This brief article was posted shortly after we experienced the first Great American Fast. At that time, the fast was a one-day event, and it was held on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at Lifegate Baptist Church. Three speakers were present – Pastor Ken Codner (Grace Baptist Church, Spring Mills, PA); The Snyder Family (Missionaries to Kiribati); and Michael Adams (Evangelist from Ohio). Join me as we reminisce.
What does a missionary, an evangelist, and a preacher have in common? That’s easy! They all spoke at The Great American Fast observance at Lifegate Baptist Church on July 3rd, 2011. As so many from across the United States gathered privately or with others to call upon their God for His mercy, so did those in Bellefonte, PA.
The weekend actually began on Saturday morning as Evangelist Michael Adams carried his cross through the streets of Bellefonte to Tallyrand Park, where we experienced the simple gospel message in the open air. The cross brought many questions and curiosity seekers as we traveled the streets en route to the park. Once there, there were many more questions and curiosity. Michael had the answers, and a Gospel witness clearly rang out from the gazebo in the center of the park.
Later that evening, the speakers gathered at the church for a meal and time of fellowship on the Eve of The Great American Fast. Oh, and did I forget to mention that we took time to pray and give the services of the next day to the Lord?
For me Sunday morning began as I sat on the edge of my bed watching the big, red numbers on my alarm clock tick away. 5:58…5:59…6:00am. As the number hit the 6:00 o’clock hour, I could sense a feeling of anticipation and excitement as I realize The Great American fast was underway. I went for an early morning walk with my Lord as I realized there so many other people meeting with Him across the country at the same time.
About 9:00 am, we headed to the church to prepare for the day. It wasn’t long before Michael and his wife Tammy arrived. Close behind was a missionary by the name of Sam Snyder. The Snyders are planning on taking the Gospel to the island of Kiribati. Sam presented their ministry and challenged us from Isaiah chapter six. He spoke of the holiness and purity of God and the urgency of serving Him.
Following Sam’s message, we had a time of prayer. After all, a fast is nothing without prayer. Some went into the streets to pray. Others prayed at the church as well as we sought the face of God.
Well, we have the missionary and the evangelist. What about the preacher? That’s where Pastor Ken Codner of Grace Baptist Church in Spring Mills, PA comes in. He went to passages in II Chronicles 7 and Daniel 9. He challenged Everyone as we saw the full picture. The Pennsylvania pastor meshed his message perfectly with the Virginia missionary.
But we’re not done. Evangelist Michael Adams from Ohio tied it all together with a message based on Acts 17 “ . . . turning the world upside down”. After all, that is the goal of TGAF! He kept the challenges coming, and it was becoming clear that we needed God more than we realized. His message collided beautifully with the other men.
5:00 pm brought the closing service, and I think it’s safe to say God met with us throughout the day. Tired and hungry, we broke fast at 6:00 pm with spaghetti, salad, and bread prepared by the ladies of the church.
So what does a missionary, an evangelist, and a preacher have in common? They were all used by God to get the attention of His people during The Great American Fast.
Knees for the Nations 