by Desiree Bustamante

Making and breaking bread together changes lives and communities.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This baking class is at a church project in a small town in El Salvador. The youth are learning to make pastries, and breads, from professional bakers, which are then sold in the community. This program faced some hurdles in the beginning. The project is in the middle of a community filled with gangs who have control of much of the area, including the businesses. They even had control over a nearby bakery, and were not happy when this project started selling their delicious product.

However, instead of giving in to the gang’s demands, the bakers invited them to taste their food. The youth announced that they would continue to sell in the community, and that the gangs would not hinder their business. The gang members thought the pastries coming out of the youth’s bakery were better than the ones in their bakery, and agreed to let them sell. The program continues to grow, and the youth, and Christian community, have become bolder in their faith.

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Ephesians 4:15-17 New Living Translation

Amazing things happen when we stand firm in our faith, and work together toward a goal that may seem impossible. However, we were made for community, in Christ, to work together for good and against evil. It seems fruitless at times, because there is so much sin, evil, and despair in every corner of our cities, countries, and the world.

That’s when we remember who is accomplishing our impossible goals. It’s not us, but rather God working in and with us. Failure is not an issue if God is leading the way, working toward His purpose and plans.

So, when God leads you to work with others to tackle a seemingly insurmountable problem, step out in faith because He can do far more than we can even imagine.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado