During the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the president of the church, Russell M. Nelson, invited people of all faiths to participate in a world-wide day of fasting and prayer for Good Friday, April 10. President Nelson asked those to participate in the fast for the current pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus to be controlled, for caregivers to be protected, for the economy to be strengthened and for life to normalize.
“Our fasting is for a purpose, but we want to make sure everyone is involved,” said Scott Sheptson, admin for the group World Wide Fast April 10.
People created many Facebook groups and events to spread the word and get as many people as possible to participate in this cause. One of those Facebook groups was created by a missionary and it quickly became popular. Now, it currently has half a million followers.
The group lost control and there were a few comments with bad or inappropriate language so, Sheptson, who is a member of a bishopric in Nevada, decided to help get things under control.
“We know that the Savior didn’t belittle people because they choose alternative lifestyles, he loved them anyway,” he said.
Shepston said there are people in the group who come from all different faiths, there are Atheists, Catholics, Muslims, Agnostics, Buddhists, and so many more. He said this is a great opportunity for everyone to come together for a great cause and to think about the Savior and our Heavenly Father.
“I’m hoping that we will find answers,” he said.
He explained this is the time for each of us to receive answers from the Holy Ghost.
“Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with the ability to solve pandemics and solve illnesses. They give them the knowledge to those creating the medicine and the vaccines to keep us healthy. (Doctors) just need to be inspired to find that,” he said.