It is now the 13th day since so many faithful believers began this 40-day journey of fasting and fervently praying for the lives, safety, health and well-being of the unborn and their mothers in Centralia, the US and the world. Despite the freezing cold and snow that began on the first day and has continued until now (gotta love it!) ya'll have been so faithful to show up and sacrifice your warmth and comfort on behalf of others. Thank you!! You've probably heard the quote from C.T. Studd, "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice I make can be too great for Him." Amen!!
Although, there has been sacrifice, I trust you all have also experienced much blessing and spiritual growth as well. As my pastor says, "when we step our of our comfort zones to do what God calls us to do, that's when we get to experience the joy of seeing God work in and through us." So many prayer volunteers say the vigil is a time of personal spiritual growth. And I've found this to be so true. Taking a stand for the unborn in prayer on the sidewalk, even while uncomfortable, gives us a chance to rely on and experience His presence more. When we are afraid - He promises to be with us (Joshua 1:9) When we don't know what to say - the same God who gave Moses words and confidence to speak will be with us also and will teach us what to say (Exodus 3). When we are weak - His power is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). And best of all when we are obedient to do what He commands us to do which in this instance means being a voice for the voiceless (Prov. 31:8) - He is glorified! (2 Corinthians 9:13) So even if you feel inadequate - I invite you to come on out even just for 30 minutes to 1020 W Main Street, Centralia and take a peaceful stand for the unborn. He takes care of everything else! Mike Spencer said something that has stuck with me, "When the church is silent on abortion, it says one or both of two things. Either abortion must not be that bad - or the gospel must not be that good." So thank you all for allowing the truths of the gospel - of loving and defending others and caring for their needs because Jesus did this for us - to transform each of your lives and our community outside of our church services!
In the past 13 days 40 Days for Life as an international effort has seen 103 babies saved from abortion! 103 mothers who will experience the joy and blessing of motherhood, instead of the hurt and regret of abortion. I'm sure this is so encouraging to you all - as it is to me!! As we petition our loving Father for more lives saved and hearts changed, let's remember to continually praise Him for these incredible miracles!!
Locally here in Centralia, we've been blessed with a few conversations with people in our community. I'm praying and trusting for more as the weather warms up and folks become more willing to share their stories/concerns with us. I've witnessed and heard of 5 fairly lengthy conversations so far (and there are countless little interactions and quick questions with passersby and drivers) I love when God sets up these longer conversations! They have been wonderful opportunities to listen to the hearts/concerns of others who may or may not agree with us, and to graciously make the case for the value and dignity of every human life. In one conversation I had, and also another conversation a local pastor had, the conversations steered toward God and we were able to share scripture and pray with them. I'm very thankful for these opportunities and perhaps seeds were planted that will one day spring up to eternal life in Christ. Pray the Lord will work in the hearts of these 5 people (2 women, 3 men) to change their minds on abortion and lead them to salvation! (Names and details will be kept confidential - thank you for understanding!)
Also, please keep one Planned Parenthood worker in particular in your prayers - we will call her M. The Lord knows who she is and her story, so please be praying for His work in her heart and that she will come to know Him.
I'm sure those of you who have spent time in prayer on the sidewalk have seen there are some folks who express their anger while driving by. (And also many who signal their prayers, gratitude and encouragement!) From experiences and conversations last year, I've learned that in most cases their anger stems from a place of deep hurt and guilt over personal abortion experiences, or from a family member/friend's abortion. :-( For me, when I'm ridiculed, it's hard to immediately want to respond with love and compassion! My first reactions are often ignorance or self-defense. It's important for me to keep in mind as folks drive by with a hand gesture/or shout that they are hurting, confused, lost and in need of compassion and prayer. I'm thankful for these opportunities to put a face to a prayer, and pray specifically for each person who signals their hurt to us. This is powerful!
And last but not least of the mention-able things - I LOVE the generosity and kindness of our community! While praying Sunday some kind strangers brought us a whole box full of doughnuts, then an hour later another sweet young lady brought us all coffee. Our Thursday afternoon volunteers had a generous stranger buy them a big fried chicken dinner from KFC with sides and desserts and all. One nice man stopped and gave volunteers 3 gift cards to Fiddlers Coffee. A very kind business owner that works a few blocks down donated 12 packages of chocolate chip cookies to keep the volunteers blood sugar and strength up! I love this part of 40 Days for Life - God is always faithful to take care of us through the kindness of total strangers!
So with all that said - keep up the faithful prayers, fasting and peaceful vigil friends! I look so forward to seeing what God will continue to do through your efforts!
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17
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| Love all these little faces!! They're such troopers! |
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| Umbrellas - what would we do without them?! :-) |
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| Winner of the CUTEST vigil participant award - sorry I'm biased! She is pretty cute though huh?! |
