St. Luke Church Of God In Christ members entered this week their Annual 21 Days Consecration, which will run through Feb. 4.
Last Sunday’s service opened with shouts of praise, songs of worship, a prayer for renewed strength and words of encouragement as members prepare for Consecration.
Since 2017, after the passing of the late Pastor/Superintendent Frank Howard, the church has continued the legacy of fasting and praying, focusing on spiritual renewal and healthy eating.
Supt. Howard was knowledgeable in herbs and healthy eating.
He often shared this knowledge with hundreds across the state of Mississippi.
Each year, Supt. Howard and Mrs. Lela Howard led the congregation in a three-day/night fast at the close of the current year and the start of the new year.
"Fasting is abstinence from all or some foods or drinks for a set period...Fasting may provide several health benefits, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and better brain function,” according to healthline.com.
Lela Howard recalls seeing Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake, Sr., and the West Angeles Church of God in Christ’s 21 Days consecration schedule on Facebook.
"I saw the schedule and joined the fast and Consecration. Because of the results, I presented what I experienced and organized a 21-day consecration for St. Luke," shared Mrs. Howard. "Others adopted the plan in their personal lives and the local church."
Mrs. Howard stated that she can't remember when she started fasting. She calls to mind hearing her mother say we fast on Tuesdays and Fridays. There were only a few exceptions, sickness and school testing.
She added that she and her husband would fast for three days and nights (no food and drinks) each year upon entering the Holy Convocation in Memphis under the leadership of the late Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr.
"Fasting is what keeps me at my healthy weight," shared Mrs. Howard.
"It offers excellent benefits: spending time with God, getting the body in shape, healthier eating, making better food choices, forming good habits, and remaining focused on the (spiritual) discipline of fasting."
Mrs. Howard shared, "The legacy of fasting continues with my children. I have seven children; two sons are pastors (Ezra and John), and a daughter (Katrina) leads our daily phone prayer line ministry. All my children, now adults and with their own families, know the power of fasting and Consecration."
The 21-day consecration tradition and organization have expanded under the new pastor's leadership.
Ezra Howard, pastor of St. Luke COGIC for nine years, stated, "I encourage everyone to join us in a 21-day consecration. This dedication period of seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting is an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal."
Reset to Prevent Beset, the Consecration's theme, centers around taking intentional steps to reset and realign focus, faith, and commitment to prevent being hindered or entangled by life's challenges and temptations.
The Consecration includes fasting, praying, suggested prayer points, daily scripture reading, Bible study, and healthy food choices on selected days and times.
Ezra Howard desires members to unite as a church body, seeking the Lord wholeheartedly and expecting Him to move more mightily in their lives and church.
"Participants are asked to commit to spiritual renewal, community bonding, and spiritual discipline. During the entire Consecration, refrain from sodas, sweets (candy, pies, etc.), video games, card games on tablets and cell phones, secular T.V., and unnecessary Facebook and other forms of social media," shared Howard.
"Throughout the 21 days, I will provide resources, devotionals, and scriptures to guide participants in their consecration journey. There will be times we will come together as a church family to support and encourage one another through this period," assured Ezra Howard.
The Consecration includes morning prayer Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6:15 am via Zoom. The meeting ID is 858 14605741, and the password is pray.
Zoom through the Bible- a daily reading of God's Word is available. Session meets Monday through Friday at noon and or 6:30 pm. Meeting ID: 8205501 6096 and password: Bible.
Ezra Howard announced, "The final week of the Consecration will include a three-night revival from January 28 through 30. Service will start at 5 pm on Sunday and at 7 pm on Monday and Tuesday. The guest evangelist is Elder Carlos Johnson, Southaven, Mississippi."
A special prayer and anointing service will close the Consecration on Sunday, February 4, at 11 am at St. Luke COGIC, Moorhead.
Ezra Howard welcomes everyone to join the Consecration and fellowship with them.
"Let's reset our body, mind, and spirit so we can serve God more effectively and efficiently," he stated.
