Day 11 - Signs of Hope

Signs of Hope

National Campaign Daily Intention

May We Be Seen As Ambassadors for Christ

Table of Contents

• National Campaign Daily Intention
• National Campaign News
  • Ambassadors of Christ
• Local Campaign News
  • Signs of Hope – Bri, Michael & Julianna Express Their Gratitude
  • What Did You Learn About Yourself While At the Sidewalk?
  • Door to Door Campaign – Are You Game?
  • Coming Events
  • Respect Life Mass – Oct 4th,  9:30 am
  • Life Chain Sunday – Oct 4th, 2 – 3:30 pm
  • Allow us to Announce Your Pro-Life Prayer Gathering Here
• 40 Days through Scripture
  • Day 11: Luke 10 – 13
• National News
  • I am 71% – I Oppose Taxpayer Funding of Abortion
• Video Vignette
  • Imagine – TV Spot #2
• Get Involved
  • Support 40 Days for Life with a Donation through our Website
  • Campaign Materials
  • Two Hearts Catholic Books & Gifts to Carry 40 Days for Life Items
  • Free 40 Days for Life Items - Bumper Sticker, Bracelet & More

National Campaign Daily Intention

Pray that when those representing Planned Parenthood and other abortion groups see volunteers for 40 Days for Life, they see ambassadors of Christ, and may each volunteer be consciously aware at all times of Whom we represent.

I...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness, and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one an‐other in love.— Ephesians 4:1b2

When Carol Everett, a former abortionist and post‐abortive woman, was asked what turned her heart from death to life in Christ, she said, “It was unconditional love,” shown by a man ho prayed daily for her in front of the abortion clinic where she worked.

He told Carol that “God had sent him” because there was someone in there that God wanted out. She left 27 days later and now serves as Christ’s ambassador to help others. We too have been sent by Christ as an ambassador to love unconditionally those God seeks to “get out” of their bondage and sin. What a high calling it is ‐‐ much higher than any presidential appointment to another country.

In his book, Fishers of Men, Dr. Sumner Wemp describes what it means to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings:

• God has chosen us (John 15:16)
• We are sent into a world that is our home (1 Peter 2:11)
• Our walk must match our talk (1Timothy 3:7)
• We must abide in him for daily instruction (John 15:5)
• Know our purpose to seek and to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10)
• We are to reconcile others to God with His authority (Matthew 28:19‐20)
• Do not let kindness and truth leave you (Proverbs 3:3‐4)
• Our service is to be grounded and rooted in love (Ephesians 3:17)

Pray that we each will walk worthy of the calling with which we were called!

Carmen Pate
Co-host
“Point of View” Talk Show

National Campaign News

Ambassadors of Christ

Today's devotional speaks of being ambassadors of Christ. That's exactly what each of us is called to do during this 40 Days for Life campaign -- and I am so gratified to see how many of you are taking this call to heart. But it isn't always easy. More than in any previous campaign, there is strong opposition to what you are and others are doing on the sidewalks of 212 cities. And in a couple of minutes, I'm going to ask you to watch a 38-second video that shows the challenge -- and the proper response to that challenge that demonstrates to the whole world exactly what sets 40 Days for Life apart.

Carol Marie in Reno, Nevada reports that 40 Days for Life vigil participants often have to deal with "tirades, nasty comments and empty threats" from the abortionist, who clearly wishes the prayer presence outside his offices would go away. The people praying at the vigil do not respond; they just keep praying. "I am happy to learn that we continue to demonstrate that we are there to share the love of Christ with those who come to the abortion site," Carol Marie said, "regardless of their reason for being there, regardless of the role they are playing in this tragedy."

Paul in Lake Jackson, Texas said 40 Days for Life vigil participants there had a most challenging time recently. "We were visited by an angry protester that spent 45 minutes shouting at us and trying to argue with us right in front of our vigil space," he said. "By the grace of God, we were cool headed and tried not to engage her in any conversation but she was very persistent. It got to the point where one of the vigil participants had to call the police. "The officer that spent some time with the woman and told us afterward she wouldn't be back," Paul said. Even the mayor came later to offer his support. "Through it all we kept praying."  

Clair in Kalamazoo, Michigan notes that a water bottle and a nearly-empty drink can were thrown at 40 Days for Life vigil participants from passing vehicles. Thankfully, no one was hurt. "The individuals who threw these items would like it very much if we stopped coming out," she said. But Kalamazoo is committed to press on with their 40 Days for Life campaign. The group did file a police report, and the officers promised to help. "They have told us there will be more patrols going past the Planed Parenthood facility," said Clair.

