Feeding Body and Soul
Amazing things happen around the dinner table. It’s time to talk, to connect, to share stories…and it becomes more than just feeding the body, it helps feed the soul. Mentoring young men can be incredibly challenging, but the rewards of developing the next generation of leaders is worth the effort. One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the past 20 years of youth ministry, is that building trust and developing authentic relationships with teenagers takes time. Trust does not happen overnight, it is a process of sharing life, being there in both good and bad times, empathetic listening, and trying to be a conduit of God’s grace and love at all times.
One of the most powerful moments of building relationships happen when I invite these youth to share a meal at my home. Gathering around the dinner table is not something most teenagers get to experience these days, most kids eat in front of the TV, or on the way to their next activity. It has been so cool to use my gifts of cooking and hospitality to serve these kids in this way. It opens the door for incredible conversations, and I always take time to pray a prayer of blessing over these kids before we dig in. These are powerful moments, and God uses these simple acts of kindness to reveal His love in fresh new ways.
Many of these guys are also asking me to help them learn to cook. Preparing a meal together allows for great conversation as well as a chance to teach important life skills. These are exciting mentoring moments… hosting these guys and providing cooking lessons is such a ministry to these guys, but it does create a financial need. Feeding all these teenage boys multiple times a month is a challenge on a missionary income. I could use your help. I am starting a Hospitality Ministry Fund that would help provide resources for this specific cause. I would love to host youth a least four to six times every month, for that my goal would be to raise $200 a month to help absorb some of these costs. Any contribution to this fund would be so appreciated. Thank you for your partnership, for allowing me to bring the Light of Jesus into the Stories of these young men.