So far at our prayer vigil on Duke Street, several groups have graced us with their presence: the members of St. Joseph Church in Alexandria, and St. Raymond Church in Springfield. While St. Joseph Church time is in the peace and quiet of Thursday evenings, St. Raymond has taken the busy Friday morning time when both abortion facilities on Duke Street are open for business. This morning was no exception.
One couple drove past prayer volunteers to Gynecare, then left almost immediately. Soon they returned, with the woman munching something as she drove. One volunteer stationed herself on the Longview sidewalk, hoping to offer assistance, but the couple sat in the car for half an hour talking to each other. Finally, they left the parking lot; as another volunteer offered some literature, the man shook his head No, no, and they drove away.
Several other incidences were reported, including several different men walking along Duke Street sidewalk who stopped to ask questions and to share their views about life. One thing for certain is true when you staff a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil -- you never know what is going to happen, but you can always come away with a blessing!
Let's double our prayers and fasting for life this weekend for all those in pro-life activities and their successes, for women contemplating abortion this weekend, and for those who have recently experienced the pain of abortion that they will find healing. Please consider joining our outreach team for their first door-to-door effort of the campaign (meet at the Duke Street vigil at 9:30am), and sign up if you can for a prayer shift on Monday and Tuesday (as you can see we have still many empty hours on these days). In particular, we have one empty hour on our vigil today: from 6-7pm, so please signup for this time if you can! Thanks for all your prayers and support -- and let's keep working together for life!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day Three: Praying in the Sunshine
Project Rachel in D.C. is sponsoring an Entering Canaan Men’s Day of Prayer and Healing for support after a loss due to abortion. This day of prayer and healing is geared towards those who have been impacted by abortion, lost a child through abortion, or pressured to abort. The event will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Call Project Rachel Ministry for more information at (301) 853-4565 or email hope@adw.org. The location and contacts are confidential due to the personal nature of this experience. Let us pray that God will bless many men with healing through this prayerful event.
Thursday was the second day of our prayer vigil, beautiful and sunny. One prayer volunteer was sick and couldn't make her scheduled time, underlining the need for two volunteers at every time. Please pray that she is better soon! We still need more volunteers for Duke Street on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and S. Whiting Street vigil particularly this Saturday for people who are going for the first time and would like a buddy! To help out contact Mary Ellen (email below). Our outreach team is planning to meet this Saturday at 9:30am at the Duke Street vigil site. Feel free to join us and help spread the pro-life message around our city!
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 7-8:30am, 9:30-11am, 1-3pm, and 4:30-5pm today each need one more person. In addition, please consider looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday to help staff many afternoon hours that are still empty. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Thursday was the second day of our prayer vigil, beautiful and sunny. One prayer volunteer was sick and couldn't make her scheduled time, underlining the need for two volunteers at every time. Please pray that she is better soon! We still need more volunteers for Duke Street on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and S. Whiting Street vigil particularly this Saturday for people who are going for the first time and would like a buddy! To help out contact Mary Ellen (email below). Our outreach team is planning to meet this Saturday at 9:30am at the Duke Street vigil site. Feel free to join us and help spread the pro-life message around our city!
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 7-8:30am, 9:30-11am, 1-3pm, and 4:30-5pm today each need one more person. In addition, please consider looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday to help staff many afternoon hours that are still empty. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Day Two: Peaceful Outreach
Things seemed to go well for the 40 Days for Life campaign team on Day One here in Alexandria. Every time slot of Wednesday's Duke Street vigil was covered by at least one prayer volunteer, and we were welcomed to the area once again by many local business owners. One man drove by slowly in the evening as if to read the volunteer's sign, which read "Pray to End Abortion". The man nodded as if satisfied, and drove away. There were many friendly waves and thumbs-up as well. One negative woman drove by -- "Get a life!" she said. Yep, we're working on that!
Please send stories and pictures from your vigil, prayer, and outreach experiences to Jacinta at jacinta.40days@gmail.com for inclusion in our campaign team updates. We look forward to hearing from you!
