Participating in the 40 Hour Famine is a great opportunity for your church to do something real and make a world of difference. It is a powerful and practical way to demonstrate the love of Jesus to children living in appalling situations.

The Famine is a compelling first-hand experience that is bound to inspire and empower your church community. By doing the Famine your church members become agents of change for those who are less fortunate.

Rajni lives in a slum and is the sole breadwinner for her family.

The Famine is a church-wide event where everyone can participate in a number of ways. You can fast from something important to you for 40 hours and ask others to sponsor you. If you are unable to fast, you can offer your financial support to someone who is. You can also use the Famine as a catalyst for prayer and reflection.

The Famine 2008 officially runs from 8pm on Friday 15 August to noon on Sunday 17 August. But if you can't do it then it’s OK to choose another time. Just make sure all fundraising and banking is done by the 30 September 2008.

Register your church now to take part in 40 Hour Famine.

Where do the funds go?

INDIA: Child labour, trafficking and slavery

Famine funds go towards World Vision's work to help restore the childhood of children like Rajni. Support generated will be used to raise awareness in poor urban communities about the damage caused by child labour and the importance of education. We will also help provide poor families with income-generation opportunities so they don't have to send their children out to work and fight to ensure that laws to protect children are enforced.

Funds will also be used to free trafficked children and to help restore their childhood through rehabilitation services, which will give them access to education, health and recreation opportunities.

Find out more about child rights and child labour, trafficking and slavery!

Running the Famine in your church

Once you have registered your church group to participate in the 40 Hour Famine we have lots of great resources to help you run a successful, fun and inspiring Famine.

Show a Famine video each week during your church worship services and ask people to reflect, pray and ask themselves what their role in this years’ Famine will be.

Use these Bible studies and activities to help motivate, educate and inspire your group into action and prayer.

Sign up today to get your church involved in this years’ 40 Hour Famine!