John,

The first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in College Station, Texas was intended to be a one-city, one-time event...but God had other plans.

When the local abortion rate dropped by 28% during those 40 days, cities across Texas launched their own campaigns.

Then the pro-lifers of Green Bay, Wisconsin (which might as well have been the North Pole to me at the time!) invited me to speak at their 2006 40 Days for Life kickoff event, and I realized the Lord might have bigger plans for 40 Days for Life!

In addition to helping spur the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign the following year, Green Bay's effort ultimately closed a local abortion facility that had been killing babies for decades, has saved numerous lives, and also helped spin off new vigils throughout the state.

Longtime Green Bay leader Jim--a true pro-life hero--and his team packed a local community center to celebrate 15 years of 40 Days for Life campaigns in Titletown and to launch this fall's vigil.

Local campaign leaders from across Wisconsin drove to Green Bay for the occasion. And because no celebration in the Badger State is complete without them, Jim brought in deep-fried cheese curds to feast on before the fasting began.

Little Rock, Arkansas

On day 1, Little Rock's vigil schedule was filled largely by members of Deeper Still Arkansas, an abortion recovery group.

"Many of them have had an abortion and received healing from the Lord," reported Toni, the co-leader of the Little Rock campaign.

Having encountered God's mercy in the wake of their abortions, they participate in the 40 Days for Life vigil to help spare other women from the pain and loss they experienced.

Bratislava, Slovakia

The Bratislava vigil is off to a wet start. "It was raining hard!" said Martina, the local leader.

Martina has requested prayers after learning that a hostile television station is planning to feature her 40 Days for Life campaign in a documentary on abortion.

"It is a big trouble for me as they are very pro-abortion," she said. "Please pray for us."

Washington, New Jersey

Jen in Washington opened her campaign with a prayer procession.

So many people turned out that traffic needed to be stopped to accommodate the prayer warriors.

"All attendees were grateful to start our 40-day effort with such blessings," Jen remarked.

The King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

—Matthew 25:31-46

Gracious and merciful Father, we renew our dedication to defending the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised by our godless society’s selfish lack of concern. Free us from our own failures and sins so that we will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life