When Kettle Falls (Wash.) Church members were asked by another local area church if they would be interested in taking over providing free community meals each Thursday, Patty Marsh felt convicted that she should step up to the plate and lead out in this adventure. Soon others agreed to help. It seemed like a lot of work and a huge commitment, but Marsh was determined to accept the challenge of what she knew was a calling from the Lord.
The previous free meals were usually some kind of soup served to the community of Kettle Falls where people could meet for a social gathering. Marsh and her group of volunteers turned this weekly mealtime into a vegan cuisine outreach. Each week the menu varies. One week it may be stroganoff, another haystacks, stir-fry, potato bake, or spaghetti and "meatballs.”
If you were invited to listen in on conversations around the tables you might hear comments such as "wow, this food is delicious and so beautiful,” or you might hear "I just love coming here to eat and hate it when I have to miss” or "I'd like to buy one of your 7 Secrets cookbooks.” As each plate is served, a blessing for the food is offered by one of the volunteers. So far, we have had only one or two refuse the blessing.
The retired pastor of the church where the free meals had previously been served comes regularly to our Thursday meals, along with his wife and several of their members. Many of them have become really good friends. At least one has enrolled in the Discover Bible School and even attended church a few times. A few of our guests attended an evangelistic series that was held in Colville, Wash., in the fall of 2016.
We are praying for a rich harvest of souls from this free meal outreach.
So, next time you are in Kettle Falls on a Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., stop by and join us for lunch.
Smiling guests are ready for a delicious meal.
Volunteers keep the free meals program running.
Patty Marsh, head of the free meals program, holds a yummy dessert.
