather.
 
This group had a ton of energy and enthusiasm, and it was a very exciting event ... followed by an open house and tours of the pregnancy center across the street.
 

 

I learned that these folks are used to getting wet at the vigil site. The abortion facility installed sprinklers — but not for the landscaping. The sprinklers are on top of their privacy fence, where they’re aimed right at the prayer volunteers!
   
Shreveport / Bossier City, Louisiana

The kickoff for the Shreveport / Bossier City campaign was a very strong event, held at a large Baptist church. The rally featured a real cross section of Christianity, which was pretty cool to see.
 

 

The evening included Bishop Michael Duca of the local Catholic diocese, as well as praise and worship music. I also had an opportunity to speak to the volunteers. I was joined by Melody Olson, who shared her story about being a post-abortive mother who learned that she is also an abortion survivor.
 
The photo below shows me on the left, Melody in the middle, and Shreveport / Bossier City’s local coordinator, Chris Davis, on the right.
 

 
Thanks to Steve Karlen for that report!

 

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

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.

Printable devotional

To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2014day01print.pdf 

 

For Life,

 

SHAWN CARNEY Campaign Director 40 Days for Life www.40daysforlife.com