Wow....exactly. I knew where you were at because I am so aware of the issue. Issue? Did I write issue? People who are starving to death, homeless, suffering, raped and hurt beyond belief. I wish so many around the world would take such a stand! What else can we do! Besides the obvious...pray. Faith + works....
4.7 million.....that's staggering...This is a broken world!
 

Don't take a hike friend! I think you brought up something a lot of us had been wondering about. And Jon, I believe you cleared it up beautifully. Thanks for that.

I do believe that "fasting" in terms that Matthew 6 describe it is for very private, personal, spiritual growth and enlightenment. And if that's the case, then of course it would be inappropriate to make that very intimate time with God a public act. There was (and still is) enough religious posturing going around for Jesus to address the hollowness of those acts.

But this is different. This IS a hunger strike, and Jon has raised awareness for Darfur, not for himself. I know several people who have also decided to fast and raise awareness in their own communities.

Little by little, people are being made aware.






 

You've opened up my eyes. I think what you're doing is amazing and I think it will bring about change. You're amazing, I believe in you.
 

I enjoy reading your uplifting and encouraging words Jon. You're a good role model to follow. =]
 

Dear Jon:
I knew, when I read about your fast, given your track record for speaking out against the madness that your motivations were honorable. Why is it that we as a nation do so little to act in these situations unless there is something in it for us (i.e. oil, precious metals). What a sad indictment it is on our nation. The reality is that wherever, whenever one of these dear ones are oppressed, we are all at risk. Darfur, Uganda, Sri Lanka and the wars that take place on the streets of our own cities; the suffering continues. When the people gathered to hear Jesus speak (Mark 6:34) and the hour was getting late; it is written that He was "moved with compassion for them" because they were like sheep without a shepherd.; that is so us! Compassion is not just merely having empathy for your brother and sister but to step into the experience and ACT. What if we were to take the opportunity at the upcoming summer music festivals all over the country to do a 24 hour fast and pray and raise money and awareness. How about a grass roots approach and talk about solutions (governments have failed miserably, agreed?). Lets take the few loaves that we have to offer and watch God do something amazing with it. Lets not tell God how big the storm is; lets tell the storm how big our God is! Bless your efforts Jon; you continue to inspire me.

Susan


 

I take Jon's fasting in another direction. If I were to fast, I probably wouldn't get noticed, it would be something personal for me to have, to know that I'm sharing in the struggle of 2.7 million people who have no other choice. But I believe for Jon, it is that and more. Jon is in the public eye, so not only does his fast help his own reality of the struggle the poor people in Darfur face, it also gives Darfur a voice. A figure that can be seen to say "Hey, why hasn't the government done anything? Will anyone help?" I believe that this public fast will help Darfur's cause! I know hearing Jon's testimony helped me jump on board and begin to speak of the hardships all of the people in Darfur face, and begin to do something about it! I would also just like to say thank you to Jon, for having the strength to stand up and say a true change needs to be made, not just a change that has been advertised!
 

Hey Jon,

I'm that one Navy guy from the verizon meet and greet not long ago. I hope you are finally getting some sleep these days, man. Anyway, I appreciate your willingness to try and find ways to use what you've been given. I know it must be a hard struggle to try and not give into comfort and apathy. At the very least you've reminded people, including me, about a pain that doesn't deserve to be overlooked. Keep on trying to find ways to waste your life for His glory, bro. Don't be scared to take even greater risks! Remember who's approval counts!
 

So im watching Fox news today, or might of been CNN, watever... but they'r rambling on an on about some supermodel, and her billionaire husband, an how they're getting divorced an she's sleeping in the maid's quarters an such... im thinkin, WOW! people around the world are starving, suffering, so much going down... an ''THIS'' is news?!!! whats with the media? they'r such a force, but such a waste...
 

