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Youthfast substitutes prayer for mealtimes Concerned about Rogue Valley youth but don't have time or energy to get involved in their lives? A group of area ministers suggests this: Skip a meal or two and pray on Wednesday during Youthfast, a day-long event sponsored by Medford Area Network of Youth Leaders. "We're asking people to sacrifice what is a major part of their day and lives. Instead of eating, come to God and ask him to intervene in the lives of young people," said Jenny Trowbridge, youth pastor at Ashland Christian Center. "Young people have so many issues in their lives and for every generation, the issues get harder and harder. We need to pray for them." This is the second Youthfast; the first, held in 1988, ended with a rally that drew hundreds of teenagers from around the area to Medford's First Church of the Nazarene, said C.J. McVale, youth pastor at Table Rock Fellowship and chaplain for the Central Point Police Department. Kids and the youth workers who spend time with them can use all the prayer they can get, said Trowbridge. She and her husband and co-pastor, Butch, take teens from their youth group to Garfield Park, a popular after-school spot in Ashland. "Our youth group hangs out with the younger kids at The Grove Teen Center, helping them with crafts and games," said Trowbridge, an Ashland High School graduate. Prayer sometimes results in more volunteers, one of the greatest needs for Rogue Valley youth, said Brad Bills, executive director of Rogue Valley Youth for Christ. After the last Youthfast, two people who stopped by to pray at the Campus Life Clubhouse in Eagle Point signed up to help with club activities. "The more adults we can get involved in the lives of kids, the more effective we will be in sharing Christ's love," he said. Youthfast participants can pray wherever they are during the day. But for those who seek solitude, several sanctuaries will be open. And for those who like to pray in groups, two services are planned. The schedule is: 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., worship and prayer service, Living Waters Fellowship (formerly Faith Bible Center), 2218 Roberts Road, Medford. Noon, junior high and high school students will pray on their campuses. For locations, Call Campus Life, 779-3275. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., selected churches open for prayer, including Ashland Christian Center, 188 Garfield St., Ashland; Central Neighborhood Church, 4777 S. Pacific Highway, Phoenix; First Presbyterian Church, 405 E. California, Jacksonville; Table Rock Fellowship, 3610 N. Pacific Highway, Central Point; Youth for Christ office, 400 Crater Lake Ave., Medford; Campus Life Clubhouse, 226 W. Main St., Eagle Point; and Community Bible Church, 240 Broad St., Butte Falls. 7 to 8:30 p.m., worship and prayer service, First Church of the Nazarene, 1974 E. McAndrews Road, Medford. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA