40 Days For Life: DAY 7: From Planned Parenthood to 40 Days for Life

 

When we say 40 Days for Life campaigns change hearts and minds, it's not just a talking point. Nobody knows this better than 40DFL outreach director Ramona Trevino, who used to manage a Planned Parenthood before a 40 Days for Life vigil helped lead her out of the abortion industry. Ramona spoke at a powerful bilingual kickoff rally in Salem, Oregon. The emcee, Deanna, shared that she had three abortions and had worked for Planned Parenthood as an interpreter. "Deanna was translating for a woman getting an abortion, and that was the moment that changed everything," Ramona reported. "It opened her eyes to the reality of abortion and spurred her to seek healing and forgiveness for her own abortions." Deanna now volunteers with 40 Days for Life and offers her translation services for LIFE!  Given the abortion industry's penchant for preying on minority communities, it's no surprise that Salem's Planned Parenthood is located in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. That made it all the more important that Deanna and Ramona addressed the large and diverse crowd in both English and Spanish. "Bob has done an excellent job of building a strong and supportive team," Ramona said. "The community really supports his campaign." Orlando/Altamonte Springs, Florida Our director of medical affairs and education and former abortionist Dr. Haywood Robinson just returned from Florida, where he spoke to a noticeably young group of 40 Days for Life participants attending a joint rally for the Orlando and Altamonte Springs campaigns. "We ended up with a lot of young people," explained Marian, the Altamonte Springs leader. Marian credits a University of Central Florida student who simply invited her peers one at a time or over the phone. And they responded, showing that Christian discipleship works pretty much the same way it did 2,000 years ago when Jesus said, "Come, follow Me." What's stopping you from inviting your friends, family members, co-workers, classmates, and the people you go to church with to join you at the vigil? And if you're a college student, what's stopping you from applying for our $4,040 4040 Scholarship? Spring Valley, New York "Perseverance!" said Eileen, who is leading Spring Valley's 38th 40 Days for Life vigil. "The rains…could not and would not stop the people coming to witness with love for the sanctity of every human life," she explained. "There is a joy in sacrificial love." Over the weekend, however, the rains gave way to dangerous conditions, which led to a state of emergency—closing Planned Parenthood and leading Eileen to exhort her volunteers to pray from home until it is safe to venture out again. [pinterest.com image] While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” --Luke 2:6-7 Dear Jesus, you entered the world through the “yes” of your mother. Help us to say “yes” to the needs of those around us, especially the needs of expectant mothers. Open our hearts so that we might generously share your love with others, and help us to be a refuge for women and children seeking safety and care. Amen. For life, Shawn Carney President & CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life | 4112 East 29th Street | Bryan, TX 77802 US

40 Days For Life: DAY 6: Abortion Thrives on Fear

 

Abortion thrives on fear. But there's a reason the scriptures repeatedly exhort the faithful, "Do not be afraid!" God is in control! An expectant mother in Tuluá, Colombia, was advised by her doctor to have an abortion because of an endometriosis diagnosis. The mom didn't want to end her baby's life, so she went to church--where the 40 Days for Life kickoff rally happened to be taking place! The priest sent her to a campaign volunteer, who set her up with an appointment at a local women's help center... ...where an ultrasound revealed a healthy baby! With her fears alleviated, the woman received a blessing for herself and for her baby. "Overjoyed and at peace, she chose life," reported Yaneth, the Tuluá 40 Days for Life leader. Columbus, Georgia "Two babies saved on the first day within the first five hours!" wrote Angie, who leads the local 40 Days for Life vigil. "Possibly one more! We're praising God!" Two out-of-town pro-lifers passing through Columbus decided to join Raquel, a regular 40 Days for Life participant, at the vigil. A mother noticed their "You Don't Have to Do This Today" sign and left the abortion facility. "I'm not doing it," she said. Instead, she went next door to the pregnancy help center, while vigil volunteers applauded and literally jumped for joy! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania A well-dressed couple in the Steel City ignored 40 Days for Life 365 participants as they entered Planned Parenthood... ...but an hour later, they re-emerged with exciting news. "No worries," the man said. "We didn't go through with it. Thank you!" As the couple left Planned Parenthood, they smiled and embraced. [pinterest.com image] All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. --Luke 1:66 Lord, instill confidence and hope in every child. Help all children to grow up to see the purpose for which you made them. Give parents the wisdom and understanding to see the needs of each child and to nurture each child’s talents for your glory alone. For life, Shawn Carney President & CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life | 4112 East 29th Street | Bryan, TX 77802 US

40 Days For Life: DAY 5: They Tried to Silence Her

  

The British gave the world free speech. And the British are taking it away... ...by establishing buffer zones to prevent 40 Days for Life volunteers from helping expectant mothers in crisis. Or rather they are trying to prevent 40 Days for Life participants from helping expectant moms. Instead, 40 Days for Life vigils continue to take place across the U.K.--and continue to save lives. Bournemouth, England, leader Livia has been taken to court for praying in public. But the persecution backfired. Instead of silencing Livia's message, the free-speech crackdown gave her a global audience, as international media covered her story and her pro-life message. Our director of international campaigns, Robert Colquhoun, just hosted a workshop to train British 40 Days for Life teams on how to save lives even when muzzled by a tyrannical government. "We strategized and examined campaigns around the world that have seen success amid free-speech restrictions," Robert said. "A very spiritually fruitful day." If the Brits can save lives from abortion even without a right to free speech, you can too! As we prepare to start a new week, find your local vigil, sign up to pray, and let God use you to save a life or change a heart: 40daysforlife.com/locations Burlington, Vermont Vermont isn't an easy place to be pro-life. The Burlington vigil began with abortion supporters calling 40 Days for Life volunteers "disgusting" and "selfish." It's hard to see anything selfish about standing out in freezing cold temperatures to pray. It's more likely that the negative remarks were intended to demoralize pro-lifers because their peaceful vigil makes a difference. If abortion advocates wanted to discourage 40 Days for Life participants, it didn't work. The criticism and cold temperatures were balanced out by positive honks, thumbs-up from passersby, and a sunny day. "We are staying vigilant," wrote John, the local campaign leader. Renton, Washington 40 Days for Life outreach director and former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino's trek through the Pacific Northwest continued in Renton, where it wasn't freezing. But it was wet! "We had a great time yesterday with Ramona!" exclaimed Michael, who is leading his first 40 Days for Life campaign. "Her message is so profound and enduring." The rain didn't keep prayer warriors away, as vigil participants from the Renton, North Seattle, Lynnwood, and Everett campaigns all came together to pray with Ramona. And the campaign is growing. "We had some new people show up for the rally," Michael reported. The new participants included a woman who has had an abortion, found healing, and attended Ramona's talk specifically to learn how to participate in the vigil! [pinterest.com image] Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. --Luke 1:58 Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. Teach us to see your beauty in those around us, and give us the grace to serve our friends and neighbors. We ask you to especially bless the families and friends of expectant mothers. Help those who are close to expectant mothers to offer the compassionate care that Elizabeth’s friends did throughout her pregnancy. Help us never to close our eyes to women in need. Amen. For life, Shawn Carney President & CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life | 4112 East 29th Street | Bryan, TX 77802 US