Fasting is practiced in many religions for ethical, ritualistic, ascetic or mystical purposes. In some faiths, fasting is a method that certain individuals—especially priests and priestesses—use to prepare themselves to approach deities.

Monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—emphasize fasting during certain periods. Unfortunately, some people abuse the practice. Christ rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocritical pretenses in fasting (Matt. 6:16). He himself appointed no fast. But the early Christians observed the fasts according to the law of their fathers (Acts 13:3; 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:5).

As missionaries in Africa, where evil manifestations are frequent, and especially in Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo, fasting has another meaning for us: it is a weapon of spiritual warfare. In Matthew 17: 21, Christ said of some kinds of demons, “But this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.”

This revelation of our Lord led three of our ladies recently to engage in a special fast for our spiritual-warfare ministry. Considering the fact that more than 95 percent of demon-possession cases in West Africa are women, Elmire, Fatima and Valentine decided to secretly embark on a three-day fast in the first week of November, 2012. Without informing their husbands, they discreetly planned their program. It was easy for them to go unnoticed because of the two weekly fasting days we have as a group. I did not find out until the end of the second day that my wife was fasting. I commended the ladies’ initiative and went to encourage them at the center where they were meeting on the third day. To my amazement, they continued their fast a fourth day, a fifth day, and on till the seventh day!

They were convinced that the Holy Spirit was preparing them for an imminent battle, and they did not want to be weakened vessels. Though I was glad for their spiritual achievement, I was worried because Elmire lost about 12 pounds. I prayed that their spiritual effort would be rewarded. By the grace of God, their prayers and mine were answered. A few days after the end of their fast, two women suffering violent demonic possessions were brought to our group for prayer. By the grace of God, the two deliverance sessions were harrowing but successful. Elmire, Fatima and Valentine were able to minister to the possessed women, and God responded powerfully to their prayers.

We thank God for His leading in our ladies’ fasting experience. Their prayers were also for all of you in this shared spiritual battle. May God bless you for your prayers and support.

• Twitter