A Meal Can Share the Gospel #NoChella
“Have you eaten?” “Not in a few days. Coachella was last weekend, so I kind of forgot.”
I once wandered into a community group because they had food. I wasn’t struggling in homelessness, but I wouldn’t say I was eating a balanced diet either — drugs had a way of killing my appetite. I’d walk up to the house still smoking my cigarette, probably just lit after stepping out of the car. And every time, the host would smile kindly and say gently, “Whenever you’re done with that, come on in. We’re so happy you’re here.”
She said it like she meant it. No judgment. No raised eyebrows. Just kindness.
She was one of the first reasons I became curious about “these Christians.” The ones I’d heard about before were loud with judgment, full of hate hidden underneath some holy words, acting righteous on Sundays and like a fool Mondays through Saturdays. But she wasn’t like that. Honestly, neither was the rest of the group.
They welcomed me like family — fully aware of the life I was living and chose to love me anyway.
That first night, I was honest, per usual. I said, “Yeah, I’ve had an abortion. My mom died when I was 19, I’ve been having sex since I was 15, and I live with my boyfriend right now.
When the conversation shifted to the previous Sunday’s sermon, I—someone who had never even cracked open a Bible—answered with the confidence of someone who had. Flipping my hair and chewing gum, I said, “I just feel like Paul was telling us to find God in every situation and not let negative vibes bring us down.” (side note: seriously cringing even as I write this. God only knows what other nonsense I said that night. And bless those people for their patience.)
“Thanks for sharing, Jessica.”
“Oh my God, no problem! I’m so happy to.” I’d reply.
Someone would lean over and whisper, “Have you eaten?”
“Not in a few days. #Coachella was last weekend, so I kind of forgot.”
Coachella 2012 pictured below:
Without hesitation, two or three people would start heating something up or bring over a veggie platter. Their hospitality reminded me of the kind I’d only ever known from my own family. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but the simplicity made it even more meaningful—it revealed the care and love behind their actions.
This was one of the very first times I felt deep gratitude.
It was this consistent and sincere relationship that kept drawing me back—wide-eyed and curious about “these Christians.” It wasn’t long before I heard in a sermon that what I was experiencing was just a glimpse of how Jesus cares for us and how He cared for the people He walked among during His time on earth.
Because “these Christians” had encountered the unconditional love and compassion of their God, they were able to extend that same love to me.
“Is Christianity about a relationship with God?”
That question unraveled slowly, over the years, through many different people, conversations, and countless prayers. God is patient, amen? May we be patient as well with those we so desperately want to know Him.
But today, with Easter right around the corner—and as many of us feel a mix of excitement and nerves about inviting friends or neighbors to a Sunday service—I just wanted to share this:
A meal can be a powerful way to share the gospel.
Try it.
P.S. I just wanted to share how grateful I am to be spending my Thursday morning writing this now, rather than unpacking my bags of skimpy clothing from #Coachella and detoxing from the drugs I was on. That’s where I was for years before this meal drew me into the love of Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever experienced the love of God through His people? What was that like?
2. How has God shown His hospitality to you?
3. How can you show His hospitality to others?
Happy Resurrection Day!
Amen