John,

Many mothers choose life in response to your prayers--but never stop to tell prayer warriors they skipped their abortion appointments.

Moms (and dads and grandparents) are now returning to their local abortion facilities to thank vigil participants for saving their babies months, years, or a decade later.

Laurie has led the 40 Days for Life campaign in Windsor, Ontario since 2014. Praying in front of a large hospital, she doesn't see a lot of last-minute turnarounds.

But recently, the mother of a toddler stopped by the vigil to thank volunteers for their witness.

"She was pregnant two years ago and was being advised to abort her child," wrote a participant named Janine. "She chose not to. Her son will be two [years old] in November."

The moms who return to the vigil site years after they chose life are a HUGE source of encouragement at locations where visible results are hard to come by.

"It's wonderful to know that lives are being saved," Laurie said. "God knows even if we don't!"

Mission Viejo, California

A woman stopped at the Mission Viejo vigil to share that she chose life a decade ago thanks to the presence of on-site prayer warriors.

"My daughter is 10 years old thanks to your presence," the mom said. "I was going to have an abortion but changed my mind because people were praying here. Please keep doing what you are doing."

Indianapolis, Indiana

As Vicki prayed in front of Planned Parenthood, a woman drove up to say "thank you" for saving her TWO children from abortion.

The little ones were in the car with her.

"She thanked us for being out here because that's what saved her children," Vicki reported.

Tempe, Arizona

Lorie and Diane were approached by a woman who pulled over to share her story.

"Seven years ago, she scheduled an abortion at the Tempe Planned Parenthood," reported Jim, the local campaign leader. "But when she arrived for her appointment, she saw people praying on the sidewalk and was 'so moved' that she changed her mind and chose life."

The mother shared photos of her little boy, the joy of her life, and all present were brought to tears!

Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.

— Luke 5:4-5

Father and Creator of human life, help us never to become discouraged in defending the full breadth of that most precious gift. Inspire us to remember that without You, we are powerless, and that what we do for the least, especially the helpless unborn, we are doing for Your Son, who lives and works in and through us. Give us strength to persevere in Your will. Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life