Run the race with perseverance heading into eternity.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
This verse depicts our 40 Days For Life presence on the sidewalk. God has called us to this ministry to pray, stand and witness for life. We each have our own unique story and testimony of how God has worked in our lives. He has a beautiful mosaic in the pro-life movement all across this land and this world. We show up and say, “YES, Here I am Lord” because God is on our side. He’s with us in this battle and the battle belongs to Him. He is already victorious and we are already victors. Even though the world wants everyone to feel like they are victims and oppressed. We know that is a lie from the pit of hell. We were ALL created in His image, male and female. God loves everyone and calls us to do the same. God does not want anyone to perish but all to come to know Him as Lord and Savior. As the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 God has us all on our own unique journey and it is amazing where He leads us. We all have a story to tell how God has worked in our lives. As we all think about His eternal light we can all be assured of the glorious light at the end of the tunnel.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Years ago, God led us to Dave Ramsey. It all started at our daughter’s softball banquet when we were told about Dave Ramsey’s Book ,The Total Money Makeover. That led us to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Class. If you are not familiar with it, we highly recommend it. It is so much more than just a proven method of how to manage your finances and get out and stay out of debt. Yes, it’s God’s and Grandma’s ways of how to handle money and it’s Biblical. It helped us communicate better, be on the same page about money and life in general; in a sense it was marriage counseling. It is the tool God used to call us back to Him. At that time I started reading my Bible regularly, doing a prayer journal and became disciplined in spending time with the Lord each morning. It’s the best way I can start my day. I can honestly say when I am rushing or get up late and don’t take the time to be with the Lord, my day does not go as well as when I get up early and commit the first fruits of my day to the Lord. I can remember when we were trying to get out of debt; we had to encourage each other to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes one of us could see it but not the other. We told each other we have to stay focused and just have to keep going. Isn’t that just like our pro-life witness; we just have to keep going and trust God. God is working behind the scenes. He is doing amazing things. We know the outcome and the end of the story. Jesus comes back to reign and we will be with Him for eternity. That is our motivation to keep going. We do this not for ourselves, but to glorify God and make Him known.
Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for this journey you have us all on together. The journey home to you. Forgive us for the times we do not suffer well, when we complain for whatever reason. Forgive us for the times we want to please ourselves first and not put others’ needs before our own. Please help us to run the race with perseverance and remain faithful until the end. Lord, we look to the day when You will rule and reign for all eternity. We thank you for all you are doing behind the scenes, working in the hearts and minds of all of your people to bring justice where there is injustice. We thank you for the court case against the FDA to stop the abortion pill. We bind the enemy of death and speak life over our country and our world. We know You can do what is impossible and we look to the day when abortion will be unthinkable. Send your hedge of protection around all children, both born and unborn. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Remove all those trying to do harm to children. Let them repent from their evil ways and turn to you, Jesus. We know Jesus is the answer to all the problems that plague us. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus, to whom every knee will bow. Amen
-Donna
What really matters? Eternal Life Matters
Peggy, Conrad , Judy & Christ the King Parish 7-9
There were five of us from 7 to 9. There were about four abortion minded women entering Planned Parenthood. Someone approached three of the four. The sidewalk was busy so we were able to offer literature.
No incidents and much prayer.
Judy & Lincoln Place Church of the Nazarene 9-11
Our shift today was filled by Pastor Joe and Judy, Lori, Carol and Chuck from Lincoln Place Nazarene, Meredith from Covenant, Karen from Cross Pointe.
There was steady traffic into PP. Definitely no one interested in information from us. It was a tough crowd! But we know that nothing is impossible with our God.
We continued to pray for the Lord to change hearts and to lift the veil of deception off of everyone in the building.
Lisa, Beth Ann & Byzantine Catholics of Pittsburgh 11-1
We had a nice group of prayer warriors today, including the Byzantine group which comes and leads a lovely prayer service each campaign. We were also joined by Reyers (Katie’s fiance,) so that was great to meet him and have him pray with us. Seemed like a semi-busy day at PP, unfortunately. On a positive note, Reyers and I were approached by a lovely woman, Lee Ann, who shared much of her story and her witness with us. She gave a donation to 40 Days for Life, and one to Birthright–and she prayed with us. Thanks be to God for good people who want to know the truth and who want to share their love.
Carolyn, Cil & Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish 1-3
Thanks again to Fr. Jim for the ride to Pittsburgh. We were glad that Patti could come again with us.
When we arrived, the large Byzantine Catholic group was in the middle of their beautiful prayer. So we joined in. I was thankful to see my dear friend, Karen, with them. She came despite some health issues. Fr. James stayed a while longer and prayed with Fr. Jim, Patti and SM Carolyn.
What a wonderful turnout from Our Lady of Mount Carmel! Thanks to Rose, Dot, Dianne, Deacon Dave, Claire, Rita, Libby, and Dave for joining with us on this beautiful sunny day. Your constant prayers for the Moms, their babies and affected family, friends, workers…are so important!
There were too many coming and going sadly. Towards the end of our shift, a young man came out and spoke with me. He said “N” was in there and he seemed to appreciate that we could help them. He said he would tell her and it wasn’t too late. He was going to get something to drink for her. Unfortunately we didn’t see him come back so we told Nikki and Pete to watch for him. Praying…
Nikki & Pete 3-5
It was an amazingly quiet and peaceful and prayerful shift on the sidewalk today, and the weather was unbelievable! Feeling guilty that we keep getting such a beautiful weather on our Thursday afternoon shifts when so many others have suffered in the cold this week! But thankful for all of those who continue to pray! Sorry, I forgot to take a picture, it was Pete and I for the 3 to 5 shift.
Every day brings a new, inspiring update from all our 40 days people. Great work! Some day, hope it’s soon, all the blogs will be published as a record of what led to the end of abortion in Pittsburgh.