Global Fast

Investigation reveals misuse by UN Global Fund

2011-01-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

While controversy is not new to Bono's Product (RED) campaign, a new level of scrutiny has brought an entirely disappointing and discouraging amount of misuse of funds to the surface....

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Report: Corruption Plagues Charity Backed By Bono

As much as two thirds of some grants lost or misspent

By SARA DOVER

Celebrity do-gooder Bono can't be happy about this: the nonprofit he is raising millions of dollars for is plagued with fraud.

As much as two thirds of grants donated to celebrity-supportedGlobal Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have been lost in corruption, the Associated Press found.

The findings are a major blow to U2 frontman's goals for (Product) Red, the global charity brand he co-launched that donates a large portion of its proceeds to the organization to fight and raise awareness about AIDS.

Forged documents and improper bookkeeping indicate that a large percentage of the money in the $21.7 billion development fund was lost or embezzled, investigators told the Associated Press. And so far, the inspector general's office has only examined a fraction of the $10 billion spent since the organization began in 2002. ...

Read the entire article here

Is money enough for Africa?

2011-01-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

This article is from a couple of years ago, but was recently brought to my attention. It tackles the Africa question from a different angle than we are accustomed to. In the global charity space, usually the discussion is over the observable results of a project - does the water well work? how much has disease been reduced? The 'secular' metrics of a project are highly important.

But what about cultural and spiritual metrics? How are we challenging and changing people's lives, hearts, and families in ways that can promote development. The article below tackles this question in a very unique way. Enjoy - -

As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God
Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem - the crushing passivity of the people's mindset
by Matthew Parris

Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.

It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good. ...

Read the entire article here

Giving What We Can - great example of charity in the UK

2010-12-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a great example of someone being thoughtful about their personal approach to giving. The UK needs people to step up and make significant pledges like this!

Also, here's a great blog post on The Giving Movement: http://www.visualnews.com/2010/12/17/the-giving-movement

Clean water for India!

2010-06-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to our friends who joined us in fasting for World Water Day 2010. ... Together, we changed thousands of lives. Thanks so much to JJ Starr for the awesome pics!!! ... Here are a few of the photos he brought back from our first completed water projects in India ...

A few happy girls near the project site ...

Here's the team that built the water well ...

And enjoying the new water system ...

The Water Imperative

2010-03-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Water is the most urgent need of the global poor.

In wealthy nations, we pour clean water from a faucet each morning. Not so for the global poor -- where nearly a billion people drink, cook and bathe with dirty water from infested swamps. This unsafe water causes disease and death, while also keeping women from work and children out of school.

On World Water Day this year -- March 22 -- we must take time out to remember the 4,500 children who die each day for a lack of access to clean, safe water.

In rural villages, children walk an average of 3.5 miles every day to fetch water from a smelly mudhole. Over 50% of the world’s hospital beds are filled with patients who suffer from water-borne illness.

If we drill a clean water well, the kids can go to school, and clinics are less crowded. Clean water access is the very first step -- a foundation for life, health, education and opportunity.

Since I began studying and living the grit of global poverty and economic development years ago, one burning question has consumed me: What is the most I can do as one person?

Of course government and business -- if directed properly -- could both help the global poor in a big way. Real leaders in these areas must pursue clear property rights and rule of law while promoting sustainable growth through trade and commerce.

But for those of us who are everyday citizens -- not currently elected leaders or multinational executives -- what is our best way to serve the poorest?

In the global poverty dialogue, there are policy experts who debate the merits of various interventions -- vitamins, food, medicine, infrastructure. Critics of water wells argue that some water projects fail, fall out of use, or are not sufficient in themselves.

Their critiques are important. We must develop ‘best practices’ from successful water projects (which are the vast majority). Further, we must create integrated solutions that create impact through a multi-faceted approach.

