John,

With election season in full swing, it's being widely reported that the recent high school class of 2024 is the most conservative on record. 

A myth about Gen Z is that it 100% supports abortion, but that's not true. 

Not only is Gen Z the first in which everybody has pictures of their own ultrasounds, but the generation is also the most educated on abortion due to the growth of the pro-life grassroots movement over the last 20 years.

Longtime Orange, California, 40 Days for Life leader Alejandra visited a local university campus to spread the message by sharing pregnancy help resource brochures and abortion pill reversal information while also displaying fetal models and talking about men's role in protecting women and children from abortion.

"We were pleasantly surprised about how well the effort went," Alejandra reported, noting that about 75 percent of the students approached were open to listening to the pro-life message. "We found that going two by two in a friendly, non-confrontational way allowed us to plant seeds."

Full-time U.S.-based college students should apply for the 40 Days for Life 4040 Scholarship before the December 15 deadline. The winner and a parent will be flown to San Francisco to receive the $4,040 scholarship on stage at the Walk for Life West Coast:

40daysforlife.com/scholarship

The university visit wasn't Alejandra's only foray into community outreach. She and her fellow Orange County campaign leaders also drew more than 200 people to a prayer rally headlined by Lila Rose.

The event led numerous attendees to commit to pray--including a group of tradesmen, who signed up for the 6:00 a.m. vigil slot every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday!

Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia students gather to pray Ukrainian Orthodox Akathist prayers for an end to abortion. Martha, the Charlottesville leader, said the local Ukrainian Orthodox church has long supported the campaign.

In addition to the Orthodox students, the Charlottesville campaign has hosted a Catholic Eucharistic procession, which she described as the largest gathering of pro-lifers the campaign has had in years. Other vigil participants include a group of veterans who participate as Knights of Columbus.

40 Days for Life is truly a team effort in Charlottesville.

Norwich, Connecticut

Longtime Norwich 40 Days for Life campaign leader Fr. Brian brought a group of 19 students out to the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood to pray for an end to abortion.

"A very powerful prayer vigil," he reflected. "We spoke about life, prayed a Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet, and sang 'Immaculate Mary.'" 

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

--John 13:5

God, stir up in us the desire to serve as you serve. Grant us the discernment to understand your will for our lives, to use our gifts for your glory, and to love our neighbor well. When we feel that our efforts are in vain, remind us that we do everything for your glory, not for our own fame or recognition. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life