If you spend yourselves on behalf of the
hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the
darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
-Isaiah 58:10
MIFA invites members of faith communities in the Mid-South to
participate in MIFAST by doing without one or more meals or treats.
the cost of missed meals to MIFA.
What is MIFAST?
MIFAST is an opportunity for members of faith communities to engage in a spiritual discipline as part of their giving to others. While increasing numbers of people in our community are suffering the effects of a severe economic crisis, there is great power in the concept of a voluntary sacrifice on their behalf. Giving up something we would ordinarily enjoy--one or two meals, desserts, snacks, designer coffee, or a favorite food--and donating the cost of those things to MIFA will materially help our neighbors in need. But beyond that, the experience of contemplation that we will gain through this discipline will help to promote awareness, unity, and healing in our city. Whether we have much or little, we are all connected, and fasting will help us strengthen the sense of our sacred bond.
Who can participate?
Anyone--alone, with friends or family, or as part of a group in your congregation.
When should I fast?
Anytime. You may already fast during Lent, Yom Kippur, Purim, Ramadan, or as a regular discipline, or you may want to practice fasting for the first time. MIFA will focus on MIFAST at its annual
Day of Reflection and Service, April 2, 2011, when we honor our volunteers and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, who fasted regularly.
We urge you to consider being a part of this significant undertaking.
For more information, contact
Linda Marks, Inter-Faith Coordinator, at (901) 527-0208, x218.
Reasons to fast
-
To put ourselves in the place of the needy
- To create a time for reflection
- To remind ourselves to be grateful for our blessings
- To encourage humility
- To interrupt normal routine and develop a new perspective
- Fasting offers a way for the community to come together--for unity, healing, recognition of economic need
- Fasting helps people remember that we are all part of the community---we all need to acknowledge our part in community problems
- Fasting is a good way for children to be introduced to concept of giving up something to help others.
Fasting procedure
-
Do without one or two meals, and give at least the cost of those meals to MIFA
- Other options--do without desserts, snacks, designer coffee, or a special favorite food for a period of time
- Remember the importance of flexibility for health reasons
- Spend fasting time in reflection, family activities, service, etc.
- End fast with special meal--good for families and congregational groups
Clergy are encouraged to tell their congregations about MIFAST
Donations can be mailed to MIFA (please designate MIFAST) at 910 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN, 38126, or made
online.
Resources for participants
Wikipedia page on fasting
Article in The Commercial Appeal about MIFAST
Article in Hope in Action, Summer 2009, about MIFAST