The British gave the world free speech. And the British are taking it away...
...by establishing buffer zones to prevent 40 Days for Life volunteers from helping expectant mothers in crisis.
Or rather they are trying to prevent 40 Days for Life participants from helping expectant moms. Instead, 40 Days for Life vigils continue to take place across the U.K.--and continue to save lives.
Bournemouth, England, leader Livia has been taken to court for praying in public. But the persecution backfired.
Instead of silencing Livia's message, the free-speech crackdown gave her a global audience, as international media covered her story and her pro-life message.
Our director of international campaigns, Robert Colquhoun, just hosted a workshop to train British 40 Days for Life teams on how to save lives even when muzzled by a tyrannical government.
"We strategized and examined campaigns around the world that have seen success amid free-speech restrictions," Robert said. "A very spiritually fruitful day."
If the Brits can save lives from abortion even without a right to free speech, you can too!
As we prepare to start a new week, find your local vigil, sign up to pray, and let God use you to save a life or change a heart:
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont isn't an easy place to be pro-life. The Burlington vigil began with abortion supporters calling 40 Days for Life volunteers "disgusting" and "selfish."
It's hard to see anything selfish about standing out in freezing cold temperatures to pray. It's more likely that the negative remarks were intended to demoralize pro-lifers because their peaceful vigil makes a difference.
If abortion advocates wanted to discourage 40 Days for Life participants, it didn't work. The criticism and cold temperatures were balanced out by positive honks, thumbs-up from passersby, and a sunny day.
"We are staying vigilant," wrote John, the local campaign leader.
Renton, Washington
40 Days for Life outreach director and former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino's trek through the Pacific Northwest continued in Renton, where it wasn't freezing.
But it was wet!
"We had a great time yesterday with Ramona!" exclaimed Michael, who is leading his first 40 Days for Life campaign. "Her message is so profound and enduring."
The rain didn't keep prayer warriors away, as vigil participants from the Renton, North Seattle, Lynnwood, and Everett campaigns all came together to pray with Ramona.
And the campaign is growing. "We had some new people show up for the rally," Michael reported.
The new participants included a woman who has had an abortion, found healing, and attended Ramona's talk specifically to learn how to participate in the vigil!
Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
--Luke 1:58
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. Teach us to see your beauty in those around us, and give us the grace to serve our friends and neighbors. We ask you to especially bless the families and friends of expectant mothers. Help those who are close to expectant mothers to offer the compassionate care that Elizabeth’s friends did throughout her pregnancy. Help us never to close our eyes to women in need. Amen.
