Thursday, March 31, 2011

Day 23: Halfway Rally Tonight!

Today we are holding our halfway rally at the vigil site, beginning at 6pm this evening. Fr. Kelly our chaplain will lead the prayers, and Bob and Susan will lead the singing. Bring your prayer book and your pro-life signs (including any with the problematic number on them, as described yesterday) and join us for prayer and fellowship!

If anyone has a big extra umbrella, please bring it for Bob! He's going to bring his guitar, but he's not going to play it out in the rain! Finally, please let me know if you have a vigil story to share, and we might be able to incorporate it at the rally tonight! Hope to see you then!

The following is a note from Keith, our outreach coordinator, who relates the following experience from his vigil shift a few days ago:
When we are standing vigil at the Duke Street abortion clinic we expect a range of reactions from passerbys. Many ignore us. A good number wave or give a thumbs up, which makes us feel good. On Tuesday morning, however, we faced a very angry drive-by. As five of us, one a priest from St. Louis, were praying the rosary a young man (early 30s?) drove by in his jeep, honked angrily, gave us a prolonged finger salute and shouted a number of things, including "Get the @(!* out of here." He then sped off.

We were momentarily shocked, or course, but then continued our prayer. At the conclusion we talked about it. One of us apologized to the priest for the behavior, and he acknowledged that it happens. We also discussed how it was good to see the anger. We should confront people with the horror of abortion, we should make them think about it, and we should expect some to react with anger. It's the people who ignore us who concern me. Clearly, that young man has a personal problem that we are bringing to the surface. Perhaps it will end with a change in his heart and mind. We all should pray for those who are similarly angry, and we should never respond with anger. Be ready to talk to them and let them know that we are not judging their actions, but working to bring God's grace to all who are considering the termination of a life.
In our national update for today, national campaign coordinator Shawn Carney references a letter to the editor which he calls "one of the best we've ever seen." In fact, I've read the letter myself, and found it really good. It presents a realistic and hard-hitting response to anti-prolifer violence, such as described above by Keith. You can go to the national blog for Shawn's commentary, or read the letter for yourself here.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

VIGIL KEEPERS: Signage Update!

Yesterday we sent an e-mail asking vigil keepers to stop using the "Choose Life" signs that have the phone number 1-800-672-2296. The pro-life organization that sponsored these signs is no longer in existence, and anyone looking for their website is directed to another pregnancy assistance website, with abortion presented in a neutral manner as an option.

This seemed like devastating news; however, the situation is not as serious as originally thought.

After visiting the web site, Mary Ellen, our diligent vigil coordinator, called the phone number on the signs, and was pleased to learn the telephone response is still totally pro-life -- referring women to good pregnancy help centers, including two we know: Alexandria Pregnancy Help Center on Richmond Hwy and the Marih Center on Duke Street.

Thus, if people simply call the phone number, there should be no problem. We will, however, delete that number from future printings of the pregnancy resources page. (You may cross out that number on your flyers.) We also would like to change the number on our signs, substituting the number for the National Pregnancy Hotline (1-800-848-LOVE).

So if you could, kindly return any signs with the number 1-800-672-2296, so we can change it and provide you with a corrected sign.

Signs may be brought to the halfway rally tomorrow, or to the vigil bag or your local church coordinator. We will collect the old signs and replace them with corrected ones as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!

Vigil Keeper Registration Problem Solved!

A note from Mary Ellen, our friendly vigil coordinator, clears up some of the confusion surrounding vigil online scheduling.

Day 22: A Witness For the Lord

We have some news from Rosalie, a first-time vigil keeper from St. Lawrence the Martyr church, who was praying around lunch time with two other people.

A lady stopped on her way out of the parking lot and waved them over. She told them that she had just spoken with Dr. Ari's daughter in the course of her dermatology appointment (the offices are connected).

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day 21: Come to Our Halfway Rally!

In the spirit of spring poetry, I am sending this update in rhyme. Mark the day and join us!

The call is out, for you to come!

The agenda is set, the work is done.

Come to witness and pray, at 6pm on Thursday!

Together for one hour we'll be -- any questions contact me!

Detailed agenda follows

Monday, March 28, 2011

Day 20: Halfway There!


Here is a representative from our vigil: little Isabel of St. Louis Parish, who attended the vigil with her father!

We are at war, a war that began long before we were born. It did not begin with Roe v. Wade and will not end with its' overturning. This war is primarily spiritual, the battlefield encompassing every living soul. However, sometimes the violence becomes tangible. Though exceedingly rare (40 days for Life vigils cover dozens of hours in hundreds of cities around the world), there have been a few attacks on vigil keepers. As mentioned earlier, one pregnancy resource center was broken into and destroyed. And every year the casualties mount: millions of unborn around the world.

John Paul II writes about this warfare:
We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the "culture of death" and the "culture of life". We find ourselves not only "faced with" but necessarily "in the midst of" this conflict: we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro-life (Evangelium Vitae, paragraph 28).
Sidewalk counselors and vigil keepers are on the front lines of this warfare. We are victorious in this war, but we must keep in mind our enemies are not abortion workers or those who yell at us but sin, Satan and evil spirits, some of which can only be cast out by fasting as well as prayer.

Our Halfway Rally will be this Thursday, beginning at 6pm at the vigil site (details to follow). Come and join us to pray for life!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Day 19: Vacation in Manassas

Need a break from the Alexandria vigil? We all need a vacation once in a while -- and I suggest taking one if you need it -- by going to the Manassas vigil!

Here's a picture of me with my niece, mom, sister, Shawn Carney (National 40 Days for Life campaign director), Tim Jackson and Mike Baldwin (40 Days for Life Manassas campaign coordinators), and some other friends at the Manassas vigil on Friday!

CBN, the local Christian news station, came to film the 40 Days for Life vigil, and Shawn came along to fire up the troops. Seton and Holy Family Schools sent their youthful prayer teams and there were also local moms with kids, older people and singles. We prayed and held signs, and I was blessed to take a tour of AAA Women for Choice pregnancy center which is right next door to the abortion facility. It was a great time for everyone!

