{{first_name|Friend}},
What a beautiful few days of prayer, celebration, and preparation leading us to Day 1 of 40 Days for Life.
On Friday, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of our new Southwest Coalition office. The weather could not have been more beautiful, and we were so blessed to have Bishop Peter Baldacchino and Deacon Ed with us. Their presence and prayers made an already special day even more meaningful.
Then on Saturday, we gathered for our 40 Days for Life kickoff rally and Jericho March. Pastor Morris led us beautifully in prayer as we walked together, placing this campaign, our community, and the next 40 days into God’s hands.
Las Cruces Kickoff Rally
Pastor Morris and his bride
On Sunday, we gathered once again for our Mass kickoff Rally in Santa Teresa, where close to 40 people joined us in prayer. What a beautiful way to prepare our hearts for the days ahead. Thank you, Father Theo and Deacon Salazar from JPII. We were so blessed to have such a beautiful outdoor Mass.
Santa Teresa Kickoff Rally
And, today is Day 1.
Thank you for responding to the invitation and saying yes.
As you take your place in prayer, I want you to remember just how much bigger this is than what we can see here at home.
Today, 682 cities around the world begin 40 Days for Life together.
While we are praying here, people thousands of miles away are beginning too. Vigils are underway in Leeds, England; cities throughout Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia; 41 cities across Croatia; Santiago, Chile; and even as far away as Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Just think about that.
Different countries. Different languages. Different time zones. But united in prayer.
While we are standing here in New Mexico, someone across the world is also taking their place in prayer. Hour after hour, day after day, for the next 40 days, prayers will rise for mothers, fathers, unborn children, those working in the abortion industry, and for hearts to be changed.
Scripture reminds us, “The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16.
Never underestimate what God can do through one faithful hour. We may never know every life touched, every heart changed, or every decision transformed because someone simply showed up and prayed.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for these beautiful gatherings, and thank you to every person who has committed to these next 40 days.
Today, we take our place alongside hundreds of communities around the world.
Let us pray with faith. Let us pray with perseverance. And let us trust God with what He will do through these next 40 days.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 1
Intention: For complete surrender of these 40 days to God.
Scripture: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5
Reflection: We begin by placing everything into God’s hands. We cannot control every circumstance, conversation, or outcome, but we can choose faithfulness. These 40 days belong first to Him. Let us begin not with anxiety about what we must accomplish, but with confidence in what God can do through willing hearts.
Prayer: Lord, receive these 40 days as an offering. Direct our steps, purify our motives, and accomplish through our prayers what we could never accomplish on our own. Amen.
Challenge: Challenge. Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.