Jessica Barnes's Blog
Jesus and Gumbo / 12.09.08, 03:52 PM
I see Christ everyday at the Broad Street Mission. A few days a week, I volunteer with Miss Erica, a woman who lives in a room above the Mission and serves there full time. Miss Erica moved to New Orleans from Holland after some pretty specific instructions from God.
Miss Erica is in the kitchen, wearing an apron, and humming along to a gospel CD when I get to the Mission.
“Someone stole three of the pots” Miss Erica tells me.
“Who would have stolen the pots?”
“You tell me.”
“Well what do we do?”
“We don’t make food. I can’t make food with people stealing my pots.”
The food is already being cooked and Miss Erica is stirring a pot while she tells me the story. She has lettuce on the table and salad containers waiting to be filled.
“What’s in there?” I ask, looking into the giant pot on the stove.
She tells me it’s leftovers – some jambalaya mix, gumbo mix, rice, vegetables, sausage… It smells amazing. She says that when she has leftovers, she throws it all into a pot and prays and it always ends up tasting great. Nothing is wasted.
“How am I supposed to make them Christmas dinner if they’re going to steal my pots?” I shake my head, unsure of what kind of response, if any, Miss Erica is looking for.
“They need Jesus. They come in thinking they need lunch, but they are needing Jesus. I try to get through to them, but some of them aren’t seeing it.” She looks frustrated and sad. She looks over when I pick up a big knife to cut the lettuce and her expression changes from sad to nervous. Miss Erica is a very intuitive person and knows that nervousness is a valid feeling when I’m holding a sharp object near my clumsy fingers.
“They won’t get a full meal today. If they ask why, I will tell them.” She stirs the huge pot of soup with a canoe paddle-like spoon.
I nod and keep cutting lettuce.
Before lunch is served, Miss Erica goes to the gym where the tables are full of people waiting for lunch. She reads some scripture and tells them that they cannot keep stealing and lying. She tells them that need to change their lives. She tells them that they need to find God. Then, just before they come up to get their soup, salad, and bread…she tells them that Jesus loves and cares for them.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:12-13
Everyday at Broad Street Mission, I’m learning. I’m learning about forgiveness, faith, and love. I’m learning about Jesus and how to make a mean batch of gumbo.
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Wondering if you are the daughter of my childhood friend from Amarillo. Whether you are or not, you sound as if you are doing and learning great things. I’m sure you made God smile today.
By Leslee / Dec 10, 04:13 PM / #
Hi Leslee!
As far as I know both of my parents lived in Pennsylvania all their lives so I don’t think I would be related to your friend.
Thank you for your comment! Merry Christmas!
By Jess / Dec 15, 03:10 PM / #