Meet Glenys. A Tearfund supporter, she made plans to join in with the Global poverty prayer week. She decided that during the week she would set aside her lunchtimes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to pray and fast.
‘Fasting isn't something I've done before,’ said Glenys ‘but I learned so much.
‘I began to understand in a very small way what it must be like to feel hungry and to realise that for millions of people this is reality every day.’
As Glenys’ energy levels dropped she found herself needing a mid-afternoon rest and feeling very cold.
‘It made me realise that hunger is energy-sapping and that starving people simply don't have the physical strength to do anything. I was so cold that I had to turn the heating up a notch and put on another sweater, and the temperature wasn't even that low,’ she said. ‘There was certainly no snow - in fact the sun was shining. I remembered pictures of earthquake victims trying to keep warm in tents in the mountains, and it was snowing and food supplies were limited.
‘I think I now have a very much clearer idea of what lack of food does to a person, although I'm not in any way suggesting that three days of voluntary partial fasting is anything like the experiences of those affected by famine.’
Glenys has discovered what happens when we step back from life’s routines and take time to reflect on global inequalities: poverty becomes personal.
Yet the fasting and the praying and the shivering and thinking did not leave Glenys stranded. ‘Last Saturday and Sunday my Bible readings focused on God being the mighty, majestic, powerful King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and each day this week I've been brought back to that truth,’ she said. ‘I have sometimes felt that the magnitude of the problems faced by poor countries is overwhelming, but it's so good to be able to come to a Father who is overwhelmed by nothing! I'm so grateful for what God has taught me this week.’
Like the projects that you sustain, Tearfund supporters are remarkable people. You are open and honest, prepared for change and trusting in God. We are grateful too – for the things that God constantly teaches us through you.