Restore Hope - Fast-A-Meal

Restore Hope, a Tulsa ministry to people in need of food, clothing and other assistance, is encouraging people to join Fast-A-Meal, its annual Lenten program.

During Fast-A-Meal, participants are encouraged to fast for one meal each week of Lent, pray for the poor during the fast and give alms for the poor, said Jeff Jaynes, executive director of Restore Hope.

This year, the fasting period begins Feb. 18 and continues through April 4, the day before Easter.

Fast-A-Meal is a program that John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, “would just absolutely love,” Rev. Jaynes said. Wesley called upon Christians to “fast, give alms and pray,” according to the ministry’s website, www.restorehope.org.

“For the cost of one meal each week during Lent, we can provide food for a family whose pantry is bare, a Bible for a family who does not have one and much-needed funds to help prevent homelessness,” according to the website.

Restore Hope encourages people to make donations to organizations that help the poor, such as food banks and places like Restore Hope.

 The program, which is in its 25th year, raised $8,200 for Restore Hope last year. Some 102 people and organizations participated, Jaynes said. Money raised was used to buy food and Bibles for families in need as well as helping prevent families from being evicted from their homes.