As each 40 Days for Life campaign approaches, Stephen and Beth, the Manchester leaders, go back and forth about whether enough people will show up to make it worthwhile.

?And if they didn?t,? Stephen said, ?who could blame them? There are so many marches and runs for universally popular causes that provide participants matching T-shirts, gift bags and smiles of approval from passersby.?

There are better places to pray, too, he said. ?What sane Christian would want to have their prayers interrupted with profanity as they walk on a cracked asphalt sidewalk when they could be transformed by the song of birds while meditating by a waterfall in the White Mountains??

On its surface, protecting life seems like a lonely, thankless job. ?But we know it?s neither. It?s not lonely, because Jesus promises not to leave us as orphans. It?s not thankless, because we remember how Jesus tells us that he will thank us for the work we do through his grace.?

40 Days for Life offers an opportunity to serve the least of our brothers and sisters ? innocent children in the womb whose very lives are at risk.

?What better company could we have on the sidewalk than the Holy Spirit? Whose gratitude could we appreciate more than that of Jesus?? Stephen asked. ?Beth and I thank God for you and your efforts, and count ourselves blessed to be working with you.?

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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.