As the Baptist Homes leadership team journeys through the book Pray First, we’ve been reminded of the foundational importance and profound impact of prayer. The first two sections of the book call us to prioritize prayer in all things. The third and final section emphasizes a companion discipline that Scripture consistently commends but ministries rarely teach today—fasting.
What Is Fasting?
Throughout the Bible, God’s people fasted in a variety of ways. Some fasts were complete, abstaining from food and water for a season. Others were partial, ranging from skipping a meal to going without certain foods—such as meats, sweets, or caffeine—for an extended period. Daniel famously practiced a 21-day fast in which he abstained from rich foods while seeking God earnestly.
Fasting can also go beyond food. Some choose to give up television, social media, gaming, or other forms of entertainment. Whatever the specific form, the common thread is that when one is fasting, they are giving something up and replacing it with intentional prayer and seeking God’s intervention.
Why Fast?
For many individuals and ministries over the past century, fasting has fallen out of regular teaching and practice. Yet Jesus didn’t say if you fast—He said, when you fast. Scripture assumes that fasting is a normal part of the Christian life.
Of course, fasting isn’t the answer to every situation. If a spouse asks, ‘Can you help me with the laundry?’ no one should respond, ‘Let me get back to you after a season of prayer and fasting.’ But for spiritual needs—for breakthroughs, wisdom, repentance, and God’s power—fasting is one of His prescribed tools to enrich our trust in His power and provision.
One of the biblical reasons for fasting highlighted in Pray First is ‘Seeking God’s Power for Victory.’ That is precisely what we need as we focus on Project 400—our goal to be home to 400 or more neighbors by the end of this year.
Why Project 400 Needs Prayer
Every empty bed in this ministry represents a missed opportunity for care, compassion, and gospel presence. Census is more than a number; it is ministry.
We have seen what prayer can do. Consider Adrian—our small campus of 38 licensed beds that opened in the summer of 2024. For ten months, they ran 20–29 residents, never breaking the 30-barrier. We tried increased marketing, reaching out to churches, hospitals, and senior groups with little impact. Then we prayed. Today, seeing 30 or more residents has become commonplace. God works in ways we cannot manufacture.
At the same time, we must be honest about our challenges. Over the past four months, census has slipped while expenses—payroll, supplies, and care—have continued at necessary levels. Operating our campuses costs approximately $90,000 per day. Each additional 10 nursing care residents covers roughly one more day of expenses. Right now, we are about two days short of breaking even.
Whereas advertising and marketing cost money, prayer does not. Nevertheless, prayer is hard work—and it is the work to which God is calling us.
So when someone asks, ‘What is Project 400?’ the answer is that it is Baptist Homes’ goal to be home to more than 400 neighbors by the end of the year—not for the sake of numbers, but for the sake of mission.
How We Will Pursue This Together
We are inviting you to join us for Friday Fasts for Baptist Homes through the end of December. How you fast and pray is up to you. What is important is that we fast and pray, seeking God’s wisdom, favor, and missional impact for this ministry and the people we serve.
Together in His service,
Rodney Harrison
