Goodrich- More than 20 area residents planned a 30 hours fast during the weekend, hoping a local ‘famine? could help fix a global one.
The ?30 hour famine,? at Goodrich United Methodist Church,8071 S. State Road, is a fundraiser supporting Christian relief group,’World Vision,? a group dedicated to erasing global poverty.
The event was organized locally by Goodrich High School student Laura Haiderer, along with her family and Goodrich United Methodist Church, three years ago.
It has since become an annual event.
Haiderer,16, said she got the idea when she saw a magazine advertisement about World Vision.
‘We eat so much, we take so much…and there’s so many others who don’t get that,? said Haiderer.
‘We want to experience what they feel like.?
Money is raised by individuals making a flat donation’as opposed to a hourly pledge’to World Vision.
Approximately $3,600 was raised by the event in 2004 and $4,100 in 2005.
Kelsey Millerschin,12, particpated in both this and last year’s famine.
‘I heard about it at church and decided it might be fun to see what these people feel,:? Millerschin said.
GUMC pastor Karl Zeigler said he stongly supports the event.
‘It’s a wonderful learning and devotional time for youth,? Zeigler said.
‘It was really fun. We played games and did devotions,? Millerschin said of last year’s event.
Participants also do community service during the fast. This year the group worked with Flint’s Salem Housing Community Development Corporation.
‘That’s also important’to help people around here too,? said Haiderer.
For Haiderer, the entire experience is a powerful one.
‘When I’m done’the next meal you eat you think about how much other people would want that meal,? Haiderer said.
She added she felt a greater sense of awareness and a renewed sense of purpose.
Millerschin said her favorite part of the fundraiser was ‘learning about how much (poverty stricken individuals) have to work and what they have to live with.
Both Haiderer and Millerschin were happy to play a role in trying bring about change.
‘There is a need for help,? said Haiderer. ‘It’s important (the message) gets out there.?