Junk food will be on the minds but not in the stomachs of teenagers at Community Chapel Church of God today. About 25 of the church’s young people are fasting this weekend as part of the annual World Vision 30 Hour Famine.

&uot;I think it gives (the students) a world view,&uot; said Youth Minister Troy Holifield about the event. &uot;It lets them know there’s a world outside Natchez, Mississippi that could use their help.&uot;

The group is also seeking sponsors for their fast and have set a goal of $1,400, Holifield added.

The money will go to finance World Vision relief projects around the world. World Vision is the world’s largest privately funded Christian relief and development organization.

In 1999, more than 1 million young people took part in the 30 Hour Famine and raised more than $8 million for World Vision projects.

More than 60 million people in almost 100 countries received help through the 1999 relief teams.

Holifield thinks the program teaches the teenagers about spiritual fasting, unselfishness and helps them gives back to the church that does so much for them.

&uot;I also think it helps them put their own personal needs aside for a cause,&uot; Holifield said.

This is the fifth year the Oakland Drive church has participated in this international fund-raiser.

The fast began at noon Friday and lasts until 6 p.m. today.

&uot;If you can make it through Friday night it’s cool,&uot;&160;Holifield said.

The youth will spend today doing mission work at the Gateway Mission, Pearl Family Assistance Center, in Jackson.

&uot;I just get a personal satisfaction is seeing these kids grow in their relationship with Christ,&uot; Holifield said. &uot;I don’t want it to be just a one weekend thing. I want it to open their hearts to other people.&uot;