Published: April 11, 2008 11:27 pm      

Students’ fast raises funds to combat hunger

SOMERSET — While many young people spent Friday night snacking at a burger joint with friends, youngsters at a Somerset church were participating in a 30-hour fast to raise awareness of world hunger.

Twenty-five to 30 middle- and high-school students belonging to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on East Union Street have been raising money for World Vision during “The 30-Hour Famine.”

“I’ve learned to appreciate what I have,” said Jenn Kimmel, 18, one of the group organizers.

Raising money for the hungry is one thing, “But this is a different twist, going without food,” said Kimmel, who attracted 30 sponsors and raised more than $1,000.

Members of St. Paul’s Crossroads Youth Ministry have been without home cooking since early Friday. Only juice and water has sustained them.

The fast ends today.

The sacrifice is meager compared with the status of world hunger. World Vision said 29,000 children die each day from starvation and preventable disease.

For Ashley Metcalfe, 23, a graduate of Grove City College, the lesson is biblical.

“It’s taught me a lot about self-sacrifice,” said Metcalfe, who studied Bible and Christian ministry.

The church has been participating in the annual fast for nearly 10 years, youth director Jay Higham said.

Through the years, the youth group has raised about $16,000 for hungry children in Africa and elsewhere.

“My goal is to have them look beyond their family and friends and learn to care for others,” Higham said.

“It’s an experience to get just a little taste of what life is like for others,” said Spencer Brougher, 17, who has participated since he was in middle school.