Throughout this past year, we have seen God’s hand on Grace’s Kitchen and are grateful for His faithfulness. Here are the highlights of 2010.
• January 2010—GK has its first team meeting with six people to pray, plan, and dream. The ministry holds its first official board meeting.
• February 2010—A donor calls desiring to give a generous amount of seed money to the ministry. We meet with the donor and have prayer for the future. The money given matches what was spent on filing for nonprofit status.
• March 2010—GK files to trademark its name and logo, receives 501(c)(3) status, and is given a generous donation of refrigeration equipment. A GK volunteer has a breakthrough with one of the women being served and is able to clearly present the gospel. Generous donations begin pouring in from unexpected sources giving GK all the funding it needs to operate plus some. In addition, Paula and Lisa visit SAME Café in Denver, Colorado and gain vision for GK’s future.
• April 2010—Donations continue to come in as we begin to explore grant writing and pursue potential restaurant locations.
• May 2010—Paula’s and Lisa’s hearts are changed and they decide not to pursue grant writing for GK. They also take a health department course and become certified Food Safety Managers. An entire restaurant’s worth of equipment is donated to GK.
• June 2010—GK receives $7,900 in unsolicited private donations are given in one week and begins seriously pursuing the Meelheim building on 2nd Avenue North as a potential location.
• July 2010—GK begins negotiations for the building lease as donations continue.
• August 2010—GK serves its 45th meal with an increased volunteer team of up to 15 people. The second person that we know of prays to receive Christ in the park! August continues to be a month of great financial support.
• September 2010—God answers prayers concerning the Meelheim building with a definite “no.” Our redesigned website is up and running. GK is able to share the gospel amid great opposition at the Central City Neighborhood Association Meeting.
• October 2010—A total of 500 food bags are assembled by a group of local women to be distributed across Birmingham.
• November 2010—A GK volunteer begins weekly Bible Study in the park with four men. A volunteer dinner is held with more than 25 people in attendance. Volunteer numbers are at an all-time high. GK begins preparing cookies for a weekly after-school Bible Study in East Lake and serves a meal to families at Children’s Hospital.
• December 2010—More than 200 side dishes are prepared and delivered to Alabaster families for Christmas. GK provides lunch for children attending Christ City Church’s “Birthday Party for Jesus” in Ensley. A man comes to a GK breakfast after receiving numerous food bags with the invitation, letting us know that the bags are being distributed all over town.
• January 2011—GK closes the fiscal year with the highest checking account balance to date, having provided 66 weekly meals in Linn Park, in addition to numerous food bags and other meals to those in need.
