Why Fasting?

To be honest, I am not looking forward to tomorrow. The last couple Wednesdays I've fasted, i've been tired, lost energy, and been in a little funk the second half of the day. And I also find myself complaining about it a lot.

But when I remember the people we met (like the woman on the left), I am reminded why we're doing it the way we are doing it. By fasting and being uncomfortable for the afternoon, I am forced to remember how good I have it. And regardless of how much I want to complain (and still do), I am confronted by the fact that missing a meal is not even comparable to having to drink muddy water out of a hole in the ground. My hope is that by doing Global Fast, my heart starts to change, so that I actually care more about people in desperate need than I do my own comfort, at least for one meal a week. Its a step towards compassion, something that the world can always use.

Global Fast changes lives in Watts, Ca

What happens when you tell 1000 inner-city students that their lives can change others? They step up.

The students of Markham Middle School in Watts, Ca walk through drug dealers, prostitutes, and 32 gang territories to get to school. They are told that they need help -- but they proved that their lives can change the world.

New Global Fast Video

global fast promo [whiteboard] from JJ Starr on Vimeo.

Many thanks to the amazing JJ Starr who put this together. There is a group of 27 students at Pepperdine fasting and praying and giving together to fund a well. They made this video in one of their classrooms...just with drawings on the white board. Awesome, huh?

GF Fall Campaign

Fall Campaign is here. Sacrificing 12 meals. Water for 4,000. Done by Christmas. Sign up today. Let's do this!

Fall Campaign is Here!

Ever wanted to be a hero and save hundreds of lives? .... As a leader in the Fall Campaign, you will rally a team to build a water well in Peru, Liberia, or India. Clean water is the #1 need of the global poor, and each water well serves an average of 400 people for at least 20 years!

You can build your team now, fast and give just ONE meal per week for 12 weeks -- that's a total of twelve meals fasted ($10 each), you donate -- we pass 100% on to our partner Generosity Water, who manages the well building projects at $3000 each.

Download the PDFs below to build your team and become a global hero, giving new life and hope to a whole village. ...

Fall Campaign Intro: http://globalfast.org/fall_campaign/gf_fallcampaign.pdf

Leader Guide: http://globalfast.org/fall_campaign/gf_leaderguide.pdf

By the Numbers: http://globalfast.org/fall_campaign/gf_numbers.pdf

New Fall Program

The more we research global poverty and what can be done to help those in the most need, the more clear it has become that access to clean water is the top issue for the global poor.

Therefore, this fall we are partnering with Generosity Water to build clean water wells in 4 strategic locations (Liberia, Ghana, India, and Peru). In each of these places we can bring life to an entire community for only $3,000.

So this fall we are launching a campaign to bring new life to at least 15 communities in the developing world.

This is how it'll work...

Fall=3 months=12 weeks=12 meals skipped, Meals Out=$10, And we're going to involve our friends (groups of 25)

25 x $10 x 12 = $3,000 = 1 Well

We're looking for groups of 2-3 friends who would agree to be team leaders and would figure out how to build their teams up to 25 people for this fall. It'll be 12 meals over the course of the fall (Sept, Oct, and Nov.) and you're budget won't change a bit. But your sacrifice will change lives and enable more of this (below). Email michael@globalfast.org to get involved.

Global Fast! One of our very own, Trevor Hightower just got married this weekend in Colorado. Not only did he marry this gorgeous girl on the right, but they used the celebration of their love as an occasion to serve those in the most need in the world. In response to the water crisis, they decided to make their Big Day a big day for an impoverished community. In addition to setting up a regular registry for household items, Trevor and his bride created WeddingGive.com to enable his guests to give clean water to kids in Africa through Global Fast and Generosity Water. Check out the website http://www.weddinggive.com/Site/Home_.html

So not only will they get their household necessities but hundreds of people will be drinking clean water because of the Hightowers. This is an amazing example of someone taking their life, their influence, their situation and using for the good of those in most need. Amazing!

What can you do?

Can You Imagine Drinking This?

