Report from America - Day 19

The night shift at a 40 Days for Life vigil has a
special character all its own. The abortion center is
usually closed and the surrounding area is quieter --
perfect conditions for silent, prayerful reflection
on the evil that we seek God's intervention to end.

At a number of vigil locations, the night shift is
also known as the Knight shift -- men of the Knights
of Columbus are signing up for the nighttime hours.

In some cases, it's because of safety concerns. In
others, it's simply a reflection of the fact that
this is the time that folks who work during the day
can participate.

At any rate, the Knights of Columbus have been
extremely successful in getting more men involved in
this important outreach.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Michael reports 40 Days
for Life vigil participation has been steadily
increasing in numbers as the men of the Knights of
Columbus have contributed their prayers and presence
at the larger of the city's two abortion clinics.

"We're not witnessing the saves that are seen in the
daytime," he said, "but we are on the sidewalk near
at least five colleges in the downtown area. There is
still a lot of traffic at night, both cars and foot
traffic. We've had some negative responses late at
night, but we've had some powerful 'Praise God'
moments as well."

Michael says his 17-year-old daughter accompanies him
sometimes, so he refers to this as the Knight and
Princess shift. "A young couple was walking up the
street returning after an evening on the town," he
said. "As they approached us and saw us praying, the
young woman asked, 'What are you doing here?'"

He was mentally preparing for a confrontation, but
his daughter spoke up and said, "We're praying to end
abortion." The young woman asked, "Is that what this
place is?" As Michael started to answer, the
boyfriend started pulling her away, not wanting to
engage them in any further conversation.

They walked about 20 yards and the young woman turned
and yelled back, "I'm against abortion, too!"

"We on the Knight shift are praying for young men,
too," Michael said. "We pray that they step up to the
plate and be true men of God who protect the young,
protect the mothers, protect their role as father and
act in the true image of our heavenly Father."

Hearts are being affected, he added, and awareness is
being raised. "Abortion clinics that are shielded by
non-descript buildings and/or deceitful names are
being illuminated. Brothers and sisters in Christ are
uniting in fervent prayer."

Thank you for your witness, Michael. Thanks also to
all the men on the Knight shift at 40 Days for Life
vigils across North America this fall -- and special
thanks to the Knights of Columbus organization, which
proclaims itself "uncompromisingly pro-life," and for
listing 40 Days for Life as a recommended pro-life
link on its national web site.