Pulse
Featured Image
 Shutterstock.com

fall2014milwaukee1

Pastors are shepherds. And where the shepherds go, the flock follows.

40 Days for Life has spread to 27 countries because many pastors have boldly led their flocks – by word and example – to defend those being led to the slaughter.

When people see their pastor at the peaceful vigil, it’s a great encouragement to get involved … and join in the prayer for an end to abortion. It also a powerful sight for those entering and working in the abortion facility.

Thank your pastor today. Their lives are not easy … and they need and appreciate our prayers and encouragement.

COBLESKILL, NEW YORK

fall2014cobleskill1

Pat, the 40 Days for Life leader in Cobleskill, was grateful for the people who turned out for an early-morning rally with Steve Karlen, 40 Days for Life’s North American outreach director.

But Pat was especially thankful for the area pastors who helped with the rally … or prayed at the vigil during the campaign. “We thank the clergy who are leading the faithful in such a bold way.”

Specifically cited for their leadership were the pastors of Calvary Chapel of the Hills, St. Christopher Episcopal Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Steve encouraged the crowd and gave witness to what the power of prayer can do in a community. “On average, 80 babies are killed by abortion each year in Schoharie County,” Pat said, “and we can make a difference.”

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Dan Miller, the 40 Days for Life leader in Milwaukee, and Bishop Donald Hying are smiling in the photo that Dan sent us (see above). Why would anyone smile in front of an abortion center? Dan can explain.

“For three days in a row, they were not open for abortions,” he said. “There was no abortionist present each of those days.”

Dan also said a unique prayer event will return to the Milwaukee campaign during this 40 Days for Life effort.

Milwaukee-area Orthodox clergy will be leading an intercessory prayer service – moljebens, it’s called – for victims of abortion, their parents, clinic workers and all others involved in crisis pregnancies. The prayers will be offered outside the abortion center on Sunday afternoons during the campaign.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

fall2014anchorage1

It’s always good to have a goal, and the 40 Days for Life team in Anchorage has one.

“One near-term goal,” said Jon, the local coordinator, “is to see this facility close … and the destruction of innocent life end at this location.”

The volunteers are encouraged because there was once another abortion center in Anchorage, not far from the Planned Parenthood facility where they’ll be praying. That other abortion business closed four years ago.

“Our Lord answered that prayer then … and will do so again here,” Jon said.

Of course, there are other prayer intentions as well. The volunteers know that lives have been saved and many hearts changed due to the prayerful, loving presence outside Planned Parenthood.

“Once again,” Jon said, “we humbly place ourselves in our Father’s hands to use us for life … however events unfold each day.”

Here’s the link to today’s devotional.

Reprinted with permission from 40DaysforLife.com.