From: Shawn Carney, 40 Days for Life <shawn@40daysforlife.com>
Date: Sat, Feb 16, 2013 at 5:00 AM
Subject: DAY 4: Russia and abortion
This week marked the beginning of 40 Days for Life vigils in many places. But one particular location
has inspired many.
Five years ago, I couldn't have predicted 40 Days for Life going beyond the United States. But it did!
Even as God has taken this campaign to other countries, I would have never imagined that Moscow
would ever launch 40 Days for Life. But on Wednesday of this week, that's exactly what happened.
The international reach of 40 Days for Life keeps growing, with 24 locations outside the United States
this time, including the first-ever sites in Wales, Nigeria and South Africa in addition to Russia.
There are 261 locations in all. So please follow this link and get involved in the closest campaign:
http://40daysforlife.com/location
Here’s a look at just a few of the countries hosting 40 Days for
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA
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Pastors and their congregations from seven different churches in Moscow have each agreed to take one day
a week to pray at the vigil. They've also opened up their churches for people who wish to pray.
"I see a great grace for this campaign," said Arevik, the campaign coordinator. "I have met a lot of young
and talented persons from my church whom I didn't know before. They are writing about abortion ... and
care about human life."
According to a report released recently, the number of abortions in Russia exceeds the number of births.
"It is so painful to hear from women that had abortions before they met Jesus," Arevik said. "Russia needs to be healed from this spiritual disease."
Please keep this campaign -- and this entire nation -- in your prayers these next 40 days.
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AUSTRALIA
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There are seven 40 Days for Life campaigns in progress in Australia (where it is currently summertime),
stretching from coast to coast. It may be halfway around the world from the United States, but the
problems are the same ... and so are the answers.
"I have been moved by the prayerfulness and commitment of the hundreds of people involved giving witness to Christ's love, with many being young adults," said Bishop Julian Porteous of Sydney, one of many
Australian religious leaders commending the 40 Days for Life mission.
"In light of the rising attacks on life, faith and family," he said, "this loving witness is needed all the more."
The Australian team has produced an excellent video. I really recommend that you take a look! The message applies ... wherever you're praying and fasting for an end to abortion.
To see the video from Australia, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3926
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
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"The first day in Cape Town was exciting and long," said Colette, the local coordinator. "This morning
there were lots of teenagers going to school and taking pamphlets and asking questions. We got a very positive response from the community."
The prayer volunteers did receive a few negative comments, but Colette said it was nothing to worry about.
"We have stood at this abortion centre before," she said, "but what I have noticed today was that the number of clients has declined." On this particular day at the Marie Stopes facility, there were only four clients.
"The clinic got very upset with us and wanted us to move," Colette said, "but we had a permit with us that stated we will be there till 24 March."
To see a photo of the vigil in Cape Town, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3926
Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.
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DAY 4 INTENTION
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Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
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SCRIPTURE
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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as
political rather than spiritual.
Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
>> Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
>> Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -- It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
>> Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
>> Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
>> Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
>> Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
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PRAYER
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Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly
Yours. Thank you for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2013day04print.pdf
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For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: As always, if you have a story to share about the blessings of 40 Days for Life, please post a reply at
the bottom of today's blog entry at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3926
40 Days for Life
10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
US
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