Pressured by increased taxes, a still sluggish economy and a shortage of work, the plucky, young venture Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC) has teamed up with Bible Truth Ministries to hold its first, "Day of Prayer and Fasting" for small businesses.

"We're plagued by problems every small business in the nation is facing, that is, limited opportunities for growth," said BSGC president, Atario Mitchell. "At the business level, we have done everything we can to remain viable. Sometimes you have to turn things over to God."

This Friday, March 20, Mr Mitchell and his 15-strong staff at Bahamas Striping will fast from 6am to 6pm.

The company will also co-host a 30-minute prayer service at Bible Truth Ministries on Fire Trail Road East. Members of the public, particularly small business owners, are invited to attend.

The idea of fasting to seek God's blessing and guidance in business came to Mr Mitchell and his managing director, Dr Allen Albury, shortly after Mr Mitchell gave up red meat and alcohol for Lent.

"We felt if he could discipline himself to give up those things, then temporarily giving up food and offering up prayers – as a sign of faith – not only for our business but those of others, would bring about a corporate financial breakthrough and increased employment opportunities," said Mr Albury.

The company approached Bible Truth Ministries to help make the idea a reality. Church pastor, Ellison Greenslade had consecrated BSGC's head office when the company officially opened its doors last year.

In fact, it was Pastor Greenslade's company, Carib Construction – in which he's a partner – that built the facility located at the north end of Abundant Life Road.

No stranger to the business world, members of Pastor Greenslade's church run a total of 23 small and medium-size businesses.

"Most small and medium size businesses that I am associated with are presently operating in a 'wait and see' climate resulting from the implementation of the Value Added Tax," said Pastor Greenslade.

"Most businesses in this category express the opinion that their customers are in a holding mode waiting to see what will be the full impact of the new tax resulting in a down turn in their business activities. That's why there's a need for a spiritual breakthrough via prayer and fasting."

Organizers say there are several ways for persons to participate.

One could fast from 6am to 6ppm on Friday, or simply reserve 15 minutes out of the day to say a prayer of success for the nation's small businesses.

Interested persons could also join organizers in prayer at Bible Truth Ministries, or submit prayer requests via Bahamas Striping Group of Companies official Facebook page.