By Heather Durkee, ministry volunteer
“We just got here” is the first thing that greets me as I open the side door of the Anglican Church in Yellowknife. (That, along with a blast of -25C air!) I look up and into the smiling face of one with bright eyes and who is sufficiently bundled against the cold of this February morning. It’s 11:53am on a Tuesday and it’s time for lunch!
The little crew of people behind this greeter file into the warm basement where lunch will be served. Having unlocked the door, I follow. Those who’ve come into Holy Trinity’s fellowship hall for the Bread of Life lunch are met with a familiar sight: tables at the ready waiting for their respective lunchers; smells that anticipate something tasty will soon be devoured; and an atmosphere that encourages them to come – sit – and stay awhile if able.
At the front of the room are tables laid out with fresh food. Behind each one, the warm welcoming face of someone who delights in serving those who have come to eat. It’s quite an amazing sight; the hungry thankful for those providing what may be their sustenance for the next day or two. While at the same time, volunteers thankful for the opportunity to witness what has been so lovingly prepared, received with delight and willing appetites.
It’s a ‘thank you’, ‘no, thank YOU,’ kind of situation that makes me smile and warms my heart. Ah, the image of Heaven come to earth. An overwhelming sense of gratefulness that points to the ultimate Giver who both loves to give and takes quiet joy in His gifts being received and delighted in. What a gospel message!
This is no ordinary soup kitchen! Bread of Life is an outreach of Holy Trinity in Yellowknife. Holy Trinity strives to be a church family, and Bread of Life follows that same ideal. Every Monday night, someone lovingly prepares the soup – an essential part of the meal for those who may not have eaten for a few days and whose stomachs aren’t able to digest anything solid or heavy. Tuesday morning, volunteers gather to make sandwiches and cut up veggies. But at lunchtime, we’re all one. We eat together, we talk together, and for those who ask, we pray together. Some weeks a few ask to have a short Bible study, so we do. Everyone knows they are welcome, and they won’t be preached at, though there is prayer and discussion for anyone looking for it. Keeping Jesus at the center makes a difference… unlike the shelters, we haven’t had an issue with violence. Those who come off the streets for lunch look out for each other, and do what they can to preserve this special thing that the Lord is doing on Tuesdays in Yellowknife!