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 7-8:30am, 10-11:30am, and 12-2pm today each need one more person. In addition, please consider looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday to help staff many afternoon hours that are still empty. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Please send stories and pictures from your vigil, prayer, and outreach experiences to Jacinta at jacinta.40days@gmail.com for inclusion in our campaign team updates. We look forward to hearing from you!
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 7-8:30am, 10-11:30am, and 12-2pm today each need one more person. In addition, please consider looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday to help staff many afternoon hours that are still empty. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Day One: Spring 2012 Vigil Begins!
Thanks to all who attended our kickoff rally last night! With a combination of great conversation, motivating remarks by our campaign director, and productive effort to fill our vigil schedule, all-in-all it was a very successful event.
Campaign director Sara Dina cited local abortion statistics and compared them to numbers of local homicides and alcohol-related deaths, leading us to the conclusion that we must stand together to defend our community, and continue to bring down the abortion rate in Alexandria. We filled about 50 hours on our vigil schedule, raised $130 for campaign financial needs, and came away with beautiful new signs, literature, and prayer books for our vigil shifts that begin today. Our outreach team is heading to the streets Saturday morning with a hefty volunteer roster, and we are secure in the knowledge that our campaign efforts are making a difference in this city.
Today we begin our 40 Days of prayer and fasting, 40 Days of community outreach, and 40 Days of peaceful vigil for an end to abortion in our very own Alexandria, VA. We join 257 other cities around our nation and beyond in this coordinated effort. Remember, you must sign up at www.40daysforlife.com if you wish to receive the daily national prayer intentions and updates during the campaign. These prayers are very beautiful and help us to come together in one heart and spirit during the 40 Days for Life. Plus you will be among the first to read stories of God's abundant blessings that He is waiting to pour down during this spring campaign!
Included in this spring's 40 Days for Life campaign are three cities in Great Britain: London, Birmingham, and Manchester. National 40DFL leaders Shawn Carney and David Bereit helped kick off their local campaigns last Sunday. In Shawn's words, "We were amazed to see how God has inspired thousands of people across the UK to pray and fast, stand in peaceful vigil and participate in community outreach." Here is their video from last weekend documenting how 40 Days for Life is positively impacting England: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 12-1pm and 2-3pm this afternoon each need two people, and 7-9:30am, 10-10:30am, and 11:30am-5pm need one more person. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Campaign director Sara Dina cited local abortion statistics and compared them to numbers of local homicides and alcohol-related deaths, leading us to the conclusion that we must stand together to defend our community, and continue to bring down the abortion rate in Alexandria. We filled about 50 hours on our vigil schedule, raised $130 for campaign financial needs, and came away with beautiful new signs, literature, and prayer books for our vigil shifts that begin today. Our outreach team is heading to the streets Saturday morning with a hefty volunteer roster, and we are secure in the knowledge that our campaign efforts are making a difference in this city.
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| Jacinta at our Community Outreach in Old Town last Sunday. Please join us! |
Included in this spring's 40 Days for Life campaign are three cities in Great Britain: London, Birmingham, and Manchester. National 40DFL leaders Shawn Carney and David Bereit helped kick off their local campaigns last Sunday. In Shawn's words, "We were amazed to see how God has inspired thousands of people across the UK to pray and fast, stand in peaceful vigil and participate in community outreach." Here is their video from last weekend documenting how 40 Days for Life is positively impacting England: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/
A reminder about vigil time slots that are open today: 12-1pm and 2-3pm this afternoon each need two people, and 7-9:30am, 10-10:30am, and 11:30am-5pm need one more person. To view our vigil schedule, go to www.vigilcalendar.com/alexandria, or contact Mary Ellen at maryellen.40days@verizon.net. Thank you so much for your prayers and witness!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Help Fill the Vigil!
We are 24 hours away from the official start to our Spring 2012 Campaign. We still have quite a number of available time slots. Please take a stand for Life, for Pre-born babies and their Mothers, if you are able, by committing to a daily or weekly time slot either on Duke Street or S. Whiting Street. Make This Lent a Stand Out/Stand Up Season!
