However, for many it helped to create an awareness of this disaster, as well as to establish the role of Christians as active ministers in a world of suffering. When hurricane Mitch hit the Central American country of Honduras last November, the death toll reached into the thousands and is growing every day as the waters recede and more bodies are discovered. Homes, neighborhoods, and entire cities were destroyed in the hurricane's floods and mudslides. Seventy percent of the nation's agricultural sector was destroyed by water, as well as seventy percent of its roads, bridges, and water supplies. Millions have been left without food, water, shelter, or medical resources, and the problem is only exacerbated by the fact that Honduras' major population centers are cut off from both Pacific and Caribbean ports.
Many regions are still only accessible by air.
Against such a backdrop of devastation, PUC students began to search for some way to join those around the world sending help to Honduras. They wore bracelets around the campus that identified them as fasters. The bracelets also won them access to drinks that were donated by the Dining Commons. So with juice and encouragement, the campus sustained the hungry students through the rigors of their school day. The fast concluded with a special song service in the school's fireside room and a lesson that tied their period of physical hunger with the spiritual hunger described in scriptures.