A slight increase in the incidents of taunting and heckling have been reported, as "pro-choice" bloggers are furiously attempting to rally abortion advocates to go out to abortion centers and demonstrate against the 40 Days for Life prayer vigils.

The 38-second video I'd like you to watch is one that I discovered on YouTube. It was recorded outside Dr. Emily's Women's Health Center in The Bronx, New York -- one of the country's busiest abortion facilities, that ends the lives of thousands of children yearly.

You'll see a small 40 Days for Life group, including several Catholic nuns, standing in a circle praying peacefully and quietly. You won't see the abortion demonstrators, but you'll certainly hear them as they angrily chant slogans in an attempt to drown out the vigil participants' prayers.

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=305

This, in a 38-second nutshell, is what 40 Days for Life is all about. We stand up for those who have no voice, in a world that doesn't want to listen, where people yell in an effort to drown out the truth.

But never forget -- Jesus told us to expect this: "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). 40 Days for Life gives us the opportunity to live that out in a unique way. And, if we aren't being persecuted for our faith at times -- are we really living out the fullness of the gospel?

Thank you for being prayerful and peaceful ... and for living the gospel.

Local Campaign News

Signs of Hope – Bri, Michael & Julianna Express Their Gratitude

She was 17 years old, she’d already had an abortion.   Now she and her new boyfriend thought they might be pregnant.   When it was confirmed, his father was quick to make an appointment for them at the local abortion site. Having already been through this ordeal, she was uncertain that she was willing to once again see her own baby die.   These two young people decided to simply have an ultra-sound and then take time to consider their decision, but when they left the abortion site, they saw a man who looked like he was certainly a prophet, and when her eyes fell on the large, bold word “GOD” that was on his sign, she knew for certain that she was going to give this child life.  

That was April 29, 2008, and the 40 Days for Life campaign had ended.   But Richard had not gone home, he had not stopped coming to the sidewalk to pray for the children who continued to lose their lives at the abortion site.   But even though his presence had made a difference, he knew nothing about the impact he’d made on this young family to be.   And despite the loneliness of his effort, he continued to stay committed to the babies.   For Richard, it’s all about the babies.

He has even endured being arrested on charges of Destruction of Property, Permanent Damage for allegedly writing on the painted metal fence that fronts the property of the West End Abortion Site, located at 5915 Tyrone Rd. in Reno.   Having pleaded no contest, he is now under a one year probation that prohibits him from standing within 10 feet of the driveway entrance to the property, and yet even with this, Richard has continued to return to Pray to End Abortion.   He comes regardless of the weather, at least 5 days per week, and typically twice a day, as the women enter the facility.

A couple of weeks ago, Don, who had been driving past Richard and Tony, who has been standing with Richard since his court sentence was handed down, finally knew what he needed to do to support these men.   He went and purchased four 8 foot long by 2 foot high signs that say, successively “Abortion”, “Stops A”, “Beating”, and “Heart” and then gave them to Richard and Tony to display daily for the passing cars to read.   At the time, Richard and Tony thought it couldn’t get much better than this.

And then this week, the news came that Richard had saved the life of a child who yesterday celebrated her 9 month birthday.   Richard first learned of the events of April 2008 through a phone call placed by Merrie, Tony’s daughter, who was at the sidewalk when this young, now married, couple approached, looking for Richard.   Again, it was thought, how could it get any better, this was as good as it gets.   But on Friday morning, Bri, Michael and Julianna showed up at the sidewalk to personally thank Richard for being there, for helping to save Julianna’s life when she was unable to speak for herself.  

They brought with them a beautiful, large sign they had made that shows a photo of Julianna and the words “Julianna 1/2/09, God’s Gift.  We saved her… Can you save yours?”   To see Richard standing with this wonderful sign, go to: www.40DaysforLife.com/RenoTahoe/ConstantVigil.

What Did You Learn About Yourself While At the Sidewalk?

During their time at the sidewalk, many find that they come to better appreciate the pain of loss suffered by those who have made the decision to abort and they find a new sense of compassion for those who have made this terrible decision.   Others have a profound sense of the loss of potential represented by the children who will never live to contribute to society.   Still others find that they have a deep desire to see those who participate in abortion be brought to know, love and serve Our Lord, Jesus Christ.   What do you feel when you stand in prayer?   To register for the hours when you’ll be at the sidewalk, go to: http://www.vigilcalendar.com/renotahoe   I thank you in advance for your support.

Send your impressions of your time at the sidewalk to renotahoe@40DaysforLife.com.

