The Catholic Bishops have tried and tried to get the message out to politicians, but most politicians are turning a cold shoulder so the USCCB is turning to grassroots efforts to help raise awareness about the concerns Catholics have with the current health care reform proposals. I am so pleased to see the Catholic Bishops make such a strong committment and stand on this critical issue of health care. Please spread the word. God bless!
U.S. bishops launch grassroots effort to fight for Catholic concerns on health care
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
40 Days For Life Devotionals
I will not be posting the remaining daily devotionals, but there is still about 2 weeks left in this Fall 2009 40 Days for Life campaign. I encourage you to continue reading the daily devotionals at the 40 Days for Life Blog. Thanks for your continued prayers for life and God bless!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
DAY 29: Your prayers are WORKING!
Dear Mike,
YOU -- and others like you in 212 communities -- are
praying and fasting for an end to abortion.
Is the tide finally turning? I pray that it is!
More and more abortion centers seem to be
experiencing a decrease in customers. And I have to
think the reason is all that intense prayer!
Ann in Toledo, Ohio was surprised when the Center for
Choice, the location of Toledo's 40 Days for Life
vigil, was closed on Friday, one of the two days each
week when abortions are usually scheduled.
"It is extremely rare that the center is closed on a
Friday unless it's a holiday," she said. "Praise
God!"
Kathy in Columbia, Missouri also reports the abortion
center where the 40 Days for Life vigil is being held
was closed on Saturday. "It is usually open from 8:30
am to 12:30 pm every Saturday," she said, "but no one
showed up."
The abortionist arrived around 2 o'clock, went inside
for five minutes and then left again -- and did not
seem very pleased when she saw the five people
standing in prayerful vigil.
On Thursday, the abortion day in Columbia, eight
women arrived for appointments instead of the usual
15 to 20. "We feel this indicates that many are
cancelling or just not showing up," said Kathy, who
notes that the clinic staff is starting to get antsy.
As she was leaving the clinic parking lot, the
abortionist drove up to Kathy and a priest, who were
praying on the sidewalk, and called out, "Didn't the
police tell you to stay away from OUR sidewalk?"
Kathy politely answered that the sidewalk was public
property. The abortionist said people were
complaining of harassment when they came in. Kathy
responded, "I only give them information when they
leave." The abortionist called the police; Kathy
called an attorney.
A police officer arrived and went inside the clinic
to check out the "several complaints" she had
received. "Within five minutes the police woman came
out said everything was okay and just be careful not
to block the sidewalk," Kathy said. "The attorney
told me that we had just called their bluff and we
won. But the battle continues."
Fewer customers are also being reported at the
abortion center where a 40 Days for Life vigil is in
progress in Atlanta, Georgia. This past weekend,
Kateri said the facility's parking lot, which is
usually jam-packed on Saturdays, had the fewest cars
the prayer volunteers could ever remember seeing on a
Saturday. Hallelujah!
The Atlanta group had its mid-point rally on the
sidewalk across from the clinic on this particular
Saturday -- and they've posted a two-minute video
clip showing part of the event. Check it out at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=415
"It was a tremendous outpouring of prayer in a
display of unity that was probably the most pro-
lifers at a single time that the facility has seen in
its five year history," Kateri said. A Catholic
priest led the prayer, while a praise band from a
Baptist church in Gainesville provided music.
One of the unexpected blessings was the group of
teenagers who came to pray. "That was a youth group
that had driven up from McDonough, at least an hour
away, to pray just for a few minutes," she said. They
had known nothing about 40 Days for Life and had no
inkling that a big prayer service would be taking
place.
"They ended up staying for the whole thing," Kateri
said. "It was truly God's timing."
God will act when we are faithful and respond to His
call. We have His word!
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate, Co-host
of the "Point of View" Talk Show...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 29 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing
over the transgressions of the remnant of His
heritage? He does not retain His anger forever,
because He delights in mercy. He will again have
compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the
evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do
evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the
oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the
widow."
-- Micah 7:18-19
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, "Point of View" Talk Show
-----------------------------------------------------
Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and
call the people of Judah to repentance. The people
had become spiritually and ethically corrupt.
Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were
oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were
practicing abominations and idolatry.
Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people
in Micah's day and God's people today in America?
Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding
justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told
them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their
God.
In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people
turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1
Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to
them as examples, and they were written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have
come."
Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His
hedge of protection around our nation in response to
our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out
in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we
honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with our God.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful
Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness
as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you.
Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your
tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.
Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives
that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit
enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You
be pleased to restore America so that a generation
not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ
Jesus, who has done great things for us, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day29print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
YOU -- and others like you in 212 communities -- are
praying and fasting for an end to abortion.
Is the tide finally turning? I pray that it is!
More and more abortion centers seem to be
experiencing a decrease in customers. And I have to
think the reason is all that intense prayer!
Ann in Toledo, Ohio was surprised when the Center for
Choice, the location of Toledo's 40 Days for Life
vigil, was closed on Friday, one of the two days each
week when abortions are usually scheduled.
"It is extremely rare that the center is closed on a
Friday unless it's a holiday," she said. "Praise
God!"
