One of the blessings that I received while growing up was sitting at the kitchen counter, visiting with my mom while she cooked. Watching her and helping her in the kitchen was great preparation for my future. Over the past 24 years of marriage, I have spent countless hours in the kitchen. Unlike some women who consider preparing meals a necessary evil, I enjoy cooking for my family. Fortunately, I learned to cook “from scratch” years ago, under the tutelage of my mother. I hardly realized then that these skills would be put to use in Tanzania!
Cooking in Africa can present quite a challenge, but we certainly do not go without. We may have different choices, but we do not lack for anything. There is an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. The meat often leaves something to be desired, but thanks to the hunting skills of certain family members, our table has seen some very nice game meat.
Another food item that my daughters and I make regularly is bread. Granted, there is rarely a bag of flour that does not have at least one bug in it, at least that we know about. We must sift each bag of flour carefully, and hopefully we catch most of them. We’ve enjoyed wheat bread, white bread, banana bread, pumpkin bread, biscuits, muffins, cinnamon rolls, corn bread (thanks to those thoughtful care packages), French bread, etc.
Preparing bread or other home cooked treats can be a great way to serve others. New mothers, elderly people, bereaved families, shut-ins, your children’s Bible class teachers, and to anyone, just to say “I was thinking of you.” Beyond taking someone a loaf of bread now and then, Christians need to revive the art of hospitality. It is one thing to treat someone to a meal at a local restaurant, but it is quite another to invite someone into your home and share a meal at your table.
In our fast-paced, self-centered society, there is often the temptation to think “I just don’t have the time.” But inviting someone into your home is more than just filling their belly. It is about building relationships. It is taking time for people. We need to make time to get to know our brethren, beyond shaking hands in the vestibule and the occasional potluck. Have you ever invited the elders or preacher and their families into your home? How shocked would your neighbor be if you invited them over for a meal? What a wonderful opportunity for evangelism.
Some of the vivid memories I have of my childhood involved guests that have sat around our table. The food didn’t have to be fancy; it may have been a big pot of beans and a pan of cornbread. The food is not really what I remember, but the fellowship that was enjoyed. When is the last time you extended hospitality in your home? Challenge yourself to expand your comfort zone, and use your home and your kitchen to minister to others.
