John,

From lives saved to converted workers to an abortion industry in complete disarray, pro-life victories are piling up across the country and around the world.

Two states at the forefront of the pro-life surge are Indiana and Ohio.

Case in point: Indiana's abortion rate is the lowest it's been since 1975!

Recently, 40 Days for Life Board Chair and General Counsel Matt Britton spoke at midpoint rallies in both states and saw first-hand how everyday heroes are transforming their communities from the ground up.

At two of the events, Matt was joined by bestselling author Bud Macfarlane, who also spoke and gave out free copies of his books.

Prayer warriors had some less enjoyable company as well: unhinged pro-abortion activists. But those abortion supporters couldn't put a damper on vigil participants' enthusiasm for how God is responding to their prayers.

Here's Matt's report from the Hoosier and Buckeye states.

Bloomington, Indiana

"A great group of faithful showed up and prayed and sang," Matt reported.

Two sets of protesters came to oppose the vigil...but they stayed less than five minutes!

Prior to Matt's visit, a young couple exited Planned Parenthood crying, just 10 minutes after they arrived.

"We can't do it," they told vigil participants, who directed them to the pregnancy help center next door!

Indianapolis, Indiana

"Great midpoint rally with the folks in Indy," Matt said. "Tim, Mary, Linda, and the team put on a great showing."

Upon his arrival, Matt was pleasantly surprised to find Planned Parenthood closed for Columbus Day.

"I wish they were patriotic enough to stop killing little Americans every day."

Columbus, Ohio

A protester attended the Columbus rally, blasting loud, thumping, obscene music to try and drown out the event. She even posed in the 40 Days for Life participant group photo, wearing a black t-shirt that said, “Abortion: You do you.”

Her antics were no match for the prayers of the Dominican Sisters of Ann Arbor, who brought their school students out to pray. When one of the sisters led a closing prayer, the woman covered her face.

"We prayed for her, also," Matt said. "The devil was shouting, so we know we are winning."

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand, they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.

— Psalm 104:27-30

Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one’s lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life