40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 16: Praying, fasting ... and freezing

Deacon John, Snow, sacrifice ... and more snow and more sacrifice! After enjoying some decidedly spring-like weather … many parts of North America and Europe were reintroduced to winter this week. They are used to snow, for instance, at the 40 Days for Life vigil location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (below).

It was so snowy in places such as Augusta, Maine that it was not safe to travel to the vigil site. That’s okay – safety always comes first. Even in places like Fayetteville, Arkansas it got downright chilly!

But regardless of the weather, people kept praying for an end to abortion – indoors and out. A little snow and ice won’t stop THAT!

College Park, Maryland Wintry precipitation kept the abortion business closed. The staff didn’t show up … but some 40 Days for Life vigil volunteers did – as did two women who had appointments at the abortion center. “We gave them better resources,” said one of the vigil participants. “Let’s pray the abortion clinic remains closed … and that abortion will end here.”

Iasi, Romania “It’s pretty cold and my feet are frozen fast,” a 40 Days for Life vigil participant said on a frigid evening. The few passers-by moved along quickly. Would anyone else stop to pray? “To my surprise, every 10 minutes, someone else joined,” the volunteer said. The group soon included two priests from Moldova who traveled to Iasi specifically for the vigil. “I saw in them living proof that this fight for the unborn recognizes no boundaries, no borders. We are here for those who cannot defend themselves. I want to be God’s tool to do good!”

Sioux Falls, South Dakota “Here in South Dakota,” said Doug in Sioux Falls, “there are people standing and praying out in the snowfall. The ground is frozen solid, so it's hard to find places to plant our signs.” Planned Parenthood was closed, making for a “cold and lonely” vigil. But Doug was ready. “I've got all my arctic clothing lined up, waiting for my hour on the sidewalk.” His heavy gauntlet mittens added to the challenge, “but the ‘yes’ in our hearts is still loud and clear.”

Bogota, Colombia “We are united in prayer,” said one of the team leaders in Bogota’s Santa Barbara section. “We do experience the cold and the rain … but most of all, it’s the strength of the love of God that moves us.” It’s that strength that carries the vigil participants as they talk to people on the street. Many ask what they’re doing … and are shocked because they were unaware of the presence of abortion. “The most amazing and beautiful thing is that volunteers are praying every day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.,” the local leader said. “They have made a great sacrifice for love. They pray – sometimes alone and for long hours – so that God can allow them to be a light for others in the midst of such darkness.”

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28 Father, hear our prayer! Snatch desperate mothers from the fire. Bring them out of our abortion businesses and into our pregnancy help centers. Deliver them from evil. Use us to help them chose life and see your hand of provision. 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