From 40 Days For Life: DAY 3: Hurricanes and free abortions

Many of us have been touched in some way by the recent string of natural disasters – earthquakes in Mexico, hurricanes in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. I live in Houston ... and the water from Hurricane Harvey came within just a few feet of our home. Many of our neighbors and friends were not so fortunate. These powerful forces of nature are reminders of how precious – and fragile – human life can be. But on the other hand, there's a Texas abortion center operator, who, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, stepped forward to offer "free abortion care" to "women affected by the storm." She said, "it 's the right thing to do." She went on to say that abortion is "essential to our ability to function in society with true equality." Sadly, this is the empty mentality required in the cold and sterile abortion industry. They survive on despair and make money from forcing their will on the most vulnerable in our society.

Not long after Harvey hit, I went out to the largest abortion facility in the Western Hemisphere — the Planned Parenthood mega-center in Houston. There, just after the hurricane, I saw hope. The medical bus operated by the Houston Coalition for Life was parked outside Planned Parenthood, offering women ultrasounds and positive options — despite the organization 's office being flooded! The Houston Coalition for Life sponsors 40 Days for Life in their community, showing that neither natural disasters nor an industry that offers free abortions can deter the love of life and love of God.

Flint, Michigan "Despite record-breaking 93 degree heat for our kickoff, the entire event was such a blessing," said Tina in Flint. "God provided shade with the trees … and a steady wind kept us cool." A young woman named Kristen shared her story with those in attendance, telling how she had made an appointment for an abortion at Planned Parenthood seven years ago. A Planned Parenthood worker told her there would be people "protesting" outside – but to ignore them. "Just knowing that people would be there made her change her mind and choose life for her daughter," Tina said. Kristen 's daughter is now 6 years old. "Being physically present here makes a big difference," Kristen said. "I just really want to impress upon you all that being here can … help people understand this is not just a split decision," she said. "We are a community and that's why we are here!"

Subotica, Serbia "In the early morning hours, we started our third 40 Days for Life campaign in Subotica, Serbia," said one of the enthusiastic volunteers. Those who assembled for the beginning of the vigil received a blessing and were encouraged to have a fruitful and happy campaign. Along with the blessing, the local pastor invited the volunteers to deeper prayer and sacrifice on behalf of the unborn. "If anyone wants to be a part of this initiative," said one of the team members, "all they have to do is come and pray with us!"

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? —Matthew 6:25-26 Loving heavenly Father, help us to see the worth of all human beings by the way in which you provide for us. We would ask that you provide also the faith, grace and courage to enable us to protect that which is so precious to you. See today's full devotional

Find a 40 Days for Life location and join the vigil nearest you! There are 375 from coast to coast in North America and around the world!

Shawn D. Carney President, 40 Days for Life

PS: Just a quick note -- I will be on Moody Radio today at 1 pm Eastern / noon Central. Please listen if you have a chance!

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