From 40 Days For Life: DAY 25: Matters of life and death

Before I get to an update on the courageous campaign leaders dealing with California wild fires ... I want to let you know that 40 Days for Life will be featured on EWTN -- the Eternal Word Television Network -- on Sunday. I will be on EWTN Bookmark with host Doug Keck at 9:30 am Eastern. The show will be re-aired on Monday at 4:30 pm Eastern.

Today we have a special shout-out to 40 Days for Life volunteers in California who've had to deal with the serious fires plaguing their areas. Some of them have had to evacuate their homes. We insist on putting safety first when it comes to the vigil. In just one example, the fires got too close for Howard and Ron and the 40 Days for Life team in Napa. "Lost less than seven calendar days due to the unpredictable fires in our area," Howard wrote. But that did not discourage these folks once it was safe to venture out.

Yes, there's a smoky haze in the air … and yes, those are masks that some of the people are wearing. "Undeterred by the smoke … 22 stalwart prayer warriors prayed in front of local Planned Parenthood facility," Ron reported. For several 40 Days for Life campaigns in California, the fires represent a life-and-death situation. But once the danger subsides, these volunteers will once again turn their attention to another life-and-death situation – at the local abortion center. And this is why we continue to pray.

Colorado Springs, Colorado More than 70 volunteers took part in a candlelight vigil in Colorado Springs – a "very encouraging and prayerful gathering," according to Michele, the local coordinator. Carol Siedhoff, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors, was on hand to share thoughts and stories with the participants in Colorado Springs' 18th 40 Days for Life campaign. "It was a great visit from Carol!" Michele said. "What an amazing woman!" The Colorado Springs team is doing its best to boost participation in the vigil, "and Carol really lifted our spirits."

Vukovar, Croatia "Our campaign is doing well," said Lidija, one of the 40 Days for Life leaders in Vukovar. "More and more people are coming to ask us about the 40 Days for Life initiative and why are we there." The Vukovar team also met with a Franciscan youth group. "We introduced them to the facts and statistics about abortion – and 40 Days for Life's involvement in pro-life activities," Lidija said. "They were so surprised. They didn't know much about abortion," she said. "At the end, they promised to get more involved."

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” — Jeremiah 1:4-5 Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President, 40 Days for Life

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