Last night I heard Scott Harrison of Charity Water speak at CAA about the water crisis in the world. While many of us have heard that over a Billion people do not have access to clean water and that thousands are dying daily, Charity Water has done a great job of helping people connect their hearts with ways to help. So while I love their innovative communication. I am thankful that our partner Generosity Water is able to build wells at an even better price per well than Charity Water. So watch this PSA and let's figure out how we can save even more lives through Global Fast and Generosity Water.

This Will Change Because of GF Team!

These are kids from the specific village in Gulu, Uganda that are going to be helped by the fasting team featured below. In a month or so, they will no longer drink that dirty water, they will be more healthy, and will hopefully be in school instead of carrying those little yellow jerrycans.

The more people that we get to join us, the more of this we can do!

Two new wells in Uganda save 3,000 lives

Thanks so much to the Michael Muniz team building two wells in Uganda! ... First off, the team began with 30 people on Michael's team fasting together one meal each week for a few months, then Joe Smith threw a fasting event ... The two combined raised enough to build one well for $5,000. .... And then, to our surprise, Generosity Water had found matching funds to build a second well along with all that we raised! ... As a result of your fasting, some cool events, and a generous matching donor, 3,000 lives will be changed in one of the most needy areas of Uganda!

Playing for Change -- Virtual Street Music

http://www.playingforchange.com/

street musicians around the world, playing together via a laptop and some microphones ... amazing.

Richard Branson fasts for Darfur

We fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur because they do not have a choice. We fast as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people. We fast because as we simply watched, Darfur’s defenceless people were forced into wretched camps where today they are facing starvation and disease. We fast because those in positions of authority who know what is right and just, could and should do more to alleviate their suffering and bring peace, protection, and justice to the people of Sudan.

We fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child.

Please join us and get involved in supporting the people of Darfur by going towww.fastdarfur.org and taking action.

See the video post on Sir Richard's blog ...

http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2009/05/09/you-ask-why-we-fast-for-darfur-we-fast-in-solidarity/

New Global Fast Fishing Village in Haiti

As of April 2009, the second Global Fast fishing village in Haiti launches in our partnership with Food For The Poor. The fishing project will create sustainable food and income for a village of approximately 1,000 people on the northern coast of Haiti. Thank you so much to Food For The Poor and to everyone who fasted one day to make this a reality! 

Food For The Poor and Global Fast build Haiti Fishing Village >> 

Iraq's Unspeakable Crime: Mother's Pimping Daughters

The world needs your prayers this week ... 

:: world headlines ::

Iraq’s Unspeakable Crime: Mothers Pimping Daughters  (TIME Magazine)

The US State Department reports that Iraqi leaders are not combating human trafficking. According to one insider trying to break up the trafficking rings: “The buying and selling of girls in Iraq, it’s like the trade in cattle. … I’ve seen mothers haggle with agents over the price of their daughters.”

 

North Korea: Endless Nuclear Drama (Foreign Policy)

Foreign Policy writer argues for a more ‘comprehensive approach’ to engage North Korea – including a peace treaty, normalization of political relations, and an economic boost. Given the North’s lack of cooperation and consistency, this agenda seems optimistic, but options for real progress are few.

 

Long Legs of the Crash: 13 Unexpected Consequences of the Financial Crisis

Predicitons include: more government corruption, longer skirts for ladies, we get hip to piggy banks and state schools, some surge in both military and missionaries, economic protectionism makes a comeback, and boomers grasp their desks, refusing to leave.

global fast news >

our movement is partnering with Mosaic and Awaken Humanity to change hearts and save lives around the world: www.globalfast.org/mosaic

global fast is ...

ending poverty made simple: you fast one meal each week and donate the $5 you would have spent. we pass along 100% to the most innovative charities addressing the most urgent global crises. you can change lives without even changing your budget.

give water now  >>

fight slavery now >>

end poverty now >>

Trade deal creates opportunity for Haiti

:: world headlines ::

Capital flow to poor countries down 83%   In 2009, private capital flow to poor countries is projected to plummet from $1 trillion to $165 billion. While domestic policy is more important for those nations, this loss will likely hurt GDP growth – causing many to fall into deeper poverty.

