The Eurasia Region is kicking off the new year with a region-wide prayer and fasting emphasis for 21 days that started 14 January and ends 3 February.
With a prayer and fasting guide, prayer calendar, daily devotionals and a Facebook page where people and churches can share prayer requests, the goal for the fasting time is to fulfill two regional strategies established by Arthur Snijders, the regional director, when he stepped into his role in the fall of 2013: Interconnectedness and prayer and fasting.
The regional emphasis is inspired by the Daniel Fast, which is conducted by leaders and Nazarenes in Albania at the start of every year. Praying and fasting each January and throughout the year for the past few years has transformed the leadership and direction of the church in Albania, as well as led to many people newly following Jesus Christ, according to Steve Beiler, a missionary there.
“The things that God is doing through prayer and fasting, we have seen just some incredible things, the power of God, the movement of the Holy Spirit, physical healings,” Beiler said. “I believe when God’s people humble themselves and seek His face, He has promised He would hear their prayers and forgive their sins and heal their land. Healing is holistic – spiritually and physically. It enables Him to release more and more of His redemption and healing holistically. It has changed our district.”
The Daniel Fast is referenced in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Daniel, in which the prophet ate only vegetables and drank only water for 21 days while praying. Various other fasts are also appropriate for this emphasis.
The Italy District has embraced the 21-day fast, including translating the devotionals into Italian each day.
“The church in Firenze, last year we were a part of the Daniel Fast and it was such a blessing,” said District Superintendent Daniel Fink. “This year … I shared about this blessing and [that] it’s the vision of the whole region and that we want to be a part. We are wanting to be part of doing something together with the other districts on the region and with the other churches. We see it as something that is connecting and helping us to see we are a global church and we are on the same train direction. And this helps us to feel connected.”
Cezi Glendenning, the regional coordinator for Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries, is heading up the promotion for the fast.
“People can join in at any time,” she said. “What a great possibility if we come all together as a region with fasting and prayer to start this new year, to ask God and the Holy Spirit for guidance how to face our challenges.”
To participate in the fasting and prayer, visit the Facebook page and ask to be added to the group to access the prayer calendar, daily devotionals and to see the prayer requests posted by other participants: https://www.facebook.com/groups/318105541715910/
