Sunday, October 18, 2015

From 40 Days For Life: DAY 26: "I can't work here!"

40 Days for Life
Dear Deacon John,
 
We’ve seen 121 abortion workers have a change of heart and quit their jobs during 40 Days for Life campaigns.
 
Many of those workers tell us they’d spent years being deceived by the abortion industry … and had deceived themselves about the reality of the work they were doing. They justified it every day. But eventually, your prayerful presence helped them find a way out.
 
Your presence can also speak to potential workers ... and get them away from the abortion business before they ever start. 
 
During a week in which a new Gallup poll showed that Planned Parenthood’s brand is at an all-time low, it seems appropriate to share a story about how a would-be employee turned around at the last moment.
 
Your prayerful presence represents the last hope for the babies; but it can also be a sign of hope for the workers as well.
 
Nashville, Tennessee
 
 
As three vigil participants prayed outside Planned Parenthood in Nashville, they watched as a woman drove into the lot and parked. About a minute later, she backed out of her parking space and headed towards the driveway.
 
One of the volunteers offered her a pamphlet and asked if she was there seeking information about abortion. “No,” she said. “I was going to apply for a job.”
 
The woman said she was a health care professional. “But I saw the signs and you all praying … I changed my mind. I can’t work here!
 
Iztapalapa, Mexico
 
 
According to one of the team members, from the very start of this 40 Days for Life, “everything has been very emotional and full of the presence of God.”
 
Lupita, one of the local leaders, said there haven’t been many problems with the Marie Stopes abortion facility staff this time, and there have been fewer instances of the police being called out to investigate complaints about the always peaceful, prayerful vigil.
 
“The most difficult thing has been the rain and cold, but our enthusiasm hasn’t stopped,” she said. “We have not stopped praying.”
 
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
 
 
A young couple was about to walk into the abortion center in Cherry Hill when volunteers asked them to come over and talk. After a short conversation, the couple still decided to go in. But half an hour later, they walked out. They had changed their minds and could not go through with the abortion!
 
On another occasion, a woman told vigil participants that she had a friend who was five months pregnant and needed help. She did not want to have an abortion, but she had no money and no place to stay … and the baby’s father refused to help.
 
Volunteers with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants got to work on finding the woman housing and meeting her other needs.
 
“Each year,” said Claire in Cherry Hill, “we have dedicated men and women who stand outside the Cherry Hill Women’s Center day in and day out, in rain, sunshine or cold, to pray and talk with women who are on their way in to end their child’s life. Each year, local people get to see real children spared by God’s grace.
 

 
Here’s today's devotional from Vera Faith Lord, director of the Alpha/Omega Life Ministry.
 
Day 26 intention

That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
 
Scripture

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

— Psalm 104:27-30
 
Reflection from Vera Faith Lord

“I am a feather on the breath of God.”

As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body’s first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.

He who created the universe also created that which is “me.” I do not have a soul; I am a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
 
Prayer

Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.

Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we’re on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
 
Printable devotional

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/media/day26.pdf 

For life,
 
 Shawn Carney
SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life