One of the moments I was really looking forward to was the "Community BBQ" Ann Street hosts once a month on the steps of the church. Can you see it? A picturesque, skyscraper filled, bustling downtown scene. In the midst of the high rise buildings and shops, is a small 100 year old, steeple topped, white church. The entrance of the church steps down on to the busy downtown streets. Here is where this church is having a "sausage sizzle" or BBQ once every month. Comple
tely free, donated and hosted by the church and it's members. Here is where they are feeding Jesus! We saw homeless people, regulars, international students, people who had just flown into Brisbane that day from other parts of the world. People staying at the hostel down the street and could not understand why they were giving away free food. We know why, and were able to share that with them. We stood on the sidewalk and beckoned people to come, we served food and drink, we sat and talked and shared, we prayed with them, we hugged and loved them, we had an amazing evening! That full circle moment? About 8 years ago when
Mike Carman, our cross-cultural pastor started at our church, he started a food pantry. Something we had never had before. We collected food and handed it out regularly. I was looking to get involved in something and Robert suggested the pantry. After a few months we had a surplus of food due to our congregations generosity. What if we cooked up some of that food and served a warm meal and conversation to our friends in need? Not a "soup kitchen" of getting them in and out, but we grab a plate and sit down with them and talk and listen. Our first night saw food for 100 people and 12 show up. One of the 12 who showed as we were cleaning up was contemplating suicide that night. He spoke with one of o
ur volunteers for a long time. He left that night with a full stomach but more importantly a sense of how much God loves him! Worthwhile? Since that time, we have continued to have these dinners once a month and they have grown into 100's of people being fed, not just with food but with the love of Christ. What started here in Knott Ave Christian Church Anaheim, CA has stretched across the world! Ann Street thought "we can do this too!" Isn't God amazing? My heart was leaping that night, thank you Lord!
tely free, donated and hosted by the church and it's members. Here is where they are feeding Jesus! We saw homeless people, regulars, international students, people who had just flown into Brisbane that day from other parts of the world. People staying at the hostel down the street and could not understand why they were giving away free food. We know why, and were able to share that with them. We stood on the sidewalk and beckoned people to come, we served food and drink, we sat and talked and shared, we prayed with them, we hugged and loved them, we had an amazing evening! That full circle moment? About 8 years ago when
Mike Carman, our cross-cultural pastor started at our church, he started a food pantry. Something we had never had before. We collected food and handed it out regularly. I was looking to get involved in something and Robert suggested the pantry. After a few months we had a surplus of food due to our congregations generosity. What if we cooked up some of that food and served a warm meal and conversation to our friends in need? Not a "soup kitchen" of getting them in and out, but we grab a plate and sit down with them and talk and listen. Our first night saw food for 100 people and 12 show up. One of the 12 who showed as we were cleaning up was contemplating suicide that night. He spoke with one of o
ur volunteers for a long time. He left that night with a full stomach but more importantly a sense of how much God loves him! Worthwhile? Since that time, we have continued to have these dinners once a month and they have grown into 100's of people being fed, not just with food but with the love of Christ. What started here in Knott Ave Christian Church Anaheim, CA has stretched across the world! Ann Street thought "we can do this too!" Isn't God amazing? My heart was leaping that night, thank you Lord!
1 comment:
Liz, it brings tears of joy to my eyes to think back on that night, and what it meant for US to have you there! You never what God has planned but thankfuly you were obedient when you heard Him speak!!
Thanks for that.
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