Are we there yet?
Here we go again! For the 30th time! Yes, this campaign is the thirtieth 40 Days for Life campaign since I began leading in the fall of 2010.
Are we there yet? Are we getting weary yet? Are we starting to wonder if we are making a difference? Why do we continue 40 Days for Life in Pittsburgh…campaign after campaign…year after year?
WHY FORTY DAYS?
Well, I hope Amy Scheuring doesn’t mind that I am borrowing from her recent email regarding Network of Life’s 40th anniversary...but she wrote about the biblical significance of the number 40, and it is just perfect to remind us of the importance of these 40 day prayer vigils...so here is what she wrote:
- It rained for 40 days and nights as Noah was rescued on the ark.
- Israel wandered in the desert and ate manna for 40 years.
- Moses fasted for 40 days and nights on Mt Sinai as he met with God to receive the Ten Commandments.
- The spies investigated the promised land for 40 days.
- In the book of Judges, God gave Israel 40 years of rest.
- Eli was a Judge for 40 years.
- Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days.
- Saul reigned for 40 years.
- David reigned for 40 years.
- Solomon reigned for 40 years.
- The Holy Place inside the Temple was 40 cubits long.
- Josiah reigned for 40 years.
- God gave Ninevah 40 days to repent.
- Jesus fasted for 40 days before His temptation.
- Jesus remained on earth 40 days after his resurrection.
She also pointed out that a full term pregnancy is 40 weeks! Do you think maybe we are on to something here? Is this 40 Days for Life thing totally from God, or what?
So the next time you start to think that what we are doing doesn’t make a difference, just remember that God is running this show. We are simply being faithful to what He has called us to. And it is a privilege to play our little part in His wonderful work of redemption, mercy and salvation.
May God bless you as we begin this 40 day journey.
Nikki
Keep reading for the sidewalk news from day one… (and scroll to the bottom for a link to see photos and videos from last night’s amazing kick-off!)
7:30-9:00 – Cathy & Peggy
First day of Lenten vigil, first shift!
It wasn’t real busy, but three women did go inside, none accepting offers of help. A number of workers went in, as well. Some we recognized, others we didn’t. During 365 we noticed a lot of new faces. A lot of turnover? One bright spot: the driver of a truck delivering supplies to the new theater down from us came over to thank us for being there. Nikki came to bring materials and switched out the signs around the trees. There are pictures of some of the children saved at this PP. Another bright spot! Cathy
9:00-11:00 – Conrad & Elsie
Elsie and I arrived around 9 AM. Mary said that it was slow but steady The PP escorts appeared shortly after 9 AM. There were three of them two went down the street and the main one stood right in front of the doors. She recorded everything in her cell phone, taking pictures of us and everyone who showed up after us. She also logged everyone who went into PP. The volume today was about 10 to 15 who went in. David and I offered prayers and were encouraged by an impoverished man who offered us all coffees he had specially carried all the way from the Red Door because he knew 40Days would be out there today!
11:00 – 1:00 – Larry
busy day today. We had several couples go into Planned Parenthood most refused Information, but one couple showed up, a pregnant woman and her partner with a little baby in a stroller. They needed clothing and diapers. We sent them up to Little Lamb, where Theresa took care of them. Dave was here from 11 till 12, but I forgot to take his picture before he left at noon.
1:00-3:00 – Judy, Chris & Kevin
I was joined today by three prayer warriors from St. Joseph the Worker Parish- Arleen, Mary Anne, and Judy, our Sidewalk Advocate. Also praying multiple Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with us were John and Kevin, from Regina Coeli Parish. We continued to pray Chaplets of Divine Mercy, the Loreto Litanies, and the Stations of the Cross. Although we received several comments of support, a couple of passersby were not so nice- one spit in the direction of the fetal models and another threw something near us. All in all, another good day at the office.
3:00-5:00 – Eileen & Steve
Seemed to be more clients than usual today. Eileen and I were praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet when JJ walked over and asked if he could pray with us. He is a Senior at John Carrol University on Spring break- what a prayerful, thoughtful and delightful young man! He spoke with us about his studies and expressed an attraction to Theology- pray for his Vocation! He even helped us schlep the materials up to Little Lambs, so a that was great! A brief cloud burst, but otherwise sunshine- yet another blessing!
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”