Dear John,

Around the world and throughout history, pagans sacrifice children to their bloodthirsty gods.

This isn’t true only in ancient, undeveloped cultures. Our supposedly progressive society continues to embrace the most backward of ancient superstitions as we sacrifice our own children to the idols we've built.

Why do paganism and child sacrifice go hand in hand?

We answer that question on this week's episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast. Tune in by visiting:

40daysforlife.com/why-do-pagans-sacrifice-their-children

We also discuss:

• What the ancient Canaanites, the Aztec Empire, and Planned Parenthood have in common
  
  
• Why only God’s chosen people can put a stop to the bloodshed
  
  
• The one sacrifice that can reconcile humanity with God

San Diego, California

Doug said the neighborhood Planned Parenthood tries to fly under the radar and escape the community's notice.

"Located strategically across the street from a large public high school, they only post their name in small letters at a side entrance. The generic 'Office Mall' sign helps them hide among the doctors, dentists, and tax accountants, who are also tenants in the building."

But Doug and his campaign participants are exposing the abortion facility.

"Do they really do abortions here?" neighbors ask in disbelief.

Doug said his vigil is raising awareness--and support--for the pro-life cause. "It's a great place to start the conversation."

Split, Croatia

Six friends pray at the vigil in Split every weekend.

"Maybe that wouldn't be so interesting..." noted Petra from Croatia. "...but all of them are pregnant. So there are not just six women in the picture; there are 12 people there."

Croatia continues to be a hotbed for 40 Days for Life growth, with 39 vigils spanning 37 cities.

Lawndale, California

Prayer warriors in Lawndale are also making their presence felt.

"Students going to the tutoring center in the building came over to say how much they admired what we're doing," reported Laura, the local leader.

Laura gave them some pins and bracelets and said she hopes the girls come back to the vigil.

The outreach to abortion-vulnerable women is having an impact too. Laura said her team was able to make an appointment for a woman at a nearby pregnancy help center, and they've saved at least one baby.

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

— Micah 7:18-19

Hear our prayer of repentance, Lord, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails. Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful.

May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore our nation so that a generation not yet born may praise you.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney

President/CEO, 40 Days for Life