Young People fast to aid needy in Africa
By Rebecca Maynard
If you're going to be in Berryville March 1, be sure to get a cinnamon roll from the youth of Grace Episcopal Church, who will be handing out their homemade goodies in the morning. No guilt is necessary, because it's for a good cause.
Donations will be accepted, with the proceeds going to support the work of Episcopal missionary Lauren Stanley, who is serving in a village in impoverished Sudan.
This year marks the church’s eighth annual 30-hour famine to raise money and awareness for world hunger. The fast begins at noon Friday and ends at 6 p.m. Saturday.
The young people will experience a taste of what it's like to go hungry when they take part in the fast. Each year, the youth mix up batches of cinnamon rolls at the church on Friday evening, during their fast, and give them away Saturday morning, along with hot coffee, accepting donations.
The Rev. Dwight Brown of Grace Episcopal Church, who also participates in the fast, along with his wife, Cathy, said that in addition to making cinnamon rolls, the youth also will do yard work for the church during the fast.
Brown explained that working while hungry will help the students understand how difficult it is to work hard without nourishment.
"Sometimes you hear people asking, 'Why don't they [malnourished people] plant?', but it's hard to do when you have no food," he said.
The youth will also act out parables during the church service on Sunday, and will prepare dinner to be served at the Sounds of Grace concert at the church Saturday night. A portion of the concert's proceeds will also go to the mission work.
To find out more about the 30-day fast or the Sounds of Grace concert, call the church at 540-955-1610.