Day 18: Let's Persevere!

We are almost halfway finished with our 40 Days for Life campaign. It is spring but cold, and we may feel tempted to give in to fatigue. Now can be the most difficult time to continue our efforts.

However, we must forge ahead with renewed commitment, and prove our love by fidelity to the task before us. As Christ rejected temptation in the desert, so we must be patient under hardship, persevering in prayer, and faithful in His service.

In Evangelium Vitae, we read of the singular gravity of abortion:
[Those attacks] strike human life at the time of its greatest frailty, when it lacks any means of self-defence. Even more serious ... [they] are carried out in the very heart of and with the complicity of the family -- the family which by its nature is called to be the "sanctuary of life" (para. 11).
Unborn children cannot defend themselves, or even speak. Even their natural reactions are inaudible -- a silent scream. We are the prayer warriors on their behalf. When we keep vigil through the night and the pouring rain, we know our prayers will work for good on behalf of those millions who will never feel the night air, or hold an umbrella in their hand.

Let us pray for God's strength to persevere in the work He has given us to accomplish.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Day 17: Life is a Gift from God

Some may wonder, why does the pro-life movement seem to include only religious people? After all, other human rights issues such as capital punishment and racial discrimination, though often spearheaded by religious groups, also attract large numbers of non-religious people. When life begins is a scientific, not religious, question and people generally seem to value human life. What are we to make of the general apathy, or even hostility, towards the pro-life movement by the secular population?

The answer can only be found in belief in God, since that is the primary difference between the two groups. But how does belief in God change our understanding of the value of human life? As Pope John Paul II writes in The Gospel of Life, our life--indeed all human life--is a gift from God and belongs to God:
For the Jewish people, as for many peoples of antiquity, blood is the source of life. Indeed "the blood is the life" (Dt 12:23), and life, especially human life, belongs only to God: for this reason whoever attacks human life, in some way attacks God himself (para. 9).
Like any other gift, the value is not only in the gift itself, but also as displaying the love of the giver. Imagine a father giving his son a car when he turned 16. Years later, the car, despite being taken care of, is in need of repair. If he tried to sell it, he would be lucky to get anything for it. More likely it would be sold as scrap. For the son, though, the value of the car is derived from more than transportation. It was a precious gift from his father. So, too, our lives are precious in themselves, but even when life is hard and full of suffering, it is still precious because it is a gift from our Father in heaven.

We are exactly 9 months away from Christmas, the due date of Jesus Christ, which makes today the traditional date of conception of Christ, the day that the Holy Spirit entered into Mary when she said "Yes" to God's plan for her. Please pray that all those who are carrying a child within them will similarly say "yes" to God's plan for their lives and choose life.

This past Tuesday a pregnancy care center was robbed and vandalized in Bronx, New York. You can read about it below (and you can donate at the link at the bottom of the story):

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-york-city-pregnancy-center-virtually-destroyed

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Day 16: Am I My Brother's Keeper?

One of the most common refrains that we hear concerning the abortion debate is "I wouldn't have an abortion myself, but if a woman wants to have one, it should be up to her." This is really just apathy under the guise of tolerance -- an abdication of responsibility to our fellow men. One response could be, "Why wouldn't you have one? Is it because you think it is wrong?" Another could be to ask what the person would have thought about someone before the Civil War who says, "I wouldn't own a slave myself, but if someone wants to have one, it should be up to him"? Clearly, some things are so morally wrong, that we cannot allow others to do them.

In The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II discusses the significance of shirking our responsibility to those around us:
"Am I my brother's keeper?" [Gen. 4:9]: Cain does not wish to think about his brother and refuses to accept the responsibility which every person has towards others. We cannot but think of today's tendency for people to refuse to accept responsibility for their brothers and sisters (paragraph 8).
We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. Let us pray that we may accept responsibility toward our neighbors.

We have two special events in our area tonight and tomorrow. Tonight in DC, National Director Shawn Carney and his wife Marilisa will share the story of how 40 Days for Life began. We have a Facebook event: to RSVP or for more information, click here. Here are the event details:
Thursday, March 24 -- 8:00 PM
Our Lady of Victory Hess Auditorium
4835 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC
Tomorrow, Shawn will be attending the Manassas prayer vigil to be filmed by CBN:
Friday, March 25 -- 12:00 PM
Amethyst Health Center For Women, Inc.
9380-B Forestwood Lane, Manassas, VA 20110
I hope you will be able to join me at one or both of these events! Even if you are not able to come, let's continue together in prayer, as we work to build a culture of life one step at a time!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day 15: National Campaign Director in Town This Thursday/Friday!

In his encyclical letter, The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II recalls the first murder in the Biblical account of Cain and Abel. In this ancient story, we see elements that have not changed over thousands of years. These elements include anger, envy, lack of self-control, and afterwards fear and shame.
Cain tries to cover up his crime with a lie ["I do not know" (Gen. 4:9)]. This was and still is the case, when all kinds of ideologies try to justify and disguise the most atrocious crimes against human beings (para. 8).
Well before Sigmund Freud, the writer of Genesis was aware of the concept of denial. This dynamic makes it hard to deal with people contemplating abortion, who have had abortions, or who were complicit with them. Cain shows us a first and basic type of denial -- denial of fact. Another type, also common, is denial of responsibility: "I had no choice" or "it wasn't my fault." Another, denial of impact: "It was just a blob of tissue" or "it would have had a terrible life anyway."

Although we cannot know the motives for advocates of abortion, we know how to respond: pray, fast and love. Denial is conquered by fidelity to truth. Let's all stand with the truth by attending the vigil or participating in our Saturday outreach!