Kathy in Columbia, Missouri also reports the abortion
center where the 40 Days for Life vigil is being held
was closed on Saturday. "It is usually open from 8:30
am to 12:30 pm every Saturday," she said, "but no one
showed up."
The abortionist arrived around 2 o'clock, went inside
for five minutes and then left again -- and did not
seem very pleased when she saw the five people
standing in prayerful vigil.
On Thursday, the abortion day in Columbia, eight
women arrived for appointments instead of the usual
15 to 20. "We feel this indicates that many are
cancelling or just not showing up," said Kathy, who
notes that the clinic staff is starting to get antsy.
As she was leaving the clinic parking lot, the
abortionist drove up to Kathy and a priest, who were
praying on the sidewalk, and called out, "Didn't the
police tell you to stay away from OUR sidewalk?"
Kathy politely answered that the sidewalk was public
property. The abortionist said people were
complaining of harassment when they came in. Kathy
responded, "I only give them information when they
leave." The abortionist called the police; Kathy
called an attorney.
A police officer arrived and went inside the clinic
to check out the "several complaints" she had
received. "Within five minutes the police woman came
out said everything was okay and just be careful not
to block the sidewalk," Kathy said. "The attorney
told me that we had just called their bluff and we
won. But the battle continues."
Fewer customers are also being reported at the
abortion center where a 40 Days for Life vigil is in
progress in Atlanta, Georgia. This past weekend,
Kateri said the facility's parking lot, which is
usually jam-packed on Saturdays, had the fewest cars
the prayer volunteers could ever remember seeing on a
Saturday. Hallelujah!
The Atlanta group had its mid-point rally on the
sidewalk across from the clinic on this particular
Saturday -- and they've posted a two-minute video
clip showing part of the event. Check it out at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=415
"It was a tremendous outpouring of prayer in a
display of unity that was probably the most pro-
lifers at a single time that the facility has seen in
its five year history," Kateri said. A Catholic
priest led the prayer, while a praise band from a
Baptist church in Gainesville provided music.
One of the unexpected blessings was the group of
teenagers who came to pray. "That was a youth group
that had driven up from McDonough, at least an hour
away, to pray just for a few minutes," she said. They
had known nothing about 40 Days for Life and had no
inkling that a big prayer service would be taking
place.
"They ended up staying for the whole thing," Kateri
said. "It was truly God's timing."
God will act when we are faithful and respond to His
call. We have His word!
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate, Co-host
of the "Point of View" Talk Show...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 29 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing
over the transgressions of the remnant of His
heritage? He does not retain His anger forever,
because He delights in mercy. He will again have
compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the
evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do
evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the
oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the
widow."
-- Micah 7:18-19
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, "Point of View" Talk Show
-----------------------------------------------------
Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and
call the people of Judah to repentance. The people
had become spiritually and ethically corrupt.
Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were
oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were
practicing abominations and idolatry.
Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people
in Micah's day and God's people today in America?
Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding
justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told
them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their
God.
In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people
turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1
Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to
them as examples, and they were written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have
come."
Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His
hedge of protection around our nation in response to
our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out
in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we
honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with our God.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful
Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness
as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you.
Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your
tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.
Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives
that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit
enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You
be pleased to restore America so that a generation
not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ
Jesus, who has done great things for us, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day29print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
DAY 28: Whom do you serve?
Dear Mike,
We're hearing a lot about service these days --
giving back to the community. What better way to give
back something truly valuable than by taking part in
this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign!
I have a particular reason for mentioning this.
This past Friday, President Obama spoke at a forum on
volunteerism at Texas A&M University in College
Station -- the same community where 40 Days for Life
began. His speech was delivered just over one mile
away from the site of the first-ever 40 Days for Life
campaign back in 2004.
During his remarks, President Obama promoted a
government web site that identifies various volunteer
opportunities for people.
While that web site does include information about
some pro-life organizations, I was more than a bit
miffed to learn that one of the posted "volunteer
opportunities" comes from the Houston-based Planned
Parenthood operation that runs the abortion facility
in College Station.
The recruitment post asks young people to do "public
service" work for their organization and pleads, "We
need your help with a very simple but honorable job."
The so-called honorable job? Abortion escorts --
specifically to counter the effectiveness of 40 Days
for Life.
Planned Parenthood describes 40 Days for Life vigil
participants as people who "want to deceive our
clients with misinformation and lies then prevent
them from entering our health center for care." That
in itself, of course, is an extreme example of
misinformation.
But this shows why 40 Days for Life needs more
faithful volunteers for the simple -- and TRULY
honorable -- task of praying for an end to abortion
outside the very places where this evil is practiced.
Young people in Houston were recently offered the
challenge to stand up for life. And boy, did they
ever respond!
The 40 Days for Life team in Houston asked, "Can you
imagine over 300 teens getting up early and coming
out to a pro-life rally and march on a Saturday
morning?"
The answer, of course, was an amazing YES!
To see a picture from this event, the March of the
Surviving Children, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
After they arrived at the Planned Parenthood location
that is the site of a 40 Days for Life vigil, they
marched around the entire block seven times praying
and singing. "And, to top this wonderful morning
off," the Houston team reported, "we believe that
there was a baby saved!"
