40 Days For Life: DAY 17: Pregnant and homeless

Maura had just gotten in her car to head for a prayer shift at the Roanoke, Virginia 40 Days for Life vigil when she realized she didn't have any pregnancy center information with her. She decided she could get by without it. But as she pulled her car away, she felt a prompting to head back and grab the pregnancy help center information "just in case." It's a good thing she did. After arriving at Planned Parenthood, Maura met a 22-week-pregnant homeless woman expecting her fifth child!

"[S]he was...living in a hotel room [and] needed a doctor since she has not seen one yet. She also said she needed help with clothing and baby supplies," Maura said. "Thank goodness, I turned back to get information that she needed." That same day, another couple came to Planned Parenthood seeking prenatal services. Fortunately, when the couple learned that Planned Parenthood doesn't offer prenatal services, a vigil participant named Joe was able to direct them to the local pregnancy help center.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania A man in Philadelphia brought a sobbing girl to the abortion facility, signed her in for her appointment, and then left her there...alone. Local leader Monique described the scene as one "that always leaves a knot in our stomachs." While retaining hope that this abortion-bound mom made a last-minute decision to save her baby's life, Monique reminded her volunteers that the sacrifices they make are worth it--even when a baby's life is lost. "Your willingness to be there brings honor to the child she is carrying," Monique told her team. "That small, innocent babe is acknowledged by your presence...that child is known and loved by you. And one day when you enter Heaven, these children you witnessed for will be present to welcome you."

El Cajon, California It's been a rainy vigil in El Cajon. "God’s sorrow has joined with ours, and Heaven weeps for the unborn," said Vicki, who leads the local campaign. Fortunately, a campaign volunteer who happened to be driving by the vigil site saw his fellow prayer warriors struggling in the rain. He went home and returned with a pop-up tent to help provide El Cajon's sidewalk heroes with some cover!

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. —Genesis 2:7 Lord, we are yours. Thank you for breathing into us the breath of life. Thank you for claiming us as your own. May our words and actions in defense of human life proclaim to all the world that you alone are Lord of life and death, Lord of our freedom and of our choices. 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