The Elimkerk in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel hosts a dinner every month. Anyone who, for whatever reason, prefers to sit at the table together is welcome. Volunteers cook a simple three-course dinner and, if necessary, even provide transport. Missionary consultant Rev Peter Visser chimed in and shares his impressions.
'Together at the table. What could be more obvious than that? The New Testament talks about it all the time: Jesus at the table with all kinds of people. With disciples, spiritual leaders of Israel and with people on the fringes of society. During those meals, all kinds of things happened: both rejection and acceptance of Christ, but also teaching and deepening of mutual fellowship.
An enthusiastic team from the Elim church (Ouderkerk a/d Amstel) has now had years of experience with it. Hundreds of meals in three courses, were served there. Just for people from the village. Many senior citizens have become regular guests. Life stories are told. At the table, people laugh and wipe away tears. At the end of the meal, things get quiet. The Bible opens. The Word of God touches people's lives. A prayer sounds. People talk about it for a long time.'