Students from a Fort Wayne, Indiana school -- along
with their parents -- decided to embark on a
prayerful service project as well. They gathered
almost 400 people to take part in the 40 Days for
Life vigil at the local abortion center.
"Even in the rain," said Evelyn in Fort Wayne, "these
students marched from their school, about a mile from
the site, and stood as witnesses for 40 Days for
Life."
There were so many people it takes two pictures to
show them all! Check them out at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
I'll close today's message with a story of REAL
service ... and REAL hope.
Go here to meet Isaiah:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
Isaiah was born this past Thursday in Riverside,
California.
Karen in Riverside reported a baby saved within the
first couple of hours on the first day of last
spring's 40 Days for Life campaign. That baby, of
course, was Isaiah. The Riverside team found
assistance for his mom through her pregnancy and
recently held a baby shower for her.
THAT is the spirit of genuine, compassionate service
that goes back generations and MUST remain alive.
THAT is the story that must be told!
Praise God for the TRUE service that is provided by
all of you praying and fasting for an end to abortion
during this 40 Days for Life campaign!
Here's today's devotional from Rev. Ben Sheldon,
President Emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-life and
National Pro-life Religious Council...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 28 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all
abortion advocates.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the
evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do
evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the
oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the
widow."
-- Isaiah 1:16-17
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. Ben Sheldon
-----------------------------------------------------
God is just.
Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial
in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas
Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect
that God is just."
If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his
being that God is just, how much more ought we
Christians to reflect on this profound truth?
The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity,
encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is
the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our
modern society that have led to the cavalier
acceptance of abortion and euthanasia.
But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not
sleep forever."
God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage
the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows
of our society.
It is a noble calling! It is one which every true
believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should
heed with no hesitation and no reluctance.
To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand
unequivocally for the right to life of everyone,
especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and
the terminally ill.
God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant
in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's
8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to
defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of
the already born.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and
wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our
society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit
alone can change hearts and minds so that all your
human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you
intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day28print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
I wanted to let you know about a wonderful pro-life
event going on today, Tuesday, October 20, that
complements this current 40 Days for Life campaign.
Students from more than 3,300 school campuses are
participating in Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity to
raise awareness about the injustice of abortion by
taking a vow of silence for one day in solidarity for
the 4,000 children who die from abortion each day.
Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as
taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.
Anyone can participate (you don't even have to be a
student :-) and you can use the time of silence to
pray and fast for an end to abortion.
Learn more and find out how you can participate at:
http://www.silentday.org
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
We're hearing a lot about service these days --
giving back to the community. What better way to give
back something truly valuable than by taking part in
this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign!
I have a particular reason for mentioning this.
This past Friday, President Obama spoke at a forum on
volunteerism at Texas A&M University in College
Station -- the same community where 40 Days for Life
began. His speech was delivered just over one mile
away from the site of the first-ever 40 Days for Life
campaign back in 2004.
During his remarks, President Obama promoted a
government web site that identifies various volunteer
opportunities for people.
While that web site does include information about
some pro-life organizations, I was more than a bit
miffed to learn that one of the posted "volunteer
opportunities" comes from the Houston-based Planned
Parenthood operation that runs the abortion facility
in College Station.
The recruitment post asks young people to do "public
service" work for their organization and pleads, "We
need your help with a very simple but honorable job."
The so-called honorable job? Abortion escorts --
specifically to counter the effectiveness of 40 Days
for Life.
Planned Parenthood describes 40 Days for Life vigil
participants as people who "want to deceive our
clients with misinformation and lies then prevent
them from entering our health center for care." That
in itself, of course, is an extreme example of
misinformation.
But this shows why 40 Days for Life needs more
faithful volunteers for the simple -- and TRULY
honorable -- task of praying for an end to abortion
outside the very places where this evil is practiced.
Young people in Houston were recently offered the
challenge to stand up for life. And boy, did they
ever respond!
The 40 Days for Life team in Houston asked, "Can you
imagine over 300 teens getting up early and coming
out to a pro-life rally and march on a Saturday
morning?"
The answer, of course, was an amazing YES!
To see a picture from this event, the March of the
Surviving Children, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
After they arrived at the Planned Parenthood location
that is the site of a 40 Days for Life vigil, they
marched around the entire block seven times praying
and singing. "And, to top this wonderful morning
off," the Houston team reported, "we believe that
there was a baby saved!"
Students from a Fort Wayne, Indiana school -- along
with their parents -- decided to embark on a
prayerful service project as well. They gathered
almost 400 people to take part in the 40 Days for
Life vigil at the local abortion center.
"Even in the rain," said Evelyn in Fort Wayne, "these
students marched from their school, about a mile from
the site, and stood as witnesses for 40 Days for
Life."
There were so many people it takes two pictures to
show them all! Check them out at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
I'll close today's message with a story of REAL
service ... and REAL hope.
Go here to meet Isaiah:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=412
Isaiah was born this past Thursday in Riverside,
California.
