John,

Just hours after the vigil began...

...we learned of the first saved baby!

Richard in Kasese, Uganda reported that his vigil helped a young woman opt not to have a late-term abortion.

"This girl is in great need," Richard said. "But I have assured her I will support her. God will do more and more."

Shortly thereafter, Iness from Kitwe, Zambia reported a saved baby.

These reports should inspire us to trust God.

Yes, the headlines in the news are discouraging...but complaining isn't going to solve any problems.

God will solve our cultural crisis, and in His generosity, He invites you and me to be part of His solution.

On today's video blog, I discuss how we can get to work:

To watch the video, click the image or visit:

youtube.com/watch?v=IaztL2ujaMA

And then sign up to pray at your local abortion facility at 40daysforlife.com/location.

Columbia, Missouri

Kathy has been leading 40 Days for Life vigils in Columbia since 2009!

Back then, Kathy said the local Planned Parenthood did 800 abortions a year. While the facility remains open, it hasn't committed a single abortion in three years.

Columbia's faithful prayer warriors are not satisfied. In addition to holding two 40 Days for Life campaigns each year, they participate in the year-round 40 Days for Life 365 vigil.

They plan to persevere in prayer until Planned Parenthood closes its doors--forever!

Birmingham, England

Birmingham's campaign opened with a powerful talk from a priest who discussed spiritual warfare and the battle to end abortion. The event was well-attended and garnered vigil signups from first-time 40 Days for Life participants.

Fr. Bernard shared a story in which a friend's wife asked him about his day-to-day routine as a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal. When Fr. Bernard shared that he ministers to the homeless, the woman gushed enthusiastically, adding that she has a friend who has a job that allows her to selflessly serve those in need...

...working for Planned Parenthood.

"Fr. Bernard used this story to remind those present that many of those working in the abortion industry genuinely think they're doing the right thing..." said Isabel, the Birmingham 40 Days for Life leader. "...And that to start a conversation we need to find a point of mutual agreement."

In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

— Acts 6:1

Father, in the Church’s desire to engage our communities with the Gospel, let us gain wisdom from those who have gone before us and cherish their experiences and perspectives. Help us to appreciate every soul in the body of Christ and minister properly to everybody.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life