Outside the Bowl

Yesterday we had a rare treat - Jae Evans, founder of Outside the Bowl came to our Men's Bible Study and spoke to us about all the great things they are doing in Africa, Haiti and Tijuana, Mexico.   

Ed McCaffrey and Jae Evans have become friends over the last year or so and he agreed to share with our group his ministry.  It was a chance for us men to learn about Outside the Bowl, while also giving Jae an opportunity to say thank you.  Outside the Bowl is one of the ministries we have been able to support through our donut and coffee money.

I knew Outside the Bowl was doing some great things by providing more than 2 million meals and counting to starving people around the world, but I did not know exactly how.  Jae explained his story and exactly what they do in each location.  It started in Africa with their first "super kitchen."  I knew about the super kitchens, but I thought the people came to the kitchen to eat.  That is not how it works.  The super kitchens become the hub or base where all the food is made, stored and processed.  But the real ministry is what happens "outside the bowl."  They work with the local communities with volunteers from churches and other ministries.  They use those helpers to distribute the food to local churches and ministries so that the gospel and message is being preached, while they are getting fed.  The best part about it is once the project is done, the kitchens become self sufficient and run all by themselves by local volunteers and staff.

Jae also brought along Eric.  Eric is currently heading up the project in Tijuana Mexico.  He started the project in November 2010, and is still not finished yet.  Eric explained, although he would love to be finished with the project, God has actually used this extra time to allow Eric to build relationships with the local churches, and the local government which has been very important.  Funding has been one of the reasons why they are still not finished, but God has been faithful and the money continues to come little by little.

If you are interested in giving to this ministry simply go to their website Outside the Bowl.org, and you can find out more on how to give and where to send the money.  

Next week we will continue our study in Romans, picking up in Romans Chapter 2.