40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 12: More than Lord of the Rings

Deacon John, When many people think of New Zealand, they know it as the place where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. The real story of New Zealand is the hope that Christians have in the midst of the radical secularization of their country. To counter this mindset, pro-life Christians in New Zealand brought 40 Days for Life to their country in 2014. Three cities in New Zealand are taking part in the current 40 Days for Life campaign … and our board chair, Matt Britton, is just back from a trip to all three locations.

“New Zealand only has about 5 million people,” Matt said, “and recently recorded its 500,000th abortion – meaning 10 percent of the current population is gone.” Although abortion is technically illegal, the existence of many exceptions makes abortion available virtually on demand – about 13,500 per year nationwide. While there are fees and waiting periods for other medical procedures at public hospitals, abortion is FREE – and immediate.

Auckland, New Zealand Matt’s first stop was in Auckland, where he spoke to several hundred at a kickoff event … and met with Bishop Patrick Dunn. Michael Loretz, the local coordinator, said a pregnant teen contacted one of his team members as a direct result of this kickoff. “Please pray for this girl,” he said. “She will need support to choose life for her baby.”

The Auckland vigil, run from the offices of the John Paul II Centres for Life, is across from one of the only private abortion facilities in New Zealand. Socialized medicine provides free abortions at hospitals, but this location does 1,000 abortions annually. The vigil drew pro-abortion protesters while Matt was there. The abortion director here once referred a client to Michael because she couldn’t afford an abortion – and his team helped save the baby. “This year at the kickoff, the director came out, thanked Michael, and then went back in. Try and make that up!”

Wellington, New Zealand At his second stop in Wellington, the capital, Matt met with Clare, who is a fourth-year 40 Days for Life leader, as is Michael in Auckland. Abortions take place at a public hospital – it’s called "Spring of Life" in the native Maori language. Matt said abortions take place “in the red brick part that you can see behind the team. It is located above the chapel.” A protest of young girls between 14 and 18 years old came out from a school for a second year in a row – it appears there were teachers from the school with them.

Christchurch, New Zealand The final New Zealand stop was in Christchurch, where the 40 Days for Life vigil takes place outside another public hospital. “Connor, a first-time leader, is well supported through the Order of St. John and many other churches,” Matt said. The Christchurch portion of the trip included a presentation to the pro-life club at the University of Canterbury. One of the club’s officers thanked Matt “for coming to visit and for your strong and encouraging words.”

“Matt was a great presence here in New Zealand and the vigil has got off to a brilliant start,” said Michael, the Auckland leader. “Hopefully, this campaign will be a wonderful blessing for many. Thank you to all the team at 40 Days for Life – what you do is excellent!”

My power is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9 Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn D. Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316