On another note, our national campaign director, Shawn Carney, will be in town this Thursday and Friday. I'm hoping to attend both events, and I hope you'll be able to join me! Event details follow for both Thursday and Friday:
Thursday, March 24
8:00 PM
Our Lady of Victory Hess Auditorium, 4835 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC
On Friday, Shawn will be attending a Manassas vigil filming event. Here is the note from Tim:
I just received confirmation that Shawn Carney, Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life, and a film crew from the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) will be at our prayer vigil site at about 12:00 pm this Friday, March 25. My understanding is that CBN wants to film a local campaign, and we've been selected! If you can make it out to the prayer vigil this Friday, please do. Currently, we only have one prayer volunteer signed up for the 12:00 pm hour! [Sign up at www.40daysforlife.com/manassas] --Tim Jackson, Campaign Director, 40 Days for Life-Manassas Building a culture of life, one prayer at a time
Finally, we have a note from Zoe, one of our 40 days participants, who offers a heart-felt meditation on the sorrow caused by abortion:
How sad it is that a mother or father of a preborn child through ignorance and desperation would believe that with all the billions of people on this Earth already and all the love, and sky, trees, stars, etc. … that there would not be room for their own child here.

They may think their parents will be so disappointed in them or that they need to finish college… what they don’t fully realize is that... they can never get that baby back and how badly they will always want to go back in the past... they will almost always feel the guilt and the emptiness... as if they had ate the apple in the Garden of Eden... People need to realize once they conceive, they become parents. And a parent's first responsibility is ALWAYS to their child.
Thanks, Zoe, for sharing your thoughts and comments with us! Please remember to send news and stories from the campaign front to Jacinta Whittaker at jacinta.40days@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day 14: Motherhood

Although intention and ignorance can be mitigating factors in the evil of abortion, some aspects make it worse. First, one cannot think of a more innocent, helpless victim than a fetus in the womb. Second, abortion is normally done with the consent of one deeply connected to the child -- the mother. The intimacy of the crime of abortion makes it one of the most difficult to address . . . and recover from. As we read in The Gospel of Life,
Like the first fratricide, every murder is a violation of the "spiritual" kinship uniting mankind in one great family, in which all share the same fundamental good: equal personal dignity. Not infrequently the kinship "of flesh and blood" is also violated . . . such as happens in abortion (para. 8).
Today, let us pray for a softening of heart in mothers contemplating abortion, for healing of heart in mothers who have endured an abortion and for renewal of esteem for motherhood in our culture.

From Tim, the coordinator of 40 Days for Life in Manassas, we read the following words:
A few days ago, I contacted Pat Lohman, Executive Director at AAA Women for Choice, the Pregnancy Counseling Center next door to the abortion mill, and I asked her about our impact so far. Here is her response:

I know the prayers are having an enormous effect on those working at the abortion center, as the police were called 2X yesterday. The son of the owner was irate when two of our counselors asked a woman approaching the building if they could help her, and previously were talking with a gentleman who had his wife or girlfriend already in their center. Our counselors had convinced him to try and get her to hear our side, as we could offer her whatever she needed in life rather than aborting their baby. The man did try unsucessfully. Soon after, the owner's son came out of the abortion center screaming and swearing at our girls, accusing them of harrasing his clients, demanding they get back in our own building, of which they paid no heed. He called the police. Later on a woman was taking pictures of all of our license plates, claiming to be a retired ob/gyn and bragging about the number of babies she aborted in the past. She said she was going to get our home addresses (she knows someone at the DMV) and post them on Facebook. She claimed the people at the corner (40 Day people) had no right being there. The police were called in again by us. Today, Friday, no abortions took place, no abortionist entered their clinic, which never happens. I don't know what is going on, but I trust God and know that the evil one is not happy with our presence of the 40 Days for Life prayer warriors. Keep Praying.
Finally, we have a request to the 40 Days for Life community:
I have a friend who is a junior at Patrick Henry College. Her summer job just folded on her. She is looking for something that lets her help people, or is in the cultural arena. I was wondering if you knew of any pro-life, or other summer jobs in the northern VA area for the summer. If you hear of any and can let me know, I would greatly appreciate it.
Willie D.
conboy89@gmail.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Day 13: A Note From the Vigil Manager!

As we approach our halfway point, I really want to thank you for all your support so far in this campaign! We have succeeded in maintaining a peaceful, prayerful presence at our vigil location for a much better extent than last fall, and this is thanks to your prayers and witness for life! I look forward to a successful wrap up of the first half of our campaign, and even more enthusiasm and support in our second half!

The following is a note from our friendly Vigil Manager, Zachary Foreman:
One of the benefits of participating in 40 Days for Life is the opportunity to meet many interesting people. Another is the chance to persuade others of the value of human life. However good these things are, they are not the core mission of 40 Days for Life. As Vigil Manager, I want to exhort all vigil keepers to take advantage of any opportunity to pray with other vigil keepers. As Our Lord said in Matthew 18:20, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

When only one person is keeping vigil, personal prayer and even handing out flyers is fine, of course. But when there are two or three, I would encourage you to pray together from our Prayer Handbook or in other ways together. Singing is good, too. I must admit I have been guilty of preferring private prayer to joining others, but I realize that, while I can always pray my rosary at home, I have few opportunities to pray with like-minded Christians on the front lines of the battle for life.

Prayer opens avenues of grace, allowing those who wander in the darkness of the Culture of Death to return to the Light of Truth. No one is too far gone to receive God's mercy, and we must always be prepared to be an instrument of grace. As Pope John Paul II wrote in Evangelium Vitae, the possibility of repentance is open to all:

"Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart (cf. Rom 2:14-15) the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree" (para. 2).
Don't forget to mark your calendar for our Halfway Rally, to be held at our Vigil location on the evening of Thursday, March 31 (beginning around 5:30 or 6pm). Our chaplain Fr. Kelly is assisting us to plan this event with local clergy. As Zachary encourages us, this will be a great opportunity for some common prayer, and we also hope to share more details with you about this event soon!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Day 12: Living Water

The most visible component of 40 Days for Life is its prayerful, peaceful presence in front of abortion centers. Its source of strength is not confrontation, but love. It is faithful witness to God, who is Love, that has the potential to change hearts and minds. As shown by the story of Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood employee of the year and now pro-life activist, we must never return evil for evil, but be a true witness for life and the Lord of Life.
When he presents the heart of his redemptive mission, Jesus says: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10). In truth, he is referring to that "new" and "eternal" life which consists in communion with the Father, to which every person is freely called in the Son by the power of the Sanctifying Spirit. It is precisely in this "life" that all the aspects and stages of human life achieve their full significance.
In today's quote from Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), paragraph 1, we see that Christ's mission was not to bring ordinary, natural life, but eternal life. So we pray not only for the lives of the unborn to be preserved, but also for the eternal lives of mothers considering abortion, clinic workers and abortionists -- that springs of living water might cleanse and renew their hearts.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Day 11: A People of Life!

