The fatted calf

In the past, we have always looked for ways to meet some physical need of the people we're ministering to. Lately, we have added what I call a "fatted calf" dimension to our open-air crusades. This means that we will feed people on the spot with some sort of a hot meal. Last Christmas in Nicaragua for instance, it was a "fatted pig" feast since that is what they like to eat down there. Here in Mozambique, we were told that people love chicken, so the "fatted calf" turned into piles of fried chicken. With the money that you had blessed us with, we were able to purchase a piece of chicken for each of the orphans, plus the volunteers and staff living on the base, as well as all of the pastors attending the Bible school, or visiting for the Conference. But, the guests of honor were the people that we invited from the garbage dump.

The fried chicken miracle

Saturday night after the service, we went to the kitchen to watch the cooks as they were frying the chicken. It took them all night to prepare for the Sunday lunch, as our expected total was for almost 1200 people.
Because Heidi had gone out to the garbage dump and compelled the people to come in, the crowd had virtually doubled by noon. When the main chef saw the multitudes arriving, he ordered the cooks to begin to fry some small fish in order to feed everyone. The Lord had a different plan. To the chef's amazement, He began multiplying the chicken until every one of the hungry guests had their plateful, 2300 people in all! Hallelujah! Wow God, You are so awesome!
We've all read in the Bible how Jesus fed the multitudes then, but it's different and so much more fun to see Him do the same type of miracle today while allowing us to take a small part.