Fastforward
Early Saturday morning on 2 April saw a number of people gathering to share a cooked breakfast together before embarking on 24 hours of fasting and praying. As we shared fellowship there was a sense of anticipation of what God was waiting to unveil to us during this time as we studied the UK territorial Fastforward booklet on the verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14, “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.”
By the start of the first session on “Identity” led by Major Beverley there were 22 people eagerly waiting to understand our special relationship with God as part of his family. Through various Bible passages and prayers the interactive session led us into a deeper knowledge of how precious we are to God. This was followed by everyone praying for our corps, our families and that God would heal the brokenness apparent within our community.
The second session, led by Jean Jones and members of the Friday Prayer Group looked at the subject of “Humility” and knowing our place in God’s world. Once again there was discussion over what humility before God means, and how we can achieve it by stepping down from the throne of our lives, by laying down our rights and our agendas and by kneeling down in prayer to the God who reigns supreme over all creation. Prayers were then offered for our national and community leaders, for Christians in the media and industry that all would be guided by God in their decision making. We prayed for humility in ourselves and others that we all recognise the greatness of God.
After a break for private prayers and a time of relaxation we met again during the afternoon when Major Drew and Paul Scoulding led us through a healing service and into the third session on Repentance” – walking out on death. The session included a time of prayer and laying on of hands for some who were there needing physical healing. This was a powerful reminder that all things are possible for God and again prayers were said for those who had particular health problems, for our churches which are all full of fallible human beings, for those hurt by church and no longer attending, for those who are hurting in our community and for the Salvation Army that God would give us the courage to acknowledge our shortcomings, seek forgiveness and live our lives differently.
During the evening, the Youth Group along with other corps from the North Kent area, had arranged a special event called “Jesus Unplugged” at which some of the Cadets from the William Booth College led a time of worship. This meant that there was time for personal reflection and private prayer away from the Hall.
We met again for the final session late in the evening when we looked at “Restoration” – walking into life. More thought provoking discussion took place reflecting on our visions and dreams for our corps and our community. We asked God to direct us into what He wanted us to do in the future to make these dreams become reality. Prayers were given that God would raise up ‘dreamers’ who would envision a better place, for those who have no hope, for leading our church to expect better and greater things still, for wisdom on how to follow up on this Fastforward journey and that we will see God’s glory re-awakened in those who have taken part.
Sunday morning saw a final gathering to “break the fast” together as once more we shared in a full cooked breakfast and reflected on what God had said to us throughout the 24 hours and the impact it made.
A book is being prepared in which many prayers and thoughts which were prompted throughout the time will be kept for everyone to read in the future. If you were not able to get to the Hall for the corporate sessions, and we know some people took part in their own homes, but were inspired in some way, please write it down and give it to Margaret Day or Jean Jones (contact us).
The booklet can be used at any time and the sessions can all be done individually or in small groups. It is flexible enough that it need not be done over a full 24 hours and do you have to fast from food – it can be anything that hinders you from a close, deep relationship with God. This can include TV, using your car or drinking tea/coffee. If you need a booklet please contact us.