Madonna to adopt orphan from Malawi   As media pundits debate whether Madonna should adopt another orphan, there are 163 million orphans and displaced children in the world. This population would make up the world’s 7^th largest nation. Adoption is not perfect, but children deserve families. (for more on orphans, see The Orphan Foundation)

North Korea to launch long-range missile   Under the premise of sending a satellite into space, North Korea is slated to launch a long-range missile this Saturday. If the exercise is successful, observers fear that the technology will be sold to volatile nations such as Iran.

Trade deal creates opportunity for growth in Haiti   An act known as HOPE II lifts trade barriers for Haiti – no quotas, limits or tariffs – for nine years. Free trade allows investors to benefit while lifting the troubled nation out of poverty. Why aren’t we doing this for every nation around the world?

:: global fast news ::

yesterday in Miami, a great crew put on a concert for freedom to raise funds for ending slavery through Global Fast. all funds raised will support rescued victims of human trafficking in Thailand through our partner charity Nightlight Bangkok.

the Watts event  for Global Fast was a big success! – thanks Ms. West and Markham! … One day of small sacrifices by your students and faculty will change 500 lives with clean water.  Our partner charity Generosity Water has agreed to match all funds raised and build the well in Liberia – one of the world’s poorest nations.

Why Global Fast?  Despite the problems of foreign aid through governments, excellent charities can deliver sustainable solutions that don't interfere with economic growth. Basic needs like water and human rights like freedom contribute to a community's ability to grow and support itself. Making a small, regular sacrifice for others will increse your compassion and awareness.  join here > 

Global economy hits poor nations hardest.

:: world headlines ::

Fastest growing minor at Cal: Saving the world   A minor called “Global Poverty and Practice” is the fastest growing area of study at UC Berkeley. Only two years old, the program boasts over 150 students. 

Leaders convene at G20 summit in London  Next week’s meeting of twenty nations is expected to push a ‘global stimulus package.’ Leaders will increase IMF loans and other ‘bailout’ packages on a worldwide scale.

Recession hits hard for the global poor.  Even as developed nations face economic challenges, the poorest are hit even worse. Millions of people will be pushed back into extreme poverty and hardship.

:: global fast news ::

Watts students sacrifice to give water in Africa.  On March 19, students and faculty at Markham Middle School in the infamous Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles fasted and gave to build a clean water well in Liberia.

Miami concert to promote fasting for Freedom.  On March 30, musicians in Miami will join together in “Voices of Hope” – local artists have partnered with Global Fast to end human trafficking and sex slavery. 

Fasting Builds a Water Well in Liberia - Generosity Water - Jordan Wagner

Because of your fasting and donating the cost of 500 meals, there are 500 people in Liberia who will have clean water for the rest of their lives! The total cost to build the water well is $3,000. Our partner charity, Generosity Water, will pass along 100% of these funds and ensure that the water well is completed -- even sending us photos when it is complete! 

As a part of Global Fast, you are literally changing lives through fasting just one meal per week. Please see the video below -- Rich Halvorson of Global Fast giving the first "big check" to Jordan Wagner of Generosity Water. 

More Resources:

Photo Gallery - Generosity Water Completed Wells | Generosity Water Main Site

Why Water? - The Clean Water Crisis - on Global Fast main site | Global Fast home page

Where to build a clean water well?

Thanks so much to everyone who has fasted with us. There are about 34 of us doing a weekly fast (one meal per week) for a few months now -- and we've raised enough to build a water well in Africa! ... So, the impact is: 34 of us giving up one meal a week, will provide water for 500 people for 20+ years. Basically, for every $5 or $10 lunch you fasted, you are giving one person water for more than ten years.

