Day of Fasting and Prayer Scheduled for Feb. 21

Contact: Christine Schicker, 678-990-9032 Ext. 110, 404-610-8871 cell, cschicker@maximusmg.com; Ashley Walker, 678-990-9032 Ext. 109, 404-791-9725 cell, awalker@maximusmg.com

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- A worldwide movement has been launched to feed the poor, fight injustice and foster peace. Global Fast 2007, the brainchild of a young Harvard graduate, provides a unique opportunity for people of all faiths to unite for a common cause – an international day of fasting and prayer for the benefit of those in need throughout the world.

Global Fast's "One Day to Change the World" is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2007 – Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent and a traditional time of fasting for many Christians. With the intent of feeding the hungry both physically and spiritually, Global Fast seeks to change the world by creating real spiritual renewal and a huge charitable impact. It is a public challenge to bring together millions of people – of all faiths – for one day of fasting and prayer. On Feb. 21, participants will share their food with the poor and pray for the world. Fasters are asked to donate what money they would have spent on food that day, with the proceeds going directly to the movement's excellent charity partners.

Eric Lanier, vice president of the newly launched GodSpace.com, said, "The impact that Global Fast can have on the world, both physically and spiritually, shows the true power that exists in uniting Christians through prayer and self sacrifice. This is the power of a unified church at work!"

Fasting is a part of many religions across the world, most notably practiced around the time of Lent, when Jesus committed Himself in prayer to 40 days in the desert without food or water. Historically, nearly all religions recognize the spiritual power of fasting – including Catholics, Jews and Protestants – as well as Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Today, some of the most devoted fasting exists among Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians – who commit themselves or their churches to intense 40-day fasts.

Global Fast connects fasting with charitable giving. It seeks to create a common purpose across denominations, looking to Jesus' teaching of sacrificial love – giving of ourselves so that others may live. The Hebrew prophet Isaiah taught "true fasting" as not just a day to be hungry, but a day to truly serve others, when he said, "The fast God desires is this – to loosen the chains of injustice, to set the oppressed free, to share your food with the hungry, and provide the poor with shelter."

Fasting can be defined as simply abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink. Some faiths today still observe a rigid schedule of fasting on certain days. Other traditions do not place a great emphasis on fasting, but focus more on performing charitable deeds, especially helping those in physical need with food and clothing, or simply the giving of money to charities. Most Christian churches consider fasting as a time of repentance for failures and sin. Fasting can also be a time to seek wisdom, guidance or spiritual growth.

"Fasting is perhaps the most powerful and potent spiritual discipline," Global Fast Founder Rich Halvorson said. "When we deny our body its physical sustenance, we learn to rely on spiritual food. As Jesus quoted after His 40-day fast, 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' Fasting is a declaration of the power of the Spirit – and an invitation for real spiritual growth. We believe that fasting and prayer can create both individual and international change."

Through fasting and prayer, people have the power to bring about revival – a significant change in the direction of our nation and countries all over the world. Global Fast 2007 is a means to unite under time and space – February 21, 2007 – to feed the poor, fight injustice and foster peace.

To get involved or learn more about the movement, visit the Global Fast website at www.GF07.com. Other information is also available to media at www.MaximusMG.com/GlobalFast.

* To schedule an interview with Global Fast Founder Rich Halvorson, please contact Schicker or Walker at (678) 990-9032.