40 DAYS FOR LIFE: Austin, Texas
Abortions on a
Sunday? Even on the Lord’s Day, there are abortionists open for business. As
hard as that may seem to believe, it’s true.
Your prayers are
needed so women don’t make a mistake that will cost their babies their lives —
and will perhaps affect them in ways they can’t even imagine for years to come.
But even for those
who have made that mistake, there is eternal hope. Here are a couple of stories
of hurt … and healing.
UNEXPECTED CALL
I’m going to keep
the location confidential for this first story.
“I received a call
from a woman telling me she had gotten information about our campaign from a
local church,” a local leader said, “and she wanted to know if she could help.
Her voice was a little broken, as she explained to me that people just don’t
realize how they might feel later.”
The caller went on
to say that women who think abortion is the answer just don’t realize that
years later, they’ll be wondering about the baby — what they would have looked
like, what they might have gone on to do. They also don’t realize that God will
hold them accountable for what they’ve done.
“As she was saying
these things, and trying to speak clearly, she was sobbing between her words,”
the leader said. “I could hear the pain in her voice.”
Finally, the 40 Daysfor Life volunteer asked her, “Ma’am, did you have an abortion?”
In tears, the
caller answered, “No, but my daughter did. She was 15 at the time and I was
going through a divorce. She was so young. We thought it was the best thing.”
She considered herself responsible.
The woman was
quickly told that the Lord is always ready to forgive and Rachel’s Vineyard,
for instance, offers retreats for healing after abortion. She was also told
about the pro-life pregnancy help center and the services it offers.
The woman expressed
relief and gratitude.
“40 Days for Life
is about so much more than what we may originally think,” the leader said. “I
did not expect that call. It was totally heart-wrenching. I have been so
blessed to be part of this — to see the power of God working and to be part of
helping someone to heal in some small way. Please know … you are making a
difference!”
AUSTIN, TEXAS
The grandmother in the first story wanted to do whatever she could to convince others to avoid the path she took.
So did a woman
Texas, who brought her message to the sidewalk in front of an abortion center
in south Austin. She stood and prayed, holding a sign that reads, “I regret my
abortion.”
As she prayed, two
women drove up to the building. One of them appeared to be quite upset. The two
looked at the woman praying … glanced at the sign … and walked inside.
But they weren’t
inside long. After a very short stay, they left the building, got into their
car and drove towards the exit, stopping at the sidewalk where one of them took
information about community resources.
She looked at the
volunteer and said, “I can’t do it. I just can’t do it. Thank you very much!”
One woman’s simple,
prayerful presence was all it took.
Have a blessed Sunday!
For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life