Christian Chefs Fellowship - Devotional Articles

My name is Kaylene, I am a 26 year old Aussie, I am a chef and have been in the industry for about 11 years. I have had a lot of experience in pastry over the years and have a varying, array of job types, levels and locations all over the world. I have had some very exciting times of achievement and other times that had lows and struggles. My latest adventure was a short 2 week mission trip to the Caribbean Mercy, docked in Mobile Alabama USA.

An idea, many months of prayer, one fundraising "Caribbean" themed party night, 21 hours of flying, 4 hr delay, 1 car accident, 2 bag searches, and a short car trip and I arrived at the gang way of the Caribbean Mercy all for 2 weeks. Well was it worth it I hear you ask? ...a huge resounding YES!

We all have times in our lives that some event or time seems to involve ups and downs and back again before you even get there, testing you and pushing you beyond your comfort zones. However, when you arrive, the peace of the Lord and his perfect timing, will, and provision comes upon you and you take a huge sigh of relief. That is just what the Mercy Ships was for me from the moment I stepped on board till the time I bid goodbye to my new found friends and "family" I was where God wanted me to be and it was bliss. A major turning point in my life, I am sure.

My time on the Mercy Ships was cooking in the galley (kitchen) providing breads, pastries, and cakes for the crew. I had an absolute ball, baking, (the movement of the ship made for some interesting cakes!!!) baking cookies, cookies and more cookies, water fights, devotions, abandon ships drills, singing, dancing, dessert nights, sharing with others and making new friends.

One of the many things I loved about the Mercy Ships is the multi-national crew. I worked in the galley with Reuben from Ghana, Tyrone from Alabama, Hosun from Korea, and Tatyana from Brazil to name a few, such diverse crew brought together for the one purpose of serving the lord in serving others.

I came to a point in my career of cooking that I wanted my skills and ability to help people to bless them and to make a difference. I found fulfillment in all of these areas in giving of my time, it is amazing what the Lord can do and where he can take you if you just hand over everything to him, let Him be your guide, your career maker for our true purpose in life is to serve the Lord with all our heart.

So I encourage you to take time out of your "busy" weeks, months, or years, and step out in faith if it is Gods will for you to serve on board the Mercy Ships. I know from my personal experience that no matter if it is 1 month, to 1 year, or even just 2 weeks like I served that God will grow you into the person he wants you to be, he will bless you beyond your wildest dreams but the most important aspect would be you would be serving the Lord, blessing others all over the world and you will be part of an awesome team that through the power of God are making an important difference of shining His light on an ever darkening world. Turn your torches on and get out there!!!!

By Kaylene Cronan

Related Article:
http://www.ChristianChefs.org/newsletters/2004/06CITK.html

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