40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 30: Abortion never goes away

Deacon John, I've had hundreds of women and men tell me about their abortion experiences. The pain, regret and sorrow of an abortion does not go away overnight. And the rhetoric of the abortion industry and the slogans of politicians do not bring healing. Whether it's a woman who had an abortion 10, 20, or even 30 years ago -- or a boyfriend who paid for an abortion -- the pain is there. Your prayer presence is often an invitation to healing. "Can we talk?" is a frequent question at a vigil from strangers who just walk up. It could be some who's thinking about abortion ... or someone who's has an abortion. Seeing the prayer vigil day after day serves as a witness to God's love and mercy. 40 Days for Life is certainly a conversation starter. Sometimes that conversation may have been decades in the making ... so never underestimate how God will use your presence!

Our time in California has wrapped up -- and wow, what an inspiring series of stops! People in other parts of the country may think California is beyond hope. That is not what we experienced during our 20 events across the state. The dedicated people who came out in record numbers are providing hope and inspiration for others across America ... and around the globe.

The California tour's final day kicked off with a hope-filled vigil stop in Chula Vista -- just a few miles from the Mexican border. Dozens of faithful volunteers gathered, praying together on the sidewalk next to a busy street outside the shopping center where Planned Parenthood operates. Patty shared her post-abortion testimony, addressing part of her message directly to abortion workers and the center's security guard.

We had a wonderful vigil stop in San Diego, with a great turnout of prayer volunteers on the sidewalk outside a Family Planning Associates abortion facility in a shopping center. We were blessed to be joined by Georgette Forney, co-founder of Silent No More Awareness, who has been an incredible partner and supporter of this tour and campaign.

In Orange, California, we had more than 150 people packing the sidewalk at our vigil stop outside a massive Planned Parenthood abortion center that looks like a fortress. We were joined by Ken and Cathy Clark, board members for Heartbeat International, who spoke about how pregnancy help organizations, working united with 40 Days for Life campaigns, help save more lives.

It was a high-energy, well-attended vigil stop outside Planned Parenthood in Pasadena. We were outside the facility where their abortionist was caught on undercover camera, haggling over prices for aborted baby body parts, saying, "Let me just figure out what others are getting, and ... if it's still low, then we can bump it up. I want a Lamborghini." The local prayer volunteers are working to make sure she never gets her Lamborghini. This was also our first event to have a TV news helicopter circling overhead, documenting our stop.

Pomona saw an awesome turnout at our last vigil stop in California. The crowd and the bus were just feet away from the Planned Parenthood building ... and right next to I-10, one of the busiest highways in the Los Angeles area. We're praying that many drivers saw the 40 Days for Life UNITED bus at this event!

The day wrapped up with our final event in California -- a dynamic UNITED rally in San Bernardino with attendees lining the street across from Planned Parenthood. This makes 98 events across 38 states ... and 11,800 miles of the tour ... that are now complete. Now we drive to Las Vegas!

TODAY! Thursday, October 27 12:00 PM -- Las Vegas, NV (United rally) 7:00 PM -- Phoenix, AZ (United rally) Friday, October 28 8:30 AM -- Flagstaff, AZ 4:30 PM -- Rio Rancho, NM 6:00 PM -- Albuquerque, NM (United rally) Saturday, October 29 5:00 PM -- Fort Worth, TX 7:00 PM -- Dallas, TX (United rally) See all upcoming tour stops at: 40daysunited.com

London, Ontario One passing driver did something different. He pulled over, flipped on his emergency flashers ... and then got out of the car ... [more]

Twickenham, England A group had been praying outside the abortion facility for about 20 minutes when a gentleman asked why they were there ... [more]

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. --Luke 1:41-44 Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316