“In the light we are largely unconscious of our limitations, but when the night descends, our helplessness takes hold upon us and makes us cry out for God. Faith is a faculty which needs the dark in which to thrive. When we see our way, we have no need of faith, but when darkness falls then faith receives her opportunity.”
(Marshall Broomhall – from the archives of the China Inland Mission, now OMF International)

A CRISIS LIKE COVID-19 can bring out the best and the worst in us: stories of stockpiling at the expense of others and fighting over packs of pasta... but also of huge donations to struggling food banks and people shopping for elderly neighbours.

Preparing a ‘foody’ issue in the midst of this has felt something of an anomaly, but perhaps it’s more relevant than ever. Who could have guessed that even the simple act of food shopping would become a test of our consideration of others’  needs? While we may not yet be able to gather for food as our Worship resource suggests, we can still ‘meet’ together virtually (as Chatty Cafés have). Likewise, Jenny Baker’s group is maintaining contact and mutual support. 

Rosemarie Wenner is concerned her optimism in Cook, eat and greet  may seem misplaced with the sad news of potentially huge increases in world hunger. It will have wide-ranging effects as yet unknown and we will consider these in the next issue. 

Second Helpings closed their café but kept the essential foodbank open. Similarly, Mary’s Meals established safe ways to bring food to the homes  of children for it to be cooked there. The CCYS allotment is growing solo. Their youth clubs have been cancelled but young people can access the recipes Mark the chef is posting on his personal blog.

And maybe all of us have learnt to shop, cook and eat with love and  thankfulness, recognising the God of the Harvest as our source of all,  remembering the people who have brought us our food and sharing with those in need.