Dear Deacon John,
I've been to Canada many times for pro-life events, and I find that our neighbors to the north are some of the most dedicated you will ever meet. Canadians endure cold and persecution with persistence. They are a tough people ... and often have a great sense of humor.
The 40 Days for Life campaign in Ottawa takes place outside an abortion facility near Parliament Hill – not far from the location of the recent terror shootings. The vigil was suspended for a time because of security concerns, but all participants were safe and the vigil was later permitted to resume.
There are 15 campaigns in progress throughout Canada, and we join them all in prayer … including, of course, prayer for an end to abortion.
Ottawa, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec
Ottawa and Montreal were two of the many Canadian locations that Steve Karlen, our North American outreach director, visited during this campaign.
To see Steve's video report from Canada, click the image below ...
... or go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/2014/11/01/video-40-days-life-canada/
Kitchener, Ontario
A volunteer was praying in front of Freeport Hospital in Kitchener when a man on a motorcycle rode up – right on the grass where he and the other volunteers were standing.
“The young man told me years ago his mother wanted to have abortion and for some reason,” he said, “she didn't do it.” So, said the guy on the motorcycle,“Here I am!” He said the people praying were doing a good thing.
It all left the vigil participant somewhat speechless. After he had time to think about what he’d heard, he realized a testimony like that was a great motivation for him.
London, Ontario
An angry young woman approached the vigil outside Victoria Hospital in London. She pushed a couple of the vigil participants, then grabbed three 40 Days for Life signs … and tossed them over the fence.
Not long after that the wind picked up … and blew the signs back over the fence, where they landed right at the feet of the people who were praying!
One of the volunteers said it must have been the Holy Spirit. They continued praying for an end to abortion … and for healing for the angry woman.
Leamington, Ontario
Helen in Leamington is encouraging volunteers to finish the campaign strong. There have been a number of positives lately. “We had lots of thumbs up, honks, coffee and donuts delivered,” she said.
Still, there are times she wonders how long it will take for abortion to end. “What about 100,000 babies’ lives cut short every year in Canada? With God’s help we must continue to work towards the day when all Canadians, even the smallest of us, will be given the gift of life.”
Here’s today’s devotional from Carmen Pate of Alliance Ministries.
Day 39 intention
Pray that God will continue to bless the efforts that have gone into the 40 Days for Life campaign, as we trust Him for the results.
Scripture
Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name.
— Nehemiah 1:10-11
Reflection
Nehemiah provides an awesome blueprint for volunteers in God’s service, particularly those responding to the devastation abortion has caused our nation.
Nehemiah grieved for God’s reputation as he witnessed the condition of the city walls of Jerusalem. The walls were broken down which was seen by neighboring people as a sign of weakness on the part of Jerusalem's God. No wall meant no security for the city and its people.
We learn from his story that he covered every detail in prayer; inspired others to join the cause; organized others to help do the work; confronted opposition directly and turned to God when discouraged; and finally celebrated what was accomplished and gave God all the glory!
Like Nehemiah, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty as we serve Him before a mocking world. We too need to be reminded that we are “fighting” for our families. We too must have an attitude of confession and repentance before a Holy God. We must pray for strength, refute slander, and not be diverted from our work.
Like Nehemiah, we will draw attention from the enemy when we are seeking to protect the well-being of God’s people. We too must stand firm and seek God’s help to persevere until the task is done. We too will be victorious.
Prayer
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is Yours.
We pray for your continued guidance and protection throughout the remainder of this 40 day campaign. May we be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labor will not be in vain. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today’s devotional as a printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/media/fall2014day39print.pdf
For Life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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