In a few years, we will see highly innovative rural projects that center on clean water access while transforming the entire village. Effective charities can build many other capacities around a water well -- training the community in well maintenance and repair, teaching hygiene and sanitation, and providing needed vitamins and medicine.

Among other big players, the Gates Foundation is investing heavily each year into building water and sanitation projects -- as well as discovering ways that the most effective solutions can be replicated on a global scale.

What’s incredible is that while Gates gives away a few billion dollars each year, the generosity of individual Americans is nearly 100 times larger -- some $230 billion in annual charity comes from all the ‘little guys’ rather than corporate or foundation grants.

What does this mean for us? Thoughtful public giving can change the world many times faster than the biggest headline donors. We are in fact ‘the change’ for the world -- and it is our duty to become informed global philanthropists.

It is up to us to change lives with clean water. For the price of lunch -- only $10 -- I can give one person access to clean water for a lifetime. If just one in ten Americans gave $150 to clean water, we could solve half of the most urgent crisis of the global poor -- giving clean water to 500 million people.

To create real global change, informed citizens must find excellent solutions and spread the word. Will you be the one in ten to change lives?

Water is the most urgent need of the global poor. In memory of the thousands who die each day from unsafe water, please seek out a great water charity, spread the word, and change lives today.

World Water Day is March 22. Rich Halvorson is a social entrepreneur and founder of GiveH2O, a coalition of high-efficiency charities that have given clean water to over 1 million people.

See our clean water coalition @ www.giveh2o.org

Fall Campaign Success!

2010-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

This year's Fall Campaign really came together well. We had 225 people fast 1 meal a week for 12 weeks and give the money they would have spent out on food ($10) towards clean water projects that impact the most impoverished in the world. The original 225 people raised $27,000.00 that has funded 9 wells (see check). Congratulations Everyone!
And in order to reach our original goal of 30K, 77 people have agreed to do one more month, enabling us to fund our 10th well by the end of January! So proud of everyone involved and hope that your lives were enhanced by making tangible sacrifices each week for the good of those in need. So excited for what's in store and hope to create more smiles this year (like the one here at a Global Fast well in Liberia).

For more information on starting your own fasting team check out www.globalfast.org and www.generositywater.com

Why Fasting?

2009-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.playingforchange.com/

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

Richard Branson fasts for Darfur

2009-06-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-18T21:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2009-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

:: 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.

2009-03-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

:: 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

2009-03-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

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)

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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

2009-01-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

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)

Changing the world on a budget

2008-12-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

By Rich Halvorson

Maybe it’s the familiar warmth of the holidays. Or perhaps it is the anticipation of the new year ahead. During the last days of December, we remember what life is about – that what really matters is the impact our lives can have for others.

Deep down, we have a sense that our life is better when it’s lived in service to others. In the words of author Erwin McManus, “The story of your life is written on the hearts of those around you.”

More than any other time, it is these last days of the year when many of us set our sights beyond immediate family and friends and extend our pocketbooks to bless others. In fact, for most charities, the last week of the year is often the most important.

One charity told me that they count on donations during the last week of the year for more than fifty percent of their annual budget.

Yet after a year of financial crisis, can we really be expected to muster serious generosity in the face of steep losses?

It’s simply a fact that with less income we have less to give. Despite our best intentions, the money we would have gladly donated last year may look quite different this year – perhaps fending off creditors, supplementing an unemployment check, or stretching to cover our mortgage.

But what if there were a way to give without increasing our budget? What if we could literally save lives without spending any more? Instead of more spending, perhaps charity can be about deepening our compassion for others through a little personal sacrifice.

Global Fast is a young movement that does this exactly – saving lives through fasting and charity.

If I’m willing to fast one lunch each week – a sub sandwich or personal pizza – the money saved from that one lunch can feed a rescued victim of human trafficking for a whole month, or provide five years of clean water – literally saving a child’s life.

Does it sound a little uncomfortable or inconvenient to fast a meal? Most of us do it accidentally – we wake up late and skip breakfast, or get too busy and we forget to eat lunch.

