Report from America - Day 37

Today's Scripture verse from Romans beseeches us to,
"present your bodies a living sacrifice."

This is exactly what faithful volunteers have done
several times during this 40 Days for Life campaign,
when the police have been called -- either by
abortion facility workers or abortion supporters --
to investigate bogus complaints about those who are
peacefully standing up for life.

The mere sight of people quietly standing in prayer
outside an abortion center or Planned Parenthood
office is considered a reason to call the police.

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the 40 Days for
Life team has seen squad cars pull up at their vigil
more than once. Toni said the officers are always
nice and supportive, "and they are clearly annoyed
with the petty complaints about us being a
disturbance."

Toni said the local group has permit for its
activities, and they're in compliance with every
requirement. "We are just being effective in what we
are doing."

And what they're doing is raising awareness and
telling the entire city of Winston-Salem that there
is indeed an abortion center in their community.

"That appears to be the main topic of discussion when
patients enter the surrounding doctors' offices" in
the medical complex where the abortion center is
located, she said.

"That is what is bothering the doctors. We can only
hope and pray that neighboring doctors and other
businesses will unite to confront the owner of the
building leased by Planned Parenthood -- and maybe
Planned Parenthood themselves. Pray for this!"

Those who are "presenting their bodies a living
sacrifice" are also getting to know the local police
in California's San Fernando Valley. Patti describes
a "police drama" at one of the abortion centers where
a 40 Days for Life is taking place.

"We had five squad cars pull up, with officers going
inside the building, walking back to the driveway and
watching us out on the corner," she said.

"Early on, one asked me if we were staying peaceful,
and if anyone had been physically preventing people
from walking into the building, blocking cars from
getting into the parking lot, or -- get this --
jumping on top of car hoods!"

After about 20 minutes, the officer in charge spoke
to the group and acknowledged that everything they
were doing was perfectly legal. With that, they left.

Why the upsurge in calls to law enforcement?

The obvious answer is that the 40 Days for Life
prayer vigils are working. Powerfully. And the
abortion industry doesn't like it.

"The folks inside are getting frustrated and recently
called the police - twice - to 'report' [erroneously,
of course] that we were throwing things at the women
going in and were blocking the sidewalk," said Major
in Huntsville, Alabama. "This activity is definitely
the result of the continuous 40 Days for Life
presence."

Thanks to all of the police officers who've responded
so professionally to vigil participants in the wake
of these unfounded "disturbance" calls which are
clearly meant to harass and discourage participation
in 40 Days for Life!

And thanks to all of you for continuing your
prayerful witness against the evil of abortion,
presenting your bodies a living sacrifice, at the
very places where this unthinkable horror continues
to occur.