30 Hour Famine

Nikki Myers, 30 Hour Famine Team

This last week the 30 Hour Famine team had the privilege to spend a few days at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Indianapolis, IN.  SYMC provided such a genuine place for life and ministry to happen. In hallways, corners and the largest bean bag-type chairs you will ever see, I saw youth workers band together and provide support, insight and an ear to listen. There was laughter, there were tears, and there was a perfect dichotomy of weakness and strength. God’s power was revealed, burdens were shared and people were made stronger.

The theme for the conference was “Stronger: His Strength is My Strength.” The conference booklet opened with this:

This is my time, my chance, this is my weekend.

I serve, I love

I challenge,

I pray with and I pray for my students

But this…this is my time.

I love the relationships,

The creativity,

The learning,

…the challenge to be focused on Jesus.

This, this is my time…

My time to be encouraged.

To be refreshed.

To be recharged.

This is my time to be stronger.

I had the opportunity to talk with many youth leaders and hear stories of success, growth and redemption. I also heard stories of fear, tiredness and despair. These individuals might have felt weak in these times, but what I heard was strength.

Strength in the volunteer youth pastor who is balancing a full time job, a family and a lack of volunteers.

Strength in the youth intern who isn’t sure how she will make ends meet by interning at her church but has such a passion for investing in young women of God.

Strength in the new youth director who has no church budget, no support and no resources.

I saw strength in the weakness of God’s people. When we talk about weakness it usually has  a negative perspective, but there is a divine opportunity in our weakness when we allow the Lord to make us complete. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Jon Acuff, one of the speakers at SYMC and the hilarious author of Stuff Christians Like said in his talk, “I can’t fix me with me.” Isn’t that the truth? Our lives were not created to be lived on our own, but rather with God’s strength.

I am continually amazed in the strength that I see in youth leaders. Thank you for investing in your ministry and in teenagers. Thank you for answering your phone for those 2:00 AM calls, for braving the school cafeteria to welcome the new student, for going hungry for 30 hours so your students can be a part of feeding hungry kids around the world. In those moments were we don’t feel strong enough, the Lord is beside us, our strength in our weakness. What a truth to rest in.

Adam McLane, The Youth Cartel, San Diego California

In January 2013, I traveled with the 30 Hour Famine team and 10 youth workers to visit a World Vision Area Development Program (ADP) in Southern Zimbabwe.

According to Business Insider, Zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s worst economies. My expectations were low… I mean, what difference can one organization really make in a problem that big?

With that in mind I was shocked to hear Hillary, the humble and unassuming ADP Manager, describe the work of World Vision Zimbabwe in the area with the phrase, “We are winning.”

He wasn’t boasting. Working with the local people and other organizations, his team has accomplished a lot in 15 years in the area. In fact, he explained, their work in the area will begin winding down as they’ve accomplished nearly all of their milestones.

Signs of Winning the War on Hunger & Poverty

Throughout our time in Zimbabwe we were shown pieces of World Vision’s work in the area. Here’s some things I took away as signs of winning:

- Healthy farms – Hillary is a farmer at heart. He knows that in rural Zimbabwe quality of life is determined by the quality of farms. He’s overseen the construction of massive irrigation dams for farmers, helped develop farm cooperatives, and made sure farmers received proper training so that they can not only provide for their families, but have extras to sell. 

- Empowered locals – It was very encouraging to see locals in charge of everything. In fact, everything we saw was run by Zimbabwean’s and not outsiders. At the ground level, we were introduced to local forms of government like neighborhood councils or irrigation committees. It was all very democratic. When it comes to long-term development work, locals in charge seems like a great thing.

- Healthy families – While there is still work to do, we saw lots and lots and lots of healthy families. As families gained access to secure water, food, education, and health care you could see families thriving. Several times we heard proud fathers tell our group that because they could take care of their families they had a new status in the community, one of wholeness. That’s the Gospel expressed in real life, isn’t it?

- Budding entrepreneurs – I love to see signs of commerce. From the local woman selling fruit on the side of the road, to local artisans selling trinkets to tourists, to larger shops being built in a shopping center, these are all good signs of a communities development.

- A culture fostered, not replaced – One fear I’ve had about large-scale development work is that the influence of Westerners will somehow destroy culture. It was really cool to see the opposite as true. We witnessed a culture fostered instead of replaced.

Winning is Possible

I share this because I have a tendency to believe that problems like hunger, poverty, and disease are just bottomless pit problems. As if, no matter how much investment we make, nothing will really change.

But that just isn’t the case. While Zimbabwe has one of the world’s worst economies the work of World Vision is making a huge difference. The work we saw was well beyond meeting immediate needs. (Which is obviously vital in other places) Instead, it was focused on completing its mission and seeing a rural community in southern Zimbabwe become a self-sustaining, healthy place to live.

Winning. Together, you and I are helping them win. Let’s keep it up!

Brooklyn Lindsey, Highland Park Nazarene, Lakeland Florida

“Come to me, my precious…..”

I overheard these spoken words on a Sunday morning. But the junior high kid whispering them wasn’t referring to a golden ring. He was speaking ever so gingerly to his doughy double dipped frosted donut with sprinkles.

He carried it to his seat as if it really were, that precious.

I had to laugh at the whole scene. I took it in and mentally pondered the image hoping it would stay there forever.

I’m a youth pastor. I love seeing teenagers be… well, teenagers. I love sixth graders and their ability to exist in way that doesn’t mind what others think yet.

The reason why this scene was extraordinary for me wasn’t because of his witty comparison or ability to recall a great movie as he gingerly acquired a donut. It was more because I had just seen him fast for 30 hours so others wouldn’t have to go hungry.

While being in his developmentally egocentric world he simultaneously existed for others last weekend. And I think that’s absolutely miraculous.

Anyone can do the Famine. And many will surprise you if you give them the chance.

Here are five quick things I learned from our most recent Famine.

1. Guys don’t get super excited about not eating. They need a little extra encouragement at the beginning but once they have committed, their resolve is fascinating. And the girls can be great at encouraging others, prompt them to help out. So make sure to talk to the guys in your group specifically about their abilities and God’s power that’s made perfect in weakness. I think if we would have done this from the beginning we would have had more guys participate. (Our ratio was about 3 to 1)

2. Parents need encouragement and information. Teenagers don’t think too much about it. They dive in. They commit. They are quick to be passionate. All they need is a mite of motivation and their off raising money before you can say “car wash”. Talk to your parents. Tell them stories of other students completing the famine successfully. And if they insist that their kid drink Pedia-sure all night, let it happen. It’s not about being legalistic, it’s about learning what it means to love others sacrificially.

3. Do the tribe games. Every. Single. One. (If you can!) They are amazing educational experiences that bring the students together. Our youth group LOVED the tribe games and didn’t want them to end. It keeps everyone so busy they don’t have time to think about being hungry.

4. Have volunteer leaders facilitate the tribe games. This was our biggest win this year and it took a huge load off of us on the microphone. We set up supplies and let the leaders do their thing! And the tribes loved seeing their leader in action.

5. Celebrate every dollar raised. Praise everyone who participates. Give endless amounts of encouragement. Your beloved teenager might be talking to a donut one day and abolishing hunger the next.

Caption Contest!

Caption the photo below by leaving a comment. We’ll pick our favorites on Tuesday and send out some sweet 30 Hour Famine prizes.

Speaking of pictures. We love to see 30 Hour Famine students and youth leaders using the #30HF hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. Here’s a few of our favorite photos from last weekend’s first national date for the Famine.

Use the hashtag so we can see what’s happening in your Famine! 

All images used by permission

Maple Grove Christian Church, Charlottesville Virginia

It looks like the crew at MPCC had a great time last weekend during the 30 Hour Famine. Doing the Harlem Shake to raise awareness for global hunger issues? Yes please.

Share a story! What are some of the goofy things you’ve done? 

Matt Joldersma, Minister of Youth, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, FL

There was a problem.  It came on slowly like a heavy storm front.  Most of them weren’t aware of it because their minds we occupied elsewhere.  There were five thousand of them that day.  Five thousand men, at least.  If one or two among them noticed a rumble, it didn’t seem all that severe and it was quickly dismissed, pushed away:  no problem.

Who could blame them, really?  They were, after all, listening to God speak.  Literally.  There outside Bethsaida.  Not much else really seems like a priority when God speaks like that.  Even our major priorities become minor then.  They should.

However, stomachs are known mark time obstinately.

Twelve of the five thousand men were Jesus’ own disciples.  Of all the hunger rumbles in Jesus’ audience that day the disciples’ ears may have been more keen to their own.  The crowd was feeding on Jesus’ words.  The disciples had heard Jesus speak before.  This may be why their stomachs thundered louder in that moment than God did.  There was a problem.  The disciples were hungry.

