NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
In early 2007, the leaders of several of the previous 40 Days for Life campaigns gathered to discuss the effect of the effort in their communities. These leaders shared how the campaign had been enormously impactful on their community, and also discussed the spiritual growth they – and other participants – had experienced as a result of 40 Days for Life. Recognizing that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” the group began to pray and discern how they could share the blessings they had experienced with other cities and towns across
Nationwide, simultaneous campaigns
The first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life effort was conducted during the fall of 2007 and the second was held during the spring of 2008. These campaigns mobilized people of faith and conscience in 139 cities across 43 states coast to coast. Those who participated reported that both individuals and communities were changed as a result. Here is a sampling of reports from these efforts, showing how God's blessings flowed during the time of prayer, fasting, and vigil:
“Side-by-side abortion clinics begged us to end our effort. One manager said, ‘I thought this 40 days thing was over already. You are killing our business!’
“Because of the location of our prayer vigil we had the opportunity to reach 7.3 million passing motorists during the 40 days. Some stopped and prayed with us or gave us words of encouragement, many honked as a sign of support and some were critical. A majority of our vigil participants were praying at an abortion facility for the first time. It was a joy to listen to person after person tell us how blessed they felt to be part of 40 Days for Life.”
“40 Days for Life provided a simple means for people to get involved in the pro-life movement. It marked the beginning of a stronger pro-life movement in our community, with newly-developed pro-life networking and information exchanges, which helped us provide a strong Christian witness and speak the truth in love.”
“There were at least two babies saved that we know about. New volunteers responded to our invitation to pray and witness in front of the abortion center and are interested in participating in more pro-life activities. New volunteers also signed up to help at our pro-life office! To cap the event we had a prayer event in front of Planned Parenthood for three hours and 400 people joined us!”
“We have redefined the pro-life movement in
“The best pro-life effort since the early 90s. It reawakened the zeal of longtime pro-life activists and inspired hundreds of volunteers
“The abortion clinic was closed during the final days of the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil — NO abortions took place that week. The clinic has also reduced its hours. It had been open seven days a week, but now it’s only open two days.”
“40 Days for Life was the kick-start that our community needed to get motivated to pray at the abortion clinics. Many more people are now involved and do not want to stop with day 40! Attendees signed up to pray at least one hour per month.”
“The response of our volunteers, the majority of whom have never done any pro-life work before, has been amazing. A local pregnancy help center said since the campaign began, they’ve never been busier, which they attribute to the campaign.”
“There were six babies saved the last few days alone. Many people changed their views on abortion and one post-abortive woman got involved in praying at the clinic for the first time. There was another post abortive woman who, during the campaign, came to realize abortion is wrong.”
“We are experiencing a wonderful collaboration of different denominations and organizations praying, fasting and walking for life. Several of us are excited about continuing to meet, sharing our plans for furthering our goals to stop abortion.”
“People who have never done anything about their pro-life values are coming to the sidewalk for the very first time. Lives have been saved as abortion appointments were canceled when the abortionist didn’t arrive for work on two abortion days.”
“As far as we could tell, Planned Parenthood stopped doing abortions during the 40 days. We were able to pray with people from Planned Parenthood. We received great coverage in the local newspaper; they actually quoted us correctly! It was especially touching to receive a letter from a man thanking us for what we were doing. He was able to share this with us because years ago, someone intervened when his mother was considering abortion.”
“We saw the number of pro-life activists grow from two to 100. The newcomers helped inject new energy and enthusiasm to the veterans of the pro-life movement in this community. We experienced the growth of the Holy Spirit with an increase in our faith, in ourselves, our children, and the campaign members.”
“Having over 300 people participate in our prayer outside the abortion center, many for the first time; friendships formed and a spirit of hope renewed within the pro-life movement; just holding 40 Days for Life when so many said it couldn’t be done.”
“We see unity of purpose with all denominations, changing minds and transforming hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, plus outstanding response and faithful vigil at the abortion site by all ages and especially our youth and young adults.”
“Our community has a history of being strongly ‘pro-choice,’ but we have people for the first time putting pro-life bumper stickers on the cars and lawn signs in front of their homes. It’s small, but for our community, it’s a start.”
“I think the most important outcome from all of this will be more women knowing that those of us there praying love them and their unborn children. We aren’t there to judge them or the workers in the abortion clinic. We’re there to offer help and support.”
“A sidewalk counselor, holding his baby son up to the waiting room window, caused one of the women to abandon her abortion plan. God is good! Someone remarked that live babies are so much better than posters of aborted babies!”
“The number of new people who came out to pray in front of Planned Parenthood for the first time was phenomenal. We also witnessed a woman at our church finally coming to terms with her past abortion and taking the issue head-on.”
“A motorcycle roared up and the rider in full black Harley gear got off and sauntered over. He huskily asked what these two men were doing. They told him. He responded, ‘Oh, yeah, I heard about that on the radio.’ And he has since joined us and pulled two all-nighters!”
“We pray every day during Planned Parenthood’s office hours. Some pray 12-16 hours a day. We will not go away until they are gone. We are educating the community. We cannot stop now; we must keep Planned Parenthood on the defensive.”
Banning,
“I have rekindled a special light in my soul and it says clearly in fiery sparks: this is the end of this nightmare! It has to go! It will go! We should and must see this through. The stage is set. Now God can finish this up with our definite persistence.”
For more information about 40 Days For Life, go to: 40daysforlife.com