Thursday, April 15, 2010

Meals and Missions

Two word title! These will tie together in the end. First let's start with the dark side - we need to visit it briefly. I love housework, ironing, laundry, cooking. Please do not write me about seeking therapy for this - it is just my thing. I love cooking so much that I once got talked into planning and preparing the Wednesday night meals at our church - for about 100 people a week. That lead to volunteering to go on a mission trip and cook for 50 teenagers and adults for one week, three meals a day. The kitchen had no dishwasher, one oven, one sink, no microwave (I talked our group leader into buying one), no coffee pot (seriously) and was the size of a large closet. The stories and blessings from that adventure are too numerous to recount here.

It is happening again. Not exactly a mission trip this time but a high school (plus sponsors) summer camp. My youth minister son-in-law asked if I would like to go as chief cook. Yes! I really would. So off we go - hopefully with a kitchen and equipment better than the one mentioned above.

Cooking for 50 teenagers and sponsors is not exactly foreign mission field stuff. We are all on a mission for our Lord. Our mission field might be our office or with prisoners or even in our own homes. We are all missionaries. We all have a ministry - or we need to find one!

I am in the planning stages for the summer trip - writing menus, experimenting with recipes, and thinking through the logistics of timing etc. This brings me great joy. Don't you think our ministry and mission should be joyful?

6 comments:

unnamed lad said...

50 teenagers is an adventure all by itself! :)

...and you're right, you don't need to go to a foreign land to do a mission.

Arlee Bird said...

People gotta eat and someone's gotta be in charge of providing the food. If that's your talent you should use it to glorify God. I admire what you are doing. You are an important part of the Body.
Lee
Blogging From A to Z April Challenge

Tori Cooper said...

Yes it should! That is so wonderful that found something you can do that not only brings joy to your life but blesses others! I wish I liked doing "housework, ironing, laundry and cooking" but I don't. I'm thankful that my husband is not too demanding! It makes me happy to hear that you love it! I have been on those trips before and you know it makes a difference to have someone who loves what they do... cooking for the crew! I agree with Lee- you are an important part of the body!

Grammy said...

Amen, Sister!
I once prepared a Valentine's Day banquet at our church for I don't know how many people (a whole bunch) and that was quite an experience! The kitchen was not the best and I never did that again, but I am glad I did it that time. I had trouble with the potato soup that I made and served because the stove was not heating right. Oh, it was a nightmare! God bless you, my dear!
Ruby

Lisa said...

I think it's wonderful that you enjoy doing all of those things and say YES! your mission should be joyful. If not, you're doing something wrong. Excellent post -- made me feel warm inside. :)

Ella said...

Wow, you are such a gift, come visit me! I love to cook/bake, but clean
not as much! Fifty teenagers, you are brave!