Concerned about their fellow men, for the moment deaf to their own hunger, the disciples represented the people (including themselves, conveniently) to Jesus in an efficient and businesslike manner.

“Jesus, there’s a problem,” they say succinctly, “First, the people are hungry.  Second, it’s getting late.” Proposing a solution they continue, “Send the people away.”

In other words, dismiss them, push them away: no problem.  If we push them away the problem will go away too.  Do it kindly, of course.  Patiently, benignly, whatever it takes.  Just get rid of them, Jesus.  Please.  It’s simple, isn’t it?  You’re welcome.

Jesus declines their solution responding in his characteristically enigmatic way, “You give them something to eat.”

Us.  Us?

Is Jesus teasing?  Does Jesus tease?  And if so, would he tease about hungry people?  We only have five loaves and two fish!  It’s nothing. Not so fast.

Jesus’ gentle command, “you give them something to eat,” is a command to trust him.  Completely.  And thereby to obey him.  To work with him.  He’s about God’s will being done on earth, after all.  And it’s how he taught us to pray.  Did we think we wouldn’t be conscripted for service?  Obey Jesus and people live.

Today you and I see a problem.  A big one.  People are hungry.  Of all people, God’s people must see it.  Even if we don’t want to.  Even if we want to push it away, concluding: no problem.

This is what the 30 Hour Famine is about.  It is about making sure we don’t push away those with empty, thundering tummies and conclude: no problem, as Jesus’ disciples were tempted to.  Jesus’ command to us is the same as it is to them, “You give them something to eat.”   Trust me.  Obey me.  With very little.  With everything.  As Jesus’ followers, by our obedience we intentionally keep the problem in front of us – in this case, by fasting together for 30 hours.

Taking Jesus at his word takes his well-fed, his wealthy, his healthy followers into the midst of the hungry, the poor, the sick.  The rumblings are incessant and frighteningly loud. But like his disciples that day outside of Bethsaida, Jesus teaches us to trust and obey – and never to write him out of the equation.  When we trust and obey, God’s will is done on earth . . . this is not a problem.

Emily Capes, Director of Youth Ministries, First United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL

Thank you to all of you youth leaders who are taking the risk for the first time or for the 10th. The risk is asking your students to raise money so they can fast for 30 hours while at the same time trying to educate, inform, pray and play with them! This opportunity will not only change the lives in your church but it will impact and change lives around the world.

Here’s why I’m so thankful

This is my 9th time leading the 30 Hour Famine with my current church. Our goals are set and we have new and old activities planned. We are excited because in the past nine years that my youth have participated in the 30 Hour Famine, the number of children who die each year because of hunger-related issues has gone down. More and more communities have better schools, access to cleaner water, beautifully simple water irrigation systems, HIV/Aids Education, and these people are able to do for themselves in a way that brings them purpose and hope.

I saw the impact of the Famine last month in the southern area of Zimbabwe with a team of youth ministers from around the US and one from South Korea. We were invited to see how the people of Zimbabwe and World Vision work together.

On our very first day we parked in front of a jagged gate that an older gentleman opened for us. I honestly wasn’t sure what we were going to experience here but I did notice that we were surrounded by beautiful, green farmlands. Zimbabwe has been in a drought for the past couple of months but these farmers have crops that are growing! Our guides were explaining how the World Vision dam and simple irrigation system have been able to help these 14 farmers continue to grow crops for their families even without enough rain. As we stood next to this gate listening to our guides, locals started to gather around us, men and women who had been working in the fields stopped working to see who was visiting their fields. They waited, smiled and nodded as we finished learning about the irrigation project. Then one of our guides let us know that these were the farmers and they wanted to show us their fields.

The next thing I know we are walking across the land in small groups. Awkward, broken English was used to explain the irrigation system and the pride that these farmers felt for their plot of land. More smiles and laughter as some of us just stood next to each other and watched the others. I remember feeling a little frustrated as I stood with a group of six women, not knowing how to communicate better with them and ask them to share some of their stories and experiences as farmers.

As we headed back to our vehicles some of the women started to sing. They were singing “Come and see. Come and see what we have done. What we are able to do.” They showed us fresh, small vegetables as they celebrated and laughed. We were able to see their joy and pride in being able to farm for themselves!

