When Mary Ann Fulford took on the role as Missions Chair in 2004, she had one goal:  to grow HBC's involvement in missions.  This year, Mrs. Fulford and her committee (Thad Jackson, Melissa Manuel, Alvilda Meyers and Zachary Pope) came across material from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship that suggested using food as a way to explore mission work.  They immediately recognized how HBC's Wednesday night dinners could play and important role in mission education.

Wednesday dinners have been a mainstay at Heritage Baptist for years.  They provide an opportunity for members and friends to gather, eat and enjoy company in a casual atmosphere.  Church member Zachary Pope, professional chef and owner of Roundz catering, has been preparing this mid-week feast since the Fall of 2004.  He is also a member of HBC's Missions Committee. 

"Zach and I talked about the various countries we support in the mission field and the types of food they serve," Mrs. Fulford said.  "From that point, we set aside the first Wednesday of the month as mission night.  On these nights, Zach prepares special foods for dinner and Rev. Green teaches about our focus country after we eat."

Chef Zach sees a clear connection between food and mission education. "If I can prepare a meal in the life of a person from another country, I can show you the flavors of their homeland." 

So, how do you introduce new foods to a crowd of 90 folks who love the standard meat and potatoes?  Research and preparation are key.  The menu planning, shopping and meal production take at least 8 hours.

"I research the foods first and spend time online," Chef Zach said.  "I pull up a variety of recipes and determine the key ingredients that make the dish unique to that country.  From there, I come up with my own recipe, combining the best tastes."

The results have been positive. In October, the focus country was Thailand and Chef Zach prepared pad thai.  He claims it's the most well-received meal in his tenure as Wednesday night chef.

"I never had pad thai before," admits HBC member Pat Wilson.  "I enjoyed it so much that I went back for seconds...another thing I've not done before!  I think everyone at our table had extra helpings."

"I'd stayed away from Thai food because of the spices," said HBC member Norman Hatfield, "but Zach had it seasoned just perfect.  I liked it."

(Photo: Wednesday Dinner)

While food is a big draw, the message is the centerpiece.  Rev. Henry Green believes the meal provides continuity to the overall focus.

"Food can give you a sense of context for a country.  After our meal, we study the geography, economics and what's happening today in that country.  It helps us understand what our missionaries are experiencing and how our mission offerings are helping."

Wednesday, November 1^st, the focus country will be South Africa.  Chef Zach is working on the menu to highlight the rich flavors of that country and Mrs. Fulford is assembling information on current mission efforts.

"Over 21 percent of the population in South Africa is infected with HIV/AIDS," said Mrs. Fulford.  "The life expectancy is 43 years and there are over 2 million orphans.  The need is great and our support is crucial."

The Wednesday night food/mission focus will hopefully benefit the yearly missions fund drive.  From November 26 through the month of December, the Missions Committee will hold their global missions offering campaign.  Seventy-five percent of HBC's yearly support for missions is usually collected in during this time. 

"It's all about how we as a church can help," said Rev. Green.  "The food, the mission education, everything...it leads us to a greater awareness of the world around us and how we can serve God and others with our contributions."

Wednesday Night Mission Dinners are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month.  HBC invites everyone to join in these special events, and come back on regular Wednesday nights for more of Chef Zach's delectable fare. The Wednesday dinner series runs from September through May.  Courtesy reservations are accepted through the church office (410-263-6680) but not required. Dinner is $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-11 years of age, and free for preschoolers.  Have a big family?  You won't pay over $12...that's our maximum per family charge.     

For more information about HBC Missions, read the Missions Update on the Church News page.

For more information on Roundz Catering, see http://www.roundz.com/

This Heritage Spotlight was written by Lea Hurt for publication on the web site of Heritage Baptist Church.  For reproduction or usage of this material or any accompanying photos, please contact Lea at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it