Jesus was dealing with the fact that people wanted others to "admire them for their fasting." He wasn't necessarily dealing with the fact that anyone is aware that someone is fasting. Jews, and other whole nations for that fact (Ninevah), often practiced corporate fasting for repentance. They wore special articles of clothing called sackcloth to represent fasting and even threw ashes on themselves. Obviously, many people would be aware of who is fasting in such a circumstance. Jesus was speaking of the root of the fasting person's intentions--his HEART. If a musician's heart is to call a fast to end hunger and violence, then we should judge that pure and godly motive is his intention instead of accusing him of trying to glorify himself.
 

I thought about addressing this in my comment on your last entry, but didn't feel like I really had much legs to stand on.

It's the same with music and art: each individual can draw their own interpretation despite what the creator had originally intended to inspire.

I remember asking my father about fasting when I was a child when he was fasting for Lent. He told me that it shouldn't be done just because. It needs to mean something to the person doing it. He related it to the "engineering" ring that was given to him at graduation and is worn on the pinky. He said it's meant to clink on the table when he's writing blueprints for machinery to remind him, every time he hears it, of the importance of his job and that it can affect the safety of others in his hands.

He told me that he fasted because when he felt the hunger pains he used it to turn his mind from food, to meditation on Christ's suffering and the price he paid for us. It has always helped me understand why people fast or in other cultures use prayer belts and such.

I think fasting is noble if it is done in the right state of mind. Just as it states in Matthew 6. Not to be done in a manor that glorifies the individual for fasting, but in a way that brings the individual's attention to an issue or to God.

I have done the 30-hour fast, but we did it in a way that we brought the food we would have eaten to the church and gave it to food kitchens and spent the meal time hours going out in the community and asking people if they'd be willing to give.

I think there are many contradictions...... errr..... that's a strong word..... I think there are many "misinterpretations" within the Bible because much of God and Jesus' teaching were individual and situational. Everyone was looking for rules set in stone (there are some such as the 10 commandments) but God is more interested in where your heart is. How many times did Jesus ask the disciples, "Do you not YET understand?" and then he would have to try to explain it another way. You know, trying to explain why it's right for one person, but wrong for another.

If you are furthering yourself by fasting - wrong
If you are pondering, drawing attention, relating to a cause - acceptable.

But who am I to judge?

I have much respect for people who fast for good reason. I am actually quite jealous of people who find success in that method. I get very angry with myself when I do something like that with no action. I look at myself and think, "Who am I, but some girl in Boston who passed on a cheeseburger?" What good did I do?

I think you are in a very good position to cause action from your fast, being that you are a recognizable person. A fast would not work for me. I feel like I have much further to go before I make any kind of difference.

We are probably trying to accomplish the same things. I use discussion. I question and wonder and am amazed at the way people think. I love when I have the ability to get someone to look at things in a new light. Not just accept that things in this world are bad, but spark them to action.

*** Yes, far too much to have posted on my last comment. I hope you like to read. ***

 

I think that people look to far into it. I think that in my personal opinion when I chose to fast with you I chose to educate, because when those kids at my school ask why I'm fasting, I get to teach someone new about the genocide happening across the ocean, and tell them that they can help too.
 

Right on, son! I think the only way to get the political impact needed to change anything in Darfur, is to take the fast to the public... Like Jon said in his second blog "we choose the news".
 

very well said jon. thanks for raising awareness to something that's recieved attention of late, but needs much more. whether you know it or not, you're inspiring a lot of people
 

i don't think people understand the difference between fasting for faith purposes ....and Not eating for a hunger strike that has a political cause-not related to prayer in its usual practices. You don't have to have a faith to do a hunger strike for the starving but he just happens to.
 

Jon,

I just wanted to let you know that I support you and your fast, and I believe that you are very much living within the spirit of the law. It is clear that your purpose is not to elevate yourself or to promote your own righteousness, but rather to make the poverty of Darfur and unavoidable issue. I believe that this is the epitome of using your fame (a term I'm sure you are uncomfortable with) and God given gifts for the right reasons.