When tested by the Sadducees on the afterlife, Jesus said, "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." We, the people of God, are a people of life, devoted to the cause of life because we realize what a precious gift it is. Today's quote from the late Pope John Paul II reminds us of our duty to preach the value of life:
The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus' message. Lovingly received day after day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as "good news" to the people of every age and culture (Evangelium Vitae, Paragraph 1).
Every time someone holds a sign proclaiming the value of life, he is preaching the Gospel, the Good News of Life.

Usually only God is aware of the fruits of our preaching, but sometimes we catch a glimpse, as did some of our vigil keepers:
This morning several vigil keepers watched a young woman drive up to the entrance in a small broken-down car. She looked like she was about 16. As she attempted to turn into the driveway she had to stop and re-orient her car as the original angle was too wide. In doing so her eyes met one vigil keeper and others with signs who were praying out loud. As they watched her she pulled into the parking lot and stopped her car. No sooner had she parked than she turned the car back on, backed out of the parking spot, and drove away.
As we move into our second weekend, we are in need of several hours of coverage on Sunday. Spend an hour preaching the Gospel of Life with 40 Days for Life!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Day 10: Merciful Surrender

Handing over control of our lives to God can be frightening for many of us; we human beings tend to keep ourselves in the driver seat. Many times, women contemplating abortion also insist on control, using words such as "It's My Body." Rick Warren reminds us that when we surrender our lives completely to God, He can truly bless us and those we meet!
Surrendered people are the ones God uses. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, not because she was talented or wealthy or beautiful, but because she was totally surrendered to him. When the angel explained God's improbable plan, she calmly responded, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants" (Lk. 1:38).
How can God and us work together today to help spread the message of life?

As we stand vigil this Second Friday of Lent in this glorious warm weather, or pray in our homes and churches, let us pray fervently for individuals who work in the abortion industry. It is easy to pray for the unborn and their families, but it can be difficult to pray for clinic staff and the people who market abortion to our society. ...

... However, on Good Friday Christ didn't seek vengeance from the Cross, but offered love and forgiveness as he prayed, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Let us beseech the Father regarding the workers in the abortion industry with the same persistence that we have for the babies and their mothers.

The vigil keepers are doing a great job covering the hours in our daily vigil -- let's keep up the good work! Paul Spicer and the outreach team would love your help this Saturday, so if you can come for even an hour don't forget to call Paul (phone number below), and be at the vigil site on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM!

Save The Date: Our Halfway Rally is scheduled for Thursday, March 31, in the early evening. The Rally will be held at the vigil site, and we will follow up with more details soon!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Day 9: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Many people probably thought that St. Patrick would fail to convert the stubborn Irish to Christ, but St. Patrick didn't listen to these naysayers. He kept on everyday, year after year, telling the Irish people and leaders about the love of the One True God. Patrick's persistence paid off, and the Irish have been a stronghold for Christianity for over fifteen hundred years!

Today's quote from Rick Warren reminds us of another man who was persistent in the face of criticism and doubt:
It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. I imagine he faced many discouraging days. With no sign of rain year after year, he was ruthlessly criticized as a 'crazy man who thinks God speaks to him.' I imagine Noah's children were often embarrassed by the giant ship being built in their front yard. Yet Noah kept on trusting God (Gen. 6:22).
The world tells pro-lifers that they'll never succeed: legalized abortion is here to stay. However, like Noah and St. Patrick, we know that if we go out and do God's Will faithfully, He will bring our efforts to victory! We may not see the fruits of our 40 Days For Life efforts today or even this spring, but let us be assured that God is bearing fruit through our efforts!

The following story about Baby Joseph reminds us all what God can do when we stand up for His littlest ones and their families!
Infant Rescued From Canadian Hospital

Baby Joseph, under a death sentence in a Canada hospital, is now being cared for at a St. Louis facility. The controversy over Baby Joseph Maraachli arose because of the Canadian hospital's refusal to do a tracheotomy, saying efforts to save the infant's life were "futile." Frank Pavone heads Priests for Life. "His parents wanted him to get a reasonable intervention, like a tracheotomy," he explains. "[Hospital officials] were refusing, not because a tracheotomy wouldn't help but because they thought his life wasn't worth it."

Pavone canvassed about a dozen U.S. hospitals before finding one that would accept the baby. Baby Joseph was transported to Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis on a specially equipped air ambulance provided by Michigan-based Kalitta Charters and paid for by Pavone's group.

According to Pavone, Baby Joseph does have a problem that could claim his life eventually. "But when we talk about medical treatments, we're not just talking about things that can cure people -- but rather things that can provide a benefit," he says. "And today we run the risk of confusing those two things."

Pavone tells OneNewsNow that the parents are elated, especially that so many Americans joined in pressuring the Canadian hospital to let go of the child. "...This is an example of how when people speak up in a concerted effort, it can work and it can avert a terrible wrong," he testifies.

Doctors are currently reassessing Baby Joseph's situation. Pavone urges people to remain vigilant because others like this baby around the world are denied help for the same reasons, but silently die when there are no advocates.
The next few days are expected to be beautiful weather-wise, so let's come out to the vigil and stand for life in record numbers! Let's prove the naysayers wrong!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Musician Needed: Upcoming Halfway Rally

Do you or anyone you know play the guitar and/or sing? If so, would you be willing to contribute your musical talent or ask someone else to help lead the music at our halfway rally (to be held at the vigil site in about a week, date and time tba)? Please let us know by emailing Jacinta at jacinta.40days@gmail.com.

