MYF in Service and Mission

Feeding God’s Children in Espanola

On July 20, nine youth and three adults from our church went to San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen in Espanola. We arrived at about 8:45 AM and met the representative from San Martin de Porres, who helped us get the kitchen up and running. The menu we served that day consisted of chicken, macaroni and cheese, green salad, brownies (we called them ‘Supa-good brownies,’ as they were a hit!), and fruit punch. Each of us took certain jobs – some cooked the macaroni, one prepared the salad, many did dishes as needed, some set up tables, others cooked the chicken, some prepared the drinks, and others stocked the bathrooms with hand soap. All in all, I think we were a living example of the ‘body of Christ,’ each serving different, but cooperative functions to achieve the goal of feeding and taking care of God’s children.

We served 70 people lunch that day, and we were able to eat lunch with the people we served. We got to know them, their background, their story – whatever came up in conversation. Many of the people who came to the soup kitchen knew each other already, and we sensed a true community and familiarity among those we served. They took us in with love, and I truly believe it was a meaningful and growing experience for all of us to serve at San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen.

Interestingly, the day of July 20^th was said to have been the 20^th anniversary of San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen! It was established in 1992 and is not sustained or supported by one church or organization alone. Rather, it’s a collaborative ministry of volunteers from many different churches and organizations, working together to support and operate the soup kitchen. Our youth group has an ongoing relationship with SMDP; on February 5^th of this year, we raised $638 for the soup kitchen by holding a breakfast fundraiser. Through this effort, Methodist Youth Fellowship was considered a Chimayo Sponser of SMDP’s annual fundraiser, the Chile Bowl Contest, which is SMDP’s most significant fundraising event of the year that contributes to the costs of sustaining of the kitchen year round.

Our experience of serving that day reminded me of the following scripture:

‘Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” ’ — John 21:16

This is what we tried to do that day – to take care of God’s children as an act of worship to the Lord. We plan to continue fostering a relationship with that ministry through serving there in the Espanola valley. Praise God for providing a growing and eye-opening experience for our youth!