Encourage the soul

Ministries who do more than just put band-aids on the problem impress me.

This week we worked at Café 458, a restaurant for men involved in the drug and alcohol recovery program. Working as a waitress, it was really fun to know the regulars at my tables because by the end of the week they became my friends. Since meeting them, I’ve been thinking about this ministry and trying to imagine myself in their shoes. They’ve lost jobs, homes, and sometimes even families because of these addictions. Their lives spun out of control, they hit rock bottom, and now their daily highlight is coming into this small, dimly lit café to choose what they eat. Getting to order your meal—something that seems so trivial but, when never typically done, is actually quite empowering.

The café serves so much more than food, it serves respect…possibly the most important item those who have nearly given up on life need. The more weeks we serve the more apparent this is becoming to me… Nourishing the body is beneficial but encouraging the soul is crucial.

Kelly