One week from today, on Wednesday, September 23, the largest 40 Days for Life campaign in history launches in 212 cities across 45 American states, 5 Canadian provinces, and Denmark.

For 40 intense days, tens of thousands of faithful volunteers will be praying, fasting, holding peaceful vigils outside abortion facilities, and spreading the pro-life message through community outreach.

Participation in 40 Days for Life is not always easy and can involve sacrifice.

So why are you and I about to do this?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so take a moment — right now — to look at this picture:

That’s Baby David (don’t you love his name?)

Last fall, on the third day of the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in Sarasota, Florida, a nervous Hispanic woman went to the local Planned Parenthood abortion center with her mother and brother.

The 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers offered her literature, but she didn’t understand their English.

When a bilingual counselor arrived, she learned that the woman was in her 14th week of pregnancy and she was seeking a second-trimester abortion.

The counselor instead offered real help to get her to one of the local pregnancy resource centers.

As a result, she chose life for her baby.

When asked why she changed her mind and decided not to abort, the woman’s answer was, “Because you were here. I was looking for a sign from God.”

Throughout the remainder of her pregnancy, many volunteers helped her and her family with various needs, including spiritual and financial support.

Then, on March 25 of this year, 6-pound, 6-ounce baby David made his entrance into the world — where he was greeted by many of the dedicated volunteers and new found friends who have continued their faith journey with his mother and family.

A baby saved from abortion. A mother spared from a life of regrets.

That is why we do what we do.

This story represents just one of the 1,561 lives that have been spared from abortion due to 40 Days for Life campaigns over the last two years.

As you pray, fast, stand vigil, and conduct outreach during 40 Days for Life from September 23 through November 1, know that YOUR efforts could help to save the life of a child — like David — and could protect a mother from making a tragic abortion decision.

If you haven’t already, find the 40 Days for Life location nearest to you by visiting:

http://www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Click on the link of the closest site, be sure to sign up for updates, and get involved.

Your humble, simple participation in 40 Days for Life can make a profound difference. YOU can help to change the world, one life at a time.

Yours For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life