Project: FAST

10 years ago

The World Mission Department is excited to announce that the Project 24/29 materials have been updated and the program is being rebranded as Project: FAST! Project: FAST is a Salvation Army youth event designed to teach young people about world hunger and preventable diseases that take the lives of tens of thousands of children every day. The acronym FAST describes the basic components of the program—Fundraising, Awareness & Serving Together—and the program is aptly named as program participants practice the discipline of fasting.

The first Project: FAST event was held at the Oakbrook Terrace Corps February 20-21, 2015. The focus for this event was the country of Haiti. Two former missionaries to Haiti shared information about the beautiful country and lessons they learned while living there. The youth played games, worshipped, spent time in prayer, reflected through activities such as writing a personal Psalm and drawing pictures that represented hope, and served by packing meals for children in need. In solidarity with those worldwide who daily experience hunger, throughout the event the youth fasted from food.

The following Sunday the young people set up an interactive marketplace to share what they learned with the entire corps congregation. They used the opportunity to raise funds to help support some of The Salvation Army’s chicken, cow and goat livelihood projects in Haiti. It was a lively celebration as some youth walked around with baskets soliciting donations while others dressed up in cow and goat costumes to help raise awareness. There were Haitian-made craft items such as bookmarks and napkin holders available for purchase. Even the youngest members of the corps were drawn in through a station where children could decorate and wear animal-shaped masks.

In all, through this first-ever Project: FAST event, the Oakbrook Terrace youth group raised $3,700, which will provide 3 cows, 16 goats, and 50 chickens for communities in Haiti. These animals will provide income, food, and hope for the receiving communities!

Would you like to host a Project: FAST event? Contact Viki Payton at 847-294-2065 or Missions@usc.salvationarmy.org for more information or to request a free resource packet. Based on availability, World Missions Department staff can be utilized to help facilitate your event, and resources can be adapted to fit the needs of your group.