Needed prayer times at Duke Street (view online calendar) are:
Needed prayer times at Duke Street (view online calendar) are:
- Wednesdays: 7-9:30am, 11:30am-4pm, 5-7pm
- Thursdays: 7-8:30am, 10-11:30am, 12-5pm
- Fridays: 7-9am, 9:30-11am, 1-7pm
- Saturdays: 7-11am, 1-5pm, 6-7pm
- Sundays: 7-8am, 10am-3pm
- Mondays: 7-11am, 11:30am-7pm
- Tuesdays: 7-8:30am, 10am-6pm
- Wednesdays: 12:30-5pm
- Thursdays: 9am-5pm
- Fridays: 9-10:30am, 12:30-5pm
- Saturdays: 9:30am-2:30pm
- Mondays: 12:30-5pm
- Tuesdays: 9am-12pm
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rally Tonight!
Please come to our Kickoff Rally tonight and get motivation and materials to help you keep your commitment for Life! Our campaign director will address the local abortion crisis and Fr. Robert Lange of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington will lead us in prayer as we team up to fill the remaining slots on our vigil schedule. Come with a friend to get your newly-printed signs, prayer books, and pro-life brochures, and connect with local pro-lifers as we launch our seventh local campaign for an abortion-free Alexandria!
Event Details:
Event Details:
- Day/Time: Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM
- Location: Bishop Ireton High School Cafeteria (201 Cambridge Road, by the chapel)
- Event Flyer: Click Here
Sunday, February 19, 2012
March 24 Personhood Training at St. Raymond Church
Save the Date! On Saturday, March 24th, at Saint Raymond of Penafort Parish (8760 Pohick Road, Springfield, VA), will be offered Personhood Training (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
It is essential that we learn how to communicate the pro-life viewpoint to others, and then seek out opportunities to do just that. Using the "Making Abortion Unthinkable" DVD series from Stand to Reason, attendees will receive a comprehensive and practical guide to presenting the facts about abortion and why it should be outlawed, as well as how to answer common objections in a reasonable and respectful way. Appropriate for all adults and mature high school juniors and seniors; some graphic images are shown. Admission is free. Bring your own lunch.
For more info and to register (required so we can prepare materials), contact straymondprolife@aol.com.
It is essential that we learn how to communicate the pro-life viewpoint to others, and then seek out opportunities to do just that. Using the "Making Abortion Unthinkable" DVD series from Stand to Reason, attendees will receive a comprehensive and practical guide to presenting the facts about abortion and why it should be outlawed, as well as how to answer common objections in a reasonable and respectful way. Appropriate for all adults and mature high school juniors and seniors; some graphic images are shown. Admission is free. Bring your own lunch.
For more info and to register (required so we can prepare materials), contact straymondprolife@aol.com.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
40 Days for Life Spring 2012 Community Outreach
Would you like to make a difference in your community? If so, your chance is now! Join 40 Days for Life Alexandria as we share the truth about the sanctity of human life and the tragedy of abortion. From February 22 through April 1, Alexandria unites with hundreds of other cities around the world for the spring 40 Days for Life campaign.
One of the key campaign components is community outreach, which includes both public witness and door-to-door literature distribution. During outreach we seek to inform the community about the dignity of all human life and the extent of the abortion crisis in Alexandria. We provide information on crisis pregnancy assistance, prenatal care, and alternatives to abortion. We reach out to our community with the love of Christ. We provide positive solutions to abortion and offer help and hope to those who have personally experienced the pain that it causes. We also invite all interested people to join the 40 Days for Life Alexandria campaign.
Please meet us at St. Mary's Church in Alexandria on Sunday, February 19th, from 2-5 PM, for pre-campaign public witness in Old Town. Door-to-door literature distribution will take place on Saturdays beginning at 9:30 AM during the campaign. Additional public witness opportunities are being planned, including an Old Town Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 3. Details will be forthcoming.
For more information, including outreach locations, contact Paul Spicer, Outreach Coordinator, at Paul.40Days@gmail.com or 703-969-7457, or Sara Dina, Campaign Director, at sara.40days@cox.net or 703-971-0678.
Please join us and help make a positive difference in our community!
