40 Days For Life: DAY 26: Teamwork saves lives

Dear Deacon John, We often talk about 40 Days for Life "teams" -- because that's one of the reasons why these efforts have borne so much fruit. The campaigns require close cooperation among countless numbers of volunteers, who selflessly offer their time and energy to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. Local leaders not only work with their own volunteers, but with churches and other pro-life outreaches in their communities. And it pays off! Join your local team by finding your closest vigil location. You could be part of an example like these.

El Paso, Texas and Santa Teresa, New Mexico The same operator owns abortion facilities in El Paso and Santa Teresa ... so the 40 Days for Life teams in these communities work closely together to try to save lives. A pregnant mom was distraught. She had learned her boyfriend was unfaithful, so she had borrowed $530 and walked to El Paso's Hill Top abortion center to get an abortion. After paying $400 for an ultrasound, she was told she was 17 weeks pregnant and could not get an abortion in Texas -- so she was sent to nearby Santa Teresa, since there are no restrictions in New Mexico. The abortion would cost another $200 to $300, which was more money than she had. When she first spoke to 40 Days for Life volunteers, her main concern was finding a ride to Santa Teresa. But when one of the team leaders suggested to her that all of this was a sign that she should not have an abortion, the mom said, "I'm starting to think that, too!" After she was given information about life-affirming resources available in El Paso, she declared that she was going to keep her child. Said one of the volunteers, "Glory be to God!"

Lansing, Michigan An example of the teamwork that exists between many 40 Days for Life campaigns and pregnancy help centers comes to us from Lansing. The director of a help center contacted the 40 Days for Life leaders to say they'd just seen a couple who was sent their way by volunteers at the vigil. The young mother is in the second trimester of her pregnancy ... and "they said they'd be choosing life for their baby," the director said. "Pray that they will receive the support they need and deliver a healthy baby." "Our prayerful presence is a sign that there are options to abortion," said Cecilia, one of the Lansing 40 Days for Life leaders.

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. — Psalm 104:27-30 Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President/CEO, 40 Days for Life

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