ST. CLOUD, Minn. – February 8, 2010 – On February 17 (Ash Wednesday), St. Cloud area pro-life advocates will join a nationwide kickoff of a 40 Days for Life campaign.

40 Days for Life is an intensive pro-life initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.

The first 40 Days for Life campaign occurred in September 2009 and drew hundreds of people from the St. Cloud area. As people in St. Cloud joined others from across the country to pray, fast and take courageous action for 40 days to end the tragic violence of abortion, they saw a transformation of some hearts of people who were considering having abortions and even some doctors who performed the procedure.

“40 Days for Life has already generated proven lifesaving results,” said David Bereit, national director for 40 Days for Life. “During four national coordinated campaigns, more than 240 communities have joined for nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns. The efforts of thousands of people of faith helped make a tremendous difference.”

"Numerous cities reported a significant drop in abortions. Some abortion facilities either closed altogether or scaled back their operations. New volunteers became active in local pro-life efforts. Churches of different denominations collaborated to work for an end to abortion in their cities. Many post-abortive women began programs to heal from the pain caused by previous abortion experiences. “With such a strong track record of results,” said Bereit, “we are excited to see what God has in store for this our next campaign.”

"We are expecting great things for our local 40 Days for Life campaign in St. Cloud," says Chris Codden, Director of the Office of Marriage and Family of the Diocese of Saint Cloud. "It is exciting to see St. Cloud being a part of something that can have such lifesaving impact."

For more about 40 Days for Life campaign in St. Cloud, visit: http://40daysforlife.com/stcloud or contact Judy Haag, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Mary Jo Ruhland, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .