by Matt Royston, elder for Wednesday Night Dinners

I generally do not like surprises. Perhaps it has to do with an ingrained desire to systematize and standardize things so that I know exactly what will happen, and when. Being able to predict and understand future outcomes gives me a sense of control and comfort.

Apparently, God doesn’t seem obligated to humor this need of mine! Where this is most apparent is at each and every Wednesday Night Community Dinner at Bethany.

If you are not familiar with this regular gathering, it has been going on for over ten years. The purpose is to open the doors of the church to the community as a whole, interested participants at Bethany, and people living at the margins of culture. This includes low-income, homeless, and transitional communities. It includes people with grave addictions, and heart-breaking mental and physical illnesses.

Our purpose is to provide a good meal, warm atmosphere, and maybe a conversation. No program, no agenda. Put simply, we desire to create space in which God might build His kingdom.
When we do this, we are often surprised by what God shows us.

A few weeks ago, I had an amazing conversation with a man named Greg (false name.) Greg actually comes to the dinner as an assistant to Mike (also a false name.) Mike is both blind and deaf, and requires continuous care. In fact, Mike and Greg are in constant physical contact during their time at the dinner. Greg works with Mike a number of days each week and they have developed a great bond.

Essentially, every aspect of what Mike experiences is based on what Greg leads him to. It is very moving to watch them interact, and I am really touched by Greg’s sense of call to this service. I am also surprised at how much life Mike is able to experience, despite his challenges!

Another place in which God refuses to be predictable is the weekly bible study. This is an optional study to which people are invited, and usually ranges from two to ten participants.

A few months ago, we read through Romans 12, a series of encouragements Paul gives his audience, including calls to be at peace with our neighbors. One gentleman confessed that the passage had him rethinking an ongoing feud he has had with an acquaintance; realizing that God would call us to be patient and look for the ways of peace in just such a situation. To him, this passage was a word from God with perfect timing! I had no idea that the time would lead to such a powerful result.

One other area that is exciting to see is that there is an increasing amount of involvement from our Sunday crowd with the Wednesday Night Community. More people are making regular commitments to volunteer, and just as exciting, there are more folks coming just to have dinner and conversation.
In the past, I have wondered if Bethany would always be made up of two distinct communities separated by half a week. To my joyful surprise, the line between these groups is getting a bit hazier. God is building bridges between these two distinct communities. What a great surprise!