There are times in our lives when prayer just isn’t enough. It’s not because God isn’t listening or that He doesn’t care, it comes from a division that is created by worldly distractions.
Fasting isn’t a requirement or an item listed on God’s checklist of “The Holier-Than-Thou” Club. Fasting is a gift, an opportunity, to set aside the distractions of this worldly-life for a closer, more intimate relationship with God for the purpose of spiritual breakthrough.
We invite you to join Starved 4 Hope in fasting each Monday, beginning April 25th, for the children of Tullo. We will continue fasting every Monday until all the children at Tullo are sponsored. Will you join us in setting aside the distractions of this life for the purpose of seeking the greatest good for these children?
The Widow’s Fast found in 1 Kings 17, is a demonstration of how one person fasted for the humanitarian needs of another. There is much we can learn from this widow, as she was preparing for the last meal she and her son would take part in. In the midst of her own suffering, she recognized Elijah’s need as being greater than her own. By taking part in this fast, you recognize that the needs of these children, both spiritual and physical, is greater than your own. May God bless you in your fast.
Suggestions for Fasting:
Fasting is a personal experience between the individual and God, we are partaking in a fast as a communal body, but the way in which we fast as individuals is personal. Here are some suggestions for fasting, these are not required but recommended. Above all, seek God’s guidance in prayer for the way in which you should fast.
1. A traditional fast involves food.
a. You can fast for the entire day by abstaining from food and water.
b. You can fast from food while still consuming liquids. Milk or Natural Juices are best. Coffee, Tea, and Soda are ok but make sure you are consuming additional liquids, as caffeine tends to dehydrate a person.
c. You can fast from a specific meal breakfast, lunch or supper. Lunch is a common meal to fast from especially if this is your first time fasting.
d. You can fast from specific foods. Sweets, such as chocolate and cookies are popular. Another suggestion is anything that is processed.
e. You can fast from specific drinks. Try fasting from coffee or anything containing caffeine. You can abstain from any liquid other than water.
2. There are other ways of fasting and these can be creative.
a. I always have some kind of music playing in the background. If you are like me, fasting from the distraction of noise can be a helpful. Commit to turning the radio or music device off for a day. Take that time you would be listening to other sources and spend time in prayer for these children.
b. Another popular fast is from television. Devote the time you would spend watching TV to praying for these children and their needs.
c. Maybe the news or newspaper is a distraction for you, for a day put it down or turn it off. Don’t worry, you can always read it later or hear about it the next day.
d. For those who need technology. Turn off your phone, ipad, computer, etc. whenever it is not absolutely necessary. It’s just for a day.
e. Hobbies, many people have a specific activity that they participate in and often it is time consuming. For one day, abstain from any involvement in your hobby.
Our focus, is to set aside the distractions and busyness of our lives, so that we can completely focus on God and interceding for these children. Remember, these are just suggestions, seek God’s guidance and be creative.
Suggestions for Prayer:
While the way in which we fast may be different, our prayers should be united and focused. Here are some suggestions for prayer:
1. Pray for the salvation of each child.
2. Pray for the spiritual growth of each child.
3. Pray that the physical needs of each child be met.
4. Pray that each child would receive a sponsor.
5. Pray that the Word of God would become prominent among the people.
6. Pray that God would send the workers needed for the nourishment of souls.
7. Pray that others would become aware of the needs around the world and move into action.
8. Pray that the efforts of Starved 4 Hope would be a witness of God’s glory and presence in this world.
If the fast offered by a widow can change the life and course of one man, how much more can we as a group affect the lives of others? We hope you will join us as we seek God’s glory in the lives of each child.
Please check back frequently for updates on progress with sponsorship!
On behalf of the children and community of Tullo, thank you.
God Bless You!
S4H Team
