Four years ago we started an event, 30 Hour Famine. It's an event where students/leaders fast for 30 hours- to fight against hunger in our community and world. This weekend we are at it again with 27 leaders and students participating in fasting, praying, studying, and making a difference.We began the fast yesterday at noon. We are now at hour 26!! Although our bellies are rumbling and begging for food we are staying strong. Throughout our weekend we have been able to learn about hunger through devotionals, build cardboard houses to sleep in, serve at crosswalk, and other hands on experiences.
One of our former KCC students, Elizabeth Turner Botts, who now works for World Vision joined us Friday night.. It was great to hear from one of our own and hear about World Vision. It 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. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of children and families living in poverty.
She shared with us several videos from World Visions that we powerful display of the fact that even the youngest of kids can understand and fight for justice. One of our favorite quotes from Liz is, " We are all little Christ that should try our hardest to make Him proud!"
Today we woke up and joined Kent Covenant at Crosswalk. Our students had the opportunity to go out and paint over graffiti and pick up trash. Along the way we two people who stuck out. One was a homeless woman that was nine months pregnant and drinking a beer when we met her. She was wondering who we where and why we where cleaning up the community; we had the opportunity to tell her about our participation in 30 Hour Famine and give her a homeless care kit our middle school students had previously made. We also got to meet Rocky living in a recovery house not far from church. Their fence had been vandalized and we were called over to clean it up. We invited Rocky to come join us at KCC for worship.
Our last mission was pray for our community. We split up into 3 team and went to various locations Kent Station, Earth works park, and Clark lake. Some of our students gave out kits, another group bought a meal for a homeless woman, and we all focused on praying. As we walked around it was eye opening to see how many homeless men, women, and kids are around. It challenged us to pray, show compassion, and think of ways we can serve those who are struggling in our neighborhoods.
We ended our time with worship, communion and break-fast. It was a time to gather together to give thanks to God for all that he has given us as students/leaders. Pastor Ruby reminded us that as when we come to the table for communion we meet with God who died for us- as we partake of the bread/juice it's us responding to this incredible gift.The Famine this weekend was not about simply doing something that is "good" it is about justice and doing what is right. The Gospel leads us to work for a world where all are fed, clothed and loved, and where clean waterflows. It is possible to make a difference.
It was a great weekend- thanks to everyone who made this event awesome!
It was an incredible example of faith in community. Thanks for all your prayers, support, and donations! It was amazing what could be accomplished through the grace of God and the spirit of a powerful community.
PS-Two huge boxes of items were donated to the KCC food cupboard too!
Written by Hanna Hordan ( Ruby assisted)