Day 8: Frances and Emmanuel

Today's quote from Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Life reminds us that when we do everything for God, even the smallest most humdrum daily acts can become a prayer and offering of praise:
Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God... This is the secret to a lifestyle of worship--doing everything as if you were doing it for Jesus" (Day 8).
Wow! What boundless opportunity we all have to serve the Lord and receive His grace!

40 Days for Life volunteers have been doing a great job of covering most of the vigil hours, and quite a few newcomers have joined our campaign this spring! Below are some helpful tips for seasoned vigil keepers and first timers alike:
  1. The vigil site is on a hill, and even when the temps are warmer, there is often a chilly breeze blowing, so often a light sweater or jacket feels good even on warmer days.
  2. Women may want to have another person come and stand vigil with them if they are keeping vigil after dark (around 7:30pm) for safety reasons.
  3. Please remember to offer post-abortion Project Rachel literature to men as well as women who have experienced the pain of abortion.
  4. If someone becomes verbally offensive, please do not view that person as "The Enemy." Remember that if they are lashing out at us, they are probably really hurting! Offer the person literature, and pray fervently for that person's healing. A couple of vigil keepers have already dealt with a very angry young woman (I'll call her Frances). They offered her literature, but did not argue with the young woman. One of the Beatitudes tells us, "Blessed are you when they persecute you for righteousness sake." We may not feel blessed at the moment, but God uses that unhappy situation to shower us with His grace!
  5. Please remember to pray for abortion workers and people who are somehow affiliated with the abortion industry. One of our contacts from last fall, Emmanuel, told a vigil keeper the other day that he had talked to his boss and gotten the assurance that he would not have to be involved with the abortion facility as feared. However, there is still hope he can completely remove himself from the situation, so continued prayers would be appreciated.
Let us continue to stand peacefully and prayerfully for the unborn and their parents! Whatever we do for God's littlest ones, we do for God!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Day 7: Manassas Campaign Front

"Use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God" (Rom. 6:13).

Today's word from Rick Warren encourages us to spread the message of life in every circumstance:
God doesn't want his love and purposes kept a secret. Once we know the truth, he expects us to share it with others. This is a great privilege--introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose, and preparing them for their eternal destiny (Purpose-Driven Life, Day 7).
The same idea can be applied to the pro-life message! Respect for human life is a part of God's purpose for us, and stems from his love and care for each person.

We are encouraged by the good reports from our neighboring campaign in Manassas, including averages of 50 prayer volunteers attending each day, and an extensive photo gallery! Manassas Campaign Director Tim sends the following words:
We are having a tangible impact. Saturday morning, I watched two abortion workers speed in and out of the parking lot, obviously agitated. By the time I left at 10:15 am, the abortion doctor had not arrived; usually, he or she is there much earlier. As I was praying, I watched the entrance for several hours and did not see one woman enter the facility. The "death-scorts" looked bored and underemployed--a great sign!
Let's keep the Manassas campaign, as well as the other 245 campaigns around the world and the national campaign team, in our prayers!

Here in Alexandria, our vigil is continuing peacefully. Maria Theresa sends in this report:
Just a couple of lines to inform you that Ruth and I went today from 2 to 4 PM. There was an assigned person there when we came. However, nobody came at 4 and we both had to leave. It was quiet; one lady asked where she could join and we told her to go to the website. We'll continue to be present as often as possible. I offered a ride to a lady from church and to the Poor Sisters, but they were unable to go. Well, I'm offering my humble prayers for all of you. May God bless you all!
There have been lots of interesting stories to relate, but they will not fit in today's update! So keep your eyes peeled, and remember to check your inbox tomorrow. Let's persevere in prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and outreach, and the Lord will bless our efforts in his own good time!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Day 6: Pizza Delivery Man and UnPLANNED

The Lord blessed those keeping vigil this weekend with beautiful warm weather -- spring is practically here! Though our vigil can be sad, and we may feel our hours to be tedious and unfruitful, God acknowledges our efforts, and blesses and comforts us in many ways -- and a beautiful day is one of His blessings!
An old story is often repeated of a retiring missionary coming home to America on the same boat as the president of the United States. Cheering crowds, a military band, a red carpet, banners, and the media welcomed the president home, but the missionary slipped off the ship unnoticed. Feeling self-pity and resentment, he began complaining to God. Then God gently reminded him, 'But my child, you're not home yet.' (Purpose-Driven Life, Day 6)
Today's quote from Rick Warren reminds us that our good works will often go unnoticed by the world, and we will seem foolish to others, but this world is not our Home, and God celebrates all our good works done for Him!

Two vigil keepers, Claire and Tracie, took an awkward situation and found the humor in it, and shared the message of 40 Days For Life with an unsuspecting pizza delivery man...
Claire was standing vigil with Tracie this evening, and a pizza delivery man pulled up. Claire was a bit nervous that the man had something confrontational to say, but the man asked, "Why are you standing here?" Claire explained that there was an abortion facility here, and they were standing vigil. The man asked, "Are you OK?" in a concerned tone. Claire assured him that they were praying to end abortion. When the man finally understood what was going on, he left in a hurry. Claire and Tracie exchanged a chuckle: the man probably thought they were homeless or in need of assistance!
If you haven't gotten a chance to read UnPLANNED by Abby Johnson, here's your opportunity! Jennifer, one of our FDFL friends, has 3 copies to share. Please see her message below...
Can you please announce to the group that I have 3 extra copies of UnPLANNED by Abby Johnson to give away? My telephone number: 202-713-3520 and email: lambert.jennifer@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Jennifer
Grateful thanks for all your efforts on behalf of the unborn and their families this past week! Let us unite peacefully and prayerfully against the evil of abortion this week, the first full week of our 40 Days For Life Spring Campaign!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Day 5: Stories From the Campaign Front

Today we have several Vigil Volunteer experiences to share with everyone, but first, many thanks to all who came out yesterday to help with the Outreach Campaign! If you couldn't make this Saturday, there are still 5 Saturdays of Outreach left, and all are welcome to help with any or all remaining Outreach efforts!

