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There is something so special about gathering around the supper table with the ones you love. I admit my little family of four does not do it as often as I would like, but when we do there is a sweet moment that happens as we are gathered in unity. Dennis and I were honored to host our 5th annual Farm-To-Table event at Promise Manor over the weekend where many incredible people joined us on our little farm and dined as a body of one. There was much laughter, smiles, full bellies and God ordained moments. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.” Acts 2:46.

God seeks for us to gather, sharing His goodness and enjoying the slow parts of life that are far and few between. Why is gathering so important? Gathering with friends, family or even strangers like this weekend creates a much-needed sense of belonging and community that so many people are longing to have. Our Farm-to-Table event promotes community by seating all eighty guests together at long tables. Our guests are organically compelled to meet their neighbor whom they will be dining next to during the evening, which in all cases I have experienced has created a connection in some way. They leave no longer as strangers, but as a community of people who shared a meal together unknowingly exercising the Kingdom work we have all been sent to do – love one another. “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 31:12. I think the importance of community has been lost in this dark world, but I can promise you if we all begin to think outside our selves again it can be found. What happens when we gather?

1. Break Chains. We break the bondage of loneliness, depression, anxiety and fear. God does not desire for us to be alone. When we gather, our numbers far outweigh the heaviness of the enemy’s chains.

2. Drown Darkness with Light. In a room by yourself it is easy to be consumed with fear, but when you are surrounded by the goodness of each other the dark soon becomes illuminated with LIGHT!

3. Servitude. If you have ever hosted an event at your home, you may know the preparation that goes into hosting guests. You cannot escape the beauty of servitude when you are willing to open your heart and home to others. God will meet you there, He will give you the endurance needed to serve and He will reward you for your obedience to sharing His love with others.  

Maybe you are reading this alone at your own supper table right now. My sweet brother / sister in Christ, you are never alone. God is right there next to you, comforting you and listening to your every prayer. Clean those piles of mail, stacks of toys, unfolded laundry off that supper table today and invite others to gather with you – your family, friends, a stranger and most importantly Jesus.  

A heartfelt thank you to those who made this year’s Farm-To-Table event such a beautiful evening. There are few things that make me cry while speaking to a group people – my faith, my family and our farm. Unfortunately for me, that is what Saturday evening was all about. Thank you to all our hard-working farmers whose dedication will never go unnoticed by our family – you were the reason we gathered.

Blessings,

Kayla