I have followed the ministry transition of a children’s pastor at an area church as he moves from the church environment to start a non-profit helping solve the problem of food insecurity for families. Most of us don’t realize that many kids don’t get meals at home due to poverty – the only meals they get are at school. Therefore, when school isn’t in session, they don’t eat. Even something as seemingly insignificant as a snow day means that many of these children won’t get anything to eat – because the school isn’t there to feed them. I better understand the hesitancy to cancel classes when you are reaching out to areas of poverty, even in our home county of Hamilton – one of the most affluent counties in the country. Because poverty is everywhere.
Jordan, the children’s pastor I am mentoring, has started a ministry to provide healthy, protein based meals to food pantries and has a mission to be the largest supplier of fully prepared and packaged meals to fight food insecurity. Janet and I have supported causes such as this for many years. You can see how this attracts our attention… Jordan calls his ministry the Smoking Pastor Project, Inc. Most of the meals contain smoked or grilled food items made possible in part by corporate sponsors and places that have excess bulk meats and protein at bargain prices. If you have followed TBTB for any length of time, you know that my passion is preparing smoked foods for family and friends. It is a labor of love – and I am impressed by some of the choices Jordan has made to commit himself to this risky entrepreneurial venture. We have started to support him in this endeavor as well. And I love their ministry slogan, “crafting smiles, one bite at a time.”
Anyway, Smoking Pastor Project received a used box truck from a donor and while it has been a helpful addition to make food runs, it needed work and Jordan made the tough decision to sell the truck and pour the funds into another vehicle that also needed work. To cut to the chase of a much longer story, Jordan listed the box truck for sale one recent evening – and by morning he was getting all sorts of interest to purchase the truck. During his morning devotions, at exactly 6:51 a.m. the next morning, Jordan received a nudge from the Lord reminding him that it wasn’t his truck to sell. It was the Lord’s truck and Jordan was a steward of the asset.
Of course, this gave Jordan pause and he prayed about what to do. Later that same morning, early last week, he received a call from a young man who had a ministry that supported single fathers – those who were dealing with issues of poverty and social issues connected to the rigors of being a single Dad. This young man asked to meet Jordan and have lunch; that occurred the same day.
Anyway, the two men sat and discussed their respective ministries. Then, this young man said that he had seen the ad for the truck at 6:51 a.m. and his heart was moved to ask for the truck as a donation. Clearly, this wasn’t coincidence. To the minute, it was the same time that Jordan had, just that morning, received a nudge from the Lord that the truck wasn’t his to sell.
Jordan donated the truck to the other ministry. I respect that more than I can say. This is an example of someone moving out in faith. Because Smoking Pastor Project is just getting off the ground itself. But in an act of holding his hand open, palms up, Jordan demonstrated his commitment to turn this over to the Lord and let God direct his steps. I admire that.
I just love it when God gets visibly involved and moments like this occur – when you can’t explain interventions as accidental or coincidence. Janet and I have both had miracles happen before our eyes and this is clearly the same thing.
Our verse for tonight is the story of Jesus commending those who help “the least of these.” Whether it be visiting in prison, providing food, clothing, or fellowship, Jesus loves it when we reach out to those less fortunate. Matthew, the author of the first book of the New Testament, tells us the end of the story in Matthew 25:37-40. He tells us, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
My encouragement this evening is that Jesus smiles when we do our part to help those less fortunate. And let’s face it – healthy fully cooked protein based meals are better for kids than Twinkies and candy bars. My prayer is that others will reach out and join the fight to make life easier for those who are on the margins, fighting for a better life but who need a little help along the way. And if you would like more info on the Smoking Pastor Project, please let me know, I’ll be happy to fill you in. Have a a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…