John,

There's a sure sign that YOUR presence in front of an abortion facility saves lives: the presence of abortion escorts.

After all, why would Planned Parenthood take the time to recruit and train escorts if you weren't impacting its bottom line?

Hilda can tell that her vigil in Santa Maria, California, is impacting Planned Parenthood just by observing the abortion escorts.

"Their number has grown," she said. "They are more actively trying to block those of us who offer flyers or attempt to speak with clients."

Hilda suspects that the increased presence is related to 40 Days for Life and that escorts are being called in when prayer warriors arrive.

"Unlike before, they no longer limit their presence to surgical abortion days," she continued. "They are now showing up on other days of the week as well."

One of the escorts asked what time Hilda planned to leave the vigil.

"I told her I wasn't sure and that I wasn't in a hurry," she replied before asking the escort the same question.

"When you leave," the escort responded.

"This confirms something we already know," Hilda said. "Our presence is not going unnoticed--and it's clearly having an impact."

Duitama, Boyacá, Colombia

A campaign volunteer in Duitama found her neighbor crying. The young woman learned she was pregnant and had just been offered an abortion.

The 40 Days for Life team came to her aid immediately.

"They visited the young woman at her home, bringing food and a baby care tub filled with items for her baby," shared Claudia, the local campaign leader. "When she saw the tiny clothes and toys, she hugged them tenderly and firmly chose life."

Renton, Washington

40 Days for Life vigils build up the body of Christ by saving lives and souls from the clutches of the abortion industry...but also by providing for Christian fellowship that develops into deep friendship.

It turns out that when you meet somebody praying in front of an abortion facility, you already know you have so much in common that you can skip a few steps in the friend-making process.

"The 40 Days for Life-Renton vigil volunteers were happy to stand witness," wrote Mary, the local leader. "It was great seeing how close we have become over the years of standing vigil together. Old and new friends stand witness."

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."

--John 4:7

Heavenly Father, we pray in a special way for all women who have experienced an abortion. We ask that you draw these women close to your healing heart. Help us all to recognize our deep thirst for the living water that only you can offer, and give us the courage to invite others to the well of your forgiveness. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life