Rachel Rogers, a parishioner of St Peter’s Church, Stalybridge, Cheshire, writes about the 40 Days for Life initiative which is being staged for the first time in Manchester:
Outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Fallowfield, prayer vigil volunteers gather for 40 days of peaceful prayer, in an effort to end abortion and promote life.
The 40 days for Life campaign is big in America, and is only just beginning to take off in the UK, with Manchester participating in the campaign for the first time. Prayer volunteers are there from 9am to 9pm every day for 40 days, Sunday’s included.
I have to admit, I have only been able to attend for two weeks but a great many things still happened during my time there. We had at least five saves, which were undoubtedly achieved by the courage of the other prayer vigil volunteer’s, who spoke to those considering an abortion.
I myself found it hard to speak to people directly. What struck me about these prayer vigil volunteers was how understanding they were to those who were having a baby in difficult circumstances. Many of those attending the clinic were very young but the volunteers had complete faith in them and were sure that they would make excellent parents.
It was this faith that enabled people to change their minds. We did receive some aggravation from some passer’s by and those attending the clinic, whereby on three occasions the police were called but I am happy to say that nothing came from it.
We are still able to pray outside the clinic and make an impact through prayer and offering help to all those who come to the clinic for an abortion. The 40 days for life campaign of prayer and fasting is a strong weapon with which we can fight against abortion.
I participated in the last campaign through personal prayer and fasting at home, so everyone can still make an impact even if they are unable to attend a prayer vigil.
It is immensely rewarding to participate in the campaign in whatever way one can. As the days pass, we hear of more abortion clinics closing down, especially in America and lives are continuing to be saved. At day 21, 274 babies have been saved.
Therefore everyone who is pro-life must participate in this or the next campaign, if we are all serious about ending abortion. Please visit www.40daysforlife.com and find out how you can participate in the campaign.