This year for the 40 Hour Famine more than 10 churches and their communities will be establishing “Famine Villages”.

Each “Famine Village” will consist of one or more groups participating in the 40 Hour Famine and can include community groups such as local schools, businesses, government and media. During the 40 Hour Famine they will be united in a bid to achieve shared goals of fundraising and education around the issues of global poverty and injustice.

Through the establishment of these “Famine Villages” churches have found a way to connect with the wider community on a topic bigger than themselves, with churches given the opportunity to build upon relationships and create opportunities to work on shared projects. This has in turn changed community pre-conceptions about the church and opened up new conversations.

By participating in a “Famine Village” communities are given the opportunity to stand in solidarity and say “we are part of this world and we can do something to help meet the needs of others”. It is a way for churches to be at the centre of significant community activity and be living out the gospel in a way that might surprise others.

In 2011, the funds raised through the 40 Hour Famine and “Famine Villages” will be supporting World Vision’s ongoing work tackling the causes of poverty around the world.

40 Hour Famine Ambassador and Christian Marissa recently visited some of World Vision’s work in East Timor. Upon return she had this message for her peers; “Christians have a responsibility to fight injustice and help the needy and oppressed in the world. Although global poverty is a hugely complicated issue we need to start where we can”.

If your church is interested in initiating their own “Famine Village” during the 40 Hour Famine this 19-21 August please contact church@worldvision.com.au

To find out more at visit worldvision.com.au/40HourFamine