John,

For centuries, Europe was the center of Christianity.

Tragically, rapid secularization has resulted in a post-Christian culture on the continent...

...but if you look, you still find pockets of living, vibrant faith in Europe. One of those pockets is the 40 Days for Life team in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Hope is in the air in Portugal!" wrote Ana, the local leader. "The volunteer team has increased substantially since the last vigil."

Not only is the team growing, but it's increasingly attracting young people who are bringing new energy to the vigil.

Lisbon prayer warriors have already saved 8 babies from abortion with more than half the campaign still ahead!

One woman in Lisbon faced intense pressure--from her own mother--to abort. The woman's mom even threatened to throw the expectant mother out of the home.

The vulnerable woman received support and encouragement from vigil participants and chose life.

Encounters like this are difficult, but the Lisbon team found consolation in the opportunity to meet two babies who have been born after being saved from abortion during the Lenten 2021 vigil!

Brighton, England

A man in Brighton stopped his car and approached vigil participants to tell them he disagreed with their signs.

"He was respectful and took a business card, but [remained] adamant that the sign, 'Pray to End Abortion' sends the wrong message," reported Sheridan, the local leader.

"I sent him an email and received his reply, which is a complete turnaround from his angry response the day before," Sheridan said.

It turns out the man is an area pastor, who misunderstood vigil participants' intentions. Sheridan's clarification changed his mind.

"He even says he knows where to come when he starts to explore the ministry of praying to end abortion!"

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

It's been a difficult first half of the campaign in Romania where pandemic fears and restrictions have interfered with the vigil.

"We had to stop the campaign as we needed another approval from the City Hall," wrote the Cluj-Napoca team. "There is a maximum of five people in the street."

But the faithful vigil participants are not giving up. With permission granted from the local government, they are back on the streets praying for an end to abortion.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

— Psalm 19:1-2

Heavenly Father, thank you that creation itself proclaims your existence and points to your truth. With the explicit testimony of your Word as our foundation, may we also help those around us understand that the sciences of conception and gestation reveal profound and immutable truths about You and about what it means to be created in Your image.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life