I joined the church when I was 15-years-old and since then I started praying. I also got to know about fasting but for a long time I did not fast. I thought I don't need to because I thought I can ask God in my prayers. Why do I need to fast?But as I was growing in the church my understanding about the gospel got better. I was taught by one of the missionaries 'fasting is a commandment by God. It is a way to ask Him what we need and thank Him for things he has given us.It’s more powerful and it also teaches us self-control'
In 2013, our Dwaraka branch was divided into 4 home groups, but for sone reasons in my home only 8 to 9 people were coming in the beginning.So we decided to chain fast as home group. Each Sunday more than 2 members were fasting for the growth of our home group.Our fasting continued for a while. Members started visiting other members and started helping people to come to church and eventually our attendance increased and the highest we had was more than 50 but the average was more than 35 which was good.We don’t have home group any more but that experience gave us a chance to learn and gain experience of fasting and prayers.All members from this home group were blessed to have this testimony about fasting.We had a hard time to increase membership and because of that hard time we were able to grow and learn more than we could.
We know all that God does is for our good. It doesnot seem right at that particular time but we will get to know His purposes when the right time comes.
Sahil Sharma, Dwarka branch, India New Delhi mission