This is a message from our eldest daughter and her friend.

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Dear Friends,

In light of the current situation with COVID-19, a group of us Christians are planning a time of fasting and prayer to entreat the Lord, who alone can control the situation. Many are suffering from fear, anxiety, stress, or even loss of their businesses or jobs. Regardless of our opinions on this virus, where it came from or why it is here, we as Christians know that God is the ultimate author of trials and we wish to join together and petition Him. He can do what humans or governments of the world cannot do. Many of us plan to fast from our midday meal on the 14th – 17th of April, and fast the entire day on the 18th. I would like to invite you to join us for as many days as you can, and you can tailor your own fast to whatever the Lord puts on your heart.

Here are the main things we will be praying for:

• Peace for fearful Christians
• Provision for Christians who have had to close their businesses or have lost their jobs
• Christian courage to meet the needs of our now fearful society
• An evangelistic spirit in the hearts of us Christians
• That the unsaved will take this time to soften their hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel
• Safety for those under the threat of domestic violence,
• Encouragement for those feeling hopeless as their broken relationships are even worse now
• Encouragement for those suffering from severe depression during this time
• Strength and salvation for those under great temptation during extra time away from work
• Salvation for those turning to things outside Jesus and the Bible for help, such as addictions to computers, alcohol, pornography, and drugs
• Healing and comfort for those suffering in illness or loss of loved ones
• Endurance for front line workers such as medical professionals and even those working hard to keep our grocery stores stocked

Some people would list specific prayer items for each day if they are organizing a fast that last several days. It’s up to you if you would like to do that!

I would also encourage you to use this time to:

• Reflect on your relationship with God: are you truly saved? Do you have assurance that God has really saved you?
• Reflect on your life: have you been following God whole-heartedly and trusting Him alone? Is there anything you need to change? Any sin you haven’t let go of yet? “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b), but sin in our lives takes away the power of our prayers.
• Reflect on your relationships with your family and friends: are there any persons you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from? Is there anything you should say to certain people? Is there someone you could encourage? Someone who needs your help?
• Think about who you could share the Gospel with: is there an unsaved relative, friend, or co-worker you could call or email? If yes, then do it!

Perhaps now is the time for the beginning of a revival. Perhaps now is the time for the testing of Christians and their courage. May we pass the test, and be proved faithful to our Savior, Jesus Christ. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God…” 1 Peter 4:17

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Please spread the word and invite your Christian friends to join us. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Chan and Tabitha Koeppel