Photo: Tracy Wey |
DYEING TO STOP HUNGER
Pastor Michael Wey of First Presbyterian Church in Savanna, Illinois, thinks that hunger is an important enough issue that his church kids should take it seriously. "Instead of just thinking that they're kids that can't possibly do anything to help in the fight against world hunger, I wanted them to know they could make a real difference." says Wey. "Hunger is important - my hair isn't."So he challenged the kids to learn about hunger and then go out and collect money to help. And, he promised, if they raised more money than the Savanna CROP Hunger Walk in 2003, they could dye his hair! The youth went out, door-to-door, heart-to-heart, and raised $1,400! One fifth grader, Heidi Kinder, raised nearly $600 by herself.
It was an exciting Sunday in November when the children dyed Pastor Mike's hair - hot pink, yellow, and blue! Then Wey, wearing his "new hair," preached about how people get all wrapped up in looks when it's what we do that makes a difference. He sent folks home with the words "now the worship is over. . . but the service continues."