World Wide Wakening:
“The Call to Unity – Fasting for Persecuted Christians in Pakistan”
14 days and 14 nights Fasting
Monday 04/Sep/2023 – Sunday 17/Sep/2023
Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ!
I am deeply moved by the urgency and passion in your words, as we call upon Christians around the world to unite in fasting for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Pakistan. This is indeed a powerful and noble endeavor, one that resonates with the spirit of unity and compassionate action found in the Bible.
As I reflect upon the dire situation faced by our fellow Christians in Pakistan, my heart is heavy with sorrow. The persecution they endure, the destruction of churches and homes, and the harm inflicted upon innocent children and families is truly heartbreaking. In the face of such adversity, we are called to respond, just as Esther called upon her people to fast and seek divine intervention.
In Esther 4:16, we find the inspiring story of how Queen Esther, faced with a grave threat to her people, urged them to fast and pray for three days and nights. She recognized the power of collective fasting, the act of abstaining from food and drink, as a means to humble ourselves before God and seek His intervention. In a similar manner, we are called upon to fast for 14 days and 14 nights, dedicating ourselves to prayer and intercession on behalf of our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Let us envision a future where the burned churches in Pakistan become a symbol of resilience and faith, as they are rebuilt anew. Where the broken homes are restored, and the wounded hearts find healing and solace. By the grace of God, we can see a transformation unfold, where the 19 churches that were once burned become 38 new churches, and the 38 burned houses become 78 new homes by the power of our Almighty Grace.
In preparation for this sacred time of fasting, I invite you to reflect upon two crucial questions.
First, if you were a true Christian, how would you respond to the suffering of Christians in Pakistan?
Let us put ourselves in their shoes, empathize with their pain, and respond with love and compassion.
Second, as a true Christian believer, how have you shown kindness and support to your neighbor, both near and far? Our actions speak volumes about our faith, and during this fast, let us strive to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.
Furthermore, as we embark on this fasting journey, let us remember the powerful message conveyed in Isaiah 58. It reminds us that fasting is not merely a ritual, but an opportunity to extend our hearts and hands to those in need. Let us sacrificially give to the needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters during our fast, demonstrating God’s love and provision in tangible ways.
As we fast, let us draw inspiration from the steadfastness of our forefathers who, for thousands of years, called upon God through weeping, prayer, and fasting. Their actions moved the heart of God, and His grace intervened in their lives. Let us, too, come together on September 4th, 2023, for a “World Wide Wakening” fasting, as we unite our prayers, fasting, and hearts for the persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
May this time of fasting be a catalyst for change, a powerful outpouring of love and solidarity, and a testament to the strength of our faith. Together, let us seek God’s intervention, trusting in His mercy and grace to bring healing, restoration, and protection to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.
As I bring this message to a close, I am reminded of a profound statement on forgiveness uttered by Jesus himself. In the midst of his crucifixion, he looked upon his persecutors and pleaded, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” These words, found in Luke 23:34, encapsulate the depth of Jesus’ compassion and his unwavering commitment to forgiveness, even in the face of immense suffering.
With these powerful words in mind, I encourage you to reflect on the transformative power of forgiveness in your own life.