On the weekend of March 4–6, young people around the world, along with
friends and families, fasted to raise funds for the hungry in the annual
International Hunger Challenge. Sponsored by the church’s International Youth
Forum and World Hunger and Human Rights Committees, World Accord, and Outreach
International (OI), participating congregations used games and activities from
OI’s Hunger Challenge Kit.
Youth leader Allison Woods, Rockford, Illinois, and Peace and Justice
co-coordinator DeziRae Astle, Greenwood, Colorado, shared a little about the
experiences at their congregations. With 25 participants, 15 of them ages
4–16, Allison said, “We collected food for Rockford’s pantry to help meet
needs in our community. We also raised money for OI.”
DeziRae said, “Our group chose to clean the House of Hope, a shelter for
battered women and children in our county. On returning to our church, the
kids were exhausted and wanted to sleep. We reminded them their circumstances
were similar to people who regularly go without food—they have little strength
or energy. We provided juices and guided the kids through a meditation, which
seemed to energize them a bit.”
In both congregations, youth shared testimonies during the Sunday worship
service.
Testimonies from Rockford Congregation
“I came into the weekend thinking it was going to be fun and I could see
my friends and meet new ones. I realized pretty quickly it wasn’t going to be
that easy. We were watching television and saw a commercial for McDonalds. It
made us realize how hungry we were, but we knew there was nothing to eat.
“It was really hard knowing we couldn’t eat. Before we went to sleep, our
stomachs growled, but we knew we had to bear it. After going through this
weekend, I can understand a little bit about how many of the world’s children
who are desperately poor must feel. I even felt a little guilty at first,
living in a decent home and having parents who can feed and care for me. But
then I realized that’s why we did the Hunger Challenge—to help people less
fortunate than we are.
“I want to do something like the Hunger Challenge more often, because I
know I’m making a difference in some child’s life. I challenge all young
people to do this type of activity so you can understand what people are going
through in different parts of the world. I know this Hunger Challenge has
forever changed my views on how other people live in the world and about my
role in doing something to make a difference.”—Kayla
“I thought fasting would be easy. But it was life-changing because I got so
hungry. I realize now what it’s like to not have food.”—Jillian
“While fasting, I became so hungry. I feel really bad for others who go
without food almost every day. I’m glad we did this event because I know it
will help people who are hungry. I had fun and made new friends.”—Amanda
Even Sydney (age six) stuck with the effort: “It was fun to participate in
the events. My Mom asked if I wanted to eat on Sunday morning before church. I
didn’t eat and fasted along with the other kids.”
Testimonies from Greenwood Congregation
“We see signs of poverty, hunger, and homelessness all the time. It
becomes common—almost normal. But feeling the pangs of hunger made me realize
it is not a normal thing and should never be viewed as such. I’m glad we did
something that will help to make a difference.”—Krista Ballantyne
“Now I know just how unfair the world can be. Hunger Challenge made me want
to do something to help those in our world who are hungry.”—Cameron Berg
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