John,

When abortion supporters responded to the reversal of Roe v. Wade by torching pregnancy centers and vandalizing churches, fear of persecution at 40 Days for Life vigils was a natural response...

...but instead, persecution is down this spring, and 40 Days for Life campaigns across the country are being embraced by their communities!

After Planned Parenthood in Napa, California, relocated because 40 Days for Life participants doubled the abortion appointment no-show rate, campaign leaders worried their impact would be reduced.

Instead, the community rallied around the campaign, with new churches and participants joining the vigil.

"We are reaching record numbers beyond anything that anyone remembers in the last 30 campaigns," said Dominic, the Napa leader. "On Saturday alone, over 100 volunteers came out to pray!"

Planned Parenthood's new location was supposed to make it more difficult for pro-lifers to stand vigil--but a local business is providing free parking spaces to participants who struggle with mobility.

"The new location has given us a lot more visibility. We get more foot traffic walking by and many motorists as well," Dominic explained. "The goodness just keeps unfolding on the sidewalk. I am confident that with the Lord we can end abortion where we live."

Patchogue, New York

A young man brought coffee to Long Island vigil participants to thank them for their witness.

"He was rushing home from work, but something made him pull over, park his car, and stop," reported Bob, the local campaign leader.

The man complimented prayer warriors on their "important work," proudly told them about his 18-month-old daughter, and posed for a photo with the vigil participants.

Santa Maria, California

A young man named Seth timidly approached campaign volunteers in Santa Maria to thank them for praying for an end to abortion.

"He told me that he has gone by us many times...and he is always impressed by the commitment that so many people have to pray in spite of whatever is going on around them," shared Barbara.

Seth explained that the constant vigil sparked in him a realization that he needs to put his own faith into action.

Aurora, Colorado

A passerby in the Denver suburbs treated vigil participants to an unexpected gift.

"A young man drove up and got out of his truck with a gift," wrote Aurora leader Lisa. "He began to thank us for being there and handed a candle with the Sacred Heart of Jesus to us!"

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

--Psalm 19:1-2

Heavenly Father, thank You that creation itself proclaims Your existence and points to Your truth. With the explicit testimony of Your Word as our foundation, may we also help those around us understand that the sciences of conception and gestation reveal profound and immutable truths about You and about what it means to be created in Your image.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life