American Youth Tune Out Media, Tune In to God

There is a time for everything...a time to be silent and a time to speak."
Ecclesiastes 3:1a, 7b

These days, you would be hard pressed to find a teenager who doesn’t own a video game console, television, a cell phone, iPod (mp3 player), or personal computer. It seems that America’s teenage population is defined by fast-paced entertainment, a continual need for electronic connectedness, and a boredom for things not associated as the newest, fastest, or most popular. Add to this the western notion of individualism and the result is a generation who may be “connected,” but in reality are not experiencing God’s communal, loving, sacrificial kingdom.

But this country’s Christian youth are demonstrating something different.

From coast to coast, our nation saw thousands of teenagers sacrifice their comforts for the sake of others this past year, By fasting from all electronic entertainment, these teens were able to slow down from life’s many distractions an discover God’s heart for their neighbors in need. This Media Fast is a program of The Sound Off for Poverty, Love INC’s vehicle to engage youth to take action against poverty in our nation.

While participating in the Media Fast, teens abstain from using all forms of electronic entertainment – such as video games, music, television, cell phones and the Internet – for a specific period of time. Most teens participate with their church youth group and together they use the fasting time for Bible lessons, group activities, and community service projects. Teens also raise financial support for their fast from family and friends, and all funds are used to help those in need through Love In the Name of Christ.

Please contact the Love INC office if you would like more information.