A “40 DAYS for Life” campaign of prayer, fasting, and community outreach to end abortion is scheduled to begin in Peoria on Sept. 23.

As part of the campaign, participants are being sought to take shifts in an around-the-clock vigil being planned outside the abortion facility at 7505 N. University St. in Peoria.

“We hope to have at least two people present per hour,” said Karen Guth, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Peoria who is serving as spokesperson for the local effort.

Peoria is one of dozens of U.S. cities taking part in the 40 Days for Life campaign this fall. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.

This will be the fifth nationally coordinated campaign, and the second time the Peoria area has hosted it. More than 200,000 people, representing 5,000 churches, have taken part in previous campaigns, according to David Bereit, national director.

The Peoria campaign will open with a rally on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 22. It continues through Nov. 1.

Bereit said his organization knows of more than 1,500 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns. Guth said saving lives is the primary hope for the Peoria campaign as well.

“Hopefully many women during that time will choose not to have abortions,” she told The Catholic Post. She is also praying that the campaign will serve as an outreach to post-abortive men and women so that “more and more will take first steps to finding healing from hurts experienced in the past.”

Guth asks that interested persons consider pledging one hour per week to the peaceful vigil, or to take part in the prayer or fasting elements of the campaign. More information on all aspects of the national campaign is available online at www.40daysforlife.com.

Visit www.40daysforlife.com/peoria to register for the Peoria campaign or contact Karen Guth at (309) 453-7493. Her e-mail address is godshelperkaren@comcast.net.