God Bless,

Adam
 

Well said. :)
 

Thanks Jon. I have been learning about this crisis since reading your blogs. Its heart breaking. Thanks for bringing awareness to this issue.
 

i have an idea!!!! how about you don't release any new switchfoot or foreman or fiction family to get your fans or followers attention...i know its how you surfive in a world that runs around paper and plastic, but if you have this one and only life, not saying your music wouldn't help also.. why not go all out? would God not provide for your cause?.. rally up the hippies and lovers of this world and make a stand brah! make your only shows in camps! or all of the shows for Darfur! pull a Ghandi and don't eat until people open their eyes to this human diaster! you have the mic, you have the spotlight! the eyes are on you and those around you! start an organization! footswitch for darfur! give reality to people in this world who have none because the media hides it! shine light on the dark spots no one knows about!! live in a TENT! speak about this at your shows! not everyone reads your blogs.

this all i know sounds crazy, maybe just a little bit, maybe just a little bit crazy. but dude, you are a radical! i know it! you have been blessed with words and wisdom, you know how to intertwine your heart with words to reach others hearts and souls. keep praying! keep asking for ideas from your Father!! he will give them!

peace brother!

mike
a foreman fan
 

GOTTA B REALLY CAREFUL WHEN QUESTIONING SUM1 DOING SUMTHIN GOOD ... I BELIEVE LOOKIN TO THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW & NOT THE LETTER OF THE LAW IS WHERE FOREMAN IS @ W/ THIS SUBJECT ... I ALSO BELIEVE THAT IN THIS DAY & AGE WHERE TRUE FAITH IS ON THE VERGE OF X-TINCTION , HE IS UNSELFISH ENUF & HUMBLE ENUF 2 EVEN THINK ABOUT THE TRAGEDY IN DARFUR MUCH LESS FAST & BRING AWARENESS 2 THIS SUBJECT ... I SHUDVE FASTED W/ HIM ...
HIS HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE ! ITS NEVER 2 LATE ...

PS-JON , THANX 4 UR FAITH
 

hey jon!
i have an idea to support the issues that are happening in Darfur. like very year, when you host the bro- am there is a main charity that you support. it might not be possible or realistic idea but ill give it a shot... why dont you guys find an orginization to support whats happening in Darfur and raise an awareness or if you cant find one maybe create something to show the people who come every year to encinitas and have them donate money for the suffering people. ive been to the bro am before and i know there are tons of people who come and participate in the beach concert and when i was there i supported and donated money to every charity there (it really made a difference to me to see and try to feel the pain of people who are suffering in the world everyday) and i think if you guys create this awareness, doesnt matter how you create this, but i think it would help the people to understand and want to help the people in need because when i was reading your blogs i agreed with the position you held. we need people to know and understand and want to help those people because its our duty in this world to make a difference and help those in need. we all have a purpose in life and this is one of them..
i hope you read my idea because if this can go forth in a plan maybe not at the bro am maybe on your tour or wherever. but i do think those are the best places to raise this awareness because many people do show up to see you guys preform. it can make a difference.
- gessica
 

Jon,

I have been reading your blog entires lately, and I feel like I should become apart of what you are doing. I totally and completely support you 100%. I actually have been praying about starting the fast as well. I realize I'm young, but I want to be used. You really inspire me, you're going to get blessed in full, just like it says in Matthew 6.

God bless,

-Hallie
 

I agree with you, Jon.  I think you're taking the spirit of the law over the literal "letter".  Your attempt to call attention to a fast is not for your own personal appearance of righteousness.  There is nothing about what you're doing that says "God, I thank you that I am not like other men - a sinner" (Luke 18:11).  You're not exalting yourself; you're promulgating a cause.

Thanks for calling this inexplicable inaction to the attention of so many.

 

I think I know what you are saying, John. You are fasting for an important reason and that is why the fast must be known, so others will consider taking action and doing the same. But if you announced your fast just because you were fasting, it makes you sound self-righteous.