Change Font Size:   A A A

Jan 29, 2015 | Andrea Meier

St. John the Divine prepares for 30 Hour Famine by building a slum

 

For the past six years, the youth of St. John the Divine have taken part in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. In preparation for this year’s Famine event, the St. John the Divine Youth Group has constructed a slum to show the community in a concrete way the living conditions of those they are trying to save. Inside the slum are infographics that show the real effects of hunger, especially on children, in poverty stricken areas of the world.

 

"Our hope for the slum is that it would represent a stark and unmistakable contrast to the everyday life in which we find ourselves," said Vance Garvey, director of youth ministry at St. John the Divine. "As our church is located within the inner loop there is a degree to which most people who are members of, or are connected to, our church community are often far-removed from an experience that would put them face to face with extreme hunger or poverty."

 

Each Sunday, the youth staff an information station inside the slum to provide more information about 30 Hour Famine and why they have chosen to spend their time serving those who must often go without what we consider basic necessities. The slum is also open for groups to visit during regular business hours.

 

"This is about spreading God’s name and glory," Garvey said. "It’s not about providing for children in a general sense; it’s about caring for and loving God's children – the least of these."

 

30 Hour Famine is a weekend event created by World Vision, an Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization. The St. John the Divine youth annually dedicate 30 hours over one weekend to raise funds and awareness that provide for those in most desperate need: food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, shelter for the orphans, and clothes for the naked. This year, their goal is to raise enough money to save the lives of 75 children. You can learn more about what happens during a 30 Hour Famine weekend by watching a video at www.sjd.org/ministries/youth.