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Cooking with Jesus in Ukraine
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It seems there is a universal truth concerning college students…they love to eat. So, when an American missionary couple inherited an established student ministry in western Ukraine, they not only turned to the “Good Book” but also the “cookbook” for inspiration. Jan Snider has the story. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: L’viv, Ukraine)In L’viv Ukraine, Texas native Shannon Goran has some shopping to do.
Because she and husband David have whipped up a winning recipe.
David Goran: “This is “Cooking with Jesus…”
As United Methodist missionaries, the Gorans open their small kitchen once a week to college students who are eager to experiment with American cuisine.
David Goran, United Methodist Missionary: “They said, ‘Would you teach a cooking class?’ And we said, ‘Yes, we would do it. But, we’ll make a deal with you. You guys will, on top of it, invite your friends and we will do a Bible study together.’”
The Gorans focus their ministry on young Ukrainians because this first post-Soviet generation is exploring faith on their own terms. The students are inquisitive…but they’re also…
Shannon Goran: “Messy, it’s very messy.”
“Cooking with Jesus” has a waiting list of young scholars who hunger for a new flavor of faith. Through peer-led discussions, they build on Orthodox roots and expand beyond traditional high-church formality.
Shannon Goran, United Methodist Missionary: “They are tomorrow’s leaders, tomorrow’s change. And Ukraine is right on the brink of that change.”
Demonstrating that there are new ways to think about church, the Gorans encourage leadership and service, like this outreach effort at a nearby orphanage.
Erika, University Student: “They have a new view of Christianity. So it’s kind of like more passion for it and more life in it.”
Yet, once a week…it’s back to the kitchen for delectable discernment.
Maksum, University Student: “Traditional churches don’t have anything like this. So it’s like in the Christian faith that is alive.”
This breaking of bread is sustenance with substance.
David Goran, United Methodist Missionary: “I find it to be very Biblical, the breaking of bread, the spending time in meal together and creating real Christian community.”
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The Gorans admit that not all American cuisine is popular with the students but sweets are always a hit. They plan to continue the Bible study as long as the students have an “appetite” for it.
You can learn more about their work by visiting the Advance website or by following the Gorans’ blog.
Posted: July 14, 2010