While this 40 Days is over, our mission is not. Here are some experiences from around the country:
We finished out the fall 40 Days for Life yesterday
at a concluding event in Sarasota, Florida, that was
attended by more than 300 people (along with the
local Planned Parenthood CEO, who was furious as
hundreds of people gathered outside her new 40,000+
square foot abortion mega-center that is nearing the
completion of construction.)This day after 40 Days for Life has finished, there
are more blessings than we can count, and I thank you
for every contribution you’ve made to this largest
coordinated pro-life outreach in history.It’s a good day to look at where we’ve been — and
where we’re going.For one thing, 40 Days for Life has gotten far more
media attention than it’s ever gotten before, meaning
more people in more cities saw for themselves what
this effort is all about. Here are a few of the many
newspaper articles local teams have generated:>> Washington Times
http://snipurl.com/4ymh0>> Chicago Sun-Times
http://snipurl.com/4ymf6And here’s what 40 Days for Life looked like on local
TV newscasts (be sure to watch the video clips!):>> WREG-TV Memphis
http://snipurl.com/4ymkn>> KFSN-TV Fresno
http://snipurl.com/4ymlo>> WPTY-TV Fort Wayne
http://snipurl.com/4ymnnWe’ve had numerous reports of clinics shutting their
doors on days when abortions are usually scheduled.Other abortionists apparently decided to take time
off. “There’s a sign on our clinic door — closed
until November 5,” wrote one vigil participant.
“God is moving.”In Oklahoma City, Karen reports that someone called
the clinic and was told the abortionist won’t be back
until November 6. “That’s two whole weeks plus two
days of closure for the clinic,” she said. “I know
our prayers had an effect on him!”The abortion businesses expect that we will simply
“go away” after 40 Days for Life is over. But they
don’t know the hearts of the people who’ve stood
vigil and seen the results.“Why not 365 days for life?” asked Pablo. “We could
keep the pressure on … I’m sure we can find
volunteers.”“I agree with Pablo,” wrote Ed. “Why not a perpetual
vigil for life? My wife and I drove 3 1/2 hours each
way to pray for two hours at an abortion clinic last
Saturday. We’re going again tomorrow.”One of the local teams has been praying for the
security guard at an abortion center. They wave at
him, and he waves back. This has been going on since
the start of 40 Days for Life.Just this week, he finally approached the group on
the sidewalk. “I heard that you help women if they
need food or clothes or anything for their babies. If
I find women in need, can I send them to you?”“How do I tell the security guard no? That 40 Days
for Life is almost over, so if you find a woman in
need we won’t be here anymore?” asked the local
campaign director.“It was such a clear sign that we can not stop. If he
would have just quit the job we would have thought
our work done, but because he wants to help us with
our work it was a clear sign that we have to keep
going.”And keep going, we will. As to what form that will
take, and what specific needs we’ll address — we’re
already praying hard for discernment and the Holy
Spirit’s guidance.We encourage you to do likewise. The conclusion of
this 40 Days for Life campaign is just the end of a
chapter, not the end of the book.“I am hearing the same thing over and over,” said
Jennifer. “40 Days for Life may be over, but it is
only a beginning. A volunteer told me today the
clinic workers are not going away and neither are we.
We will not quit until this clinic closes down.”
Thank you, Lord, for blessing our endeavors to make a difference in the lives of women and babies. We pray that lives will continue to be changed as we grow in our relationship with you, to be a source of love, compassion and support for all who find themselves in crisis situations. May we be your hands, your feet, your shoulder to cry on, and your warm embrace to hurting and despairing people. Amen.
