Five Adventist church youth groups in northern Nevada recently got a little "taste" of hunger when they participated in a weekend of fasting and fellowship together. The event, known as “30-Hour Famine,” which is associated with World Vision, was the focus of the weekend.

Donors sponsored nearly 50 youth, who, in turn, committed to go without food for 30 hours. The money raised goes to World Vision to feed starving children in developing countries. The event was part of a youth rally weekend, which focused not only on fasting and meeting other youth, but also on starting the year close to Christ.

The fast started Friday, Jan. 16, after a special communion service themed "Through Christ we can do all things."

The youth separated into three groups Sabbath afternoon to work on outreach projects. One group went to a local convalescent hospital where the youth sang and read Scripture to the residents.

“We touched a lot of lonely people at the nursing home. It was cool,” said Nesi Finau, Sparks Church member.

The second group of youth went into Reno to serve sack lunches and hot soup to the homeless. They also distributed warm clothes and even a sleeping bag.

Stephanie Decasas, a Reno/Sparks Hispanic Church member, helped feed the homeless. “It was cool feeding the homeless while I was hungry, because it’s liked we switched places," she said. "It was more meaningful feeling what they were feeling.”

The last group went into downtown Reno where they sang, handed out more than 350 pieces of literature and prayed with strangers. “At first it was kind of scary, but God totally led us to people to pray with. It was totally off the hook!” said T.J. Stewart, Sparks Church member.

Sarah Stewart from the Carson City Church agreed. “It was cool doing street ministry because I didn’t feel hungry at all. God took away our hunger. I learned through this that God wants us to focus on others, and He’ll bless us.”

“I understand why my parents tell me to eat everything that’s on my plate," said Becky Bowers of the Reno Church. "There’s starving people who would love it, because at this point I could eat about anything!”

“I now see that we shouldn’t take stuff for granted,” said Carson City youth Ashleigh Corder.

Hungry youth broke their 30-hour fast Sunday morning with a delicious breakfast of—beans and rice? This menu choice surprised most of the kids. “This is what the kids we’re feeding will get," explained Krista Edling of Carson City. "They don’t get to choose like we do here in the U.S.”

At the end of the weekend, 42 youth committed or recommitted their lives to Christ. “I not only had a lot of fun, but I improved my spiritual side," said Manuel Ortiz of Sparks. "I definitely grew closer to Christ during this experience.”

“It’s all about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes," said Denise Bautista, Reno/Sparks Hispanic Church member. "Fasting is not just about going without food. It’s about getting closer to Christ.”