John,

Canada is a tough place to be pro-life.

With a hostile government, crackdowns on pro-life speech, publicly funded abortions, and no restrictions on pregnancy termination, it's one of the most pro-abortion countries on the planet, rivaling China, North Korea, and--sadly--the United States.

In spite of all the obstacles, the Toronto 40 Days for Life team is having its most successful vigil ever.

Participation is up dramatically--and the campaign has saved five babies from abortion so far!

What's making the difference?

Members of the local leadership team decided to fast on nothing but bread and water for 40 days.

It's easy to merely pay lip service to fasting. After all, how can simply not eating make a difference anyway?

But five beating hearts in Toronto prove that God works with our acts of self-denial to purify our hearts, deepen our prayer lives, and bear great fruit.

How's your Lenten fast going?

Now that we're a month into Lent, maybe your resolve is wavering. Check out this classic episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast, where we discuss how to keep your fast--even when it's really hard:

40daysforlife.com/5-tips-for-keeping-your-fast

Escondido, California

The Escondido 40 Days for Life team welcomed former Planned Parenthood manager Mayra Rodriguez to town for a campaign rally.

Mayra was stunned by the welcome she received from 80 attendees.

"Mayra stated that she only expected about 10 people to show up since it is California," noted Alma, who leads the campaign.

And Mayra wasn't the only one moved by the rally.

"This was an emotional, eye-opening event," Alma said. "Many were moved by her testimony and understood the importance of being on the sidewalk and having that continuous, unbreakable chain of prayer."

The rally has continued to pay dividends, as many attendees began closely watching the vigil schedule to help keep the vigil going strong.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Germaine in Sheboygan said her team has had a strong vigil--in spite of lingering winter weather.

"It's been quite cold and very windy many days," she said. "But we've been filling our hours."

Recently, a shredding company truck parked outside the Planned Parenthood facility. "The slogan on the side of the truck described well what goes on inside Planned Parenthood: 'SECURE DESTRUCTION YOU CAN TRUST,'" one of the Sheboygan vigil participants noted.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

--Psalm 139:16

Gracious God, help us to appreciate the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Help us proclaim on behalf of every one of our fellow human beings, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." May the knowledge that we are intimately known by You shape our lives and actions.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life