Susan's story reminds us how abortion doesn't just hurt women and babies, it hurts men too:
Today I ended up speaking with a post-abortive dad with whom I had quite a long conversation (I had one of my “Women Do Regret their Abortions/Men Do Regret their Lost Fatherhood” signs). He told me his whole story and how sad he still is not to have his child in his life – the mother never told him until after the abortion – she was in 10th grade and her parents were the ones who brought her to the clinic. He was close to tears even telling me the story. He thanked us all for being out there and for our prayers. He’s going to get the UnPLANNED book and read it himself, too. Then within 5 minutes another very young man stopped by to ask if there was an abortion clinic there – I told him yes and filled him in on the doctor. He just shook his head and said he wouldn’t give up his 3 kids for anything in the world, even though financially things are a struggle. I asked him to pray for the cause and he was grateful to have people there and praying. It was a gift to have men speaking up about how this effects them…something I haven’t experienced personally. That and praying there for those babies made my day!
Jason's story below reminds us all to be careful where we park, and please make sure we don't even inadvertently trespass:
Jason told me he was standing vigil with Matt, one of the scheduled vigil keepers, and he had parked his car in the parking lot to the left of the vigil site (he had looked all around and didn't see any sign "No Trespassing" or "Private Property"). Around 9:30pm, a man emerged from Gynecare Associates and got into his black BMW. The man drove around the other parking lot, and aimed his headlights right at the back of Jason's car. After a while, the man drove off.
Street parking is available on Longview Drive (the side street parallel to the vigil site) and at Bishop Ireton High School after hours. Our vigils are intended to be legal, peaceful, and prayerfully conducted. Please contact me (jacinta.40days@gmail.com) or Zachary Foreman if you have any questions.

Rick Warren reminds us that God is expecting us to do something with His gift of life: "Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment" (Purpose-Driven Life, Day 5). What will we do with our assignments?

A big thank you to all our Vigil Keepers; your peaceful prayerful presence is already having a positive impact! Keep up the good work!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Day 4: Vigil, Outreach, and Resources

Despite the rain, the cold, and the iffy skies, our vigil keepers have been peacefully and prayerfully present at their posts at the Duke Street abortion facility. All times have been signed up for by at least one volunteer so far, and often several volunteers have kept vigil together. Thank you all for your faithfulness on behalf of God's littlest ones!

There are several vacancies over the weekend though, so if you can, please come out and pray for a little while. Weekends are great times to spend with a friend, so bring a friend along too! Remember also that our 40 Days For Life Outreach Division does outreach on Saturdays, and Paul Spicer and his team would really love to have extra help!

Today's quote from Rick Warren focuses on preparing for life, both this life and eternal life:
Just as the nine months you spent in your mother's womb were not an end in themselves but preparation for life, so this life is preparation for the next (The Purpose-Driven Life, Day Four).
In reflection, we can ask ourselves, how can each of us help God's littlest ones to know the joy of life and not the horror of abortion? How can we share the love of God and the hope for eternal life with Him with women in the darkness of contemplating or having had an abortion?

The following information about the Gabriel Project from Sarah LaPierre may be helpful for all our volunteers:
I wanted to share that if there is any abortion-minded women in need of monetary help for pre-natal/medical (or possibly rent/utilities, etc.), Gabriel Project will be privileged to partner with you as a financial sponsor of these expenses so that finances are not a factor. We have a special relationship with Dr. Bruchalski and Bob Laird at Tepeyac for Gabriel Project to fund a mom’s maternity care if there is no other place to turn. We can also provide other assistance to make her feel loved and affirmed. There are many opportunities for free material items and education classes that can be offered. In addition, if she’s interested in support of a faith community, we could facilitate a Gabriel “Angel” or volunteer Friend from Birthmothers. Whatever her needs, we will try our best to meet them.

There is also funding for professional counseling and/or healing retreats for anyone who has had an abortion. Please call me or arrange for a visit to learn more about our ministries or if you have any questions.

May God bless you in your 40 Days for Life prayer, awareness and outreach campaign!

In Christ,

Sarah LaPierre
Gabriel Project/Project Rachel Director
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
I recently saw the following video which is of David Bereit and Abby Johnson firing up a record crowd of 50,000 for the West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdZBxrJ6fcw&feature=player_embedded. I was impressed by Abby's confidence and the crowd's enthusiasm. Please take a minute to watch or listen to the video if you have a chance. Let's all get Fired Up For Life!

Remember, if we are peaceful, prayerful, and persistent in our efforts to defend life, protect the unborn, help their mothers, and share the love of God with them, then God will bring our efforts to victory!

PS. Please share your stories and thoughts with us as you keep vigil for the innocent unborn by sending your comments to jacinta.40days@gmail.com. We want to hear from you!

Day 3: Ambassadors for Christ

"Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear" (Isaiah 53:11).

"We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor. 5:20). Let us take upon ourselves, through this 40 Days for Life campaign, the guilt of the sin of abortion.

As Christ bore pain and humiliation far greater than what we can imagine without complaint, so do we follow in His footsteps by bearing patiently the small sufferings and inconveniences that accompany bearing witness for His little ones, as we pray for repentance, not only for ourselves, but also for those who are weighed down by sin and attachment to evil, particularly the evil of abortion.

Our quote from Rick Warren today reminds us that we must keep in mind our purpose from God:
"Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning...Purpose always produces passion" (Rick Warren, Purpose-Driven Life, Day 3)
How does God's purpose and passion in my life lead us to better help Him defend the unborn?

Your feedback and comments are welcome! Please remember to send your news and stories from the campaign front for inclusion in our daily newsletter to the whole team! Stories may be sent to jacinta.40days@gmail.com. Thank you for your participation!

