It was 'bittersweet' to be with the ladies last week...bitter because it was our last teaching time and oh so sweet because these ladies are amazing!
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| Sarah, Linet and Monica (with baby Grace on her lap) |
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| Felista, Rachel and Josephine |
Our lesson was the second part of our teaching on Fasting...entitled "What Are the Different Kinds of Fasts?" and Rose was our teacher for the day.
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| Looking over Rose's shoulder as she began teaching |
Since we currently do not have a translator she agreed to teach in Swahili, switching to English whenever she added a point of her own to the lesson...
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| The ladies love the Word of God! |
We explored 5 different kinds of fasts: 1 - Partial Fast, 2 - Normal Fast, 3 - Absolute Fast, 4 - Individual Fast and 5 - Corporate Fast
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| Susan and Beatrice |
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| Jane joined us for the first time and jumped right in to read scripture |
The partial fast is the type often associated with Daniel - this would be a restricted diet where some types of foods are not allowed.
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| Jecinta and Felista are neighbors of Rachel |
The normal fast is one of abstaining from solid foor for a period of time, but an intake of liquids is permitted to maintain health.
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| Susan's lesson is in extra large print so she can read more easily |
The absolute fast involves denial of both solid and liquid nutrition...it is advised that this type of fast last no longer than 3 days as modeled in the Old Testament in the book of Esther.
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| Sarah and Jane alternated to read our scripture references |
This type of fast is generally reserved as a desperate measure for extremely hard circumstances.
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| I just threw this one in for free! |
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| Even Jecinta, another new lady, read for us |
A New Testament example of an absolute fast is found in Acts 9:8-9 after Saul met Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus.
Josephine shared a story of when she did an absolute fast for 5 days...she stayed strong the whole 5 days. And yet, when she a a few ladies went on a normal fast, after just 2 days they were all week and needed help even to walk a short distance...why is that?
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| Josephine always has questions, stories, observations and comments |
Denise indicated that an absolute fast should only last more than 3 days if the person is completely certain that God is calling them to the fast.
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| Consolata and Denise |
Also, she made the point that when we are weak and even need help to walk, it reminds us of our weakness and total dependence on God.
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| Baby Emmanuel is growing so quickly! |
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| Emily keeps a firm hand on him |
The individual fast is the most common way fasting is observed and can incorporate the other 3 types of fasts...it is simply the act of fasting privately.
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| Who is flirting with who??? |
The power of the individual fast is found in the intense privacy and intimacy that exists between an individual believer and her heavenly Father.
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| Pure delight! |
The corporate fast can involve a specific group of people, a church, or a nation. It usually results in a time of repentance, renewal, or restoration.
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| Emmanuel and Grace were so cute together! |
For some reason that made Josephine think of Jonah in the whale! She pointed out that he probably did not eat or drink for the 3 days he was in the whale...was he fasting?
The question caught everyone's attention and Denise handled it with respect and consideration.
At this point Rose interjected that lack of food should not be considered a fast...apparently it is not uncommon for those who lack sufficient resources to call it a fast when they have not eaten all day or for two or three days...when in actuality there is nothing spiritual about it and that person should eat when the opportunity is there!
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| Denise and Rose |
Rose then talked about how often we should fast...As with many of the spiritual practices as outlined in the New Testament, there are guidelines, but no rules that must be rigidly followed.
Believers have the option to fast as often as they want and anywhere they want and to the extent they want...
Benefits of fasting are; a focused season causing us to center our heart and thoughts toward God, helps maintain balance in our lives, can be important tool revealing what is in our hearts...
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| Consolata and Grace... |
Fasting can bring increased revelation, wisdom and insight relative to issues for which we are seeking answers...
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| Jane and Sarah |
Fasting will often enhance and deepen our prayer life...and simply brings more wholeness into our lives as our perspective about God increases.
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| Profile of Felista |
We then looked at some practical considerations to think about; when fasting for the first time start off slowly, unless God has called you to an absolute fast for specific reasons, always drink plenty of water during a fast...
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| Christine (first timer), Beatrice, Jane (first timer), Sarah and Linet (in blue scarf) |
...always try to get plenty of rest while fasting, hunger pangs are conditioned responses of our bodies and will fade over time...
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| Monica asked to read Isaiah 58:6-14 from her Swahili Bible |
...if called to an absolute fast remember the 3 day duration, if you have a physical condition that makes fasting from food dangerous do not receive condemnation because of that...
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| Is 58:6 speaks of the fast that God chooses |
...when it is time to break the fast do not overeat, be sure to set aside special times to spend with Christ during the time of fasting.
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| Christine and Beatrice |
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| Touching fingers |
Dorothy arrived just as we entered into our prayer time...it was great to see her and hear how God is moving and working in her life!
She just started a new business cooking and selling mandazi - a type of pastry similar to a donut only square or triangle shaped.
We heard many praise reports on this day and gratitude for answered prayers...
We then stood for a time of praising God for His amazing grace and mercy...
...and praying with voices raised in adoration and supplication...
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| Susan and Valerie |
I love just standing silently listening to the sweet cacophony of voices and imagining God smiling with fondness in His pleasure with His children...
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| Jane, Sarah and Linet |
Then, of course, exuberant greetings shared by all!
After the group time we discovered a new restaurant for our debrief...
The food was quite delicious...
Rose and Susan are such a blessing to us! They each have great insights, ideas and unique gifts...
It is hard to believe that these days are over - at least for a month or so! This has been a great journey and I am looking forward to what God has in store for our future as a ministry team.
