John,

The world is watching in horror as Vladimir Putin wages war on Ukraine, committing unimaginable atrocities in the process.

But brutal violence is the logical consequence of godless communism.

The Soviet Union became the first country to legalize abortion in 1920. Since then, Russia and other Soviet bloc countries have aborted hundreds of millions of their own babies.

And while the Soviet Empire fell 30 years ago, communism's legacy of barbaric violence remains. Eastern Europe is at war and it also maintains higher abortion rates than any other countries on the planet--including China.

When abortion is legalized, the violence spills into the streets. As Mother Teresa famously said, "If a mother can murder her own child in her womb, what is left for you and for me to kill each other?"

Fortunately, pro-life Christians in countries touched by communist violence are standing up and entrusting their future to God.

Budapest, Hungary has organized 40 Days for Life vigils for five years. Hundreds of volunteers participate each campaign.

One campaign participant lost a child in one of the 6.5 million abortions that have taken place in Hungary since 1956.

"God saved me from an abortion and depression," she said. "The Lord has done many miracles."

The 40 Days for Life campaign saved the lives of four babies last year...and the number of abortions in the country is dropping. Magdi, the local leader, said her vigil was bolstered when the Unplanned film and book were made available in Hungarian in 2021.

In addition to their participation in 40 Days for Life, Magdi said Hungarian Christians are also helping care for Ukrainian refugees. "Please support us in prayer!" she pleaded.

Riga, Latvia

Latvia's population is just shy of two million people...

...but the former Soviet republic has aborted more than 2.4 million of its own citizens over the last century.

The Riga 40 Days for Life campaign team learned of a woman scheduled for an abortion last week. They worked with the mom's brother to offer help and prayed fervently for a change of heart.

Unfortunately, the woman refused contact with 40 Days for Life participants and had the abortion.

"Did we do everything we could?" the local team asked. "Before the abortion, she did not want to talk to us. Now, after the abortion, she has once again expressed a desire to talk to us."

May she be blessed with healing and God's mercy!

Chungli, Taiwan

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has intensified fears that China might launch a similar attack on Taiwan.

The country remains free, and its pro-lifers are using that freedom to host their 40 Days for Life campaign.

"We have more than 30 groups who pray for defenseless children--not only in our country but all around the world," said Sister Fidelis, who leads the effort. "Every day, some group will pray at least 12 hours."

Participants include people from local schools, monasteries, Catholic hospitals, and other groups. Thousands of people pass by the vigil daily.

"Everybody is trying their best to bring the message of life!" Sister Fidelis shared.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

—Luke 4:18-19

Lord, send us to the poorest, the most broken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mothers' wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life