Door to Door Campaign, Are You Game?

Are you willing to join us as we go door to door, inviting the community to Pray to End Abortion?   We will be going out next Saturday and we need your help.   Please contact Carol Marie if you would like to participate.   Reply to renotahoe@40DaysforLife.com.

Coming Events

Respect Life Mass – Oct 4th, 9:30 am

Join Bishop Calvo as he celebrates the annual Respect Life Mass and leads a Rosary Procession on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, 310 West Second Street, Reno.  A Rosary Procession along the river in downtown Reno will follow the Mass.

Life Chain Sunday – Oct 4th, 2 – 3:30 pm

On Sunday, Oct 4, from 2 – 3:30 pm we will join hundreds of Life Chains across the nation, as we hold signs at the corner of S. Virginia and McCarran, proclaiming the truth that Abortion Kills Children.   We make this statement with a prayerful attitude, asking all who participate to remember that we come to share the Truth of Christ in Love.   Join us as we call all to appreciate the precious nature of the innocent unborn.

Allow us to Announce Your Pro-Life Prayer Gathering Here

Gather together to Pray to End Abortion!   When you have plans, let us know and we’ll let others know through our updates.

40 Days through Scripture

Day 11: Luke 10 – 13 (including:  Luke 11:5-8 )

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him’ and he says in reply from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed.   I cannot get up to give you anything.’   I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.”

Scripture assures us that the persistence of our prayers will lead to them being answered.   Join us, be persistent.

To get the complete 40 Days Through the New Testament list, go to: www.40DaysforLife.com/renotahoe/NewTestament, print it out and get started now.   It’s never too late to start reading the bible.

National News

I am 71% – I Oppose Taxpayer Funding of Abortion

[Operation Rescue, Washington DC] – On Friday, October 2, 2009, the Christian Defense Coalition and other pro-life groups raised a 100 foot image of the number 71 on the west lawn of the White House to remind Congress that, according to a recent Zogby Poll, 71% of Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortion in the proposed health care reform package.

In support of this effort, Operation Rescue is launching the “I AM 71” Project. We are asking Americans to take a digital photo of them holding a paper with the number 71 and send it to Operation Rescue. These photos will be posted on the Internet and compiled and sent to members of Congress and President Obama.   The Complete Story   To submit your photos, send them to: photos@operationrescue.org.

Video Vignette

Imagine – TV Spot #2

This video speaks for itself.   Watchand share.

Get Involved!

Support 40 Days for Life with a Donation through our Website

We are now able to accept donations through our website.   Please help us continue this effort.   Donate Now

CampaignMaterials

Free 40 Days for Life Items - BumperSticker, Bracelet & More. Heritage House, is offering aPromotion Pack of 40 Days for Life items through their website for the amazingcost of $0, they are even picking up the postage.If you havewished to place a bumper sticker on your car, but I haven’t had one on handwhen we’ve seen one another, our you haven’t yet got one of the rubberizedbracelets, but you’d like one, now is your chance to get these and more items,for free.They aren’t even requiring that you enter your emailaddress to receive this promotion, although, I encourage you to do so, and theywill continue to keep you informed of the many great items they place on saleduring the course of the year.And if you see something on sale andwould like to purchase it for our 40 Days for Life campaign, I would gladlyaccept the help in making their many excellent pro-life itemsavailable!To receive your free promo pack, go to: http://www.40dayspromopack.com/40dayspromopack/signup.asp

Two HeartsCatholic Books & Gifts to Carry 40 Days for Life Items

Truly, pictures are worth a thousand words.To makeit possible for us to communicate more effectively with those who witness ourcampaign, Millie has stocked Yard signs, Rally signs, New colored preciousfeet, Pro-life buttons, Static and Bumper sticker available @ The Two Hearts,33 Winter Street, Reno NV and St. Rose of Lima Church (weekend Masses).

More information

Please share this truth, among others relative toabortion with those who follow your Facebook posts! For moreinformation on 40 Days for Life, Reno/Tahoe, visit our local website, at: www.40DaysforLife.com/RenoTahoe, look for us onFaceBook, or Call: CarolMarie at 530-412-1573 Pleaseforward this message to anyone you know who might be willing to Pray to EndAbortion.

To receive yourown copy of these updates, as well as information from the NationalCampaign , go to http://www.40DaysforLife/renotahoe and request toreceive updates. If you preferto only receive our local updates, send an email with “Please Add Me to 40 Days for Life” on the subject line to renotahoe@40DaysforLife.com

If you wish tobe removed from this distribution list, simply reply with Please Remove in the subjectline.