We all want to do everything possible to end the slaughter of the unborn through abortion-on-demand. Nearly one million abortions are performed each year in our nation alone — but there is hope.
The number of abortions performed in the U.S. has decreased each year since 2009, and one annual campaign is making a significant difference in working to not only further reduce the number of procedures but end abortion once and for all.
This year’s 40 Days for Life campaign started on September 26th and will run through November 4th in a record 415 cities across the country.
The campaign has also spread to more than 50 countries worldwide in the last few years.
Twenty-two of these campaigns have taken place since 2007 with the mission of ending abortion through prayer, fasting, community outreach, and keeping vigil at local abortion clinics.
Volunteer numbers have grown at a record pace since the four founders of the campaign in Bryan/College Station, Texas decided they could — and would — make a difference in the lives of the unborn.
In fact, several volunteers got an early start on this year’s campaign by standing vigil at their local location, and one abortion clinic worker has already left her job, being converted to stand for Life!
And on just the second day of the campaign, the first child was saved when a young woman had a change of heart and decided not to go through with her scheduled abortion procedure.
The young woman’s mother stated, “Just wanted you to know that you made a difference in my daughter’s decision today. The sign on your truck was the 3rd message from God about this. Thank you! God Bless you,” according to the 40 Days’ website.
In just the first few days, an incredible impact has already been made by these life-saving warriors for the unborn.
Former clinic workers have reported that when pro-lifers stand vigil outside of clinics that the number of abortions can go down as much as 75 percent! And an ACLU spokesman once said of the campaign that it is the “biggest threat to choice” in the nation.
The numbers say it all – nearly 15,000 unborn children have been spared since the campaign’s onset, more than 175 abortion clinic workers have left their jobs, and close to 100 abortion clinics have shut their doors.
In fact, in one of the first years of the campaign in Texas, a Planned Parenthood employee of the year, Abby Johnson, felt her heart changing over abortion and left her job after watching the vigil outside her clinic. She now participates in the 40 Days for Life campaigns and has dedicated her life to fighting for the unborn.
In his book, The Beginning of the End of Abortion: 40 Inspiring Stories of God Changing Hearts and Saving Lives, author Shawn Carney discusses this remarkable transformation. He is one of the original founders and the current CEO of 40 Days for Life.
I had watched Abby go in and out of her facility for eight years before she unexpectedly walked next door to 40 Days for Life, which holds prayer vigils outside abortion facilities. She sat down, cried about finally seeing the truth of the work she had been part of – and resigned from her job the next day. Today, Abby Johnson is one of the most powerful voices for the unborn.
This powerful mission started with four Christians sitting down to pray about abortion in our nation, and now three-quarters of a million fight for Life across the globe in their local 40 Days campaigns — Four prayer warriors who decided that even if no one else decided to join their mission that they would carry out their 40-day campaign, knowing the power of prayer.
Matthew 18:19-20 reminds us of the power of praying together in the service of our Lord.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
These volunteers, both at home and abroad, know the power of group prayer. They know that God is using us to fight to end the murder of the unborn and that by banding together in large numbers, the power of our prayer and of our witnessing is limitless.
Your prayers and participation matter.
You may be thinking that you cannot make a difference, but even the prayers of one in the name of Christ can bring change.
With more vigil locations every year, there is likely one close to each of us. Or how about taking your personal fight for Life a step further and starting a chapter in your city or town? Information on current localities can be found on the 40 Days for Life website.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
The fight to end the slaughter of the unborn is far from over, and we all have a responsibility to pray that the tide will turn in our nation to protect and uphold God’s creation. The most vulnerable among us need our help.
Remember, this year’s campaign runs through November 4th, so there is plenty of time to get involved. Every additional Christian voice makes a difference.
