Are you guys really going to be out here for 40 days?

Sacramento, Calif., Oct 3, 2007 / 07:31 am

We’re praying at Planned Parenthood at 29th and B Streets. St. Stephen's took the Wednesday shift and St. Joseph's in Auburn took Thursday. The parking lot of PP is well lit, and as an odd answer to our prayers, PP has hired a nighttime security guard, further insuring our protection throughout the night.

A young man named Hank who works at PP approached me today for the very first time. He began by saying, "I'm curious about something... Are you guys really going to be out here for 40 days? I said, "Yes." He continued incredulously, "...you mean all day and all night?" I answered "Yes" again. He responded, "Wow! That's amazing!" I told him how seriously we felt about this and he said, "Yeah, I know, I've been reading through the 40 Days web site."

He came closer and I took his hand, introducing myself. I told him we cared about him and he said, "Yeah, I know you do," looking me directly in the eye. His lunch break was about up, so he left to return to his job. Please keep Hank in your prayers.

At home, I received a long-distance phone call and a young woman's voice began, "Is this the 40 Days for Life hotline number?" Then, with great anger in her voice, she spoke for several minutes with this theme: "I'm a Christian, but I don't know how you people can judge women who are going in for abortions. You don't know anything about them! How dare you!”

This gave me an opening to tell my story, explaining that I had not always been pro-life, but actually helped my best friend obtain an abortion over twenty years ago, because that is what I thought a "best friend" would do. My friend has suffered tremendously, and I am very regretful for not helping her and her baby.

The woman’s anger gave way to sobbing as she described the "choice" she felt forced to make several years ago. "If someone had only helped me... I was so desperate," and "If I had only known how much it would hurt me, every day of my life, I wouldn't have done it". After about 20 minutes of conversation, she was very receptive to my suggestion that she contact Rachel's Vineyard Post-abortion Healing ministry – in Sacramento: (916) 733-0161, or on the Internet at www.rachelsvineyard.org. A call that began with anger turned into a miracle by God's grace.

40 Days: Sacramento plans a variety of special days:
Tuesday, Oct. 9 -- Catechists, Sunday School, Religious Education, Teachers' Day
Tuesday, Oct. 16 -- Day for Widows and Widowers
Thursday, Oct. 18 -- Medical and Health Professionals' Day
Tuesday, Oct. 30 -- Invite your Priest, Pastor, Deacon, and Sister to join us
Sunday, Nov. 4 -- Legal Professionals, Public Officials and Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day

There are still a few days and blocks of time, especially at night, that need prayer coverage at 29th and B Street. Please stop by and join us anytime, if even just for a few minutes.

Story courtesy of California Catholic Daily.