Teens fast to raise awareness, money

Friday and Saturday, the Southside Christian Church youth group will go hungry for 30 hours.\nIn an act to raise awareness as well as financial support for the thousands of children who die from starvation and malnutrition each day, the youth members of the Southside Christian Church will participate in World Vision's national 30 Hour Famine. \nWorld Vision, is committed to aiding children suffering from poverty and their communities across the globe. According to World Vision's Web site, last year's 30 Hour Famine raised more than $11.6 million nationally and had more than 500,000 teen participants. \nAaron Miller, youth minister at Southside Christian, has led teens in the 30 Hour Famine for the past two years at a different church and is bringing his experience to Southside. Miller became involved with World Vision's 30 Hour Famine after researching various \nvolunteer organizations. \n"I started reading some information about it and it sounded like a great thing," Miller said. "I like the fact that you can help out people all around the world and you don't have to leave your community," \nThere is not an exact number of participants, but Miller said he expects at least 15 to 20 teenagers to show up for the fast, which begins at 1 p.m. Friday. But Miller said that any junior high or high school student is allowed to participate. \nMiller asked those participating to begin the fast on their own after lunch Friday. The participants will then meet at Southside Christian Church at 5 p.m. to begin activities. \nThe church expects to raise a substantial amount of money for needy children across the globe. The goal for this year's fast is $5,400, which Miller says will feed 20 needy children for a full year. The church is accepting donations and Miller said he is optimistic that the church will be able to reach its goal. \n"Being the third year I have done the fast, I expect this year to be the best year yet," he said.\nFundraising is only one aspect of the 30 Hour Famine, however. Miller said the fast is more important than raising money. \n"It's not just about money," he said. "It's about opening up people's eyes to the world around them," he said.\nMiller said he believes participants will have a better understanding of the reality of poverty in the world from the fast. \n"You see the statistics every day, but until you actually get a taste of what it's like, you don't really understand it," he said.\nFor more information call 824-9202 or visit www.worldvision.org.