Karen in Riverside reported a baby saved within the
first couple of hours on the first day of last
spring's 40 Days for Life campaign. That baby, of
course, was Isaiah. The Riverside team found
assistance for his mom through her pregnancy and
recently held a baby shower for her.
THAT is the spirit of genuine, compassionate service
that goes back generations and MUST remain alive.
THAT is the story that must be told!
Praise God for the TRUE service that is provided by
all of you praying and fasting for an end to abortion
during this 40 Days for Life campaign!
Here's today's devotional from Rev. Ben Sheldon,
President Emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-life and
National Pro-life Religious Council...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 28 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all
abortion advocates.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the
evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do
evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the
oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the
widow."
-- Isaiah 1:16-17
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. Ben Sheldon
-----------------------------------------------------
God is just.
Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial
in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas
Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect
that God is just."
If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his
being that God is just, how much more ought we
Christians to reflect on this profound truth?
The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity,
encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is
the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our
modern society that have led to the cavalier
acceptance of abortion and euthanasia.
But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not
sleep forever."
God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage
the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows
of our society.
It is a noble calling! It is one which every true
believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should
heed with no hesitation and no reluctance.
To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand
unequivocally for the right to life of everyone,
especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and
the terminally ill.
God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant
in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's
8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to
defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of
the already born.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and
wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our
society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit
alone can change hearts and minds so that all your
human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you
intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day28print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
I wanted to let you know about a wonderful pro-life
event going on today, Tuesday, October 20, that
complements this current 40 Days for Life campaign.
Students from more than 3,300 school campuses are
participating in Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity to
raise awareness about the injustice of abortion by
taking a vow of silence for one day in solidarity for
the 4,000 children who die from abortion each day.
Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as
taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.
Anyone can participate (you don't even have to be a
student :-) and you can use the time of silence to
pray and fast for an end to abortion.
Learn more and find out how you can participate at:
http://www.silentday.org
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
Monday, October 19, 2009
DAY 27: 299 alive, thanks to YOU!
Dear Mike,
The day before this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign
began, the local team in Orange County, California
received some great news.
Nathan had just been born -- at a very healthy nine
pounds!
At once point, however, Nathan's life had definitely
been at risk. Thankfully, he was one of the babies
whose mom chose life during the spring 40 Days for
Life campaign.
"Please tell all those people thank you," said
Nathan's mother. "Thank you for being there praying
for people that you do not know. You made a huge
difference in my life and in my baby's life. I cannot
thank you enough for what you did."
The Orange County team also got to meet a different
baby named Jack. He had been scheduled to be aborted
... TWICE!
But his mother chose life.
Jack's adoptive mom brought him with her when she
went to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil.
We rejoice for all the lives saved ...
... 299!
Yes, 299 children have been spared from abortion
during the fall 40 Days for Life campaign thus far,
thanks to your prayers, fasting, standing vigil, and
the grace of Almighty God!
That's also 299 mothers who have been spared a life
of regrets following an abortion decision.
Praise God!
The 40 Days for Life team in Manassas, Virginia sees
the value of having a pro-life resource center very
close to the abortion facility. Ken said a 19-year-
old girl arrived at with her mother, fully intent on
making an appointment for an abortion.
"They did an ultrasound and found she was 26 weeks
pregnant," he said. "This abortion facility only does
first-trimester abortions, so they sent her away."
The girl and her mother were directed to the pro-life
pregnancy center, where the counselors told her about
all the resources that were available.
"The wonderful counselors helped her decide to have
her baby," said Ken. "Another life saved! The prayers
of our 40 Days for Life participants were powerful."
In Houston, Texas, people participating in the
40 Days for Life vigil in front of a Planned
Parenthood abortion facility have been able to
redirect many abortion-minded women to the pro-life
pregnancy resource center around the corner -- where
they can find real help and compassion instead of
Planned Parenthood's sales pitch for abortion.
One young woman walked into Planned Parenthood, then
turned around and came out almost immediately. "I had
a bad feeling after walking in the door," she said,
"and wanted to get out of there right away." When she
arrived at the nearby pro-life center, she said,
"This is much better. I feel more comfortable here."
This is most telling. She had a bad feeling about
Planned Parenthood -- and all she did was walk
inside! Doesn't that demonstrate that we're in the
midst of a spiritual battle? And that just shows that
we must pray harder and fast more faithfully.
These bad feelings are also being experienced by
those who work in the clinics. Just the other day, I
shared the story of the clinic receptionist who said,
"I'm going to quit my disgusting job." She's not the
only one who feels that way.
At another 40 Days for Life location, the prayer
vigil participants have had regular discussions with
a clinic employee.
She has now decided to leave her job!
"I want out of that place" is the way she put it. And
one of her co-workers is almost ready to leave her
job as well (that's why I'm not identifying the
location; can you imagine the pressure she would face
if her employers found out?)
Please pray for these women -- and for all people who
seek the courage and strength to leave the deadly
abortion industry.
Here's today's devotional from Ernest Ohlhoff,
Outreach Director for National Right to Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 27 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We pray for humility in our work for God's Kingdom.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider
it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of
no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and
coming in the likeness of men. And being found in
appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the
cross.
