Helping to Feed Those in Need

emily-walsworthRecently, youth from Calvary Church participated in 30 Hour Famine which is a nationally recognized event where people fast for 30 hours to bring awareness to world hunger. It is organized by World Vision and began in 1971. It has only grown larger as the years pass.

Emily Walsworth and other kids at Calvary Church stopped eating at 1pm on April 11 and for the next 30 hours they fasted. During that time they played games, had prayer time and devotions, and were entertained by Kurt Felsman from Sevenglory who came and performed for the kids and Pastor Jon Nitta came and gave a sermon.

"I did it because I just thought that it was wrong that people around the world don't get to eat," Emily said. "There is a lot of food out there. It was really hard for those 30 hours and I can't imagine what it would be like to rarely get to eat."

During the 30 Hour Famine the kids got juice breaks and they spent the night at the church. The next day the kids went to various grocery stores in the are and handed out lists of food for shoppers to buy to be donated to local food pantries. The kids collected a lot of donations. Each child also had a fundraising goal to meet which was $150. Many surpassed that goal, including Emily. She ended up raising $880.

"I thought, 'Someone needs to do something about this.' And raising money around our town was really easy way to buy them food. Everyone should get to eat especially the kids," Emily said.

"I plan on doing it next year. I learned that even though I wasn't eating, when I prayed to God I didn't feel hungry anymore. He takes care of people. If He can take care of me for 30 hours he can take care of someone else for 30 days or 30 months," Emily stated.

After 30 hours, the kids feasted on Saturday night with yummy food from Fazoli's, Noodles & Co., and Designer Desserts.

To find out how you can get involved with the 30 Hour Famine, click here!