As a church Holy Word is quite unusual in that we provide a lunch after every service. Though we have an English and a Chinese Congregation with separate services we come together after it’s all done and fellowship around a common meal. Eating together in any church but especially in an “ethnic” church is an important part of fellowship. The willingness to eat anything that’s put in front of you not only endears you to the cook but also to the ethnicity of that cook. They see you as willing to accept them in a way that transcends any language barrier. There is evidence throughout the New Testament that the early church of Christ congregated together to worship and to dine together. The second coming of Christ is highlighted with a wedding feast and as much as some commentators may try to convince me that it’s metaphorical I have yet to be convinced that it’s nothing less than an actual banquet.
It has been my recent delight to see one of our newest baptized members enjoying his meal time with his fellow Christians. To our surprise the “White guy” has been eating every Chinese dish we’ve put in front of him (even the “thousand year old eggs”)! I am amazed how a little adventurous eating has opened doors to fellowship and closeness with the other guys at church. Great job Lukas! Eat on young man, eat on.
