Banquet on the bed of a pick-up truck

by Marsha Campbell

Another bright, sunny afternoon in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti soon became brighter. The village gate slid open to welcome a red pick-up filled with smiling friends and food for all.  From Source de la Grace West to Source de la Grace East they came, bearing a banquet on the bed of a pick-up truck. 

They came, clothed in their Sunday best, sitting with expectation a top commercial drums and pots and pans.  The ladies had labored together and now were sharing joyfully in the delivery of this Sunday supper to the Father’s children at Source de la Grace East, Jumecourt. Jumping out of the truck, they all got to work.  Pastor Moise, with his sweet wife, Francoise and their merry team were soon in the kitchen.  Several stirred huge pots of beans and rice.  Moise deftly served orange drinks to the thirsty smiling children.  A few of the other men (if you can’t take the heat of the kitchen–get out and play!) started a pick-up game of basketball.  Music, laughter and storytelling filled the air. 

Coming to the children, a heavenly glimpse of grace and care.  This generous team of friends, who live in challenging circumstances themselves, gathered together to create a meal.  They came personally, to deliver and serve nearly a hundred orphans in a village over an hour away.  The church today became a family, sharing a sweet and savory Sunday supper together.

In my mind’s eye, I saw the children coming to Jesus and his welcoming love of them:  “let the children come to me…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”

 Mark 10:13

This day, His followers went to the children with the heart of the Father.  The kingdom of God was on earth today for at least a couple hours or so…I saw it in the smiles and twinkling eyes. In the pick- up basketball game; in the high fives and tender snuggles on the side. I smelled it in the savory aroma of lovingly prepared food; I felt it in the hugs and embraces of the women who cooked and served. I heard it in the songs of joy and praise and most of all in the giggles, squeals and laughter of all.   I experienced joy in community, joy in extended family, joy in the family of God.  I savored a delicious little slice of heaven on earth.

This is the heart and hope of our mission: to be the body of a loving and living God together globally serving the least and most vulnerable in our midst, the children, orphaned and abandoned.  As we come together, across countries and cultures, collectively to serve them we become better.  We become enriched. We gain a glimpse of the Father’s heart, the very Kingdom of God.   We experience.  We become humbled and blessed by the simple love of a child–we grow into our best. 

So, my simple prayer to our Father:   May our hearts be open to see, experience and become our best.   May we learn to serve as the church at Source de la Grace has, a heavenly meal, a Sunday supper, a celebration of care, love, and laughter, a simple family gathering for the most vulnerable children in our midst.  May we be people who Live out Love in breaking bread together.

Thank you Pastor Moise, Francoise and church for teaching us how to BE a heavenly family for the sake of His and our children.  What a sweet and rich Sunday dinner you served–a heavenly banquet on the bed of a pick-up.  Bon Appetit indeed!