Now, through our partnership to build a well with Generosity Water, 100% of your fasting dollars will go to build a well in Africa. If you fasted with us during this time, we invite you and your friends to vote on which country you'd like to see the well built in. Information on each country is below, and voting is at right:

Ghana.  Ghana is part of the Ivory Coast, located just a few degrees north of the equator, and has a warm climate with lands covered in savannah and low bushes. The country has a population of 23 million and a GDP per capita of $690. This is about $2 per person per day. (learn more)

Liberia. Liberia is a smaller nation located on the far west coast of Africa. It was founded in 1822 by freed slaves from the US. The country has endured two bloody civil wars in the last twenty years. With a population of 3.4 million and GDP per capita of $357, the average Liberian lives on less than $1 per day every day. (learn more)

Nigeria. Nigeria is the biggest of the three countries -- with over 140 million inhabitants, it is the most populous country in Africa and the 8th most populous in the world. With bigger cities and some growing industries, Nigeria is one of the fastest growing world economies, with 9% growth in 2008.  The GDP per capita of $1160 is about $3 per day -- but many rural communities far fall below this level, and the need remains great. (learn more)

---------

Please submit your vote at right! ... Your choice will literally change the lives of at least 500 people served by this water well. Many lives will be saved, and all lives and health will be far better!  Thank you.

Let's build the next well in 1/2 the time as this one. We need 35 new fasters. If you're already fasting, will you find a partner to fast with us? If you're not fasting yet, will you join? (join now to save lives)

More resources on the global clean water crisis and information on building wells.

Global Fast partner named #1 relief charity

With so many charities out there today, one of the key issues facing donors is which charity will put their donation to good use with wisdom and efficiency. As a young movement, Global Fast has inspired tens of thousands of fasters by partnering with the very best charities to save lives. 

Food For The Poor, the most active charity partner of Global Fast, has recently been named the #1 international aid charity in the US by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Both in terms of quality of giving, and quantity of giving, Food For The Poor has consistently excelled. 

With a year-over-year trend of exceeding 96% efficiency, Food For The Poor is among the most highly efficient charities in the US. This marker means that more than 96 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the projects that impact the most needy communities of Latin America and the Caribbean. 

In December of 2007, the first Global Fast fishing village project was launched with Food For The Poor in Anse d’Hainault, Haiti. To date, the project has provided an ongoing source of economic development and food for a village of more than 1,000 people in one of the more neglected areas of the Haitian coastline. 

Global Fast participants went hungry again during 2008 to build another fishing village project that is planned to launch in mid-2009 on the northern coast of Haiti. Both projects provide a source of income, food and sustainable economic development to some of the poorest communities in Haiti. 

“We are so pleased to see the continued excellent work of Food For The Poor,” said Rich Halvorson, director of Global Fast. “Their continued service to the poor is an inspiration to our fasters, and to many other charities.” 

About Food For the Poor 
Established in 1982, Food For The Poor provides nourishing food, safe shelter, necessary medical care, educational materials, support for orphans and the aged, development projects and much more to the poorest of the poor in 16 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.Food for the Poor Site: www.foodforthepoor.org Food for the Poor press release: http://www.foodforthepoor.org/site/c.dnJGKNNsFmG/b.47113 ... 

Read the full press release here:

Global Fast partner - Food For The Poor - named #1 charity (html)

Global Fast partner - Food For The Poor - named #1 charity (pdf)

Global Fast empowers giving in a down economy

When our budgets go down, we feel strapped for cash. We might skip a latte here or there. We might tighten our belts. ... I know I certainly have. I'd bet that you have too. But, here in the US, we are not yet going hungry and dying of easily curable disease. That's exactly what does happen, however, in the poor nations of the world. 

For the global poor, economic downturn may not just be inconvenient, it is often fatal. Even on a restricted budget, we can save lives and change lives. 

Join us to fast just one meal a week -- you will literally change a life each week. Yes, it's inconvenient and maybe it hurts a little. But guess what? ... If we truly desire change, we might have to leave our comfortable sphere and get a little uncomfortable. Being a Fireman is not always comfortable - but you literally save lives. Joining Global Fast is not comfortable -- but you will literally save lives.

Read the full press release here:

Global Fast empowers giving in a down economy (pdf)

Global Fast empowers giving in a down economy (html)