The following is an invitation from the 40 Days for Life team in Manassas:
All pro-lifers interested in joining the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday are welcome to march with fellow pro-lifers from Manassas. This will be our third year in the parade. We will meet at Seton School starting at 10:00am. The parade begins at 11:00am. Seton School is in Old Town Manassas at 9314 Maple St. Bring your pro-life signs! God Bless. P.S. I believe some marchers brought candy with them last year to hand out to the crowd, and it was a hit.
So far all vigil slots for the first two days of our vigil have been signed for, but we have an empty slot today at 5pm, and several vacancies over the weekend. Let's get those vigil hours filled, and keep up our winning streak!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Day 2: Cold, Clouds, and Rain

"God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes" (Rick Warren, Purpose-Driven Life, Day Two)

The temperature was chilly, the skies were gray and mournful, but the Vigil Keepers were faithful, prayerful, and observant as they began their vigil at the abortion facility on Duke Street yesterday. One volunteer had this to say about the morning, "Everything went A-OK, Tyler replaced me as planned. Dr. D and I arrived around the same time. He comes in for his usual opening and inspection of the clinic, and then drives off in his black BMW."

Another vigil keeper reported that she was able to pass out several flyers to passers by. Sitting, standing, with signs, flyers, and prayer books, vigil keepers peacefully stood for the victims of abortion, women and their unborn babies!

This story from Jennifer reminds us to be also vigilant at home. The devil wants to stop the message of 40 Days for Life, even if he has to stop it one yard sign at a time:
Tonight when I got home, I discovered that someone had completely destroyed one side of my 40 Days for Life yard sign by running over it and then throwing it on the lawn. I can say for sure that it wasn't the wind that blew it into the street -- that it was intentional -- because the sign was upright and firmly in the ground when I left the house this morning. Thanks be to God, the other side was not damaged and is now hanging in my bedroom window -- protected from outside "elements".
The following are two items that may be of interest for 40 Days for Life volunteers:
  • Two days ago, 40 Days for Life, along with Students for Life, Live Action, and the Susan B. Anthony List, launched a major initiative to de-fund Planned Parenthood. According to Kristin Hawkins, Executive Director of Students for Life, Planned Parenthood "is the first domino that must fall if we are going to abolish abortion in America." One of the aspects of the initiative is the opportunity to "donate" your facebook status so that relevant messages can be posted that way. More information can be found at abolishabortion.com.
  • Also, Project Rachel will offer a Day of Prayer and Healing on Saturday, March 26. Retreats for Healing After Abortion: An “Entering Canaan” Day of Prayer and Healing will take place on Saturday, March 26, and a “Rachel’s Vineyard” Weekend Retreat is scheduled for April 29- May 1, 2011. These retreats offer a beautiful opportunity for women who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion to experience the mercy and compassion of God. They offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can begin the process of healing. For more info or to register please call (888) 456-HOPE or email projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org. For background information, click here.
Today is a wet, wet day, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of today's vigil keepers who are dealing with the extra challenge of the rain in bearing witness to life! Let us continue to be prayerful, peaceful, and persistent in our opposition to abortion, and God will bring our efforts to victory!

Pope John Paul II on Praying for Life

"A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.

Sidewalk Counseling vs. Pro-Life Persuasion

Many of us didn't make the February training sessions that were offered for sidewalk counseling and pro-life persuasion. However, it's very likely that we may find ourselves in situations this spring where it would be good to have some tools of the pro-life trade. So I'd like to outline two basic approaches in dealing with the abortion issue: one to be taken with abortion-minded women, and the other with everyone else.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Day 1: Ash Wednesday

"He must increase, I must decrease" (Jn. 3:30). These words of John the Baptist who prepared the way for the Lord ring in our hearts today, as we begin our vigil with an outpouring of prayer and fasting across our land. Christians all over the world on this Ash Wednesday are called to spiritual reflection on our own humanity as well as our witness to Christ. As we commence our 40 Days for Life campaign along with the season of Lent, let's remember our need to keep God front and center, and ourselves in the back seat in our witness for the unborn.

We reflect today on the following passage from Day 1 of The Purpose-Driven Life, by Rick Warren:
You were made by God and for God--and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end.
Let us ask ourselves, how many paths have we taken in our quest for self-understanding and happiness? How does our witness for the unborn lead us back to God, or help us understand our dependence on Him? How can we help others form a relationship with God through the lives we are leading today?

By the way, if you haven't already made a fasting resolution for this spring campaign, you can find 111 ideas at http://www.nicksenger.com/onecatholiclife/101-practical-fasting-ideas-for-lent-redux. It's a Catholic page, but most of the suggestions are acceptable for all Christians. With over a hundred suggestions for fasting, I'm sure we can all take inspiration!

Monday, March 7, 2011

40 Days for Life Starts Tomorrow!

Thank you so much for being a part of our Alexandria Spring 2011 Campaign! Tomorrow we begin “a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion in America” -- 40 Days for Life!!!

Campaign overview and details are included for returning volunteers as well as those who may be new to the campaign this spring.

Amber: An Early Start

The following story was submitted by one of our vigil keepers to request the assistance of your prayers. As you will see, 40 Days for Life Alexandria is bearing fruit even before the campaign begins!

"A week ago, I posted two lawn signs by the two entrances of our driveway. We live on a corner, so the signs are visible from every direction.

"My housemate, Eric, told me that a woman stopped by who worked for a home security company. She was going door to door to talk to residents about home security systems.

"As she was about to leave, she asked what the signs meant ("Pray to end abortion"). She then revealed that she was pregnant and, while her boyfriend was supportive, his family was constantly calling her and texting her to have an abortion.

"The woman said that while the pregnancy was unplanned, it wasn't unwanted. She is studying to be a nurse. My friend didn't have any information for her, so he gave her the website for 40 Days for Life.

"The woman's name is Amber. Please pray for her and her unborn baby, as well as her boyfriend and their families."

A Tipping Point Moment

The following remarks were shared at our Kickoff Rally last Sunday.

At our Victory Celebration last fall, 40 Days for Life National Director David Bereit shared his view that we had reached a “tipping point moment” in our society. Maybe some of us have read the book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, by Malcolm Gladwell, which highlights the moment when the balance of victory shifts to one side or the other...

Welcome to Our Spring 2011 Campaign!

