Dear Deacon John,
Houston, Texas is the home of the largest abortion facility in the Western Hemisphere. As you drive up, the 78,000 square foot facility looks overwhelming.
When it opened a few years ago, many were disheartened … but not all. Texans responded in a big way — including a courageous, younger Texan.
In the midst of such evil, Christ can even use an 11-year-old girl to remind us of the hope He has in store. Be encouraged by these two reports that come from warm locations where the theme of their campaigns has been persistence.
Houston, Texas
When it opened a few years ago, many were disheartened … but not all. Texans responded in a big way — including a courageous, younger Texan.
In the midst of such evil, Christ can even use an 11-year-old girl to remind us of the hope He has in store. Be encouraged by these two reports that come from warm locations where the theme of their campaigns has been persistence.
Houston, Texas
Houston has
been part of 40 Days for Life since the early days – even before the
first-ever national event, there had already been a campaign there. The
effort has grown into an ongoing presence outside one of the world’s
largest abortion centers.
The Houston Coalition for Life sponsors 40 Days for Life … as well as a big blue mobile pregnancy center, parked right next to Planned Parenthood – even early in the morning when it’s still fairly dark outside.
The Houston Coalition for Life sponsors 40 Days for Life … as well as a big blue mobile pregnancy center, parked right next to Planned Parenthood – even early in the morning when it’s still fairly dark outside.
Houston’s team passed along a note from one of their prayer vigil participants … a volunteer who’s all of 11 years old!
“Why do they have abortions?” she asked. “The mothers never get to experience the wonders of having a child. Instead of life, they get death. They go in scared and confused, come out with no child, and worse than they were when they came in. They never get to see their child celebrate his or her fifth birthday, they never get to experience the child’s warm hug and kiss. Why do they choose abortion?”
“These beautiful words should remind all of us, no matter what our age is, that abortion should be unthinkable,” said one of the Houston leaders. “And for abortion to be unthinkable, we all have to step up and do our part.”
Pensacola, Florida
“Why do they have abortions?” she asked. “The mothers never get to experience the wonders of having a child. Instead of life, they get death. They go in scared and confused, come out with no child, and worse than they were when they came in. They never get to see their child celebrate his or her fifth birthday, they never get to experience the child’s warm hug and kiss. Why do they choose abortion?”
“These beautiful words should remind all of us, no matter what our age is, that abortion should be unthinkable,” said one of the Houston leaders. “And for abortion to be unthinkable, we all have to step up and do our part.”
Pensacola, Florida
“It was a beautiful night for life!” said Ernie in Pensacola,
where their 12th 40 Days for Life campaign is underway. A crowd of
about 120 joined for a candlelight vigil, with prayer led by Bishop
Gregory Parkes.
Ernie noted that the abortion center is changing their routines. “This is a good sign,” he said.
Ernie noted that the abortion center is changing their routines. “This is a good sign,” he said.
Fridays had been busy days at this facility, but they’ve transferred many appointments to Thursdays. “The abortionist left at 9:30 one Friday when he usually leaves around noontime,” Ernie said. “This is a direct result of 40 Days for Life.”
That same Friday, two mothers rejected abortion. ”I was able to speak with one father and mother as they drove by,” he said.
Ernie asked them, “Did you keep your baby?” The father responded, “Yes we did!” The mother then confirmed with a big smile and said, “Yes!”
Ernie’s reaction? “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”
Amen!
That same Friday, two mothers rejected abortion. ”I was able to speak with one father and mother as they drove by,” he said.
Ernie asked them, “Did you keep your baby?” The father responded, “Yes we did!” The mother then confirmed with a big smile and said, “Yes!”
Ernie’s reaction? “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”
Amen!
Today's devotional is from Rev. Paul Stallsworth, president of Lifewatch (United Methodist Church).
Day 32 intention
May we come to know that divine life, in relationship, creates human life.
Scripture
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
— John 1:1-3
Day 32 intention
May we come to know that divine life, in relationship, creates human life.
Scripture
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
— John 1:1-3
Reflection by Rev. Paul Stallsworth
"In the beginning" was God.
Always, before all times, there was God.
This particular God — the God of the Bible, the God of St. John's Gospel — is different from all other gods. This God is alive and full of life.
This God is not the picture of deadness and death, aloneness and isolation.
This God is the picture of life, relationship, and unity. For within this God, within this one God, there are three divine persons who live, who love, and who work — together. This is the glorious mystery of the Trinity.
The Trinity means divine life. The Trinity means three, living Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who relate to each other. The Trinity means mutual love and service among three Persons.
The Word was always with God the Father. This Word was, is, and will be the Trinity's second person. The Word is also the Son of God or, as revealed in time, Jesus Christ.
God the Father and God the Son live, love, and work for each other. As one, they create "all things" together: the Father creates all things, including all human life, through the Son.
So the Father, through the Son, creates all human lives. The little one swimming in his mother's womb, the infant smiling in his father's arms, the child crying in pain in a hospital bed, the energetic teen running another mile, the old man gasping for his last breath — all were created, at their beginning, by the Father through the Son.
No exceptions. Divine life creates human life.
Prayer
O God, may we always be quick to call you Father. And when we call you father, let your Spirit remind us that we, and all people, from their beginning to their last day, are your children.
We praise you, Father, that you sent your Son to reveal to the world that all people are His brothers and sisters, that all people are your children. Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/
For Life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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http://40daysforlife.com/blog/