-- Philippians 2:5-8
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Ernest Ohlhoff
-----------------------------------------------------
There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we
don't care who gets the credit.
Jesus Christ's life on earth exemplifies a total
submission to the will of the Father. His humility,
compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are
reflected over and over again in the New Testament.
He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a
humble, working class home.
How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and
powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one
foretold by the prophets, the 'King of the Jews' was
born and raised as a simple peasant.
During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no
riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no
possessions. Yet, His short time on earth changed
more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to
more people, than all the rich and powerful human
'kings' combined.
And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the
cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those
who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let
us humbly and diligently work to restore legal
protection for the unborn, the disabled, the
medically dependent and all innocent children of God
whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old
adage that "He can never lead who has not first
learned to obey." And, Lord, grant us a peaceful
heart as we labor in your name. Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day27print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
Mike, thank you SO MUCH for your prayers and
efforts that are making such a powerful impact.
I appreciate you!!
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
The day before this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign
began, the local team in Orange County, California
received some great news.
Nathan had just been born -- at a very healthy nine
pounds!
At once point, however, Nathan's life had definitely
been at risk. Thankfully, he was one of the babies
whose mom chose life during the spring 40 Days for
Life campaign.
"Please tell all those people thank you," said
Nathan's mother. "Thank you for being there praying
for people that you do not know. You made a huge
difference in my life and in my baby's life. I cannot
thank you enough for what you did."
The Orange County team also got to meet a different
baby named Jack. He had been scheduled to be aborted
... TWICE!
But his mother chose life.
Jack's adoptive mom brought him with her when she
went to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil.
We rejoice for all the lives saved ...
... 299!
Yes, 299 children have been spared from abortion
during the fall 40 Days for Life campaign thus far,
thanks to your prayers, fasting, standing vigil, and
the grace of Almighty God!
That's also 299 mothers who have been spared a life
of regrets following an abortion decision.
Praise God!
The 40 Days for Life team in Manassas, Virginia sees
the value of having a pro-life resource center very
close to the abortion facility. Ken said a 19-year-
old girl arrived at with her mother, fully intent on
making an appointment for an abortion.
"They did an ultrasound and found she was 26 weeks
pregnant," he said. "This abortion facility only does
first-trimester abortions, so they sent her away."
The girl and her mother were directed to the pro-life
pregnancy center, where the counselors told her about
all the resources that were available.
"The wonderful counselors helped her decide to have
her baby," said Ken. "Another life saved! The prayers
of our 40 Days for Life participants were powerful."
In Houston, Texas, people participating in the
40 Days for Life vigil in front of a Planned
Parenthood abortion facility have been able to
redirect many abortion-minded women to the pro-life
pregnancy resource center around the corner -- where
they can find real help and compassion instead of
Planned Parenthood's sales pitch for abortion.
One young woman walked into Planned Parenthood, then
turned around and came out almost immediately. "I had
a bad feeling after walking in the door," she said,
"and wanted to get out of there right away." When she
arrived at the nearby pro-life center, she said,
"This is much better. I feel more comfortable here."
This is most telling. She had a bad feeling about
Planned Parenthood -- and all she did was walk
inside! Doesn't that demonstrate that we're in the
midst of a spiritual battle? And that just shows that
we must pray harder and fast more faithfully.
These bad feelings are also being experienced by
those who work in the clinics. Just the other day, I
shared the story of the clinic receptionist who said,
"I'm going to quit my disgusting job." She's not the
only one who feels that way.
At another 40 Days for Life location, the prayer
vigil participants have had regular discussions with
a clinic employee.
She has now decided to leave her job!
"I want out of that place" is the way she put it. And
one of her co-workers is almost ready to leave her
job as well (that's why I'm not identifying the
location; can you imagine the pressure she would face
if her employers found out?)
Please pray for these women -- and for all people who
seek the courage and strength to leave the deadly
abortion industry.
Here's today's devotional from Ernest Ohlhoff,
Outreach Director for National Right to Life...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 27 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
We pray for humility in our work for God's Kingdom.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider
it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of
no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and
coming in the likeness of men. And being found in
appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the
cross.
-- Philippians 2:5-8
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Ernest Ohlhoff
-----------------------------------------------------
There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we
don't care who gets the credit.
Jesus Christ's life on earth exemplifies a total
submission to the will of the Father. His humility,
compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are
reflected over and over again in the New Testament.
He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a
humble, working class home.
How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and
powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one
foretold by the prophets, the 'King of the Jews' was
born and raised as a simple peasant.
During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no
riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no
possessions. Yet, His short time on earth changed
more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to
more people, than all the rich and powerful human
'kings' combined.
And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the
cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those
who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let
us humbly and diligently work to restore legal
protection for the unborn, the disabled, the
medically dependent and all innocent children of God
whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old
adage that "He can never lead who has not first
learned to obey." And, Lord, grant us a peaceful
heart as we labor in your name. Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day27print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
Mike, thank you SO MUCH for your prayers and
efforts that are making such a powerful impact.
I appreciate you!!