By Working Together We Are Making a Big Difference

While we celebrate the work that has been completed, there are still too many children dying because of hunger related diseases. There’s not enough water irrigation systems. There aren’t enough farmers with the skills they need to feed their families. But through the Famine, we get to help a few more.

And I promise you it’s worth it.

Thanks for joining the team!

Mark Oestreicher, Partner, The Youth Cartel

I have strong emotional and mental memories of attending World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia several years ago, with more than a quarter million people.

Sure, it was cool to be in a beautiful world-class city. And everywhere I went there were groupings of Christian teenagers and young adults attending the weeklong event.

But the highlight, by far, and the bit that stands out in my memory the most, was the Saturday evening worship gathering. It was one of the few times when everyone attending would be in the same place at the same time. I didn’t plan well, and had a difficult time getting to the outdoor site. By the time I arrived at the site, worship was well under way. I made my way through the massive crowd, alone, but in a sea of people.

But then the moment came when everyone – 250,000 youth and young adults! – simultaneously lit candles and held them up in the air. I stopped and looked around, and couldn’t breathe. Suddenly I was transported from being alone in a crowd to being a part of something massive, something compelling, something meaningful.

This weekend, there are 3225 groups participating in the 30 Hour Famine. And that’s just the groups we know about! That represents about 100,000 students this weekend alone. Really, this would certainly represent one of the largest (if not the largest) group of teenagers rallying together this year, at the same time, to make a difference in the world.

100,000 teenagers going without food for 30 hours (that’s 3 million hours of hunger!). 100,000 teenagers learning about the needs of others, raising funds to stop hunger. 100,000 teenagers focusing on the needs of others. 100,000 teenagers participating in the work of God in the world.

Seriously, how cool is that!?

A few things to remember heading into the 30 Hour Famine

+ This weekend, the 30 Hour Famine website will have a “Social Media Takeover.” You can see it on the page now, by clicking on the green sticker. But this weekend, everything you post with the #30HF hashtag will be fed to the Famine home page.

+ Remember that any student who raises for than $360 is eligible to apply for the Famine Study Tour. A group of these students will be selected for a trip to see the impact of the Famine first hand.

+ Please remember to send in your funds after the weekend!

As you and your group dive into the weekend, remember that you are making a live-saving difference in the lives of real children. Remember that you are partnering with Jesus, bringing His redemptive work in a tangible way.

And remember that you’re part of something HUGE! You are part of a movement to end hunger, and you’re linking arms with 100,000 others!

Brian Mateer, Youth Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Martinsville, VA

These are the words that we heard in a traditional African song as we departed from the very first project (an irrigation system) our team visited in the Insiza Area Development Project (ADP) in southern Zimbabwe. These words echoed throughout my mind on my trip and since returning home a little over a month ago. “Come and see what we have done.” In a short, but powerful, phrase, this summed up my experience with World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine team and a few other youth leaders from across the US, and one from in Seoul, Korea.

First I was able to “come and see” the broad scope of how World Vision operates in and around the world during our team’s one day training in Federal Way, Washington. I have always felt that World Vision was worthy for our youth to partner with for the 30 Hour Famine but I did not realize the depth and breadth of the organization. After only one day at World Vision, I could have returned home with the confidence knowing the investments our youth ministries, teenagers, parents and churches contribute are making a difference in God’s world.

However, that was just the beginning.

Each day in Zimbabwe was a new adventure for us to “come and see” how funds are distributed for various projects-irrigation, farming cooperatives, beneficiaries of goats or heifers, HIV awareness programs and child sponsorship. In each of the projects we did not see one American. It truly was the people of Zimbabwe leading the people of Zimbabwe. It was an example of empowerment, and those we met along the way were proud to show us their accomplishments. “Come and see what WE have done.”

The story does not end here.  Without the hard work of teenagers and youth workers and the generosity of people around the globe, World Vision would not be able to function as they do. While the people in Zimbabwe are helping themselves they need support, encouragement, resources and prayers of many people.

This weekend thousands of teenagers and their adult leaders from across the United States will participate in this year’s first National 30 Hour Famine date– February 22-23. As a youth worker who has participated for 6 years in the Famine I will be praying that God will move in incredible and impactful ways.  Moreover, I am excited to “come and see” how God is going to use teenagers and leaders here in the United States for the people of Zimbabwe and all over the world.

“What will you give?  Feed your 5000!”

“Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!”-Psalm 66:5