Dear Deacon John,
Now isn’t that some great news to wake up to?
Reports have been rolling in from Texas — the state where 40 Days for Life began — that abortion facilities are shutting down left and right.
The latest closures include three businesses where faithful 40 Days for Life volunteers have prayed on the sidewalks outside for years.
Plus — there’s another abortion center where volunteers are very hopeful that the business they’re praying in front of will soon join the list.
Here are the details.
Beaumont, McAllen and Harlingen, Texas
The three businesses closing are Whole Woman’s Health in Beaumont and McAllen, along with Reproductive Services in Harlingen.
The team in Beaumont had just started their ninth 40 Days for Life vigil. “God is so good,” said Eileen in Beaumont, who thanked many volunteers for their hard work and leadership. “Should we have a party now?”
Yes! A celebration of the Lord's victory would definitely be in order.
McAllen’s team was just beginning their eighth campaign. And five 40
Days for Life vigils have been held at the abortion facility in
Harlingen.
Danny Anderson of
Pregnancy Testing Centers of the Valley sent me this picture from
Harlingen — that's him standing next to the real estate sign outside the
closed abortion center. His reaction to the news? “Praise God!”
The public awareness and prayers have hurt the abortion business ...
along with the tireless work of many pro-lifers working on legislation. A
new Texas law requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at a
local hospital in order to offer abortions. And it seems many of the
hospitals just aren’t interested in granting those privileges!
Praise God indeed!
Birmingham, Alabama
40 Days for Life campaign number 12 got under way with a candlelight kickoff in Birmingham ... and one big difference from their earlier vigils.
“This Planned Parenthood has not had its front door unlocked for customers for over two months,”
said Ed in Birmingham. There is an occasional lone employee, but never
any clients. The last abortion performed there was in late December.
“Since their web site says that their services have ‘slowed’ and lists
only a contact number with no hours of operation,” Ed said, “we continue
our 40 Days for Life vigil in thanksgiving for each day they remain
closed — and in prayerful petition for a permanent closure announcement.”
Today's devotional is from Rev. John Ensor of Heartbeat International.
Day 3 intention
Pray for your local pregnancy help center: for those who answer calls
from women considering abortion, those who provide ultrasounds, and
those who personally help mothers prepare to parent or place for
adoption.
Scripture
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
--Psalm 82:4
Reflection by Rev. John Ensor
When a woman arrives at her local pregnancy help center, the hard work of "rescuing the weak" begins.
They listen to her. What desperate circumstance is driving her?
They act. A professional ultrasound and medical care is provided.
They pray, "God use us." Then, they take up her burdens and work towards life.
It is cross-bearing for the child-bearing.
Recently, I prayed for one volunteer who was working with one mother in
her struggle. Here is what "rescue the weak" looked like in this one
case:
• Aug 3: She made an appointment for Thursday to get an abortion and while
she feels terrible about it, she also feels like she has no choice. Pray that her
heart is changed!
• Aug 10: She is 12 weeks along but missed her appointment. She had some
good conversations with people at the pregnancy center. She is now
considering adoption.
• Aug 13: Things are down again. She now has an Abortion scheduled for
Monday. Pray!
• Aug 17: Missed appointment! God is working in her life.
• Sept 1: We've hit another rocky period. She has an abortion scheduled for
tomorrow. She found out today that her parents are planning a trip to visit
her and she is panicking.
• Sept 15: Missed third appointment. But feels like she has no choice. Please
pray today.
• Sept 20: She fears her parents but has agreed to another ultrasound
(a breakthrough).
• Sept 22: I was there with her for her ultrasound. She saw her baby moving
and made the realization that she wants to carry her baby.
Please keep praying against attack by the enemy. We are overwhelmed by
seeing God's hand move in this situation and are so very thankful for
the prayers lifted up by each one of you. God is good!
Prayer
Father, we praise you for this one sister who gave herself, heart and
soul, to rescue this one mother and baby. O may you empower the hundreds
more today who are serving in our pregnancy help centers. Grant those
answering calls, providing ultrasound and following up with a bold
spirit of truth, love and perseverance.
Printable devotional
For Life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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