First Saint Paul
African Methodist Episcopal Church
2687 Klondike Road - Lithonia, Georgia 30058 - 770.484.9660 office - 770.484.9662 fax

40 DAYS FAST TO GROUNDBREAKING

The information below is provided for you and we ask that you send it or pass it on to others who may not have access to our website. We are being offered a wonderful opportunity to participate fully in obtaining our goal of a new worship facility. Read below and discover how little is being asked of you. Participate and discover how your "little" sacrifice transforms into a miraculous blessing.

Little becomes much when you place it in the Master's hands...

"40 Days Fast to Groundbreaking"

October 1^st through November 15^thA Time of Fasting, Praying and Giving

What is it? Our effort to involve the whole church in supporting the church expansion program through fasting, praying and giving.

What is it's purpose? Our hope is that at the end of the 40 days of fasting, praying and giving, we will have a deeper appreciation of the sacrifice we, as a church body, are about to undertake and decide to fully commit to its completion. We want to catch on fire about the ministry possibilities and expansion.

What are the benefits? At the end of this period of fasting and praying, we will have a deeper understanding of ourselves and others as spiritual beings in search of an Eternal God and our function in this local body of Christ. Another is the health benefit for those who are seeking discipline over their diets and other distasteful habits.

Why 40 days of fasting? We are following the example of our Lord in the Wilderness of Temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). The number 40 is used biblically to indicate a time of testing as with the Israelites in the desert for 40 years. These 40 days, too, will be a time of testing our commitment and willingness to sacrifice to expand the church's ministry.

When will these 40 days of sacrifice begin and end? October 1, 2003 through November 15, 2003 - 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM each day, excluding Sundays. On November 16, 2003 we will have the groundbreaking.

Who should participate? All church members, friends, families and others outside the church willing the make the sacrifice.

Do we all fast every day? Only if you want to. We are asking families and singles to choose 4 days to participate. Preferably, these days will be scattered over several weeks. We are asking the entire church to close out this time of fasting on November 15, 2003 at 7:00 PM with a meal, praise, prayer and sharing the experience. We are expecting miraculous testimonies.

What should we do to participate?

First, start each day before 7:00 AM with PRAYER about:

The church's future;

Your personal needs;

Your role in the church's future; and

For the strength of your Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Second, PRAY each day at midday (12 noon)
(A model prayer and scriptures will be provided upon request.)

Third, arrange your schedule to come to the church each evening to break your fast at 7:00 PM. There will be a minister or spiritual leader at the church to lead you in thanksgiving and praise. Come to the evening services with high expectations.

Do I need to make a monetary sacrifice? Please bring (if you can) $40 or more to leave at the altar at least once during the fasting and praying period. Each time you come, please be prepared to make a sacrifice to God even if it is only a few pennies. Set aside a jar to collect coins and dollars. If you set aside $1.00 each day during the 40 day effort you will have $40 to give. What ever the sacrifice, we are asking that you leave it on a weekly basis. Give your lunch money, soda money, make the sacrifice, be creative. Pray for guidance.

How should I fast? Here are some suggestions...

	The normal fast - going without food for a definite period; e.g. 1 day as in Judges 20:26. (You may take in liquids.)
	The absolute fast - going without food or water. This should be short and is not recommended for those unaccustomed to fasting.
	The partial fast - includes omitting one meal a day, or omitting certain foods for a certain period. Eating only fresh vegetables for several days is a good partial fast.

Persons taking prescription medicine that must be taken with food are not to abstain from eating. Some alternatives are:

	Daniel Fast - fruit, vegetables and water
	Juice Fast - fruit and vegetable juices only. If you are hypoglycemic, you might want to use a 50% water mix with the juice, especially if using bottled or canned juices. Fresh juices, however, are best. They may be purchased from a health food store or use a juicer.
	TV/Entertainment Fast - God will bless you mightily if you'll shut your TV off for 40 days to seek Him. You should also set aside newspapers, talk radio, video games and movie theaters.

Click here for more information about fasting in general...