For the 15th year College of the Ozarks students participated in a 30 hour famine to raise money for hungry children in the Third World. Donations accepted at four locations throughout the Branson were matched eight to one with federal funds. Every ten dollars gathered feeds a starving child for 90 days.
The sacrifice of food and adequate shelter helps students understand the needs of those they’re helping. Freshman Mandy Boswell of Springfield sees the experience as part of her spiritual path, “Lately the Lord has been teaching me about humility … when Jesus came to this world he made himself in the likeness of a servant, this is a perfect opportunity to honor others above myself.”
Makeshift cardboard shelters provided students with their only available housing as they braved both rain and heavy wind. In preparation for the event student Kit Alarid prepared by studying images sent by the sponsoring organization. Though her exposure to hunger first hand is limited she found the images to be “startling and very convicting.”
At 5 a.m. rains caused cardboard structures to collapse and event coordinator Linda LeNeve reminded students that some living in the Ozarks are having the same experience without choice.
Three years ago only three students participated, this year 72 students made the commitment to take part. A new component was added this year and in addition to fasting camps setup at K-mart on Hwy 248 Wal-Mart in Branson, Branson West and Ozarks some students are stayed behind on campus to pray for those in the field. Each location had trained musicians in reaction to an incident several years back when a harmonica player, who only knew one song, made hunger a secondary discomfort.
Last year students raised $4,869.68 and after funds are counted they hope to have risen more this year. CofO campus ministries focuses heavily on mission trips throughout the world and administrators hope as “students feed their souls to starve hunger” they’ll also be inspired to show compassion and continue a tradition of good works towards their fellow man.
Those wishing to make a donation can call CofO Campus Ministries Department at 417-334-6411 Ext 3446
