For several months, we believed Grace’s Kitchen would be operating as a pay-as-you-can restaurant by the end of October 2010. However as I type this on November 4, we know that God has different plans. The past couple of months have been an exercise in waiting. After the lease offer on the building was rescinded, things have changed. We have still had administrative tasks to do, but the pace has been much different than it was when we were working toward leasing a building. That has been hard and often I’ve felt like a boat without a rudder.

As I have prayed through this time, God has reminded me over and over again that His ways and timing are perfect. We tell people all the time that this feeding ministry wasn’t our idea, it is God’s and we want to follow where He leads. That’s what I’m learning to do. The following verse recently spoke right to my heart: “Then David said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.’ ” 1 Chronicles 28:20

Praise God for His faithfulness and for the consolation of these words! He will be with us until our work for Him is finished. Grace’s Kitchen isn’t about me—it’s sole purpose is to glorify God because He is the reason we’re doing this. The song “While I’m Waiting” beautifully expresses what I’m learning at this time: “I’m waiting, I’m waiting on you, Lord/And I am peaceful, I am waiting on you, Lord/Though it’s not easy, no/But faithfully I will wait/Yes, I will wait/And I will move ahead bold and confident/Taking every step in obedience.” Even in the midst of uncertainty, there’s no other place I’d rather be than trying to obediently serve my Heavenly Father!

As we’ve tried to define the ministry of Grace’s Kitchen, God has shown us glimpses about what it could become. We still don’t know exactly where we are headed, but He is opening our eyes to the many ways we can minister in our own neighborhoods and to continue what we’ve started in the park, with no restaurant location in sight. We have been inspired in many ways—all of which fulfill our mission to provide fresh and healthy food to people in need. Soli Deo Gloria!