[Hyde]

I just wanted to bring up something that I witnessed in 2013 in my 3 years at WMS, in particular the treatment of children.

WMS observe the keeping of 'feasts' that they say are from the bible's teaching. One part of these feast rituals is fasting. On one particular 'feast' at WMS, members fast from about 10pm at night to 3pm the next day. Going without food and water for around 17 hours. My story is about what I witnessed on that day of fasting for the 'feast'.  I was at 'Zion' and it was about lunch time on the day of the 'feast' and 'brothers' and 'sisters' were fasting. I was passing through the kitchen when a little girl, who was aged 3 years old, came into the kitchen and she was crying. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that she was hungry. So I went to the fridge and gave her some biscuits and then she asked for a drink of orange juice so I poured her a cup of juice. After this the 'sisters' found out I had done this and they rebuked me for giving this 3 year old girl food and drink because I was "denying her of blessings" on this day of fasting. Up until that time I had no idea that children were fasting and I told the 'sisters' that it disturbed me that one so young should be made to do this and they told me that children all around the world were keeping this rule, particularly in Korea. So I said I didn't agree with it but I carried on minding my own business. I didn't like it but I kept my mouth shut because at the time I respected the WMS. When I think about it now I am saddened and wonder how many other little kids are doing this fasting ritual. There are disadvantaged children around the world suffering from hunger and thirst but with love and support these children can have food and drink which is what they need. I can't think of a good reason why a 3 year old child should be suffering this sort of pain. It is my opinion that God teaches unconditional love for little children and anyone who causes them to suffer will be cursed by God. I'm not against an adult or even young adult fasting if that is how they are devoted to God because they understand why they are doing it. However a 3 year old child does not understand fasting. They simply don't comprehend it. I don't know if children are still made to fast and I only found out by accident on that day but I hope it doesn't still occur because it is hard to believe that Jesus would abide in this sort of practice. I find no evidence of children fasting in his teachings.