Wars and natural disasters dominate the world’s daily headlines, but behind the scenes and far from the spotlight, hunger and preventable diseases claim the lives of 24,000 of the world’s children every day. This world hunger is 100 percent preventable, and teens from Providence UMC are ready to help.
On Feb. 24-25, they will join the efforts of hundreds of thousands of young people all over the nation who will set aside the usual “stuff” that fills their daily lives. Instead, they will do World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine because they say they want to “Overcome Hunger with Love” – the theme for this year. By going without food, they get a taste of what the world’s poorest children and families face every day.
Prior to the event weekend, students have been raising funds knowing that every $30 they raise can help feed and care for a child for a month.
In addition to raising funds for the hungry, Providence students will spend the night in a cardboard city to experience what it’s like to be homeless and will end their fast with a meal of rice and beans on Saturday.
“We know spending one night outside knowing we’re going home to a warm bed the next night isn’t the same thing as being homeless,” explains student minister Brent Ritter. “But, combined with going without food, discussing how Jesus calls us to help those in need, and working on projects to help the hungry, our students are making a difference for others.”
As part of the Famine, Providence students will be preparing the new Jubilee Community Garden for spring planting. Providence is opening the garden to anyone who wants to grow organic fruits and vegetables to feed their own families or to help feed those in need.
Throughout the spring and summer, food grown in four garden plots tended by Providence students will be donated to the Fayette Samaritans and the Real Life Center to help feed the hungry in the Fayette community.
Mid high minister Jono Moehlig adds, “We are all excited to get started on the garden and anticipate a great harvest to help the hungry in Fayette County. The Jubilee Garden will be featured at this year’s Marketplace event at Providence March 22-24, so all are welcome to get more information about the garden while having fun that weekend.”
Funds raised by 30 Hour Famine participants help feed and care for children in communities in need around the globe through World Vision. A portion of the funds raised assist families in need in the United States.
Famine funds contribute to World Vision’s response in areas where famine, conflict, and other crises make children vulnerable to hunger and preventable disease.
Since 1992, 30 Hour Famine has raised close to $140 million, representing countless lives saved. World Vision, is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. The group works in 100 countries, helping 100 million people every year, and serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org, www.30hourfamine.org or call 800-7-FAMINE.
For more information about the 30 Hour Famine or the Jubilee Community Garden, contact student ministers Brent Ritter britter@provumc.com or Jono Moehlig at jmoehlig@provumc.com or call the church office at 770-719-8800.
Providence UMC is at 592 Bernhard Road between Redwine Road and Ga. Highway 85 in southern Fayette County.
