In 1996 Dr. Bill Bright started yearly 40-day fasts for revival in our nation. His commitment to this discipline helped many like myself to consider partaking in this valuable gift of the faith. As I have mentioned before, I have completely bought into the benefits of the 40-day fast. I have not always done them with the commitment of national revival, but it always has the element of my own personal revival. This past Sunday I became aware of Chuck Colson and Jim Garlow’s call to fast and pray for our nation. It reawakened the desires that Dr. Bright embedded in me and reminded me of the similar call issued in 200. After a brief discussion with my wife, we agreed that it would be good for me to enter in.
I am under a personal belief that God has more for me. I have been extremely blessed with a loving, supportive, incredible wife, two amazing kids, a stimulating job, and a wonderful vision for my life. I could have never dreamed all this was possible, but it is here. At the same time, I don’t think God is through yet – with me or this nation. Fasting is a tool that has been given to us to ask, seek, and know for the more that God desires to give.
This fast has been called for September 20th – October 30th, 2010 in order to press God over the issues of the sanctity of human life, the sacredness of marriage and the preservation of religious liberty. I believe this nation is ready for the next great awakening and spiritual revival. The fast is a call to ask for it. Here is some of the wording on the prayandact.org website:
The national 40-day fast will be built on both Joel 2 (righteousness) and Isaiah 58 (authentic biblical compassion). The fast will begin at 7:14 am (based on 2 Chronicles 7:14) Eastern time, on Monday, September 20 and end at 7:14 am, Saturday, October 30, 2010. Although many will follow only a liquid diet, persons can fast as God directs them during this 40-day span. (Seek doctors advice regarding fasting.) We admit that fasting is difficult. However, losing a nation is worse.
The other ministry leaders that have partnered with Colson and Garlow are:
Che Ahn, Harvest Intl. Ministry
David Barton, Wallbuilders
Mike Bickle, Intl. House of Prayer, IHOPU
Vonette Bright, Co-Founder, Campus Crusade for Christ Intl.
Stephen Broden, Fair Park Bible Fellowship
Bishop Melvin Brown, Greater New Hope Baptist Church
Dean Broyles, The Western Ctr. for Law & Policy
Michael Brown, Coalition of Conscience, FIRE School of Ministry
Bishop Keith Butler, Founding Pastor, Word of Faith Intl. Christian Ctr.
Paul Louis Cole, Christian Mens Network
Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Jim Daly, President & CEO, Focus on the Family
Paul de Vreis, New York Divinity School
Creflo Dollar, World Changers Church Intl., Creflo Dollar Ministries
Todd DuBord, Chaplain to Chuck Norris, Top Kick Productions
Greg Dumas, The Crossing Church
Ken Eldred, United in Purpose
Lou Engle, The Call to Conscience, The Call
Tony Evans, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
Pam Faraone, Border School Leadership Institute
William Federer, American Minute
Father Joseph Fessio, Editor in Chief, Ignatius Press, San Francisco
Jim Franklin, Cornerstone Church and Jim Franklin Live Radio
Maggie Gallagher, National Organization for Marriage
Professor Robert George, Princeton University
Professor Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School
Phillip Goudeaux, Calvary Christian Ctr., Fellowship Covenant Ministries Intl.
John Hagee, Cornerstone Church, Christians United for Israel
Jack Hayford, Founder and Chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary
Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Real Radio Ministries
Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands
Walter B. Hoye II, Issues4Life Foundation
Mike Huckabee, Fmr. Governor of Arkansas & Host, Mike Huckabee Show
Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., High Impact Leadership Coalition
Cindy Jacobs, Generals Intl.
Paul Jehle, The New Testament Christian Church, Plymouth Rock Fdn.
Bill Johnson, Bethel Church, Bill Johnson Ministries
Timothy Johnson, Founder & Chairman, The Frederick Douglass Fdn.
Rick Joyner, Morningstar Ministries, Oak Initiative
Alveda King, Silent No More Awareness Campaign
Richard Land, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of SBC
Richard Lee, First Redeemer Church
Ron Luce, Founder, Teen Mania & Battle Cry
Bishop Richard Malone, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland (Maine)
Joseph Mattera, Resurrection Church, Christ Covenant Coalition
Bill May, Catholics for the Common Good
Miles McPherson, Rock Church, Miles Ahead
Andy McQuitty, Irving Bible Church
John Meador, First Baptist Church Euless
Dolores Meehan, Co-Founder, West Coast Walk for Life, San Francisco
Gene Mills, Louisiana Family Forum
Shawn Mitchell, New Venture Christian Fellowship,
NFL Chaplain – San Diego Chargers
Robert Morris, Gateway Church
Tom Mullins, Christ Fellowship Church
Eva Muntean, Co-Founder, West Coast Walk for Life, San Francisco
Penny Nance, Concerned Women for America
Douglas Napier, Alliance Defense Fund
Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
Tony Perkins, Family Research Council
Gary W. Phillips, First Baptist Church Euless
Buddy Pilgrim, Integrity Leadership
Ron Prentice, California Family Council
Ann Quest, UnityQuest
Jay Richards, Senior Fellow, Discovery Institute
Dino Rizzo, Healing Place Church
James Robison, Life Outreach Intl.
Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conf.
Dave Roever, Roever and Associates
Dudley Rutherford, Shepherd of the Hills Church and Call on Jesus
Rick Scarborough, Vision America
Alan Sears, Alliance Defense Fund
Jeff Seif, Zola Levitt Ministries
Toby Slough, Cross Timbers Community Church
Chuck Stetson, Let’s Strengthen Marriage Campaign
Larry Stockstill, Bethany Church, Baton Rouge
Dave Stone, Southeast Christian Church
Steve Strang, Publisher, Charisma Magazine
Doug Stringer, Somebody Cares America
Sarah Sumner, Tozer Theological Seminary, Simpson University
Luis Tellez, The Witherspoon Institute
Moses Vegh, Ambassador Ministries
Thomas Walker, National Governors’ Prayer Team
Lance Wallnau, Lance Learning Group
Stuart Weber, Good Shepherd Community Church
Dave Welch, U.S. Pastor Council
Christopher West, Theology of the Body Institute
Don Wildmon, American Family Association
Tim Wildmon, American Family Association
Billy Wilson, Awakening America Alliance
Jody Wood, New York City Intercessors