Students Use 30-Hour Famine as Way to Fight HIV/AIDS

Post a Comment » Written on March 10th, 2008     
Filed under: News
CHICAGO, IL (March 10, 2008) – Although snowstorms forced several Evangelical Covenant Churches to alter their activities while participating in World Vision’s recent 30-hour famine, youth pastors say the events still left an impact on their students.

FamineAt least a dozen Covenant youth groups took part in the event, in which junior and senior high school students don’t eat for 30 hours while also raising money to fight HIV/AIDS and hunger. Although the national event was slated for February 22-23, some churches chose alternate weekends.

Different activities educated students on the plight of others in poorer countries. One of the most powerful moments at Trinity Covenant Church came when the group lit 64 tea lights and extinguished one every 14 seconds in a darkened room because that is how often a parent dies of AIDS, says youth pastor Phillip Beatty.

Some groups participated in games such as TRIBE, a series of activities to help students better understand the conditions in which others live.

Snowstorms forced adjustments in other churches plans. The youth group at Salem Covenant Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, normally helps at the New England Seafarers Mission during the famine project, but had to cancel this year due to heavy snowfall, says youth pastor Mike Nyman.

Other churches postponed activities and are incorporating them into their regular youth nights. Teens at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, experienced how illness can change a group’s plans, says youth pastor Matt Nevala. The event had to be cut short when the lone female chaperone became ill prior to the weekend.

Groups also participated in numerous entertainment and athletic activities. The accompanying photo was taken during one church’s volleyball event. The Trinity group attended a Casting Crowns concert and following the conclusion of the event, the group celebrated the breaking of their fast by serving their congregation breakfast. Visit Fighting HIV/AIDS to see additional random photos from various youth events.

Many of the churches have participated in the event for several years. Salem students have been doing the famine for at least 14 years, Nyman says.

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