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
Sunday, October 18, 2009
DAY 26: It's often personal
Dear Mike,
It's a great joy for me to bring you stories about
things that have happened at 40 Days for Life vigils
and how prayers have been answered.
Today, I'd like to offer a slightly different look at
how 40 Days for Life affects people.
People often tell about the profound personal impact
they experience while praying at an abortion center
as a part of 40 Days for Life. Here are just a few of
those stories.
"I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood
a bit daunting," wrote Melanie in Indianapolis. As
she stood and prayed on a cloudy day, she simply
couldn't help staring at the building.
"I couldn't fathom that such horrific events as
abortion could occur within those walls. I looked up
into the sky, hoping for something from God to remind
me that He was truly present, despite the place that
stood before me," she said. "I saw rays of sunshine
beaming through the clouds onto the center and
recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall
be light."
Melanie said she thanks God "for the chance to be a
witness of His love for life and pray that the
mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn
child."
There have been plenty of clouds at the 40 Days for
Life vigil in Painesville, Ohio as well. Local
coordinator Dawn Slike described one recent day's
weather as "horrific."
She said the cold, relentless, pelting rain and wind
made her question God's purposes "and led me to doubt
and reexamine the pureness of my own heart's motives.
Of course, then it became apparent to me in my
solitary brokenness that that was exactly God's
intent," Dawn said. "Focusing on God's purposes
within me made me forget how cold I was."
To take a quick look at the 40 Days for Life campaign
in Painesville, check out the short video produced by
the News-Herald, a local newspaper, by going to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=403
In Kitchener, Ontario, faithful volunteers have kept
the 40 Days for Life vigil going 24 hours a day.
One volunteer often takes the hours right before
dawn. On this particular day, there was a
determination to spend an hour kneeling in prayer. It
was cold. It had been raining all night. An umbrella
was a big help, but it did not protect the vigil
participant's legs, which got thoroughly soaked as
the cold rain picked up and fell even harder.
"I found myself wishing for the hour to hurry up."
But thoughts suddenly turned to Christ's suffering,
and everything that Jesus endured for our salvation.
"At this time, my experience of discomfort began
changing. It struck me that I had set out that
morning with the attitude that I would be providing a
service to God. No; not at all. God did a service to
me. He blessed me with an enriched prayer experience
and understanding of Christ's sacrificial love."
Soon, daylight began to appear. "I literally watched
darkness give way to the light of day all around me,
and I could not help but see the metaphor for our
society's culture of death. Was God showing me that
he would use our 40 Days for Life to scatter the
darkness of abortion in our nation with a new dawning
light, and a culture of life? I hope so. I believe
so. And I am grateful that he allowed me to take part
in His mighty work."
Have YOU yet had the personal experience of praying
at a 40 Days for Life vigil?
Find a nearby location and get involved:
http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm
Here's today's devotional from Vera Faith Lord,
Director of the Alpha/Omega Life Ministry and
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National
Pro-life Religious Council...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 26 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
That those who have forgotten their purpose may
discover it in God and therefore have the courage to
choose life.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
These all wait for you, that you may give them their
food in due season, what you give them they gather
in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You
hide your face, they are troubled; you take away
their breath, they die and return to their dust. You
send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you
renew the face of the earth.
-- Psalm 104:27-30
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Vera Faith Lord
-----------------------------------------------------
"I am a feather on the breath of God."
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the
power and purpose of God. Our very existence on
earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when
we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice
and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which
is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as
well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to
find my way back to my Creator.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no
truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil
one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right
now that you, who created all life, are in control of
all life, and let us know right now that you who
created all life, are in control of all life, and let
us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than
yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and
for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life
campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day26print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Two weeks from today the fall 40 Days for Life
campaign will draw to a close. The finish line is now
in sight -- let's pull out all the stops to finish
strong! The stakes have NEVER been higher.
It's a great joy for me to bring you stories about
things that have happened at 40 Days for Life vigils
and how prayers have been answered.
Today, I'd like to offer a slightly different look at
how 40 Days for Life affects people.
People often tell about the profound personal impact
they experience while praying at an abortion center
as a part of 40 Days for Life. Here are just a few of
those stories.
"I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood
a bit daunting," wrote Melanie in Indianapolis. As
she stood and prayed on a cloudy day, she simply
couldn't help staring at the building.
"I couldn't fathom that such horrific events as
abortion could occur within those walls. I looked up
into the sky, hoping for something from God to remind
me that He was truly present, despite the place that
stood before me," she said. "I saw rays of sunshine
beaming through the clouds onto the center and
recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall
be light."
Melanie said she thanks God "for the chance to be a
witness of His love for life and pray that the
mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn
child."
There have been plenty of clouds at the 40 Days for
Life vigil in Painesville, Ohio as well. Local
coordinator Dawn Slike described one recent day's
weather as "horrific."
She said the cold, relentless, pelting rain and wind
made her question God's purposes "and led me to doubt
and reexamine the pureness of my own heart's motives.
Of course, then it became apparent to me in my
solitary brokenness that that was exactly God's
intent," Dawn said. "Focusing on God's purposes
within me made me forget how cold I was."
