From 40 Days For Life: DAY 41: Answered prayer

The largest 40 Days for Life campaign so far has ended – and here's a huge thank you for helping save so many lives! Reports are still coming in … but local 40 Days for Life leaders tell us that as of now, they're aware of … … 492 mothers in 375 locations around the world who have rejected abortion and chosen life for their babies! In many cases, all it took was the simple act of showing up to pray on the sidewalk.

Greensboro, North Carolina "One day we were praying, just praying – not counseling, but just praying," said Salvador in Greensboro. As they prayed, they saw a young woman drive into the abortion center's parking lot. But a few minutes she parked right in front of the 40 Days for Life vigil participants and got out of her car. "She told me she needed prayers," Salvador said. "I asked if she was there for an abortion and she said 'yes,' so we stared praying with her." After they prayed, the volunteers talked with her about pregnancy resources in the Greensboro area. "I gave her a brochure," Salvador said, "and she left!"

Winnipeg, Manitoba While Maria was praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Winnipeg, she was approached by a smiling woman. "She said she was against abortion," Maria said, "but her daughter was in the hospital for an abortion referral. Her daughter had gotten pregnant while in a relationship with an abusive, drug-addicted man." Maria asked the mother about adoption, and she replied that she was prepared to raise the child herself. "I assured her of our prayers and she went inside." A short time later, the woman came out to tell the volunteers she was bringing her daughter home. The younger woman was rethinking the situation. "The mom was smiling widely," Maria said. "Praise the Lord!"

Rochester, New York Rick, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator, was excited. "The Rochester campaign had a save!" A 14-year-old girl and her mother were making their way towards Planned Parenthood's entrance when a volunteer pleaded with them not to go in. "When they insisted on going in," Rick said, "the volunteer gave them literature to read while they were in the waiting room." That information was just what this mother and daughter needed. "Just a few minutes later," he said, "they came out and asked the volunteer where else they can go for help." They left Planned Parenthood … with directions to a pro-life pregnancy center.

Tallahassee, Florida "We have been blessed to witness three very different turn-arounds," said Toni in Tallahassee In one instance, a young couple on the way out of the parking lot rolled down their window to deliver good news. "We are not going to do it!" they said as they smiled and drove away. A woman who arrived at the abortion facility with her daughter thanked the 40 Days for Life vigil participants for being there – and talking her daughter out of having an abortion. Volunteers suggested a free ultrasound at the nearby pregnancy care center for another abortion center client. "The new mom decided not to have the abortion after seeing the reality of the living child within her," Toni said. Most of the time, she said, "we never know how many women decide not to have abortions because of God's mercy changing their hearts and minds." But in these three cases, Toni said, they learned the good news. "Thank you for your prayers of intersession, and for those of you who've come to pray."

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. On this rock I will build my church; the gates of hell will not prevail against it. — Matthew 16:18 Father, we have done battle with the power of evil, and therefore we can have compassion on those still within its grip. We have been freed from the kingdom of darkness, and therefore we can bear witness to your Kingdom of Light. May the witness of all your people through these 40 Days for Life bear abundant fruit. 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