John,

Most of my updates during a 40 Days for Life campaign bring exciting news of lives saved, hearts changed, and abortion facilities closed.

But not every story ends "happily ever after." The sad stories are a reminder of what's at stake...and how critically important it is for us to go pray in front of our closest abortion facility.

Marietta, Georgia, 40 Days for Life volunteers Audra and Fred met a mom who confirmed that she was pregnant inside Planned Parenthood. Audra congratulated her...but the woman wanted an abortion.

The Marietta team stayed in touch with the mother over the next few days, directing her and her boyfriend to a free ultrasound, pointing them to a myriad of free resources, initiating plans for a baby shower, and sharing a three-hour dinner to address their anxieties.

"We talked more in-depth, asking their story and needs," Audra said. Finally, the mother decided to keep her baby.

It was a beautiful victory for life...until it wasn't.

The expectant parents got into an argument, and the boyfriend--who had wanted the baby all along--told the woman to get an abortion.

Then the woman's family began pressuring her to abort.

The Marietta team's last-ditch effort to save this family from abortion ended when the young woman's mother seized her phone and refused to let her discuss abortion alternatives any further.

40 Days for Life participants were heartbroken...but they weren't discouraged. They simply stepped it up another notch. And God came through!

"Robyn and David told me they were praying with an even bigger zeal than usual yesterday when a Planned Parenthood client stopped to talk and chose life!" wrote Marietta leader Suzanne. "CONFIRMED! GLORY TO GOD!"

Honolulu, Hawaii

Saturday is the busiest abortion day in America...

...but vigil participants in Honolulu referred to one recent Saturday as "Miracle Saturday."

That's because neither the abortionist nor the nurse practitioner showed up to work, and not one life was lost that day!

While the abortion facility was without key staff, Honolulu pro-lifers turned out for an inspiring rally on the sidewalk, headlined by a speaker who shared how she became pregnant through sexual assault--and chose life!

Abuja, Nigeria

The Abuja campaign has produced literature as a tool for engaging fellow citizens in discussion about abortion. The team handed out more than 400 flyers on one day alone.

The flyers have opened up meaningful dialogue as community members are now contacting the 40 Days for Life team to learn more.

"We thank God for using our campaigns to touch so many lives and expose the evil and lies behind abortion," said campaign leader Yusuf.

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

--Matthew 14:29-30

Thank you, Lord, for my doubt, which allows me to practice faith. Hear my prayer for expectant mothers. Give them the courage to walk in faith. Help them to see the nobility of their motherhood. Through the storms of life, keep them close to you and comfort them in the safety of your arms. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life