40 Days For Life: DAY 39: Before, during and after

Dear Deacon John, At 40 Days for Life vigils, we are there before, during and after a woman chooses abortion. We are there to offer the last hope for the babies, to be there in solidarity with them as they lose their lives ... and to be the first sign of mercy to the women as they leave. But for your presence, the women are alone as they leave. And there is no follow-up appointment with the abortion facility. We are also there before, during and after a woman chooses life! Some people cynically claim, "You are telling women to give birth, but where will you be once the baby is born?" We know of mothers that 40 Days for Life leaders have stayed in touch with for years. Some volunteers have even been asked to be in the delivery room with the moms, attend their weddings ... or serve as godparents to their children. 40 Days for Life volunteers' concern and compassion are often seen during the campaign ... and here's an example.

Walnut Creek, California A 40 Days for Life volunteer in Walnut Creek noticed a young family entering Planned Parenthood's driveway ... and soon learned this couple with a small child was 12 weeks pregnant. The thought of abortion broke their hearts, but they saw no way to care for another child. They were homeless ... basically living in their car. The volunteers sprang into action. They told them about all of the practical support they would receive at the local Birthright center. One vigil participant offered them money to fuel their car. Others arranged for a few nights at a motel. Fast-forward a bit, and the family has connected with Birthright ... a local agency is helping them search for a home ... and the mom has been filling out job applications. "Praise God!" said one of the 40 Days for Life vigil participants. "A baby saved! A family assisted! Hope for future generations!" And it is all because these volunteers are willing to reach out in practical ways. "It is with great joy that we have the opportunity to help clothe the naked, take in the homeless, feed the hungry," the Walnut Creek team member said. "We do it for HIM!"

Chapel Hill, North Carolina A young woman pulled up to Planned Parenthood in Chapel Hill ... and just wanted to talk. "We talked about everything from the sanctity of life to the feminist perspective of the pro-life movement," said Stacey in Chapel Hill, "how places like Planned Parenthood claim to be for choice but refuse to show women images of their unborn children ... and so on." She noted that abortion advocates are often surprised when you're familiar with their talking points and can offer solid responses. "Despite the fact that she was 'pro-choice,' she thanked us for what we were doing, for being peaceful and willing to engage in dialogue," Stacey said. "I believe she saw something in us and was thirsty for what secular feminism could not give her," she added. "I would ask you to pray for this woman to come to faith in Christ and see the sanctity of life."

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 1:6-7 Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. 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