Today we had lunch with Sara's grandmother here at Maplecrest Senior Living Village in Bluffton, Ohio. We often have meals in the dining hall with Grandma Niswander, but today there was special preparation made. The meal was called "Garbage Can Dinner", and at first I was skeptical. You see, some folks in the area are well known for this special preparation. I quickly went from skeptical to fan of this special food preparation apparatus.
First, you need a brand new galvanized trash can. The one they used was a 20 gallon size, available at most hardware stores. The can was placed inside a cradle made of a car tire rim and 4 legs welded on to raise it approximately 12 inches off the ground. Under the rim was placed scraps of lumber, just end cuts off boards and such. A fire was built under the rim and got good and hot. Next the trash can was filled at the bottom with corn husks a few inches deep, then 1/2 gallon of water. On top of this was placed a layer of corn cobs, new potatoes, whole carrots, quartered heads of cabbage, ham, and sausage. The can was filled to the top, and I am told that will feed about 80 people with leftovers.
As the food steamed, it compacted in size. The fire was on for about 3 hours, and then removed from heat and picked out. The resulting blend of aromas and tastes was a welcome to my empty stomach, and any thoughts of not wanting to eat from a trash can soon melted away as they handed me a piece of ham from the container. Seems it was handy to be around when the cooks were emptying the cans into trays and pans for serving, as we got a few taste tests. All around the dining hall were compliments to the chefs and satisfied grunts from us all as we chowed down on the food. Truly, a meal fit for a king, or Oscar the Grouch of Sesame Street fame.
Our time here in Bluffton has been full of wonderful meals, mostly at the home of Seth and Carol Bixel, from Carol's fruit salads to Harley's fried chicken and the buffet at China Wok, and now added to the list is this wonderful Garbage Can dinner. We have not been for want of food around here, and many good times with family and friends in conversation of all God has done in our lives have been the hallmark of each meal. As we offer thanksgiving to the Lord for the bounty of food, I think about how the Lord provides every one of our needs. Jehovah Jireh means "God, our Provider" and each day we see new ways that God's love and care for us is manifested in our lives.
New sneakers for the Gospel Wagon
Today, we saw another awesome work of God in our lives. Last week, when Morrison Motor Works in Richmond, Kentucky was fixing a brake problem and looking over our vehicle, Josiah(always looking out for our safety) let me know that our tires were looking pretty shabby. We decided that at least the rear tires needed to be replaced, and the front also were showing wear from our cross country travels of the past 14 months since we bought the van. As happens so often in our lives, whether we recognize it as such or not, God meets every need for His servants. I had asked around for a good place to get good tires at a reasonable price, and was planning on making some phone calls on Monday afternoon. Before I had the chance to make a call, I was told that we were to bring our van to Ken Lugibihl's repair shop (where we bought the van, coincidentally) to get our new tires on Wednesday.
Today, I went as instructed to the shop, and when the service manager came back with my keys, I was told the new tires were all set and I was ready to go. When I asked about the bill, I was told it was taken care of. I guess I didn't really think it through until I sat back in the van. It was then that the tears started to flow as I thought of this need being supplied. I have seen the hand of God at work in so many ways before. So many have given gifts to help our family as we serve the Lord in the ministry He has called us to do. I guess I just don't think about it often enough that God's direction to His people to meet needs is truly a miracle. That someone would love us enough to sacrifice like this is something only accomplished by a work of God in the heart. The family of God is such an amazing united effort, with every spiritual gift working together for God's glory. Sometimes gifts come in anonymously, sometimes we know the donor, but we never have to question the source of the blessing. Jehovah Jireh has supplied for our needs.
God's providence in all things
James 1:17 reminds us that" Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. " The God that led us to sell our home to share the Gospel is the God that provides all things. We follow Him and give Him praise for these evidences of His love. We also thank God for the food we eat, the shelter our camper affords, and the numerous places we have been able to stay provided by churches, individual believers, and the campground rental money when a parking spot is not available elsewhere. In dozens of ways, every day of our lives, God provides for our needs if we "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness".
So as we climb back into our van, heading on another trip of about 1100 miles in the next few days, we can rest a little easier knowing that the tires are safe and new. Still, that is not the reason we don't have to worry. We dedicate each day to serving the Lord as a family, and we know that nothing will happen to us that God will not bring us through. When trials come, we can rejoice, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. We know that life and death, safety and harm, sickness and health are all in God's very capable, caring hands, and so we don't worry about anything. Last weekend I met a group of motorcyclists called "Faith riders" and one brother had a patch on his vest that says it well, "If God is your co-pilot, switch seats" This reminder that God is there with us wherever we go, but we should make sure He has His rightful place, as our divine Pilot. With God, you don't ever have to worry. He takes care of us, and will never leave us or forsake us.
As you go through this week, take time each day to thank God for all He does for you. Take time to pray that He will lead you to help others, that His love will be shown to all through your life. When we live this way, we live up to the name "Christian", by doing the things that Christ has done. Jesus Christ took on a body of flesh and endured painful torture, separation from His Father on the cross while He paid for our sin.
Mark for the Cowperthwaite family
