Dear Deacon John,
Did you realize that every hour of the day and night, people are praying for an end to abortion somewhere around the world during 40 Days for Life? It’s an awesome thought! And we know that God is listening to – and answering – prayers every day.
With that … let’s take a tour of 40 Days for Life campaigns in four different countries.
Medellin, Colombia
The 40 Days for Life team in Medellin has learned of three babies savedalready in this, their community’s first campaign.
Their message is simple: Life is a gift – a gift given by God.
One of their Facebook posts quotes Matthew 18:20 – “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.” But judging from the pictures, there are usually more than just two or three at the vigil!
And they’re inviting more to join their prayers. “We're waiting for you! Keep praying that abortion ends in Colombia – and in the whole world.”
Abuja, Nigeria
Community outreach is a major part of the 40 Days for Life effort in Abuja.
Kelechi, the local leader, says her group was invited to speak to students about the importance of the pro-life message … and how they could participate in 40 Days for Life.
“The pro-life session was a huge success,” she said. “Students were attentive, asked questions and made notes during the session which demonstrated their interest on this subject. This gave us great joy and sense of accomplishment.”
The students were encouraged to form a pro-life club in their school … and their principal assured Kelechi they would be involved in 40 Days for Life, praying and working for an end to abortion.
Mendoza, Argentina
Carmen says the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in Mendoza got off to a fantastic start, and people are coming forward to take part in prayer and fasting as well as community outreach.
The awareness that they are part of a worldwide effort is an incredible encouragement … and stories from campaigns in countries near and far have helped motivate others to participate. Churches are organizing groups to cover full days of prayer.
“Really,” Carmen said, “this is a campaign that joins hearts and wills.”
Auckland, New Zealand
More than 150 people endured a very humid and damp Auckland evening to pray at the 40 Days for Life midpoint event.
“It was a beautiful experience to stand in solidarity with our unborn brothers and sisters,” said one of the team members, “praying for them, their mothers and all who are affected by the tragedy of abortion in our community.”
Leaders noted the special importance of being at the vigil on Monday mornings. “This is often the time when the women turn up for their first appointment,” they said. “Let's persevere and keep this vigil strong.”
Here’s today's devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
Day 25 intention
We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.
Scripture
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
— Jeremiah 1:4-5
Reflection from Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
To be or not to be? There is no question!
The question of “being” is something philosophers have long pondered.
What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer. We have being because we are known by God.
For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God’s own being. Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do.
The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued. To embrace the arguments of the “pro-choice” crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn't exist, isn't there, has no being.
But nothing could be further from the truth. That child is known by God and, as such, has being.
Prayer
Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/media/day25.pdf
For life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
President
40 Days for Life
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