A Call to pray and fast

Along with so many other people in our community, I was horrified by the events that took place in the Kroger parking lot a few weeks ago.  As the video of this vicious attack became public, it was obvious to all of us that our community is under assault, not by the young men who perpetrated this attack, but by the forces of darkness in this world that seek to destroy the fabric of our community.  Events such as this, and what happened in the Target parking lot just a few days later, serve to remind us that we have an enemy and that enemy wants to bring chaos and destruction into our lives.  In a recent opinion editorial in the Commercial Appeal, Mark J. Sauser, the father of one of the Kroger victims, says it this way, “There is an evil among us and it has reached into our families and snatched our children.”

So, what are the people of God to do in the face of such reckless hate?  We ride out against it.  We can no longer ignore what is going on in our community.  We have to fight with the tools God has given us.   As Mr. Sauser explains, “I submit we cannot overcome this evil on our own, but we can avail ourselves of God’s love and mercy.  It is only through his intervention that we can overcome evil.  But first we must do our own part, and he has given us the tools to use in these situations.”

God promises that, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).”   To seek the face of God when our community needs him most is the most useful tool God has given us.  As we engage our community, we cannot go it alone.  We need the strength and power of God.  Mr. Sauser has called the houses of faith in Memphis to fast and pray for our city on October 1.  White Station will be participating in this important first step to intercede on behalf of our city.  Our leadership is suggesting that our church body fast from 5:30 pm on Tuesday to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, break the fast at the Wednesday night meal, go to one of our Wednesday night class offerings then join us at 8pm in the auditorium for a time of prayer.  We want to do what we can to seek the face of God and join our hearts to his as he heals our community.

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