One of the key campaign components is community outreach, which includes both public witness and door-to-door literature distribution. During outreach we seek to inform the community about the dignity of all human life and the extent of the abortion crisis in Alexandria. We provide information on crisis pregnancy assistance, prenatal care, and alternatives to abortion. We reach out to our community with the love of Christ. We provide positive solutions to abortion and offer help and hope to those who have personally experienced the pain that it causes. We also invite all interested people to join the 40 Days for Life Alexandria campaign.
Please meet us at St. Mary's Church in Alexandria on Sunday, February 19th, from 2-5 PM, for pre-campaign public witness in Old Town. Door-to-door literature distribution will take place on Saturdays beginning at 9:30 AM during the campaign. Additional public witness opportunities are being planned, including an Old Town Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 3. Details will be forthcoming.
For more information, including outreach locations, contact Paul Spicer, Outreach Coordinator, at Paul.40Days@gmail.com or 703-969-7457, or Sara Dina, Campaign Director, at sara.40days@cox.net or 703-971-0678.
Please join us and help make a positive difference in our community!
NEWS FLASH: Alexandria 40 Days for Life Campaign to Begin on February 22
Alexandria, VA -- From February 22 through April 1, local Christians will take part in 40 Days for Life, an innovative pro-life project that includes 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. “Alexandria is a community in crisis – an abortion crisis,” said Sara Dina, Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life Alexandria. “According to the latest records from the Virginia Department of Health, almost one third of all pregnancies in Alexandria end in abortion. We believe that 40 Days for Life is a major component of the solution to the abortion crisis in our community and around the world.”
40 Days for Life Alexandria will kick off its spring campaign with a rally to be held in the Bishop Ireton High School cafeteria Tuesday evening, February 21, at 7pm. Everyone interested in ending the abortion crisis is invited to come to the rally and learn about the mission of 40 Days for Life and its three-pronged approach to ending abortion.
Attendees at the rally will hear an overview of the abortion issue, locally, nationally, and internationally, along with details of the upcoming campaign. Leadership team members will be on hand to answer questions and distribute materials. “We need to work and pray together to make our community safe for pre-born children and their mothers,” said Dina.
During the campaign, the primary prayer vigil will take place on the public sidewalk in front of Alexandria Medical and Professional Plaza, 2839 Duke Street. A secondary vigil will be held on the public sidewalk next to Landmark Towers, 101 S. Whiting Street. In 2010, according to Health Department records, 1611 abortions were performed at these and other Alexandria locations.
Dina continued, “We are confident that God will use 40 Days for Life to positively impact the abortion crisis in our community.”
To learn more about the Alexandria campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria or contact Sara Dina at sara.40days@cox.net or call 703-971-0678.
40 Days for Life Alexandria will kick off its spring campaign with a rally to be held in the Bishop Ireton High School cafeteria Tuesday evening, February 21, at 7pm. Everyone interested in ending the abortion crisis is invited to come to the rally and learn about the mission of 40 Days for Life and its three-pronged approach to ending abortion.
Attendees at the rally will hear an overview of the abortion issue, locally, nationally, and internationally, along with details of the upcoming campaign. Leadership team members will be on hand to answer questions and distribute materials. “We need to work and pray together to make our community safe for pre-born children and their mothers,” said Dina.
During the campaign, the primary prayer vigil will take place on the public sidewalk in front of Alexandria Medical and Professional Plaza, 2839 Duke Street. A secondary vigil will be held on the public sidewalk next to Landmark Towers, 101 S. Whiting Street. In 2010, according to Health Department records, 1611 abortions were performed at these and other Alexandria locations.
Dina continued, “We are confident that God will use 40 Days for Life to positively impact the abortion crisis in our community.”
To learn more about the Alexandria campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com/alexandria or contact Sara Dina at sara.40days@cox.net or call 703-971-0678.
40 Days for Life Vigil Schedule Open for Signups!
Attention one and all -- the 40 Days for Life spring Vigil Schedule is now open for signups -- and it's as easy as 1-2-3!
Here is what you need to do ...
Here is what you need to do ...
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