A Twickenham volunteer really had to work up some courage before attending the 40 Days for Life vigil for the first time.

?The day before, I was afraid. Can I do it? Do I have enough courage to be there and pray?? But then the reluctant volunteer prayed, ?Please, Jesus, give me the power and courage to go there and pray for life.?

The next day, it seemed like any other morning. ?I didn?t feel any extra power or courage, but I felt I could do it and I wanted to do it.?

When the new vigil participant arrived, he found others already at prayer, so he stood next to them and joined in. ?During this time, I felt so calm and my prayer was flowing.?

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As the vigil continued, so did the procession of people going into and out of the abortion facility. Some women arrived alone, others with companions.

?These people were trying to look like everything was fine, but my, these people ? especially the women ? were sad. I saw pain on their faces. The only thing I could do for them was pray.?

The first-time volunteer wasn?t sure if any lives were saved this day, ?but I know I didn't waste my time. I could have chickened out today, stayed home and wasted time doing unimportant things. But Jesus gave me that what I asked for -- courage.?

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David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.