Fasting and prayer programme in Galle

17 March 2008

“Fasting reminds us that we are sustained ‘by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us.”
Richard Foster  

Since 2005 EASL has been motivated to conduct fasting and prayer meetings through the south region. Reasons for this have been the crying need for unity in the church and in the nation. If there were to be unity it is imperative that the church be united. On the 17^th of March 2008 was a historic occasion when over 3500 Christians in the southern region united to cry out to God and intercede for our nation which had plunged into darkness.

For the first a 3 day fasting and prayer was held in Deniyaya on the 1^st – 3^rd of November 2006. During this programme God instilled the need to gather the entire Southern church, from Hambantota, Galle and Matara, to conduct a day of fasting and prayer. This was deemed a daunting task and asit was too tedious to organize the idea was put it aside and projects that would be far easier to conduct were considered. Then on the 19^th of December 2007, 3 gentlemen, namely Brian John, Lawrence and Amudhan (Police Inspector) met up with some of the south staff with regard to conducting a prayer meeting in the south through “Jesus Redeems Ministries”. At this discussion the Lord reminded the southern NCEASL coordinator of the assignment given to him. When this assignment / vision was shared with all those who were present, they readily agreed upon it and also agreed to fund it. This was truly blessing because at that given time adequate funds were not in hand. The founder of the “Jesus Redeems Ministries” is Mohan C. Lazarus. At this meeting, he revealed the vision that he had seen about our nation. He explained that this nation would see peace and revival. The meeting ended with a decision to hold the Southern regional fasting and prayer day on the 17^th of March 2008.

In order to prepare for this programme, discussions were held with the churches, pastor’s fellowships and relevant individuals were visited. The vision and the reason for this were shared with them. Many pitched in with help during the organizing of this programme. The AOG people’s church agreed to provide the canvas to cover the grounds.  Reduced costs for lighting and sound systems were obtained as well. Furthermore Nestles agreed to provide 3000 drinks free of charge. Another anonymous donor agreed to provide the drinking water for the participants.

Though preparations were made for only 2700 people, more than 3500 people participated that day. With the recognition of the invitees and the hoisting of the National, Religious and District flags and a word of prayer the Fasting and Prayer day was started. This day opened up an opportunity to share the gospel with the Government and Administrative representatives.  Pastor Mohan C. Lazarus prayed and shared a short message. Afterwards 3 groups from Galle, Hambantota, Galle and Matara prayed for the needs their area.  The programme lasted from 8.30am – 4.30pm.

Some of the special invitees were from other religious faiths, politicians and public administration. They included the Beddegama Samitha Thero, Mawlavi from the Galle fort mosque, cabinet ministers, the Divisional Secretary, Navy personal, Catholic, Methodist, Anglican and other Main Line Church representatives. The President Hon. Mahinda Rajapakshe sent his facilitations, which were read by one of the ministers. 

Through this event many non Christians came to know about the role of Christians in this nation. That the Christians are not an alienated group of people, but are a group that is interested in the wellbeing of the country. In fact they are prayer warriors for the nation.

CTS, LBC, and RBC had display stalls whilst the Salvation Army had an ambulance on stand by providing first aid right throughout the programme.