John,

With Roe v. Wade on the brink of being overturned, pro-abortion legislatures are tripping over themselves to pass the most extreme abortion and infanticide legislation imaginable in their states.

But California isn't content to prey on its own citizens. Its governor is looking to make the Golden State an abortion destination for women from across the country.

"We'll be a sanctuary," said Gov. Gavin Newsome, according to the Associated Press. "We are looking at ways to support [patients traveling from other states for abortions]."

Newsome started an abortion advocacy coalition that is recommending the state pay for:

• Gas, lodging, transportation, and childcare for women traveling to California for abortions
  
  
• The cost of abortions for women both in-state and out-of-state
  
  
• Scholarships, student loan aid, and liability insurance subsidies for medical students who promise to offer abortion in rural communities

Fortunately, California is home to many more pro-lifers than it gets credit for.

Not only are there more 40 Days for Life campaigns there than in any other state, but those campaigns are also highly effective at saving lives!

40 Days for Life General Counsel Matt Britton recently toured 40 Days for Life campaigns in the Los Angeles area. Here's his report from the road.

Thousand Oaks, California

"We’re becoming a bilingual campaign, which I’ve been working and praying for," said Leonore, the Thousand Oaks leader.

The ability to communicate in both English and Spanish is bolstering her volunteer recruiting efforts--and it's also handy to have for Sidewalk Outreach purposes.

Leonore said one volunteer was moved that Matt spoke Spanish during his visit: "She had tears in her eyes."

Not only does the community have a robust campaign, it's also one of five year-round 40 Days for Life 365 campaigns in the state--four of which are in Southern California.

El Monte, California

What started out as a beautiful spring day in SoCal changed quickly as a storm blew through.

"It suddenly became cold, windy, and stormy," Matt said, noting that the inclement weather couldn't dampen the resolve of the prayer warriors. "We got on the coats, got out the umbrellas, and all prayed and rallied together to end abortion--great campaign!"

Glendale, California

"We had a great rally in Glendale," Matt said. Nearly 60 participants, including two pastors, gathered for an event at a nearby church before heading to the abortion facility.

"We processed to the Planned Parenthood and held vigil for about an hour, singing and praying."

Matt said Valerie, the local campaign leader, heroically spends countless hours praying on the sidewalk. He challenged attendees to commit to prayer shifts on the spot to further fill out the vigil schedule.

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

— Psalm 82:4

Father, may you empower the hundreds today who are serving in our pregnancy help centers. Grant those answering calls, providing ultrasound and following up with a bold spirit of truth, love and perseverance.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life