The easy availability of abortion endangers expectant mothers.
Last week, 40 Days for Life participants in Forest Park, Georgia, saw an attempted forced abortion. "They witnessed a mother severely beating and kicking her daughter in an effort to force her into the abortion facility," wrote Ellen, the local campaign leader.
Fortunately, the volunteers immediately called the police, prompting the arrival of four police offers and an ambulance.
Prayer warriors told law enforcement what they witnessed, and an emergency medical technician tended to the victim.
The 40 Days for Life volunteers gave the expectant mother a blessing bag, their contact information, and a gift card for a local restaurant.
What would have happened to this mom if 40 Days for Life participants had not been present? What would have happened to the baby?
"The victim probably saved many babies today, as the parking lot was obstructed with EMS and police," Ellen said. "Many cars turned away from the facility."
Praying for an end to abortion from home is good. But Ellen's team provides a dramatic example of why we pray in public.
Sign up for your nearest vigil at 40daysforlife.com/locations
Lafayette, Indiana
40 Days for Life campaign strategist Kristi Hofferber recently visited the Lafayette vigil, only to find Planned Parenthood unexpectedly closed for several days!
"A Planned Parenthood volunteer showed up and left after not being able to get into the building," Kristi reported. "There has been no traffic at this location."
Agnes--who has also led campaigns in Vermont--organized an impressive event, featuring a post-abortion testimony from a woman who previously led the Lafayette vigil and continues to participate. Pastors from different faith traditions led prayers.
"During the opening prayer, there were sounds of laughter and joy from children playing outside in front of the business next door," Kristi noted. "It was a sound that brought an even greater sense of purpose to our presence."
Renton, Washington
Mary in Renton also held a 40 Days for Life rally featuring a post-abortive parent--this time a father.
"Sadly in his teenage years, [he] drifted towards atheism," Mary explained. In his 20s, he took his then-girlfriend to abort their child."
Later in life, he tried to convince a practicing Catholic woman that God doesn't exist. Instead, he changed his mind. He's now a pro-life believer, and the Catholic woman is his wife!
Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
--Mark 1:17-18
Lord, we pray that you might grant each of us the courage to follow your will, regardless of the personal cost. You made your disciples Simon and Andrew into “fishers of men” so that they could bring other people closer to you. Help us to do the same. We ask that you bless all people in the pro-life movement by reminding them that you are with them. Help them to carry out their earthly mission in a way that reflects your eternal love. Amen.
