Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and author of the best-selling book “Left to Tell,” will be among the speakers at a Sept. 6 kickoff rally for the “40 Days for Life” prayer and fasting campaign in the Peoria area to end abortion.

Ilibagiza, 2007 recipient of the Mahatma Ghandi Peace and Reconciliation Award, will share her story of faith, perseverance and forgiveness at the opening rally at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 N. State Route 91 in Peoria.

“We want to draw members of the community together to share the vision of 40 Days for Life and to pray for God’s blessings on this effort,” said Karen Guth, spokesperson and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Peoria.

From Sept. 28 to Nov. 6, participants in 40 Days for Life will maintain a peaceful prayer vigil outside the abortion facility at 7405 N. University Ave. as well as increase prayer, fasting, and educational efforts on behalf of the pro-life cause. The Peoria campaign is one of nearly 200 planned throughout the United States during the fall, including in Champaign and Ottawa in the Diocese of Peoria, and the kickoff rally will offer opportunities to learn about and participate in the campaign.

“We look forward to seeing what kind of transformation God will bring about in our city,” said Guth.

More information can be found online at 40 Days for Life40daysforlife.com.

Meanwhile, Ilibagiza will also give a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at St. Vincent de Paul Church on the subject of the prophecies of Our Lady of Kibeho, an approved apparition of Mary to children in southern Rwanda in the early 1980s. Her talk will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the church, 6001 N. University St.