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!