“Peace for Our City” – Baltimore Stake Invites All to Fast

Yesterday, leaders of the Baltimore Stake posted the following request on their Facebook page in response to the rioting and protesting:

We invite all members of the Baltimore Stake, as well as friends and neighbors who are not of our faith, to join with us in a special fast on Sunday, May 3rd, for peace in our city, and, in particular, for the safety and hope of the youth of Baltimore who are beset by poverty and violence.

This past week, President Brady had the opportunity to share with our friends on the Baltimore Interfaith Coalition (BIC) about the Latter-day Saint practice of holding a monthly fast, in which we abstain from two consecutive meals and donate the money we would have spent on food to help feed the hungry (though we try to give even more). He advised them of the Baltimore Stake’s special fast this Sunday, and now faith leaders from across Baltimore are also inviting their congregations to participate.

As we join together, we are confident that the Lord will open the windows of heaven for you and for those for whom we are fasting and praying.

As of this post, the original request has been shared over 2,000 times and has almost 2,500 likes. Here are some of the responses:

Richard Glickstein

This is Richard Glickstein, President of the National Bible Association. In the book of Esther, the Jews (my people) were on the verge of being wiped out by their enemies. Esther called a fast by the Jewish people. God heard them and delivered them from their peril, destroying their enemies. I applaud you in calling out for this fast. May all God’s people join you. Then, let us watch, as God moves mightily to heal Baltimore and make it stronger. With God there is the victory!

Dr. Reverend Alvin C. Hathaway

Dear Colleagues in the faith of Jesus Christ: I serve in Upton at Union Baptist Church. For over 163 years we have spread the Gospel of Jesus’ saving power. During this moment of tension and strife, all of God’s believes must unite to promote The Beloved Community. I join with you in prayer and fasting knowing God’s will be done.

Brad Roberts

Joining in from The Hague Stake in the Netherlands.

Rhonda Schmidt Johnson

Evangelical from Wyoming. I’m in.

Cathy Warmbrodt

I will definitely join in the fast. I am a member of the St. Louis Missouri South Stake, St. Louis, Missouri. We are about an Hour from our riots that took place in Ferguson, Mo. We will be praying for both areas.

This request comes at an interesting time. This weekend in 1992, Church members in Los Angeles, California joined with other volunteers in clean-up and relief efforts in the aftermath of rioting ignited by the acquittal of four white policemen charged with abusing a black motorist. It is our time now. Will you be praying for Baltimore?