As the World Vision 40 Hour Famine begins today, one 80-year-old will be seeking to top her fundraising effort from last year.
St James', Turramurra member Valda Corbett raised over $21,000 in the 40 Hour Famine in 2007, making her the highest solo fundraiser in the country.
Mrs Corbett's effort also helped propel St James' to first on the list of the top banking churches for the 2007 40 Hour Famine, raising almost $64,000.
More than 60 teenagers from St James' youth groups participated in last year's 40 Hour Famine and managed to raise $42,540.
Youth minister Ben Powell hopes as many as 80 youth will participate in the 2008 Famine from August 15 to 17.
"We are an incredibly privileged generation. Having been so blessed by God we see it as a delight to be able to serve others in less fortunate situations, such as the 60 million child labourers in India, whom much of this year's proceeds will be going towards," Mr Powell says.
"The World Vision 40 Hour Famine is simply a great vehicle provided by a great Christian organisation that enables us to give from the abundance we have received to those who are in desperate need."
Mission led me to Famine
Mrs Corbett, who has participated in the 40 Hour Famine every year since 1970, and her husband, retired Sydney Anglican clergyman the Rev Max Corbett, were CMS missionaries in Tanzania from 1955 to 1970. The couple's time in Africa made Mrs Corbett determined to help World Vision's cause upon returning to Australia.
"When I first did the Famine they gave me one sponsorship receipt book. Now they post me 12 without even thinking," she laughs.
Mrs Corbett launched the 40 Hour Famine at St James' on Sunday July 13 and is hopeful the church will continue to strongly support the cause. The Corbetts also sponsor a young girl in South-East Asia named Oroya. Mrs Corbett wants to see more people support the Christian aid work of World Vision.
"I hope and pray those who join in doing the 40 Hour Famine would gain a heart and vision for the broader work of World Vision. I hope more young people will also become open to overseas mission work themselves."
Mr Powell says he has has seen changes in St James' teens following the 40 Hour Famine.
"I have seen many kids "emptying' their personal bank accounts, doing announcements on their school assemblies and talking about the issues with their friends," he says.
"For our young people this isn't simply a moral issue, it's not just about eradicating poverty, it's about following Jesus and honouring him in every part of their lives."
When Mrs Corbett was in hospital in 2005, doctors were not keen on her doing the Famine. But she insisted, and even managed to get one of her specialists to sponsor her.
"The specialist, who was a Christian, took the envelope, put in a donation and gave it back to me!"
