October 21, 2010
God works in big ways and in small ways. The big ways
are often easy to recognize. The small ways? Not so much.
40 Days for Life is the story of God's many victories,
both large and small. Here are some of the small ones.
But they sure add up!
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ZION, ILLINOIS
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Zion is one of several communities participating in
40 Days for Life that do not have an abortion facility.
But people there have been called to pray, and their
prayers are getting reactions.
Prayer volunteers watched as a man -- who was driving
way too fast -- came around the corner and shouted from
his open window, "There is no God!"
Vigil participants took this as a realization that God
is indeed at work in Zion. "We immediately prayed for
that man," said Joellyn, the local coordinator. "We
don't know who he is or where he was going, but GOD
knows that this man needs HIM!"
While there is no abortion facility in Zion, there is a
pro-life pregnancy resource center. And counselors there
report that they know of at least one child saved from
abortion during this 40 Days for Life campaign.
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA
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"Our vigil is in front of the Planned Parenthood
facility," said Nancy in Orlando. "Normally, abortions
occur here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The clinic
changed last week's schedule from Saturday to Friday --
it was unannounced, but we got the word. Imagine their
surprise when we had great prayer coverage on Friday."
The following day, Saturday, the facility was closed.
There was no explanation on their door, although it
was posted on their web site.
"Because many people did not know they would be closed,"
said Nancy, "our prayer warriors were able to witness
to those coming to the clinic. To top it all off, some
of our 40 Days for Life participants went to a different
abortion clinic and were able to save a baby."
An abortion-minded woman was able to see an ultrasound
picture of her baby on her own television in the
comfort of her home. "She chose life," said Nancy.
"Glory to God! He is so good, isn't He?"
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PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
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Picture all of this ... going on at the 40 Days for Life
vigil sites in Rhode Island:
* A father drops off his daughter at a "women's
clinic" and has no idea that she intends to have
an abortion until he sees the pro-life prayer vigil.
* A woman is convinced that being a "good sister"
includes supporting an abortion she doesn't
believe in.
* A young, desperate, pregnant mom believes she
has no option in her situation but abortion.
* Two sidewalk counselors are faced with two cars,
a language barrier, and three people to counsel
at once.
"An impossible situation?" asks Joanne in Rhode Island.
"Nothing is impossible with the Lord. God answered our
prayerful efforts by saving the life of a child, and
soon after He saved two others!"
The Rhode Island team reports eight lives have been
spared from abortion during this campaign at their
vigil locations in Providence and Cranston. "That's
the most for any campaign yet," said Joanne. "Help us
to be a sign of God's love to those most in need.
You'll be glad you did."
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone,
National Director of Priests for Life...
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DAY 30 INTENTION
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That those tempted to abort may understand that their
child is already present, and already a real person.
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SCRIPTURE
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And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of
Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth
was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said,
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the
fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For
indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded
in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
-- Luke 1:41-44
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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one
himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by
saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is
expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As
reflected in our verse for today, however, this is
not the case with the mother.
Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a
mother already, does not have a child "on the way,"
but has a child, already present and in full
possession of his or her human rights, starting with
the right to life.
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PRAYER
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Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of
every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of
every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your
own birth in Bethlehem.
As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send
your protection upon every child still in the womb,
and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that
comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray
through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day30print.pdf
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For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: Have you had an experience with 40 Days for Life
that has had a deep impact on you personally? If
you have, please share your story by leaving a
comment on today's blog posting at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1336