{{first_name|Friend}},
Throughout Scripture, God often begins His work with a simple response from an ordinary person:
“Here I am.”
Abraham said it. Moses said it. Samuel said it. And when the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah answered:
“Here I am. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8
As we continue these 40 days of prayer and fasting, I believe those words carry a particular urgency for our community.
This month, Planned Parenthood of El Paso announced a new privately funded initiative called “Birth Control for All/Toma Control,” supported by more than $1 million in private funding. According to local reporting, the 12-month program is already underway and provides eligible patients with no-cost contraceptive services, including IUDs and implants.
Whatever our neighbors may believe about these developments, for those of us committed to this mission, news like this should remind us of something important:
This is not the time for our prayer hours to be empty.
Our response is not anger.
Our response is not fear.
Our response is prayer.
While organizations throughout our region are raising money, expanding programs, and inviting people through their doors, we are asking Christians throughout the Southwest to do something remarkably simple:
Show up and pray.
And right now, we have hours when no one has committed to be there.
Maybe you've looked at an empty shift and thought, I don't want to go by myself.
I understand that hesitation. But throughout Scripture, God repeatedly met people in moments when they were seemingly alone.
Moses encountered God in the wilderness.
Elijah heard God's quiet voice when he felt alone.
Jacob wrestled with God through the night.
And Jesus Himself regularly withdrew from the crowds to pray.
There is something beautiful about dozens of people praying together, but there is also something deeply faithful about one person willing to go when no one else has signed up.
You don't need a crowd around you for God to hear you.
Bring your Bible. Bring your Rosary. Bring a devotional. Invite a friend if you can—but if no one can come with you, don't let that keep you from praying.
🙏 VIGIL HOURS THAT NEED YOU
LAS CRUCES
Pink House (2918 Hillrise Dr.)
Sundays — All Day
Mondays — 12:00–3:00 PM
Fridays — 12:00–3:00 PM
UNM Site (4401 E. Lohman Ave.)
Sundays — All Day
Mondays — All Day
EL PASO / SANTA TERESA
Santa Teresa (5300 McNutt Rd.)
Fridays — 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
Planned Parenthood El Paso (1061 Chelsea St.)
Wednesdays — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Perhaps you see a time above that works for you.
Perhaps you've been waiting for someone to personally invite you.
Consider this your invitation.
The world around us will continue moving.
Announcements will be made. Money will be raised. Programs will begin.
Let it also be said that God's people prayed.
The Lord has always been able to do extraordinary things through ordinary people who were simply willing to say:
“Here I am.”
Will you?
Thank you for continuing to pray with us throughout these 40 days. Whether there are twenty people beside you or you are quietly praying by yourself, your presence matters, your prayer matters, and your yes matters.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 7
Intention: For women facing financial hardship because of pregnancy.
Scripture: “My God will fully supply whatever you need.” Philippians 4:19
Reflection: A rent payment, medical bill, lost job, or lack of childcare can make pregnancy feel impossible. Practical needs are real, and compassion must be practical too. Today we pray that resources arrive at the right time and that women discover communities willing to help carry the burden.
Prayer: God of providence, provide housing, food, medical care, employment, transportation, and every material need facing pregnant mothers today. Make us generous instruments of Your provision. Amen.
Challenge: Challenge. Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.
Friday, October 2nd
Movie begins at 6:30 PM
Location: 1330 Garner Ave., Las Cruces, NM