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If you haven't gone out to pray yet, there's still time to join the largest Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign ever. If you have, it's time to sprint toward the finish line: 40daysforlife.com/locations
As a woman entered the Planned Parenthood mega-facility in Aurora, Illinois, Mary called out to her, offering free help and hope.
The woman didn't take her up on the offer...at least not immediately.
But when the expectant mother emerged from the abortion center 45 minutes later, she and her child's father pulled over and told Mary that she was pregnant--and nervous about it. Mary assured her that there is support available.
"The man and woman looked at each other," Mary remembered. "He smiled at her and said, 'We will have this baby.'"
The woman smiled back and then met Mary at the pregnancy center across the street.
"Won't they shame us?" the father asked. "No," Mary assured them. "Only care and compassion."
40 Days for Life campaign director Steve Karlen recently spoke at an Aurora campaign rally and learned that prayer warriors witnessed turnarounds THREE weeks in a row!
They don't know for certain that all three babies were saved...but all three mamas left Planned Parenthood considering life-affirming alternatives to abortion.
A group of students also joined the rally. The infusion of youth delighted longtime 40 Days for Life participants--some of whom have been praying for an end to abortion since the Planned Parenthood opened in 2007--or even earlier at other locations!
Catonsville, Maryland
Vigil participants in the Baltimore area received a visit from Sister Dede Byrne, the Army surgeon turned religious sister, who famously proclaimed that she is both pro-life and pro-eternal life at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
"Sister Dede Bryne arrived with a joyful heart, greeting everyone with a hug and big smile!" reported Catonsville leader Kim.
That wasn't the only encouragement the Catonsville team has received.
A woman patronizing the abortion facility left, holding up an ultrasound image for vigil participants to see and waving her arms to celebrate that she had chosen life!
Pamplona, Spain
A visibly distressed mother with tears in her eyes approached vigil participants praying through a rainstorm to talk.
"Are you going to do something you don't want to do?" they asked her.
After more than an hour of conversation, the woman opted NOT to have the abortion!
San Luis Potosí, Mexico
A woman at a bus stop met a 40 Days for Life volunteer and asked whether she was on her way to the hospital.
"Yes," the vigil participant replied. "I'm here to pray for the end to abortion."
The woman tearfully responded, "I came to have an abortion. I'm eight weeks pregnant, and today is the last day to take the pills."
The providential encounter saved a life, as the ensuing conversation empowered the pregnant woman to keep her baby.
As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the county; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus.
--Luke 23:26
Lord, teach us how to suffer alongside you. Grant us the joy of your company under the wood of the cross. Grant us the strength of Simon to help you on your way. We unite every tired step and discouraging defeat to your sacrifice for the redemption of all humanity. Amen.
