John,

These days, we could all use some good news.

Tragic headlines about Hamas's barbaric persecution of Jews in Israel and the federal government's push to make abortion a sacrament at home might tempt us to lose heart.

But Joan, a 92-years-young mother of nine, recently shared her simple secret to persevering in hope and fortitude even when the going gets tough: "God asked me to go out there and pray, so I did."

Joan's simple obedience led her to spend years praying at the Clearwater, Florida, 40 Days for Life vigil--EVERY DAY from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Meet Joan in today's video blog, in which we honor her for her years of heroic sacrifice:

To watch the video, click the image or visit:

youtube.com/watch?v=9K6u-nikIng

Joan's dedication so inspired pro-lifers that Jane, the Clearwater leader, said, "Everyone wanted to be on the sidewalk when she was."

So that's when Joan started going out all day, every day!

"She and God must be great buddies with all the hours in prayer!" Jane reflected. "We would have to coax her to go for a lunch! ... Joan is a very quiet, tiny lady. She makes up for it in her resolve and tenacity."

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is home to one of America's most notorious late-term abortion facilities.

When the director of a local mortuary realized that the human remains he was receiving were the bodies of babies aborted at the Boulder Abortion Clinic, he made arrangements to provide the children with a dignified burial at a Catholic cemetery.

The remains of about 5,500 children are now laid to rest at that cemetery--beneath a Memorial Wall for the Unborn.

Boulder 40 Days for Life participants and pro-life students from area universities made a pilgrimage to the monument as part of their campaign. "These students are the future of the movement," wrote Susan, the local leader. "We must mentor and cherish and encourage them."

Leeds, England

The Leeds vigil saw a flurry of activity in the autumn campaign's first half.

"We have had supportive Moslems stop to talk, visits from Police Community Support officers, and a pastor [who shared] how she was conceived in rape," wrote campaign leader Chris.

Vigil participants also witnessed an ambulance show up at the abortion facility--and remain there for about an hour.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped with the campaign so far by being on the rota and/or supporting in prayer," Chris told his volunteers.

There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”

--John 6:9

Lord, you multiplied the meager offering of one boy to feed a hungry crowd. Please do the same with our humble prayers. Multiply the fruits of these 40 days. Use our own resources to glorify your name. Grant us the humility to know our limitations, the wisdom to turn to you in moments of distress, and the grace to carry out your will with trust and courage. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life