When on the Race, ministry can turn around and be completely different then you were told it would be and that’s okay. Ministry can come in so many different forms. Last month I learned that ministry can be something as simple as baking and cooking.
Baking is one of my favourite things to do at home, whether it is by myself or with my mom or sister. I love making delicious baked goods for family or friends and seeing how much they enjoy it. It’s an act and expression of love for me. Last month in Bolivia I had the opportunity to bake with my Bolivian mom” and my teammates and it was one of my favourite moments within the whole month. I loved being able to share one of my favourite hobbies with my team and my Bolivian family and see how happy it made them.
It all started when Pastora told us that the next day was Father’s Day. Pastora and her friend were making a cake – well, actually it was multiple cakes- for Pastor. That night as we were sitting outside, she asked us to come and help her make the cakes! And let me tell you, it was different then I would do it at home! But it was so much fun! There was NO electric mixer, NO measuring cups, and NO recipe! We used a large tub and Chelsea mixed the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla by HAND until it was ready. Then we added flour baking soda and even some strawberry yogurt! Melissa and I whisked the eggs with an old, wooden handled whisk and it was NOT easy! Once the batter was all mixed we all took a taste, just like we would at home. Finally, we filled the pans and put the cakes into the propane – yes, propane – oven to bake. In the morning Pastora gave us cake to go with our breakfast! I must say that we did a great job! She spoiled Pastor that day and for me, knowing that he was enjoying the cake that we baked with so much love was a great feeling. We were able to show him for much he was appreciated on Father’s Day.
That day of baking made us want to bake more! And so, in the last week we were in Mapiri, we baked brownies and blondies, not once but TWICE! Delicious does not even begin to describe how good they were when you haven’t had homemade cookies in months! We decided that we wanted to serve the family to show how much they meant to us. And for me, it was also a way to serve my team as baking is something that I love to do for others. Seeing how much everyone loved the cookies brought joy to my heart. Pastor and Pastora’s children loved them and Pastora even asked us for the recipes. It’s such a simple thing, yet the power of these simple acts can show so much love and have a lifetime impact on the people you serve. Maybe they will remember the team that made them cookies and the love we showed them.
Ministry doesn’t have to do constructing a church, even if that was the original plan. God knew what would actually happen in Mapiri for us and this was HIS plan. Ministry doesn’t have to be manual labour, or teaching English classes or caring for orphans. Sometimes, ministry is relational, getting to know people’s hearts and showering them with love. Our ministry in Bolivia started out as church construction but when complications changed that, we had the wonderful opportunity to shower the family, the church people and the community with love. Baking will always be one of my favourite ways to show people love and it’s pretty exciting that I can say that I have baked cookies in the jungle in Mapiri, Bolivia. Don’t underestimate the power of God’s love that can come from a simple cookie.
