As Julian Lorenzo plays foosball with his friends on a Friday night at Vashon (Wash.) United Methodist Church, his thoughts are wandering toward what he’s been fighting to forget: food.

"A pizza, or something with meat in it, would be really nice right now," Lorenzo says.

He’s been thinking about food all evening because he and 21 of his fellow middle school friends are nearing the end of a 30-hour fast.

"It’s just to experience hunger because the money we raise is to support people who suffer from that," eighth-grader Sylvie Shiosaki says.

photo courtesy of UMNS

Julian Lorenzo (left) passes time with friends at a 30-hour fast to give kids a taste of what hunger is like.

The event is designed to give young adults a taste of what hunger is like for millions of children around the world. The money raised through donations and sponsors will help get food to starving children.

"We get to eat in an hour, and they’re going to have to deal with this their whole lives," says eighth-grader Odin Jacobovitch.

While it hasn’t been easy going without meals for 30 hours, the students have filled their time with fun and educational activities. They have relaxed with movies and games, but also learned about AIDS around the world, the effectiveness of nonviolent communication, and how to use quiet time for prayer and reflection.

"They’re really understanding that they have personal power to change the world," says parent and event organizer Wendy Gage.

As the event enters its final minutes, the smell of a home-cooked meal wafts from the church’s kitchen.

photo courtesy of UMNS

Eighth-grader Emily Gage (center) says money raised during the 30 Hour Famine event proves 14-year-olds can make a difference in fighting hunger.

"I smell waffles. I smell bacon," chime two boys, while jockeying for a good position in line for the meal being prepared by parents and church volunteers.

After 30 hours—to the minute—a hot and hearty breakfast buffet is spread before the hungry teens. As they wolf down every mouth-watering bite, they are proud of what they have accomplished.

"People probably think that 14-year-olds can’t make a difference," says eighth-grader Emily Gage. "But by doing this now, we are showing that we can."

Their event has raised more than $3,000 to fight hunger.

*Original story written by Kim Riemland, a United Methodist News Service correspondent based in Seattle.

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