Dear Deacon John,
It’s the final Saturday of the campaign! If you haven’t had a chance to take part yet, please don’t think it’s too late. We have all day today and all day tomorrow … and your prayers are needed.
God continues to use 40 Days for Life worldwide. Today we have reports from four continents … including a video from two of the newest campaigns in Africa.
Cameroon
Robert Colquhoun, the international outreach director for 40 Days for Life, had a chance to meet with the people behind the first two campaigns in Cameroon.
Abortion is illegal there … but outside influences are trying to convince people to change that. As Robert’s video report shows … that isn’t working! Faith remains strong, and people are committed.
To see the video, click on the image above ... or to go:
Bogota, Colombia
The first 40 Days for Life effort in Colombia’s capital of Bogota has been a leap of faith. The planners wanted to do a 24-hour vigil … and people have responded by coming out to pray.
"The campaign in Colombia has had great success,” said Margarita, who is helping with the project. “Frankly, I didn’t think that so many volunteers would participate and I did not anticipate one of the most beautiful things” – priests leading prayer at the vigil location.
She said processions through the neighborhood surrounding the abortion centers have also had a huge impact. “We walk through the neighborhood just praying or singing and we stop in front of some of the abortion centers to pray in front of them. It is giving a beautiful testimony to the community.”
Leeds, England
Robert also visited the campaign in Leeds and called Chris “a valiant leader” who is running the campaign very well. “He brings in materials every morning from the outskirts of town and has made large personal sacrifices to make the campaign a reality.”
Chris recalled one morning outside the Marie Stopes abortion facility when two volunteers were praying. “They noticed a car driving out and a lady in the front with the most beaming smile giving them the thumbs-up sign.”
The woman told the vigil participants, “Today we are taking our baby home with us.”
“Marie Stopes have reduced the opening hours down to three days a week,” Chris said. “The team have had many positive interactions with the public … there have been few negative reactions to the vigil.”
Azcapotzalco, Mexico
The first 40 Days for Life vigil in Azcapotzalco is outside a Marie Stopes abortion facility in Mexico’s federal district. The campaign is joining several others in the metropolitan Mexico City area.
“New volunteers are still joining the vigil ... even during this final week,” noted one of the team members. “There is nothing more important than defending life.”
A sign above the Marie Stopes center reads, “Hijos por eleccion, no por azar.” It’s a talking point from the London-based abortion chain that sounds more like their tired old slogan in English: Children by choice, not by chance. “Since when is life a ‘chance’?” asked one of the local leaders.
One volunteer noted that a post on Azcapotzalco’s Facebook page had a number of “likes.” She responded by saying, “It’s not enough to click ‘like.’You have to attend!”
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 from 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
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For life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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