Despite a grey March sky and drenching rain, attendees at the Spring 2011 Kickoff Rally for Alexandria's chapter of 40 Days for Life came together Sunday at Bishop Ireton High School and processed down to the vigil site for an exciting and prayerful launch to the spring campaign.

Approximately one hundred persons attended the rally, including Wash. DC 40 Days for Life coordinator James Sherk, representatives from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, St. James in Falls Church, St. Mary Church in Alexandria, and many of our returning team members as well as newly interested persons. Three clergy were present: Rev. Ed Perez, Chaplain of Bishop Ireton High School, who led the invocation, Rev. Michael Kelly, chaplain of the Alexandria 40 Days for Life chapter, and Rev. Jean-Claude Atusameso of St. Mary Church in Alexandria.

The event was monitored by Keith Bea, Church Outreach Coordinator, who transported large quantities of signs and materials to the high school, and managed setup and cleanup operations.

Upon sign-in, attendees were offered a 40 Days for Life tote bag and prayer book if they had already signed up for vigil hours, and a commitment card if they were new to the campaign. (The updated 40 Days for Life prayer book has been reprinted with the addition of several hymns as well as more prayers, vigil guidelines, and our most recent list of local crisis pregnancy resources!)

Once attendees had gathered in the spacious Whalen auditorium, Rev. Perez led the invocation using the words of the Roman Ritual, "Direct, O Lord, our actions by your holy inspirations, and carry them on by your gracious assistance that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with you, and through you be happily ended."

Campaign Director Jacinta Whittaker then welcomed attendees to the rally and thanked them for their participation, noting that, while several recent pro-life successes give reason for hope, there is still a great need to keep the momentum going (text to follow). Following Jacinta's remarks, Vigil Manager Zachary Foreman led attendees in the hymn, "Crown Him with Many Crowns."

Rev. Michael Kelly offered remarks on the importance of prayer, and admired the new prayer/hymn books, recalling the words of St. Augustine, "To sing is to pray twice." Prayer Coordinator Claire Skidmore, also addressed the importance of prayer, and related two stories from last fall's vigil to illustrate the value of personal encounter and presence.

Outreach Coordinator Paul Spicer noted that approximately 1,500 homes in the vicinity of the abortion facility have already been covered, and showed maps and materials outlining the general outreach strategy and accomplishments to date.

Vigil Coordinator Mary Ellen McElfresh emphasized the importance of the prayer vigil at the abortion facility, and the need to have at least one person present at every hour (but preferably more than one). She invited attendees to sign up for an hour, if they had not already done so, and reassured them from personal experience that attendance at the vigil can be a great blessing in one's life, despite initial misgivings that one may feel.

Following Mary Ellen's remarks, Zachary Foreman emphasized the importance of having multiple people at the vigil at every hour, and outlined three reasons people might need to call him: (1) if there is someone scheduled after them who doesn't show up, (2) if there is any trouble with the police, (3) and if anyone wants to be led in a hymn.

Jacinta gave a brief overview of sidewalk counseling and pro-life persuasion techniques, noting the difference between them, and reporting that approximately 50 persons had gone through the training sessions that were offered in February. Ed Caughlan then introduced the main speaker, Jimmy Nolan from Crossroads Pro-Life.

Jimmy gave a brief overview of the Crossroads project and mission which is to proclaim the gospel of life "from the rooftops" like the original disciples in the Gospels, which they do by walking across America, praying and witnessing at abortion facilities, and at other opportunities as available along their walking routes. There will be three walks in America this summer, and two in Canada. Jimmy then introduced his sister Martha, who related several Crossroads success stories, and expressed enthusiasm about working with 40 Days this spring.

After rally remarks were concluded, attendees had the opportunity to get some refreshments, fill their tote bags with flyers for use at the vigil or for pro-life outreach during the 40 Days, and sign-up for remaining vigil slots and outreach times.

Music and refreshments were organized by Sara Dina, Melissa Denike, Michelle Jones, and their loyal assistants, while the signup tables were staffed by team leaders ready to answer any questions! Hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags and other items were also available for suggested donations of $20, $15, and $10 a piece.

Following the social time, Zachary and Keith rounded up attendees to participate in the prayer procession to the abortion facility. After a while getting the troops together, everyone was ready, and we started off down the sidewalk singing hymns and carrying pro-life signs. Once we arrived at the vigil location, we prayed together and sang another hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King."

After taking a few pictures, our rally was officially concluded, and attendees headed off to their cars with a sense of joy and enthusiasm, if not perhaps a bit of exhaustion, while a small group gathered for a post-rally unwind and bite to eat just down the road at Fuddruckers.

Many thanks to the staff at Bishop Ireton who graciously provided hospitality for our rally, as well as the volunteers who helped with setup, cleanup, and keeping everything together! Technical support was provided by Kevin Curry, Technical Director at Bishop Ireton High School and his cohorts, Michael and Mary. Sign-in assistance was provided by Maria Blasevich.

So thanks to everyone who helped kickoff our Spring 2011 campaign!!! See you at the vigil!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Countdown to Day One!

We're looking forward to our Rally this Sunday -- and can't wait to see you!

In case you didn't know, the agenda for our activities has been set!

We will gather to hear team leaders and speakers . . .

. . . spend time in prayer and fellowship . . .

. . . and process together to the vigil site!

Event details have been confirmed, and our team is in place to welcome you to our spring campaign! We will have pictures, music, refreshments for your benefit, and much, much more!

In particular, you will come away with
  • valuable signs, materials, and flyers for the vigil
  • a greater sense of unity with our local 40 Days for Life team as we pray and seek God's blessing on our efforts this spring, and
  • motivation and confidence to participate!
Don't forget to check out our new items such as hoodies, tote bags, and car magnets.

We're even offering a free 40 Days for Life tote bag to anyone who commits to walking with our outreach team on at least one Saturday during the 40 Days!

This event is recommended for the whole family. We can't fill our vigil without you, and that's why we're working to make this event BIG for your benefit!

You and your family and friends are important to this effort.

So please make a point to attend -- if you haven't RSVP'd yet, please let us know through our invite on Facebook, or simply hit reply on this email.

See you Sunday!