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Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 23, 2018 (SKNIS): Monday, September 03, 2018, has been earmarked for the National Day of Prayer and Fasting, which is one of the activities planned to mark St. Kitts and Nevis’ 35 years on Independence.

Pastors and church leaders were encouraged to mobilise their congregations to observe the practice by the leadership of the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs during a meeting held earlier this week.

Permanent Secretary, Ron Dublin-Collins, said “this is not an event which proposes to bring persons together. This is an event where we are asking the entire nation to look to God in your way at your community level, at your denominational level, if you are going to bring all of your churches together of the same denomination, if you are going to have midday prayer services, whatever you determine we will work with and we will encourage the community to support.”

Mr. Dublin-Collins said that the ministry will assist in promoting any events planned by the churches and called on all citizens and residents to mark the occasion.

“We will be asking the entire nation in every nook and cranny, every area, whether you are church or family, wherever you are gathered, business, schools or otherwise, to observe this as a day of prayer and fasting,” he stated, adding that the prosperity of the twin-island Federation is a result of God’s blessings.

Senior Minister and Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, Honourable Vance Amory, said that strengthening relations with the church is a priority for government as it continues to build partnerships with stakeholder groups and organizations across society. He added that prayer and fasting are scriptural and should not only be encouraged during times of crisis.

“I want us to get away from the reacting when things are not going right or things have gone wrong. I want us to begin to be proactive, upfront, seeking God’s face and seeking his direction, Honourable Amory stated, noting that this is likely to have a positive impact on the population, particularly at-risk youth.

Independence Day is celebrated annually on September 19.