When we say 40 Days for Life campaigns change hearts and minds, it's not just a talking point.
Nobody knows this better than 40DFL outreach director Ramona Trevino, who used to manage a Planned Parenthood before a 40 Days for Life vigil helped lead her out of the abortion industry.
Ramona spoke at a powerful bilingual kickoff rally in Salem, Oregon. The emcee, Deanna, shared that she had three abortions and had worked for Planned Parenthood as an interpreter.
"Deanna was translating for a woman getting an abortion, and that was the moment that changed everything," Ramona reported. "It opened her eyes to the reality of abortion and spurred her to seek healing and forgiveness for her own abortions."
Deanna now volunteers with 40 Days for Life and offers her translation services for LIFE!
Given the abortion industry's penchant for preying on minority communities, it's no surprise that Salem's Planned Parenthood is located in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.
That made it all the more important that Deanna and Ramona addressed the large and diverse crowd in both English and Spanish.
"Bob has done an excellent job of building a strong and supportive team," Ramona said. "The community really supports his campaign."
Orlando/Altamonte Springs, Florida
Our director of medical affairs and education and former abortionist Dr. Haywood Robinson just returned from Florida, where he spoke to a noticeably young group of 40 Days for Life participants attending a joint rally for the Orlando and Altamonte Springs campaigns.
"We ended up with a lot of young people," explained Marian, the Altamonte Springs leader.
Marian credits a University of Central Florida student who simply invited her peers one at a time or over the phone.
And they responded, showing that Christian discipleship works pretty much the same way it did 2,000 years ago when Jesus said, "Come, follow Me."
What's stopping you from inviting your friends, family members, co-workers, classmates, and the people you go to church with to join you at the vigil?
And if you're a college student, what's stopping you from applying for our $4,040 4040 Scholarship?
Spring Valley, New York
"Perseverance!" said Eileen, who is leading Spring Valley's 38th 40 Days for Life vigil.
"The rains…could not and would not stop the people coming to witness with love for the sanctity of every human life," she explained. "There is a joy in sacrificial love."
Over the weekend, however, the rains gave way to dangerous conditions, which led to a state of emergency—closing Planned Parenthood and leading Eileen to exhort her volunteers to pray from home until it is safe to venture out again.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
--Luke 2:6-7
Dear Jesus, you entered the world through the “yes” of your mother. Help us to say “yes” to the needs of those around us, especially the needs of expectant mothers. Open our hearts so that we might generously share your love with others, and help us to be a refuge for women and children seeking safety and care. Amen.
