40 Days For Life: DAY 17: They despised St. Patrick

Deacon John, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Patrick was a missionary to an unbelieving people and was a true ambassador of Christ. Today the world celebrates him (and we should too) ... but our celebration is focused on the way he witnessed the Gospel -- fearlessly. He faced persecution and opposition, but that did not hinder his trust in God. He famously said, "If I may be worthy, I live for my God to teach the heathen -- even though they may despise me."

Our task today is much the same, as Western culture becomes more secularized and dehumanizes the most vulnerable among us. As it was for St. Patrick, ours is an uphill struggle. But we trust God, we are strengthened by prayer ... and we realize that Christ has overcome the world. Keep praying and -- whether you're Irish or not -- celebrate this man of faith today. We need more like him.

Mountain View, California  “Planned Parenthood is on the run!” said Bob, the campaign leader in Mountain View, California during my recent stop at the 40 Days for Life vigil there. They’ve had five campaigns in Mountain View. Planned Parenthood is upset … ready to move to a different location … and asking the city to pay for it. “We are certainly causing a stir, especially in California, by being out there and objecting to the city paying for their move,” said Bob. I asked Bob and many of the volunteers why they have been so successful ... and they all gave the same answer. Rita! Rita Donnelly is 87 years old and has been active in the prolife movement longer than I've been alive. She said she goes out to pray … and trusts God with the results. “It’s all the Holy Spirit,” Rita said. “I’m just so inspired to see so many young people involved after decades of being out here.”

Hong Kong  We know that the prayers at 40 Days for Life vigils save lives. Did you know that social media photos of 40 Days for Life vigils also save lives? It’s true! “Just now,” said Joe, the 40 Days for Life leader in Hong Kong, “for the first time, I saw a picture of a baby whose mother chose life because of the work of 40 Days for Life!” At some point last year, the mom had booked an abortion at Family Planning Association. But prior to that appointment, she was on Facebook – and saw a picture of two people praying there with the 40 Days for Life team ... [more]

Sharonville, Ohio “What we do matters,” said Leslie, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Sharonville. She told the story of a young woman who arrived at the abortion center during the last 40 Days for Life vigil along with her boyfriend and her boyfriend’s mother. The three stopped outside to speak with one of the sidewalk counselors. The boyfriend’s mom was doing her best to persuade the young woman to reject abortion. The mother had an abortion years ago … and it has been a life-long struggle for her ... [more]

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. —Genesis 2:7 Lord, we are yours. Thank you for breathing into us the breath of life. Thank you for claiming us as your own. May our words and actions in defense of human life proclaim to all the world that you alone are Lord of life and death, Lord of our freedom and of our choices. 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