Serving Up Tender(s)
The letters were read one by one from the missionaries overseas. Over-seeing the monthly meeting were the women in the church basement who remained faithful to their call. They offered stability to the ones who had been sent clear across the ocean.
Smiles lit as the positive news poured in. A music festival served 750 who had gathered to hear of the Good News—the God News that had never been heard before. Others were being trained in languages so they could go to countries further on up the road. College students served here and there and everywhere or so it seemed. Personal stories of outreach, hearts saddened by friendships made and lost on the field, and the news was absorbed from faraway places.
Soon, the head of the mission group brought out a list of ladies who could no longer be present at our table. She read each name and as questions were answered about how they were doing, tender were the hearts listening. Prayers were prayed with a promise to send cards so they would know we cared.
Tenderly caring for those who had once held the office of this ministry was ministry. It was evident that the call to “Go, therefore, and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19) was alive and well in the church basement. It comes in many forms, you know. At times the call to go might be to the mission meeting so those who are sent may be held in prayer and be financially supported.
Someone has to send, and someone has to go and it all adds up to a pile of tender served up.
The meeting continued as moments of song broke forth in praise as the breaking of bread in community was about to be served. Gently the small group moved as one to form a line. A friend accompanied one, a daughter another, and so forth. As portions were served, questions arose from the din of the small gathering.
“Who made these?” “These are great!” “Wow! What’s the recipe?” “I’ve never tasted anything so good!” Soon, the secret was out. Fed once again we were by the one who feeds us not only with the Word on Sunday mornings, but now with chicken tenders grilled up just for the ladies in the church basement. From the grill next door we were fed tenderly in the middle of the week to be able to move as one in Him.
As suppertime neared and there were plenty of chicken tenders to go around, an extra plate was sent home to those who awaited the return of the ladies who gathered in the church basement.
Tenderly He shows Himself faithful in sending those who grill, those who gather, those who bring food a plenty to the table of plenty for the ladies in the church basement. What a privilege it is to carry everything to Him as we break bread in many forms. So whether we are sent, or asked to stay, may we remain faithful to His tender call. Amen.
