40 Days For Life: DAY 39: Abortion devastates communities

Abortion is a decision that devastates entire communities. In Southeast Florida, a Latino couple entering their abortion appointment refused offers of help from vigil participants. After the abortion, the man exited the facility while seven Latino prayer warriors knelt on the sidewalk in prayer. "One of the men recognized him and called him over by name," said Laurie, the campaign leader. "Without rising from his knees, the man held his brother, and they both wept over what had happened." The heartbreaking embrace ignited the Latino community. "We now know that these are OUR babies, who should be crying in our churches." The following week, women arriving for 5 a.m. abortion appointments were greeted by no fewer than 20 Latino prayer warriors kneeling, singing, and praying--in the rain!

Their presence continued through the vigil--taking a major toll on the abortion facility's business. Laurie reports four moms and babies saved from abortion--IN ONE DAY! Abortion facility workers were not pleased about the lost revenue. Vigil participants noticed a pile of screws scattered across their parking spaces only after one of their tires had been punctured. When even that wasn't enough to discourage the Florida faithful, an abortion worker approached Latino prayer warriors and threatened to call immigration authorities to have their residency status investigated. This merely served to build unity as English-speaking vigil participants paired up with Spanish-speaking volunteers to support and defend them.

Mendoza, Argentina In August, Argentina's Senate defied all expectations by narrowly rejecting a bill that would have legalized abortion. Still, the abortion lobby isn't going anywhere, and the threat remains. That's why 12 cities across Argentina are hosting 40 Days for Life campaigns this Lent. Carmen, who leads the campaign in Mendoza, said that abortionists take advantage of legal loopholes and exceptions in the country's abortion law. Her 24-hour vigil is located in front of the most notorious abortion provider in the city. When she showed up to pray at 6:00 a.m. one Sunday morning, she was inspired to find six young men praying on their knees. "There are a lot of young and old men praying by night in Mendoza (and women too), and people of all ages praying by day," Carmen said. "They are our hope. God bless them."

Ann Arbor, Michigan Sandie in Ann Arbor reported learning of FOUR babies saved from abortion during previous 40 Days for Life campaigns! "A dad shared with me that his twins were saved a few saved years back during a 40 Days For Life campaign when his estranged wife changed her mind," Sandie said. At the same gathering, a grandma told Sandie she is raising her toddler grandchild, who was saved from abortion. And on Sunday, Ann Arbor volunteers attending a vigil site event met a two-year-old girl whose parents read a vigil participant's sign that said, "I am praying for you! It is not too late to change your mind!" And they changed their minds!

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