John,

Well-intentioned Christians sometimes avoid discussing abortion to avoid the appearance of judging those who've experienced it.

In reality, it's silence that makes post-abortive women and men feel condemned, because silence suggests abortion is a sin so unforgivable that it becomes literally unspeakable.

Prayer warriors at the joint kickoff event for the Palmdale and Lancaster, California, campaigns witnessed the power of speaking up when a passerby out walking his dog stumbled upon the rally, joined it, and--for the FIRST time--shared his testimony of losing a child to abortion back in 1970.

"He described himself as a college student who embraced paganism," said campaign director Steve Karlen, who spoke at the rally. "But the pain the abortion caused led him to Christ. On the 40th anniversary of that abortion, he had a vision of his son and felt forgiveness."

By breaking the secrecy surrounding the loss of his child, the man is inspiring 40 Days for Life volunteers to make sacrifices that will spare women and men the pain of abortion.

Other participants shared stories of close calls.

Jessica explained how a friend had come for an abortion...until her GPS got her lost. She interpreted the mix-up as a sign and approached Jessica for help choosing life.

Another woman took photos of the event to share with her adult daughter. The woman was an immigrant and pressured by her child's father to abort that daughter...

...but she refused, even though the man abandoned her because she chose life.

As we prepare to start a new week, help save a life by finding your local vigil and signing up to pray:

40daysforlife.com/locations

Lawndale, California

The next day, Steve visited and spoke at the Lawndale 40 Days for Life campaign kickoff rally and participated in a "life forum" question-and-answer session alongside philosopher and award-winning author Dr. Chris Kaczor, who serves on the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Laura, the Lawndale campaign leader, also brought together representatives from eight pro-life and Christian organizations that support abortion-vulnerable moms or provide prayer support.

"It was a community-wide effort," Steve said. "Laura leads her campaign with professionalism and--more importantly--a heart filled with love for the Lord and for abortion-vulnerable moms and babies."

Oxford, England

At 26, Amrita found herself pregnant, living in a cramped room, and without a career.

"Even though her child's father was willing to support her, she was so overwhelmed, she felt abortion was her only option," 40 Days for Life director of international campaigns Robert Colquhoun explained.

After taking the first abortion pill, Amrita was immediately overcome with regret. The abortion facility dismissively told her that regret was "normal."

Thanks be to God, Amrita found information on Abortion Pill Reversal. Despite initial bleeding, the treatment succeeded, and she gave birth to a healthy daughter.

Amrita addressed the Oxford 40 Days for Life kickoff event, speaking candidly about how her brush with abortion changed her outlook on the issue.

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.

--Luke 1:58

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. Teach us to see your beauty in those around us, and give us the grace to serve our friends and neighbors. We ask you to especially bless the families and friends of expectant mothers. Help those who are close to expectant mothers to offer the compassionate care that Elizabeth’s friends did throughout her pregnancy. Help us never to close our eyes to women in need. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life