To take a quick look at the 40 Days for Life campaign
in Painesville, check out the short video produced by
the News-Herald, a local newspaper, by going to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=403
In Kitchener, Ontario, faithful volunteers have kept
the 40 Days for Life vigil going 24 hours a day.
One volunteer often takes the hours right before
dawn. On this particular day, there was a
determination to spend an hour kneeling in prayer. It
was cold. It had been raining all night. An umbrella
was a big help, but it did not protect the vigil
participant's legs, which got thoroughly soaked as
the cold rain picked up and fell even harder.
"I found myself wishing for the hour to hurry up."
But thoughts suddenly turned to Christ's suffering,
and everything that Jesus endured for our salvation.
"At this time, my experience of discomfort began
changing. It struck me that I had set out that
morning with the attitude that I would be providing a
service to God. No; not at all. God did a service to
me. He blessed me with an enriched prayer experience
and understanding of Christ's sacrificial love."
Soon, daylight began to appear. "I literally watched
darkness give way to the light of day all around me,
and I could not help but see the metaphor for our
society's culture of death. Was God showing me that
he would use our 40 Days for Life to scatter the
darkness of abortion in our nation with a new dawning
light, and a culture of life? I hope so. I believe
so. And I am grateful that he allowed me to take part
in His mighty work."
Have YOU yet had the personal experience of praying
at a 40 Days for Life vigil?
Find a nearby location and get involved:
http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm
Here's today's devotional from Vera Faith Lord,
Director of the Alpha/Omega Life Ministry and
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National
Pro-life Religious Council...
-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 26 INTENTION
-----------------------------------------------------
That those who have forgotten their purpose may
discover it in God and therefore have the courage to
choose life.
-----------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
These all wait for you, that you may give them their
food in due season, what you give them they gather
in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You
hide your face, they are troubled; you take away
their breath, they die and return to their dust. You
send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you
renew the face of the earth.
-- Psalm 104:27-30
-----------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Vera Faith Lord
-----------------------------------------------------
"I am a feather on the breath of God."
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the
power and purpose of God. Our very existence on
earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when
we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice
and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which
is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as
well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to
find my way back to my Creator.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
-----------------------------------------------------
Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no
truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil
one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right
now that you, who created all life, are in control of
all life, and let us know right now that you who
created all life, are in control of all life, and let
us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than
yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and
for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life
campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Amen.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day26print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
For Life,
David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Two weeks from today the fall 40 Days for Life
campaign will draw to a close. The finish line is now
in sight -- let's pull out all the stops to finish
strong! The stakes have NEVER been higher.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
DAY 25: The truth always works
Dear Mike,
Planned Parenthood slipped up.
I'm often told that abortion facilities use
ultrasound to let the abortionist know how far along
the pregnancy is -- it apparently makes a difference
in how the abortion will be performed.
But the images are for staff only -- not the mother
of the child whose life is at risk. So please keep
that in mind.
As a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil was under way, a
young woman walked towards the Planned Parenthood
facility in Sarasota, Florida with two friends. She
accepted some information about abortion from a
sidewalk counselor -- but she may have just taken it
so the counselor would leave her alone.
As she entered the abortion center, she handed the
packet to a Planned Parenthood staffer -- who quickly
tossed it in the trash.
About 45 minutes later, however, the woman and her
friends came back out. "They made the mistake of
letting her see the ultrasound picture," said one of
the friends, "and she couldn't go through with it."
The group then asked if they could have another
information package. "She wasn't planning on keeping
the child," the friend explained, "so now she needs
someone to help her." That's exactly what happened
next. The counselor told them of several nearby
pregnancy resource centers that could offer
assistance for this mother and her baby.
"As they left," said Jeanne in Sarasota, "they seemed
pleased. No direct action by any one of our sidewalk
counselors helped save this baby. But the potential
effect of the prayers of several people on the
sidewalk can't be dismissed."
The truth -- and in this case it was an ultrasound
picture that was worth much more than a thousand
words -- cannot be denied.
40 Days for Life vigil participants in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina didn't have to say much to the woman
who arrived for an abortion appointment. She was
still in the early stages of pregnancy, but a
counselor told her that even at 21 days, her baby
already had a heartbeat.
"I had no idea," she said. "I never thought of it
that way." She immediately changed her mind.
Two girls drove up to the abortion center in the
Tri-Cities, Washington area where 40 Days for Life
participants were praying -- two were standing, a
third was on his knees.
"They both stared at us," said Debbie, who quickly
figured out that the girl driving was bringing her
friend in for an abortion. "They sat for a while in
their car after they parked and then got out I turned
and showed them my sign. They both looked at it and
walked into the clinic."
Debbie's sign shared the truth: "Abortion hurts
women."
"It wasn't two minutes later they came out and got
into their car and drove off," she said. "They smiled
and waved to us as they drove off. You could tell
they were a lot happier."
Terri in Bakersfield, California received an
incredible blessing during this 40 Days for Life
campaign -- she got to witness the birth of a baby
whose mother rejected abortion during the spring 40
Days for Life effort.
A healthy baby girl was born, and the mother -- in
tears -- thanked Terri for being there in her hour of
need ... with the truth.
