WorldSERVE Survives 30 Hour Famine
WorldSERVE teams minus Team India pose around the Globe after a long day’s work involving Strike Teams Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 in Redding, Calif. Photo by Matt Murnan.
REDDING, Calif. — Marked by grumbling tummies and sporadic scenarios, Simpson University’s WorldSERVE teams endured this year’s 30 Hour Famine over Feb. 19 and 20.
WorldSERVE has been hosting the Famine for participants since 2012 with its aim to equip students with the necessary training for mission trips. The training weekend, which includes worship, travel simulations and other activities, all takes place during a fast.
This year’s 30 Hour Famine saw 15 teams, three spring and 12 summer, enduring their hunger while learning the stresses of travel and cooperation.
“It kind of accelerates the team bonding experience in that we go without something for a period of time and you learn to rely on your team and the Lord,” Dannielle Stahly, coordinator of student missions, said.
This is Stahly’s second time leading the Famine, with this year containing differences in both pace and content from last year.
“I feel like last year it was a little more intense and I just didn’t know how to handle it,” sophomore Abigail Roberts said.
Last year, Roberts was part of Team Taiwan, which worked through a coffee shop ministry. Though not on a team this year, Roberts helped with the Famine’s flight and customs simulations.
The weekend also included other activities, such as the opportunity for teams to visit prayer stations placed around campus, different sessions in which teams practiced their testimonies or field skills on the clock and a new addition, Saturday Strike Teams.
A member of Team Olympia, this was sophomore Abigail Kim’s first Famine in preparation for what will be her first mission trip. While the focus of the Famine is training, its approach is infamous for its zany flair, including dramatic passport officials, strict TSA officers and even thieves running amuck during the airport simulation.
“You just didn’t know what to expect,” Kim said. “My Bible got stolen for a while.”
All this is to humorously warn participants to stay aware of their surroundings while traveling and to prepare them for what could happen.
“Though it may look ridiculous, it’s supposed to be over-the-top in the worst case scenarios,” Roberts said.
Another goal of the Famine is to bring team unity.
“I think a big part of it is getting to know your teammates and get comfortable with them,” Roberts said.
Stahly said that the Famine went well and expressed awe at its participants.
“I’m amazed and inspired by the students’ sacrifice and commitment to do WorldSERVE on top of everything else at Simpson,” Stahly said.