Every event on the UNITED tour has provided opportunities for fellowship and mutual encouragement.

That's important because most of the time a vigil is covered by one or two volunteers, and it's easy to feel isolated. Sometimes we can even be tempted to wonder whether our presence makes an impact. But there's one group that never doubts your impact: the abortion industry.

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That's why in Toledo, Ohio, abortion supporters came out to protest our vigil -- even blaring satanic "music" to try to drown out our prayers. It didn't work. These desperation tactics only draw additional negative attention to the abortion center, strengthen the resolve of 40 Days for Life volunteers ? and increase the prayers for more converted hearts.



Abortion supporters often justify the barbaric practice by saying women who obtain abortions do so thoughtfully and only after serious consideration. The abortion industry's response to the UNITED tour in Southfield, Michigan didn't match the rhetoric. Abortion center escorts blared rock music and danced in the parking lot to try to drown out our visit.

The truly compassionate approach comes from the volunteers on the sidewalk, who offer women in need REAL choice. At the Southfield visit, ours wasn't the only bus in town. A mobile ultrasound unit was also on site and helped save NINE babies just in the last month.

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The state rally in Ann Arbor marked city number 40 on our tour. The campaign here reports one saved baby so far this campaign. At our Michigan stops, we got to see six different campaign leaders, volunteers from all over the state ? and even a participant from Canada!

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We were welcomed by a huge crowd in Indianapolis. The Hoosier State has seen numerous abortion centers and Planned Parenthood locations close in just the last year. Indiana is witnessing abortion coming to an end!

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Without a doubt, one of the most moving moments of the UNITED tour came at the rally in Indianapolis when we met Larelle -- one of the nearly 12,000 children saved from abortion through 40 Days for Life. Larelle is the first baby saved at a 40 Days for Life campaign that I had personally met. Larelle's hand print now adorns the bus as we head on to our 16th state!

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Steven Karlen, Campaign Director

Prior to joining the headquarters team, Steve directed several highly-successful 40 Days for Life campaigns in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. As campaign director, Steve helps local 40 Days for Life leaders build and improve life-saving efforts in their communities.