It was at the age of 11 that Cheryl Taylor heard the message of salvation while attending a crusade in Rosewell. She knew then that she could not walk away without giving her life to the Lord.
Although she was a part of the Rosewell Church of God of Prophecy and is now an evangelism director, Taylor knew her life would not be complete unless she was involved in giving back in some way to others—especially in the community that her church serves.
It was this need and “a love for people,” that encouraged her to become a part of a weekly Saturday soup kitchen, where anyone, particularly those facing challenges in receiving a cooked meal, can drop in and enjoy a hot cup of soup.
Commenting on the initiative, Taylor said it is not just about ministering to their souls. “There is a place for the word of God, but there is also a place to minister to their physical needs. This is a mixed community where a lot of residents are struggling financially and have their families to take care of. If we can ease just a tiny part of the burden, we count it an honour,” she shared with Freedom Come Rain.
Rosewell, located off the main road of Sandy Bay, is home to about 400 people, including single mothers and seniors. It is considered a peaceful community. However, 70 percent of the residents are unemployed, and it presents a big challenge for the church as the resources are not there to meet every need.
Still, Taylor, who is a wife and the mother of two children, said they don’t look at what the church cannot do but instead at who they can reach—one person at a time.
It was the overwhelming need to help that saw the decision taken in November last year to start the soup kitchen.
It’s already several months since its launch, but it is a challenge for the programme to be maintained.
“Sustainability is proving to be challenging at times, particularly where sponsorship is concerned. We also have to transport and distribute the items and packages to some who are shut-ins, so that’s another cost factor,” Taylor explained.
The church, which has a membership of an estimated 135, sees brethren digging deep sometimes as they balance their own commitments and try to maintain the programme, while ensuring the bills for the church are paid.
“It is not easy, and looking back at how far we have come since the soup kitchen was launched, we have to say, “But God,” as the truth is, there are many times when we wonder if we would have the food items needed to prepare the soup for the day,” Taylor informed. Still, she feels encouraged, and there is never a time when she is not amazed at how God keeps showing up an
d showing off.
In spite of the many challenges surrounding the ministry she is a part of, Taylor said she never gets discouraged and is motivated to push ahead because of her passion for helping others. The warm, grateful feedback she receives from the recipients expressing how much their small act of kindness means to them, is enough to keep her going.
Sharing a standout moment for her, Taylor describes, “One of my most rewarding moments was to see the smile of gratitude and appreciation on people’s faces as we presented them with their warm soup and pudding. There was this instance when someone who received a care package said it feels like Christmas and asked me if it was for real,” she highlighted,
getting choked up as she reminisced on the experience.
Looking ahead, Cheryl said there are plans as soon as the budget is in place, to build a children’s home to accommodate those who have been abandoned, neglected, and abused.
Expounding on her long-term dreams, she said there is a special place in her heart for children, as it will take a whole lot of love and special attention to bring them back from the dark space they are in.
“I know it will take a lot of money to make this dream become a reality, but we serve a great, big, wonderful God, and with Him anything is possible,” she stated.
Another initiative that her church has started is an online class titled Operation UPLIFT (Unearthing Purposeful Lives, Inspiring Future), where the aim is to assist students from kindergarten to high school with homework and assignments, as well as various subject areas, free of charge.
In closing, Cheryl is making the appeal for others who can, to partner with their church to keep the soup kitchen going by donating food items or seasoning.
“Whatever you do is precious in God’s sight, you don’t have to give a lot to make a difference, as little is much when God is in it.”
