Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we've seen record demand for 40 Days for Life...
...and that demand is growing younger and younger! Monica in Ventura, California, praised the students at St. Thomas Aquinas College, who fill the Thursday vigil schedule every week of the campaign.
"These guys look a little tired--they drove half an hour to make their 7:00 a.m. vigil slot," she said. "Did I mention that it's cold and raining? ... But they're smiling. ... God bless these students."
Students like this are exactly why a donor decided to establish our 4040 Scholarship--a $4,040 scholarship to honor and incentivize pro-life college students making an impact on campus:
The 4040 Scholarship winner will be awarded funding toward tuition, plus round-trip transportation and accommodations to accept the scholarship on stage at the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco!
Full-time pro-life students at a U.S.-based college or university are eligible to apply!
Monica said she is encouraged by the presence of the students at her vigil. "Any doubts or discouragement on my part [are] immediately dispelled at the sight of those smiling faces," she said.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One recent day, prayer warriors described the atmosphere in front of the Albuquerque abortion facility as "dark," with more than 30 abortion clients inside.
But not all the women would go through with their abortions!
Two friends--both pregnant and both abortion-bound--encountered the 40 Days for Life vigil...and both chose life as a result!
"They were abortion-minded," explained Christina, the local 40 Days for Life leader. "But after seeing both Papa Phil and Juanita praying on the sidewalk...the moms chose life [and] are receiving help from the pregnancy resource center."
Ferndale, Michigan
"You disgust me!" a passerby told Suzanne as she stood vigil in suburban Detroit.
Suzanne wasn't sure how to respond to a greeting like that, so she just replied, "I'm sorry you feel that way."
It turns out the man thought her motives were political.
"I'm not Democrat or Republican," Suzanne assured him, explaining that her only agenda was to provide help and life-affirming alternatives to women in crisis. "Would I really be standing out [in the cold] weather if I didn't care?"
That reply changed the man's tone entirely. He apologized, engaged Suzanne in conversation, shared that she made his day, and said, "I love you, human!"
It goes to show how powerful your witness is--especially when the weather or members of the community make you uncomfortable.
"A conversation that started off with a vulgar remark ended in genuine communication, understanding, and appreciation, all because he took the time to stop and talk," Suzanne reflected. "A simple conversation can make all the difference!"
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.”
--Luke 15:20
Jesus, you have given us good pastors to lead your faithful. We thank you for their guidance and service, and we ask you to give them renewed strength. Help them to follow you with steadfast devotion. Guide their every action and give them the words to say to bring many people back to you. Amen.
