40 Days for Life is a pro-life initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities and 40 days of 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.

On Wednesday, Lakeland area pro-life advocates will join together with people of faith from Polk County and more than 59 cities in 31 states to kick off the area's own version of the 40 Days for Life campaign, according to Annie Studiale, spokeswoman for the Lakeland 40 Days for Life campaign.

Lakeland is one of communities conducting simultaneous 40 Days for Life campaigns from Wednesday through March 16.

"As people here in Lakeland join with others from across the country to pray and fast and take courageous action for 40 days to end the tragic violence of abortion, we look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our community and throughout America," Studiale said.

The rally will begin 40 days of prayer and fasting with special attention to prayer outside the abortion facility at the Lakeland Women's Health Center, located at 4444 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, as well as various types of community outreach, according to Studiale.

"40 Days for Life has already generated proven lifesaving results in cities across America," said David Bereit, national campaign director for 40 Days for Life. "During the fall of 2007, dozens of communities joined together for the first nationally coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign. 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 during the campaign. New volunteers got active in local pro-life efforts. Churches of different denominations worked together to work for an end to abortion in their cities. Many post-abortive women begin programs to heal from the pain caused by previous abortion experiences. With such a strong track record of results, we are excited to see what God has in store for the spring of 2008."

For details about 40 Days for Life, visit the Web site www.40daysforlife.com. For details about the Lakeland campaign, visit www.40daysforlife.com/lakeland or call Studiale at 863-640-8667, or email ams62@tampbay.rr.com.