Fasting for the First Time

My eight year old daughter, Madeline, was baptized 2 weeks ago and officially became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a wonderful experience to be involved with this event in her life. One week later it was fast Sunday, and she had decided to join her mother and me in fasting through breakfast and lunch. We explained to her that fasting was more than just going without food, but that she should choose something to fast about. Something that was important to her. We gave her a couple of suggestions, but in the end she came up with her own cause. She chose to fast for a very special girl in our ward family. Chantil is severely autistic and mentally handicapped and comes from a wonderful family. Madeline has been listening when my wife and I discuss Chantil's situation. She will be turning 18 soon and as such will become a ward of the state unless her parents go to court to appeal for custody. Madeline, with her sweet spirit and sensitive hearts wants the best for Chantil. So she decided to fast for Chantil and ask Heavenly Father to make sure the right thing happens for her.