40 DAY FAST

Columbia 1st Ward

40 Day Fast: April 1 – May 10, 2012

Objectives

·        To join as a ward to in fasting and mighty prayer in our efforts to share the gospel and invite others to Christ

·        That we, as members, during this time will prepare ourselves to know what to say, to be led by the Spirit, and will talk with others

·        That we will be led to those who are 1) ready to learn more about the Church or 2) return to activity; or that they will be led to us

We believe the 40 Day fast will help demonstrate our faith, that as we show forth action, the Columbia 1^st Ward will be blessed with members returning to full activity, individuals and families embracing the Gospel and joining the Church, and we as members will have our testimonies strengthened and renewed. 

We invite you to participate as individuals and/or families in the Ward 40 day fast by selecting a day within the next 40 days to fast – beginning on April 1.  Our goal is to have at least one individual or family fasting during each of the 40 days from April 1 to May 10.   There can be more than one family or individual fasting during a given day, but we ask your help to have every day covered.

To do this, please take time this week to contact Sis. Betty Allen, one of our ward missionaries, to schedule a date. 

Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you:

During this fast, we encourage members specifically to:

·        Sign up for a day to fast between April 1 and May 10.

·        Study and use Section 2 in Preach My Gospel for personal study and during a Family Home Evening during the 40 day fast

·        Study conference talks and other materials related to missionary work (see Elder Ballard’s talk)

·        Prepare yourself and your family to answer questions (see www.Mormon.org)

·        Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and to seek the guidance of the Spirit

·        Invite and share your thoughts 

·        Look for opportunities to involve the full-time missionaries to teach or help you or your family

·        Look for opportunities to serve others

·        Go forward with faith

·        Share experiences with other members

 

Reference for Ward Council and Ward Missionaries

Why 40 days?

Not only was 40 days a time used anciently for calendaring, it was a significant timeframe associated with biblical events  such as Moses on the mount for 40 days and 40 nights (Ex  24:18),  the prophet Elijah fasted for 40 days and 40 nights during his journey to the mountain of God (refer to 1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus fasted for 40 days preparatory for his mission (Mark 1:13)

We believe that by fasting for 40 days, coupled with prayer, we show our commitment and dedication as a ward to allow us to prepare ourselves receive guidance in sharing the gospel  (Acts 13:2-3; Alma 17: 3,9 ; 3 Nephi 27: 1-2)