Physically speaking, Global Fast is no different – fasters skip just one meal each week and donate what they would have spent. The real difference is that it’s done with a purpose and a prayer – a purpose to save lives, and a prayer to create lasting change and deepen our own compassion for the suffering of others.

What is the power of sacrificing just a little for others?

In 2007, Global Fast partnered with Florida-based Food for the Poor to rally a few thousand fasters for a one-day event on Ash Wednesday. Enough money was raised from this effort to build a sustainable fishing project in a coastal Haitian village – giving new boats, fishing gear and equipment – that provide a new food and income source for the entire village.

Now one year since the launch of this project, the boats and fishing gear have provided food and income for this village for 365 days – all due to just one day of fasting. And that one day sacrifice will continue to give food and income for many years to come.

The same compassionate fasting has provided enough during 2008 to build a second fishing village project in a neglected coastal area. Hundreds of families will have food and income instead of malnutrition and despair.

Global Fast proves that real charity can be a matter of growing our compassion for others, rather than swelling our spending.

What’s the power of sacrifice for others? Truly, it is the soul force that can change the world.

___

Rich Halvorson is the founder of Global Fast. www.globalfast.org

Ending Slavery: How we Free Today's Slaves

2008-12-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Kevin Bales is the leading global expert on the modern-day slave trade and practice. In this new book (Dec 10, 2008), he outlines a six-step plan from the individual level up to the United Nations level of how to end this most perverse, criminal and inhumane practice that continues growing as of today. For those who want a deeper understanding of the causes and solutions, this book will be a worthy guide to understanding what can be done.

If you want to save lives every week, please join Global Fast in the fight for freedom. We invite you to join us in fasting one meal per week to fast and give towards ending human trafficking. ... You will save lives without even increasing your budget.

Key Links:

Join the Fast for Freedom Now >>

Ending Slavery book (buy on Amazon.com)

More on ending slavery and human trafficking

Enslaved: New Report on Child Soldiers

2008-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Human trafficking takes place not only in the form of sexploitation and forced prostitution, but in many conflict-ridden nations it also takes the form of enslaved child soldiers. Many in the US learned of this phenomenon in Uganda through the film Invisible Children. Raising new awareness and insight on the phenomenon of enslaved child soldiers, Vision.org has released a new series called Enslaved, which highlights the particular tragedy and challenges of children forced into the conflicts of their tribes or nations.

Other books & resources:

Special Report: Enslaved - by Vision.org

Free the Slaves

Disposable People - by Kevin Bales (published 2004)

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Global Fast - New Fishing Village Project in Haiti

2008-11-27T01:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the fasting of thousands of you out there, there will be a second Global Fast fishing village project in Haiti! ... This time, the location is even more difficult to get to, and therefore an area that is even more underserved by most charities working in Haiti.

Provided in partnership with Food For The Poor, this fishing village will feed hundreds or thousands each day with 4 new fishing boats to replace old dugout-canoe style boats. The fishermen are taught how to fish in deeper waters, and how not to overfish any one area, so as to make their food source sustainable over the long run.

Please see the video below from the first fishing village, or see this awesome story by Dan Grech of the Americas Desk on National Public Radio on Marketplace: Global Fast - Creating Economies in Haiti. The idea is not just to give a handout, but that our "opportunity" projects should actually create the foundations for small-scale economic growth -- leading to first-steps of shoes, medicine, schooling, etc. These things we take for granted are huge leaps forward in these remote villages of Haiti. Please keep them in your prayers.

First Post - new Global Fast blog

2008-07-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hi! .. I am the first post on this lonely little blog. :) ... for more information on Global Fast, please visit the website at www.globalfast.org. Also, check out the video here of Global Fast's first fishing village in Haiti. Global Fast founder Rich Halvorson travels to Haiti with Food for the Poor's Angel Aloma to check out the new hope and new dreams you've created through fasting and giving!