Video: Christians Kick Off New Year with Fasting

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In January many people look for new ways to start the year off fresh. For Christians, Fasting in the new year is not only a physical cleansing but a spiritual transformation.

“This is not a diet. They are programs for that out there but the Bible talks about fasting with prayer,” says Pastor Jason Delgado, of the Evangel Church in Columbus.

At the start of the new year, members can participate in Fasting, a 21-day eating ritual that cuts out breads, meats and sugar.

“The Bible says in the Book of Daniel that Daniel fasted for 21 Days and he abstained only from meat and he ate fruits and vegetables and drank water. Basically just to seek the Lord for breakthrough for the nation of Israel. So that’s how he fasted for that. The bible reveals that at the end of that 21 days that the answer came. So there’s a miracle that happened,” says Delgado.

Millions of Christians follow the tradition every January. While the Daniel Fast is suggested to Evangel members, Delgado says believers can take a break from many things.

“People have fasted from recreational activities, or even from Facebook or movies or what have you,” says Delgado.

Evangel member Jenny Fowler says fasting is now something she looks forward to doing.

“Last year was my 1st time and basically what I did was I took that time that I would’ve spent eating and I spent it in prayer. I made a list of things I needed prayer for in my life. Actually, a lot of those things happened in 2013, so I was very excited to start the fast in 2014,” says Fowler.

Pastor Delgado says the Fast allows the congregation to start the year off right, putting God first, at the first of the year.