Christmas 2011 was very different for Ron and me. I have a very small family. My only brother and sister-in-law, James and Catharine, were with her family for Christmas, so that left me, Ron, and my mom. Mom decided that since we had room at the table, we should invite some families from the Salvation Army Family Shelter who had no where else to go. (I know, she is a lot like Jesus) So here's a run down of how our Christmas panned out.
My mom, Ron, and I woke up early to share breakfast and open up gifts together. We got ready and headed to the Salvation Army to pick up the families that were paired with our family. Talk about a humbling experience, walking into a facility filled with people who have no where else to go on Christmas day when they had a free pass to leave and go wherever they wanted. We were supposed to connect with three families; one of those families had been discharged so we connected with the two other families. Our first guest a middle class woman who was left homeless when her husband left her and her son. As a result she was not able to pay her mortgage and keep up with family expenses. She ended up at the Salvation Army. Our second guest left homeless after the parent's with whom she lived and for whom she cared passed away. As a result her and her son ended up at the Salvation Army. After exchanging introductory pleasantries, we headed to church.
Mom had told me that she went to a homeless church on Sunday mornings. While I thought the concept was intriguing, I really had no frame of reference until I entered "Restoration Place Church." Unlike most churches, this congregation meets in a restaurant, "The Kings Kitchen." The Kings Kitchen is owned by Jim Noble of Nobles Restaurant in Winston-Salem and Charlotte (among other hugely successful restaurants). Jim Noble, a Christian chef and restaurant owner, started a non-profit restaurant with the following vision and mission:
Vision:
“The King’s Kitchen” is a ministry operating as a not for profit restaurant to raise funds to feed the poor and to train and equip those previously unemployable in the restaurant trade.
Mission:
“The King’s Kitchen” will operate as a public restaurant, serving local, healthy, Southern cuisine and the profits and proceeds from “The King’s Kitchen” will go toward feeding the poor. In addition, The King’s Kitchen will also operate “The King’s Kitchen Restoration Program” as a four part training program to employ, train and minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to homeless, the poor, troubled youth, rehab graduates and other members of our community who are in need of employment. The King’s Kitchen will operate in the spirit of excellence by training and equipping the whole man (spirit, soul and body) thereby sending out developed leaders into our community. This will be done by working together with other local ministries, businesses, non-profits and people of faith.
Yes, I know. Unbelievably beautiful. And hugely captivating for this community development girl.
We walked into the restaurant-turned-church and were greeted by about two dozen of Charlotte's homeless community - many of whom had their life's belongings close to their side. Regardless of their lot in life their hearts were full and their voices loud as they praised the Christ of Christmas that Sunday morning. We found some seats and joined in the chorus. And who do you think the pastor is of this beautiful congregation? None other than Jim Noble himself. Unfortunately his wife was sick, which meant the associate pastor opened God's Word and encouraged the congregation from the book of John. After the message, we entered into a time of prayer and testimony. The "have-nots" have a knack for knowing their need and recognizing God's provision; us "have it alls" are not quite as knowledgeable. We have deep needs too and an equally gracious Provider; we just like to cover our needs and claim our own ability to provide. Hmmm. Regardless, I was moved by the humility of many who came forward for prayer and touched by the testimony of those who shared of God's power in their life, namely in salvation.
Each Sunday after church, "The Kings Kitchen" provides boxed lunches of their own cuisine for those in the congregation who could use a meal. That's the vast majority of folks. Because it was Christmas, the pastor announced that everyone would not only receive a meal, but that they were encouraged to eat at the restaurant together enjoying added fellowship. Another thing about "have it alls" is that we don't like to be on the receiving end. When the pastor invited us to eat with the group, my initial thought was, I'm absolutely not eating food that could be served to those who don't have food to eat." But as I thought about it, receiving the meal and being served by the congregation was a way to level to field and unite us as one. So I received the delicious meal of beaf brisque, green beans, corn, and corn bread. We pulled some tables together and sharing a wonderful time of fellowship. I sat next to a handsome, middle aged man named Lee. As we began to talk, Lee shared that he used to work the ports of Charleston loading and unloading cargo ships. He moved to Charlotte to follow his fiance who soon became his wife. After several years of marriage, his wife left him leaving him severely depressed. His depression led to his homelessness. He mentioned that he had tried to call his family earlier in the day to wish them a merry Chirstmas, but was unable to reach them. I realized I had my phone, so I offered him the phone to call his family. He called his mom and when she didn't answer, he left a message that began, "Merry Christmas Mom. This is Lee. I'm still alive..." Wow! Another humbling moment.
As we finished our meal and got ready to leave, Mom invited one of her friends from the church, Angel, to come to our home for Christmas dinner. He agreed to come with us and our other guests and so we headed back to the house for the rest of the day. But that's another post...
...until then pray for the Nobles and the ministry of "The Kings Kitchen." And if you live in the Triad area, support Nobles Restaurant.
