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Dear Friends,
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that from the beginning of time God has asked his children to fast to help them draw nearer to Him, to worship Him, to concentrate on spiritual matters, and to help them overcome weaknesses or problems (see Chapter 25 – Fasting, Gospel Principles). The Book of Mormon prophet Alma declared, “Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God” (Alma 6:6). Last April, President Russell M. Nelson encouraged members of the Church to fast and pray with their friends and neighbors of all faiths to “Call upon our Heavenly Father and His Son – the Master Healer – to show forth their marvelous power to bless the people of the Earth.”
In this same spirit of fasting and prayer outlined in the doctrines of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, numerous Faith-Based Community Leaders in the Tallahassee area have joined together to organize a citywide day of fasting and prayer on Monday, March 8th. This day of fasting will be focused on repentance; the revival of spirituality in the hearts, minds and spirits of Men/Women/and Youth; improved Health for all people; an end to Violence and Hate Crimes; Unity; Community Needs; and for the spirit of the Lord to rest upon the city, state, and national Governing Officials. We enthusiastically join with these leaders of various faiths and encourage all members of the Church to participate as their health and circumstances will allow.
We are keenly aware that members of the Church will participate in their monthly fast day on Sunday, March 7th and the wards and branches of the Tallahassee Stake will maintain our observance of the fast on that Sunday. While this citywide fast will not replace our monthly fast day, there are various ways in which members of the Church can join with our friends of other faiths in support of this worthwhile endeavor. Primary among these is to join our hearts in prayer for the causes outlined in the attached flyer and to gather virtually with other people of faith during the morning and evening prayer services.
We believe that as we “join in fasting and mighty prayer” the blessings of heaven will be poured out upon us and the Lord will hear and provide for the needs of our community.
In Unity and Love,
Ben Smith
Mark Llewellyn
Arinze Nkemdirim Okere
The Tallahassee Florida Stake Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
