A letter from Kristi Van Nostran in El Salvador
Fall 2013
Dear friends,
A couple of weeks back I saw a Halloween post on Facebook that made me chuckle. It was a snapshot of the Fairy Godmother, wand in hand, explaining to Cinderella what would take place at the stroke of midnight, and the caption read: “When the clock strikes twelve Halloween will be over and POOF! Christmas music will begin.” Ain’t that the truth! And it’s even more of a reality in Central America without another holiday to celebrate in between.
Although I have been living outside the United States now for several years, the Thanksgiving holiday is just not one of the things that I am willing to give up. And I’m not alone. There is a good-sized group of North American and international folks who have embraced the celebration of Friendsgiving, and this year will be no exception. A few of us gathered last week, over a meal of course, to plan the festivities themed Thanksgiving: It’s not just for Gringos anymore. Who will host, who will help clean, who will design the invitations, how many guests and who will be invited? As the evening went on, the guest list grew and grew, and we felt good that attention was paid to all the important details.
This is the part in the story where you’re probably thinking, “What do you mean ‘all the important details’?” Nobody mentioned anything about turkey; no discussion about the best recipes for stuffing, or whether or not to buy cranberry sauce in a can. And perhaps most importantly, there was no show of hands to see who is on Team Pumpkin and who is on Team Pecan (and then designate someone to bring one of each pie). This meal, probably more than any other holiday spread, is defined by the menu. There’s no denying; Thanksgiving is about the food.
And why not? Jesus loved food! Some of the highlights of his ministry took place around dinner tables and through mealtime miracles. For example, over a gourd of cool water, Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman results in his invitation to her to participate in God's present and coming kingdom. She does just that, immediately sharing of her encounter by the well with the Messiah, this woman leads countless others to faith in Jesus Christ. Calling Zacchaeus down from a tree, Jesus invites himself to stay at the infamous tax collector’s home. I can only imagine the exchange around the table that ends with Zacchaeus’ change of heart, repentance, and the salvation of his whole household that followed.
Luke’s gospel tells of Jesus sending out his chosen, two by two, to visit towns and communities. Completely unscripted the seventy-two journey out with nothing but the clothes on their backs, instructed by the Savior to meet people in their homes and to accept, in fact, to rely on the hospitality of strangers, eating and drinking whatever is offered. Through sharing peace and eating what is set before you, the kingdom of God comes near.
It certainly appears that Jesus had an affinity for ministering through meals, and Jesus’ example has much to do with the opportunities that food often facilitates for transformative conversations. However, we can’t ignore the profound message conveyed by his choice of table company. Jesus ate with all the wrong people. And sharing a meal in Jesus' day communicated far more than it does today. Way beyond common courtesy or good manners, sharing a meal was an act of mutual acceptance, and Jesus made a statement by choosing meal partners whom most righteous people of the day would not have thought deserving of such welcome.
With the Thanksgiving holiday almost upon us, let’s follow Jesus example. This year, instead of letting it be all about the food, let it be about who is around your table. Go out of your way to make room for those who find a place at the table hard to come by. Forego the hot toddies so that alcoholic Cousin Paula feels at ease; go lighter on the desserts so that Uncle Don can stick to the diet that helps control his diabetes; consider “Tofurkey” so that your vegetarian sister and her partner can enjoy the meal as well.
We live into the likeness of Christ when we can assume his posture of radical hospitality; there is room at the table for you. Absolutely, embrace the bounty and give endless thanks for the abundance of the feast, but don’t let it be all about the food. May it be about the fellowship. Amen.
As my mind turns to Thanksgiving, I remember all of you – my faithful companions on this mission journey. I give thanks for your friendship and your prayers, your cards and letters, your actions and advocacy, and your generous financial support of my ministry with Joining Hands El Salvador. For the opportunity to continue to serve God’s people together, toward the restoration of God’s kingdom; thanks be to God!
Kristi
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 18
Read more about Kristi Van Nostran's ministry
Write to Kristi Van Nostran
Give to Kristi Van Nostran's sending and support
Join the Matching Gift Challenge for World Mission from now through December 31, 2013. Individual gifts given in this time frame, up to $90,500 will double in value and impact! Consider giving your individual gift today. For more information, please contact Relationship Development Operations at 1-800-728-7228.
