Forty days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion combined with peaceful vigils at abortion facilities and educational outreach will take place in the Peoria and Champaign areas from Sept. 22 to Oct. 31 as part of the “40 Days for Life” campaign.

Peoria and Champaign are among 239 locations across the United States as well as internationally taking part in the pro-life initiative, which began in Texas in the fall of 2004 and grew to a national movement in 2007.

The interfaith effort uses a 40-day time frame drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in that time period.

In Peoria, a kickoff event is planned for 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at East Peoria’s RiverFront Park.

“We want to start this effort by drawing members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessing on this effort,” said Karen Guth, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish who is coordinating the Peoria campaign. “It is time to focus attention on the harm abortion has done to our city.”

Speakers at the kickoff event will include area pastors as well as local women who have chosen life. Rachel West Kramer will be a featured vocalist.

Peoria-area participants will be invited to take part in prayer outside the abortion facility at 7405 N. University St. For more information, contact Guth at (309) 453-7493 or by e-mail at godshelperkaren@gmail.com.

In Champaign, the vigils will take place outside Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois, 302 East Stoughton. Contact Ross Johnson by e-mail at 40days@prolifeillinois.com for more information.

“”We know of at least 2,800 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns,” said David Bereit, national director. The organization’s Web site, www.40daysforlife.com, includes further details on the campaigns as well as information about all participating locations.