From 40 Days For Life: DAY 33: Sunday in the Sunshine State

Deacon John, With 14 locations … 40 Days for Life has a strong presence in Florida – second only to California among US states. We have several stories from Florida today … about hearts changed and lives saved … and the value of taking time, even on a Sunday, to visit a 40 Days for Life vigil to pray for an end to abortion. Sundays are designated for worship of God, family activities and resting before launching into another week of work or school. But many people have made visiting a 40 Days for Life vigil part of their Sunday since they are so busy during the week. Here’s how God has used one campaign’s effort on the day reserved for Him.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida It was Sunday. “The abortion center was closed,” said Tom in Fort Lauderdale, “but the vigil was not!” So, on the Lord’s Day, a number of volunteers went out to pray. “We impact a different public than we do during the week,” Tom said. “In the morning we see many churchgoers passing by and in the afternoon we see many at leisure. Most are unaware of the battle we fight every day at that center. And most are unaware of the stakes.” He said 40 Days for Life is the ideal vehicle to bring the problem to light. “Everyone can participate. All it takes is a little time and a willingness to stand for life.”

Tallahassee, Florida It was almost like a scene from a movie. Bob was quietly praying outside the abortion facility in Tallahassee. A young couple drove up … got out of their car … began walking towards the door … but then stopped – to watch Bob. After a couple of moments, the couple went inside. But they didn’t stay long. After just a few minutes, the couple came out arguing … and the man wandered off between two buildings. Instead of following him, the young woman turned around, got back in her car and drove off – leaving the guy behind! As she pulled away, she looked at Bob – and smiled. “Most of the time, we will not know when people change their mind and decide to keep their baby,” said Toni, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Tallahassee. “Don’t doubt the power of our presence in prayer; we are interceding for life.” For some abortion-minded women, all it takes is the sight of people praying quietly – they’ll keep driving and never go inside the abortion center.

Tampa, Florida “We had two women turn around and leave the abortion facility,” said Kim in Tampa. “We had talked to both at length and gave them information about the pregnancy help center,” she said. The two women seemed like they hadn’t completely ruled out abortion … but Kim said she’s hopeful because they did leave with the information – and without having the abortions. Vigil participants are encouraged about another couple they shared information with. They took the literature … went inside the abortion center … but then came out. “They sat in their car for a long time, looking at the information,” Kim said. “And then they left!”

Pensacola, Florida “Who can resist these faces?” asked Ernie, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Pensacola. He says two mothers who saw them all praying outside the abortion center couldn’t resist. “They ended up leaving the abortion facility … speaking to us as they left,” he said. They told the 40 Days for Life volunteers they were inspired to choose life! “Our peaceful, prayerful presence really matters, especially when our youth come out to pray,” Ernie said. “May we continue to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the way of peace.”

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. — Psalm 8:3-9 Lord, you are the creator of all things. Guide my thoughts to consider your creation in all of its majesty, beauty and holiness. Guide my heart especially to your creation of precious human life. Help me to comprehend how essential life is in your own heart. Teach me to appreciate, love and protect all human life. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316