The Storyteller Tells a Story of Faith…
What brings you comfort? Is it a warm coat, a good pair of shoes, a soft pillow or a special chair? Perhaps it is a tummy full of good food or being free from pain. We all have things in our lives that bring us comfort and a sense of well-being. What brings us comfort is as different as we are, but we do know for some there is little comfort in their lives. The question is what does God want us to do about that?
Psalm 22:24 “For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT)
About six years ago, a group of people from Mt. Zion Church decided to have a pot pie supper – comfort food at its finest! Originally, the idea came about as a means to socialize and gather in the church. Recognizing this as a ministry, the food was served by donation – no meal fee was charged. It was a risky endeavor to serve the meal this way because there were uncertainties. Would we have enough food? Would we be able to pay for the supplies? Would we have enough people to serve the meal? This had not been tried previously, so no one knew the outcome. But we needn’t have worried – ‘God had our backs’. We trusted Him to provide for us and provide He did! Every pot pie supper since that first one has been served by donation, and every dinner has made enough to cover the costs and more!
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (NIV)
So what does comfort food like pot pie have to do with comfort for people?
At first the proceeds from the pot pie supper were used for needs around the church – specifically a sign and the multi-media system. But after a short time, we began hearing stories about hungry kids and children without coats, boots and warm clothes in the winter, Christmas presents and school supplies. Through teachers in the group, we made contact with a few schools to find out how we could help ease the needs and provide comfort for the children and their families. As the needs and requests were filled, more came to us. And as word of this ministry spread, people began seeking us out for help rather than the other way around.
We have made many friends through this event. People from all around the community eagerly await this bi-annual supper. Tammy Eads (MZ) recently related she was approached in the grocery store with the question, “Pot pie lady, when is the next pot pie supper?” We have also had people say to us they especially like to support this event because they know the proceeds are used in the community to help people, especially children, in need.
This event brings people together in love – not only the people who come to share a meal, but also the people who lovingly prepare the food. You don’t need to be a member of any special group to help. Everyone is welcome. We have helpers from Mt. Zion and Barnitz churches as well as beyond our doors. Everyone comes together in love to provide a good meal of comfort food that in turn provides comfort to many others with the money raised. When gifts and support leave our doors, they also leave with a simple message – we love you! The more we show love to others, the better chance we have of getting the message of the redeeming love of Christ out there. And what can provide us more ‘comfort’ than accepting Christ as our Savior and spending eternity with Him?
“Spread the love of God through your life, but only use words when necessary.” Mother Teresa