Fast Sunday

1 John 3:16-18

“This is ‘fast’ Sunday at our church,” said Aunt Connie as she set orange juice and cereal on the table.

“Fast Sunday?” Alex repeated. “Oh . . . I remember my mom saying something about that. What is it you do?”

His cousin Vic laughed. “It’s what we don’t do,” he said. “To ‘fast’ means to go without food. This is the Sunday we don’t eat at noon.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “You don’t eat lunch? Why not?”

“On the first Sunday of every month, people in our church take the money they would normally spend for lunch and give it to buy food for those who are starving,” explained Vic. “You’ve seen pictures of starving children, haven’t you?”

“Sure,” Alex said as he sipped his orange juice. “But there’s not much I can do about it. Except I wish I could send them my peas and green beans,” he said, smiling.

Vic laughed again. “You’re gonna do something about it today,” he said. “The money saved from the meal you miss will be put into the fund.”

“It may not seem like much, but it would be if everyone did it,” said Aunt Connie. “Now, let’s hurry, or we’ll be late for Sunday school.”

As the boys played games that afternoon, Alex rubbed his stomach. It was growling. “It would be awful to be hungry every day, wouldn’t it?” said Alex thoughtfully.

Vic nodded. “My dad says some people never know what it’s like to have enough to eat—not in their entire lifetime!”

That evening when Aunt Connie fixed a light snack, the boys came promptly to the table. “How did it go, Alex?” asked Aunt Connie.

“It wasn’t so bad,” Alex answered slowly, surprised at himself. “My stomach may be empty, but I feel good! I am more thankful for the food I get every day—even the peas and green beans!”

How about You?

Could your family miss a meal to help starving people? Would you be willing to do without pop or candy and give the money to missions?

Memorize:

“John replied, ‘If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.’” Luke 3:11