Let’s Make a Blessing: Service & Discipleship in the Kitchen

by Erin Thomas

 

Everyone needs it to survive. Yet thousands of people around the world go without it each day; and though some may not go totally without, time and circumstances do not always allow for proper preparation. What is it? Food. This lack of food allows ordinary people to do extraordinary ministry in practical ways.

 

In Richmond, Virginia, families and individuals are getting a literal taste of an act of kindness thanks to the women’s ministry at Grace Community Baptist Church (GCBC). Individuals and families in need of a good meal—or many meals—are finding it through the women’s service of Let’s Make a Blessing. Women of all ages work together to provide meals for church and community members who find themselves unable to provide or prepare meals. Simultaneously, the women at Grace offer and receive “culinary mentorship,” as younger women learn basic dishes and recipes to cook at home and for others in need.

 

“It’s a combination of discipleship and service,” says Kathryn Holloway, a member of the GCBC women’s ministry leadership team. “Lots of women can be involved in serving the Grace body and the surrounding community, and opportunities for spiritual and practical discipleship can arise through natural conversation.”

 

Pam Wilson, leader of the GCBC women’s ministry, explains the purpose and success of the service. “We chose this [way to minister] to help Carole Donaldson, a church member and women’s leader, who is responsible for getting meals and flowers to those in need in our body and in the community. By having meals already prepared and frozen, we can quickly assemble a full course in just a matter of minutes. Many needs arise quickly, and this gives us an opportunity to minister . . . the same day we are made aware of the need.”

 

Within five meetings, 35 meals of various sizes have been prepared. From this, 25 families, couples, and singles have received a meal due to a family death, unemployment, medical reasons, or other circumstances. “We don’t have [an official] method as to who gets the meals. We let the Lord guide us,” Wilson says.

 

Two single-parent families who share a home were recently given meals. With both mothers working during the day, it is difficult for them to establish a schedule and find the time after work to prepare large, healthy meals for themselves and the four children.

 

A young woman, Ruth Amati, a Kenyan immigrant new to Grace, suggested these families receive meals because she was aware of their need. But Ruth also benefited from the experience. She learned how to purchase a bulk amount of meat at the deli and prepare a meat loaf—not a common dish in Africa.

 

“I really enjoyed it!” she says. “I got to meet new ladies I might not have met otherwise, and the recipe we made was really simple and is something I can make again.” Most importantly, Amati says she is happy to see others blessed by Let’s Make a Blessing.

 

“If someone else can benefit by having food for the day or the night, it is worth going,” she says. “A meal is always available, and that is such a blessing for so many!”

 

Ministry opportunities like Let’s Make a Blessing are something any church or small group can do, says Wilson. It is an instant, personal meeting of a very important need.

 

“At Grace, we encourage small groups to help first if the person needing a meal is in their group. If they need more assistance, then we step in. If those in need are not in a small group, then we provide the meal, sometimes even two or three to the same person.”

 

A need is a need, says Holloway, and just as families and individuals need meals, women also need fellowship and an outlet to serve. “In this way, Let’s Make a Blessing pulls double duty and fulfills two great purposes!”

 

Holloway encourages women of all ages to engage in ministry and service, and says an activity like this one can use the strengths of one set of people to equip another.

 

“Partnering in the body to serve one another and the community is essential because the Christian life isn’t meant to be individualistic, but corporate. When we serve together, we are able to share in the fun of being obedient, learning and growing together to serve others in His name.”