Dear Deacon John,
I’m speaking at an event in Beaumont, Texas today … celebrating the closing of the abortion facility there. We pray for more closures — around the globe — this final Saturday of the campaign ... as we take a world tour!
Robert Colquhoun, our international outreach director, has collected a few stories from leaders in England, Australia, Spain and Russia who are praying — and working — to end abortion where they live.
Sydney, Australia
Robert Colquhoun, our international outreach director, has collected a few stories from leaders in England, Australia, Spain and Russia who are praying — and working — to end abortion where they live.
Sydney, Australia
“Down here in Sydney, Australia, our 40 Days campaign has been a true success story!” said Andrew, the local coordinator.
“The great news is that no abortions have taken place on either Thursday or Friday for five out of the six weeks of the campaign,” he said. “When we began praying there, they were doing abortions on four days … and now only two! Thanks be to God that our presence is having a significant impact!”
Madrid, Spain
One of the vigil participants in Madrid wrote about her experiences outside the abortion center.
“At the beginning, there were seven of us praying,” she said. “A woman and man came over and started to berate us.” They clearly wanted the prayers to stop. But the volunteer noticed that the woman had tears in her eyes.
In her grief, this woman said that she had not wanted to have an abortion, but that she didn’t have the means to keep the baby.
“We were able to tell her that help is available for mothers who have aborted,” the vigil participant said. But the woman’s companions moved between her and the people praying, insisting that they leave.
The volunteer asked for prayers for this suffering woman. “I am asking Jesus that she may not experience 40 years of post-abortive depression … like those of a family member of mine … before finding the true consolation that only Christ gives.”
Moscow, Russia
“We were able to tell her that help is available for mothers who have aborted,” the vigil participant said. But the woman’s companions moved between her and the people praying, insisting that they leave.
The volunteer asked for prayers for this suffering woman. “I am asking Jesus that she may not experience 40 years of post-abortive depression … like those of a family member of mine … before finding the true consolation that only Christ gives.”
Moscow, Russia
Arevik in Moscow said a woman arrived for an abortion “because she was not ready for a second baby.” However, the woman told vigil participants she had changed her mind and canceled the appointment.
Arevik said the volunteers have also heard about an abortion worker with a troubled conscience. “We are praying,” the Moscow leader said, “and we believe that God is doing something here!”
Birmingham, England
40 Days for Life is a Christian outreach. And the volunteers in Birmingham have been able to show Christ’s love to many who are non-Christian.
Isabel spoke to a Muslim couple, who had an appointment for an abortion. After a visit to a counseling office in London, they skipped the abortion appointment and are looking at other options.
They were very grateful to all who helped. “We have never come across anything like this before where people help each other for free,” they said. “Do all these Christians know we’re Muslim? Why would Christians help Muslims?”
“They still need lots of prayer,” Isabel said, “but they were truly amazed.”
Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate of Alliance Ministries.
Day 39 intention
Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!
Scripture
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
— 1 Peter 1:6-7
Reflection by Carmen Pate
We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.
Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service.
Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days.
The attacks of the enemy come in many forms — difficulties in relationships, finances, health.
Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.
Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you.
The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might.
We rest in You, dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us.
May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/
For Life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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PS:
Have you prayed at an abortion facility for the first time during this
40 Days for Life campaign? If so, please share your experiences by
responding to today's blog entry at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/
