Youth SpotLIGHT: Go Without Challenge

The #GoWithoutChallenge was an initiative started by several members of the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) and Global Service Interns (GSI) in an effort to raise funds for the Loaves and Fishes campaign, a fundraiser for families worldwide struggling with poverty due to the pandemic.

The idea of the challenge was that people would decide to fast from something that they regularly spend money on, post about it, tag a few friends and then donate the money they would have spent. The challenge spread worldwide , and many people participated from countries around the world, including Singapore, Australia, England, Canada, USA, South Africa, and so on.

People went without takeout, snacks, Netflix and coffee. Some people donated the money they would have spent on travel, on gym memberships, gas and haircuts. Others donated the money they received for their birthday. The social media challenge really took off and people participated in very creative ways. It also encouraged youth to consider how the pandemic is affecting people worldwide .

Here are some testimonies of youth that participated:

“I gave up fast food for three weeks. I find that oftentimes, in seasons of hardship and disappointment, it can be easy to become self-focused. Yet what contributes to the healing and solution in the world is being outwardly focused. As much as it can be hard to donate when most of us may not be as financially stable, it's so good for our hearts to not cling tightly to money.” - Elon

“I gave up all forms of media distractions such as Netflix, YouTube, etc., and for me it was difficult because I am so accustomed to pulling out my device and watching something entertaining when I get bored. It really showed me how blessed I am to even have internet access during this pandemic because so many families don’t even have enough money for their next meals (let alone internet to stay connected with others during this isolation) so it showed me how much I have that I take for granted every day.” - Nicole

“It has really been a battle (wouldn't be a challenge if it wasn't) with all the cravings, but it's a joy to fight them! Because eating out and casually buying snacks and drinks is a luxury I'm blessed with, that I can live without, while out there are those without food which they literally cannot live without.” - Matt

“It was tough at first. Whenever I found myself feeling tempted to buy myself coffee, I chose to pray for those affected by COVID-19 — our frontline workers, our world leaders, those sick with the virus, people who have lost jobs or loved ones, and those facing food insecurity. I feel so much more connected to my giving and to God when I’ve had to sacrifice something in order to make it happen.” - Emily

For more good news and updates from HOPE worldwide youth, check out www.hopeww.org/YouthSpotLIGHT.