A meal worth gathering around
For this outreach, we brought burgers, hot dogs, and the supplies to cook a meal right in the park. Setting up the griddle and food table gave us a place to serve our neighbors and spend the afternoon together. Our goal was to offer a good meal in a setting where people could feel welcome and take their time.
There were onions to chop, burgers and hot dogs to cook, and plates to put together. We wanted to give the preparation the same care we gave to serving. Cooking there in the park let us share that part of the afternoon with the people gathered around the table.
Time together around the table
As we handed out food, the table also became a place for conversation. We had a chance to meet people, listen, and share a little of the afternoon with them. Those everyday moments are an important part of why we go out: they give us time to know our neighbors beyond the circumstances they are facing.
We also shared clothing and took time to offer encouragement. These are simple things, but they give us a way to respond to a need while getting to know the person in front of us. Our hope was to make the afternoon feel welcoming, with space for people to receive a meal, talk, and be heard.
The faith behind the afternoon
Our faith in Jesus is what brings us to this work. We want His love to be reflected in the way we prepare, speak, listen, and serve. During this outreach, that also included taking time to pray together. Our neighbors are always welcome to receive food and care, whether or not they share our beliefs.
We want to keep sharing meals and building relationships here in Houston. This BBQ was one afternoon of that work, and a reminder of why we started: to love the people in front of us and follow Jesus through the way we care for them.