The Kingdom Cafe: Food for the Body and Soul

“An army marches on its stomach” is an old adage that means an army needs food to survive, thrive, and conquer. It implies a force can only go so far on its own strength—it needs food to proceed further.

This is so true for the nearly 100 guests at our Men’s Shelter. Over 350 meals (including 50+ to the street homeless) are served every day, providing vital nourishment and strength as they fight to experience life recovery alongside fellow guests and their life coaches.

A Feast for the Ages

There was an infamous meal over 2,000 years ago. During “The Last Supper,” Jesus directed his disciples to dine together with him one last time prior to his trek to the cross.

Our guests are facing similarly desperate circumstances. Life and death are, figuratively and literally, on the table.

Just as Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand what they were told and what was transpiring, our guests are trying to discern how their lives could be different. They seek rescue from destruction, restoration to a meaningful and purposeful life, and redemption through the power of God.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35).

Food, of course, provides nourishment to physically survive, but it also helps restore the health of guests ravaged by their addictions, trauma, instability, and fractured relationships. It is this food, alongside the fellowship and truth offered through our programs, that helps men experience the love of God.

Serving in the Kingdom Cafe

Clark Sikes, our Men’s Mission Food Service Manager, began working in the food industry in 1983. He came to Bethesda Mission after being reprimanded for sharing his faith in another role, feeling “tired of leaving Jesus at the door.”

The meals Clark and his crew cook are important (and delicious); however, they are not the focus of Clark’s efforts. His goal instead is to build relationships with our male guests. “I love to take time to grow their understanding. The teamwork is like walking with Christ—we grow together, and there’s relationship.”

One of these guests came to Bethesda Mission in May “to learn how to fellowship.” He volunteers in the kitchen and has built solid relationships with Clark and other kitchen workers.

“Clark has been a good mentor,” the guest shared. “He turned around my whole attitude. I’m focused on who God wants me to be.”

“The kitchen is the church of the Mission,” Clark stated. “[Guests] can actively love each other like Christ loves them. They can take a vacation from past and future troubles, and I challenge them to be present with God in their work.”

Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to gratefully respond to the goodness of God that we experience in our lives. For our guests, that is good food, fellowship, and freedom, paid for shortly after the Last Supper. One guest eloquently put it this way: “God is in the middle of everything.”

For Bethesda’s staff, Thanksgiving is a chance to reflect on the blessing it is to tangibly share God’s goodness with those in need, an opportunity you have made possible through your generous support. Your investment goes much deeper than simply meeting our guests’ physical needs, and we (and they) are truly grateful for the impact that you make possible.

May God bless you this holiday season!

Scott Dunwoody
Executive Director