Because I love to cook, I choose to use food as a ministry. When there is a need, I am there with food in hand. I am always willing to cook a dish for a church function or gathering. But, what I really find rewarding is when I can make a meal for a family in need. Many times it is when there is a death in the family, the birth of a new baby, or there is an extended illness in the family.
I have a dear friend who is in current need. This family has 4 children under 6 and my friend, J, is now pregnant with baby number five. This pregnancy has been more difficult than all her others. My other girlfriends and I have decided to start taking turns making meals for this family in need. We are using the Care Calendar website to schedule meals. It is a very handy tool for these situations.
I have started doubling any casserole I make for my family, putting one in the freezer. I later deliver the meal to J and her family. By helping in this way, the burden of feeding a family of six is lifted off the shoulder’s of a mother who is exhausted and in need of rest.
When I am making these meals and delivering them, my daughter is watching. I find this is a great time to explain the concept of serving others and showing compassion to those in need. Grace is able to see Christ’s love in action. I like that.
Today I am going to share a few recipes I find easy to freeze and deliver to families in need.
Easy Chicken and Rice
- 3-4 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – I used the less fat version
- 1 can cream of celery – I use the less fat version
- 12 oz Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice (I used two- 6 oz boxes)
- 1 cup chicken broth (I use less sodium broth.)
Cook the chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. I season my chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder when cooking. While cooking the chicken, prepare the rice as directed on the box. Prepare a 9×13 pan. Preheat oven 350. Combine chicken, rice, broth, and soups. Mixing all the ingredients together. Then pour in baking dish. Cook for 35-40 minutes. (Freezes well.)
Here are a few more recipes that work well. Instead of providing these recipes, I am going to give you the link to these recipes.
Great recipes to share with others:
- Chicken Spaghetti with olives
- Chicken Spaghetti (the Pioneer way)
- Chicken Spaghetti (my family’s recipe)
- Poppy Seed Chicken (cooks.com)
- Chicken Marsala and mushroom Casserole (food.com)
These are a few great recipes that offer comfort to those in need. I hope you are able to bless someone this week, either with a meal, an encouraging word, and a prayer.
Do you have a recipe you enjoy sharing with others? I would love to hear what that recipe is.
I linked my divinity recipe that I actually shared with friends this week, but my favorite dinner to bring to families with young children is Pasta Bake: http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/03/pasta-bake.html
It is easy, frugal, and most importantly kids love it!
That pasta bake looks great, and I love divinity. Thank you, Alea.
Thanks for hosting this linky.
I wanted to share with you a recent post I wrote on my blog which may be an encouragement to your friend. The topic of the post revolves around what home school moms can do with their kids during times of pregnancy related morning sickness, or other physical discomfort.
Even though your friend may not be a home school mom, I’m sure along with her exhaustion and nausea she may be dealing with guilt regarding her lack of energy to do things with her other children that they are used to.
This post may be an encouragement and may offer some ideas for down time together, mommy and kids, even when Mommy doesn’t feel well.
Post Link: http://www.mommytopics.com/parenting/home-school/got-morning-sickness-still-need-to-home-school
Blessings
Rachymommy – MommyTopics.com
Thanks for the link. It sounds like a great post.
Ministering to others with food is a wonderful thing. I’ve been on both the giving and receiving ends of this kind of ministry and it is a blessing both ways! I really like the concept of the Care Calendar. What a wonderful tool. Thanks for another great Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and thanks to At the Well for hosting it with you
Thank you, April!
I also believe food is a ministry. Thank you for sharing your recipe and giving others an opportunity to share, too! Blessings to you and your family.
Lisa,
I love all your chicken recipes. I recently did a post on a comfort casserole. Like you I am often times asked to bring food to those in need. I am so grateful that The Lord allows me to serve Him in that way. Thank you for hosting the event. I love coming to “The Well”.
Miz Helen
Thanks for the link-up.
The meal ministry at our church was a life-saver for us after our first daughter was born. I was in a fog, totally overwhelmed, and those meals were so helpful. I now participate with the ministry and deliver meals to other new moms.
[...] at $5 Dinners and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday // November 8th, 2010 in Food, [...]
Great post and such a great way to bless others. I just organized a similar outreach in our small church. I love being able to minister to folks…especially those who are hurting in the manner.
Blessings!
Gail
I’m sure your friend is forever grateful, and not only is Grace seeing the love, but her children are too.
Thanks for hosting, as always, a yummy party!
~Liz
[...] This recipe is linked to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. [...]
Food is my favorite ministry as well. It can be done quietly, and not only fills a belly but touches the heart.
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Food is a great way to care for the needs of others and to show our kids what love looks like. Your friend is blessed!
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These recipes are all looking great! Thanks, everyone for linking up.
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I really like that site that you linked to! I have a feeling that I will be using it!!!
Hi! I just wrote a post last week on meal ministry stuff and some of my favorite recipes for delivering to people: http://www.inspired2cook.com/2010/11/01/blessing-others-with-meals/
Enjoy your week!!!
Thank you for sharing your story of how you touch others with your gifts and talents – how blessed they are to be served by such a gracious woman of God. The recipes sound yummy!
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Concetta
Thanks for hosting. Pot roast is a heart and soul-warming meal which should be shared. It’s perfect for sharing especially at this time of the year.
Joanne
Linking up a yummy recipe for mint brownies – a cross between a friend’s recipe and Bittman brownies.
Thanks for hosting!
Dr. Laura
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Wow, that is great that you are supporting that family so regularly. It is amazing how often there are families in need. We use Meal Train – a similar website to what you shared – to keep track of who needs what. I love that you can put “anything” on there – not just food. e.g., babysitting, picking up from Girl Scouts.
And my favorite thing to make? Lasagne!
LOL, my family have always loved this chicken recipe… planning to make it tonight! Your low-fat ingredients are a good idea.
Thanks for hosting!
e-Mom @ Susannah’s {Kitchen}
Hello Lisa,
It truly is a wonderful thing you are doing for your friend. To a struggling mother, feeding one’s family can become overwhelming. Taking the burden of grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation away must just mean the world to her.
Keep up the good work!
I’ve posted a recipe for potato burritos. Its actually very portable like a casserole and very filling! I just made it for the first time this week, but it would be a very good recipe for sharing!
Madge
[...] recipe has been linked to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, hosted this week at At the Well, by [...]
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“It can be done quietly, and not only fills a belly but touches the heart.”
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