To see a picture of this beautiful newborn child, who
was saved by God working through a faithful volunteer
during a 40 Days for Life campaign, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=400
God bless you, Mike, for standing strong in
prayer and fasting, anticipating more miracles just
like this one!
Here's today's devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der
Swaagh, Pastor, 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 by 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/docs/fall2009day25print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
On a final note, many of you have been asking what's
happening with Mayor Daley and Chicago's new "bubble
zone" law meant to restrict 40 Days for Life vigils
and pro-life sidewalk counseling.
Despite the thousands of calls and faxes to Mayor
Daley's office asking him to NOT succumb to abortion
industry pressure, the Chicago media reports that
Mayor Daley has said he will sign the censorship law.
Local pro-lifers are working with heroic attorney Tom
Brejcha, of the Thomas More Legal Society, and are
prepared to take immediate legal action when this
unconstitutional law is enacted.
This is a disappointing setback, but righteousness
and justice will ultimately prevail.
Hope you have a blessed weekend, Mike!
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Clarification: The Indianapolis abortion
facility reported yesterday as closed for two weeks
is not a Planned Parenthood location, but another
business -- Affiliated Women's Services. We regret
any confusion caused by our mistake!
Planned Parenthood slipped up.
I'm often told that abortion facilities use
ultrasound to let the abortionist know how far along
the pregnancy is -- it apparently makes a difference
in how the abortion will be performed.
But the images are for staff only -- not the mother
of the child whose life is at risk. So please keep
that in mind.
As a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil was under way, a
young woman walked towards the Planned Parenthood
facility in Sarasota, Florida with two friends. She
accepted some information about abortion from a
sidewalk counselor -- but she may have just taken it
so the counselor would leave her alone.
As she entered the abortion center, she handed the
packet to a Planned Parenthood staffer -- who quickly
tossed it in the trash.
About 45 minutes later, however, the woman and her
friends came back out. "They made the mistake of
letting her see the ultrasound picture," said one of
the friends, "and she couldn't go through with it."
The group then asked if they could have another
information package. "She wasn't planning on keeping
the child," the friend explained, "so now she needs
someone to help her." That's exactly what happened
next. The counselor told them of several nearby
pregnancy resource centers that could offer
assistance for this mother and her baby.
"As they left," said Jeanne in Sarasota, "they seemed
pleased. No direct action by any one of our sidewalk
counselors helped save this baby. But the potential
effect of the prayers of several people on the
sidewalk can't be dismissed."
The truth -- and in this case it was an ultrasound
picture that was worth much more than a thousand
words -- cannot be denied.
40 Days for Life vigil participants in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina didn't have to say much to the woman
who arrived for an abortion appointment. She was
still in the early stages of pregnancy, but a
counselor told her that even at 21 days, her baby
already had a heartbeat.
"I had no idea," she said. "I never thought of it
that way." She immediately changed her mind.
Two girls drove up to the abortion center in the
Tri-Cities, Washington area where 40 Days for Life
participants were praying -- two were standing, a
third was on his knees.
"They both stared at us," said Debbie, who quickly
figured out that the girl driving was bringing her
friend in for an abortion. "They sat for a while in
their car after they parked and then got out I turned
and showed them my sign. They both looked at it and
walked into the clinic."
Debbie's sign shared the truth: "Abortion hurts
women."
"It wasn't two minutes later they came out and got
into their car and drove off," she said. "They smiled
and waved to us as they drove off. You could tell
they were a lot happier."
Terri in Bakersfield, California received an
incredible blessing during this 40 Days for Life
campaign -- she got to witness the birth of a baby
whose mother rejected abortion during the spring 40
Days for Life effort.
A healthy baby girl was born, and the mother -- in
tears -- thanked Terri for being there in her hour of
need ... with the truth.
To see a picture of this beautiful newborn child, who
was saved by God working through a faithful volunteer
during a 40 Days for Life campaign, go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=400
God bless you, Mike, for standing strong in
prayer and fasting, anticipating more miracles just
like this one!
Here's today's devotional from Rev. J. Kirk van der
Swaagh, Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian
Conference...
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DAY 25 INTENTION
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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 by 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/docs/fall2009day25print.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------
On a final note, many of you have been asking what's
happening with Mayor Daley and Chicago's new "bubble
zone" law meant to restrict 40 Days for Life vigils
and pro-life sidewalk counseling.
Despite the thousands of calls and faxes to Mayor
Daley's office asking him to NOT succumb to abortion
industry pressure, the Chicago media reports that
Mayor Daley has said he will sign the censorship law.
Local pro-lifers are working with heroic attorney Tom
Brejcha, of the Thomas More Legal Society, and are
prepared to take immediate legal action when this
unconstitutional law is enacted.
This is a disappointing setback, but righteousness
and justice will ultimately prevail.
Hope you have a blessed weekend, Mike!
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
P.S.- Clarification: The Indianapolis abortion
facility reported yesterday as closed for two weeks
is not a Planned Parenthood location, but another
business -- Affiliated Women's Services. We regret
any confusion caused by our mistake!
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