Women Connect: Hands of Jesus — Traci Harvey

ponder

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. >Psalm 146:5, 7a - English Standard Version

meet

traci brooks harvey

Have you ever met someone who shared their passion with you, and then you had the opportunity to visit them at their ministry site?

That happened to Wes + me a few years ago. We knew Rick + Traci Harvey through my brother Phil's wife, Barbara - Rick is her brother. They had told us about the amazing ministry the Harveys have in Conway, Arkansas. We weren't quite prepared for what we actually got to see and experience.

But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. I called Traci the other day after sending her some questions for this post. One of my first questions: "How did this passion start...feeding, clothing and ministering to the unhoused and marginalized?"

Traci shared that during their dating days, she and Rick would often drive past a building, and she would exclaim, "Wow! That would make a great soup kitchen!"

After marrying (Traci @19 / Rick @22), they came upon an empty building and again she exclaimed, "There's another great place for a soup kitchen!" To which her young husband retorted, "What is it with you and soup kitchens?!"

Through a full-time ministry journey and a later transition to insurance work, Rick + Traci continued seeking God for His best plan for their growing family...while keeping their hearts open to the marginalized.

Meanwhile, a lot of life + living happened. Traci birthed six daughters and a son. And homeschooled them!

One day a deacon at their church offered his restaurant after hours if they wanted to provide a meal for the homeless. Acquiring a case of Cornish game hens, the Harveys, along with a couple volunteers, offered a complimentary meal to local people in need. Two people showed up. (Traci said she hasn't made Cornish game hens since!)

Fortunately, they didn't succumb to discouragement. They stayed with Traci's lifetime dream. The next week they had four guests…and then eight. Eventually, Soul Food Cafe Mission was birthed.

While visiting Arkansas a few years ago, I contacted Traci for more explicit directions once the GPS got us close. She advised - "After the elementary school - take the second dirt road to the right. Our building is behind the white dairy barn."

We couldn't believe the massive warehouse and number of volunteers - despite the heat + humidity - pouring so much love into their guests. It was beyond touching.

Tuesdays, from nine to three, a wide swath of people, from babies to veterans, are shown the love of Jesus through generous donations and amazing volunteers. Their warehouse is a lifeline - offering love, compassion and hope to anyone who turns right on that second dirt road in Conway.

This week marks Soul Food Cafe Mission's 23rd Anniversary! In just the first six months of THIS year, their giving/serving has included :

8,927 hot meals, 10,939 food boxes, 393 haircuts, 434 household items, 4,123 elementary child backpacks, 53,671 toiletry items, 39,953 clothing articles, 278 Bibles, 21 water baptisms, and 260 hearts committed to Jesus!

These stats do not include weekly ministry at a nearby prison and additional Bibles given to inmates, many of whom have also accepted Jesus into their hearts. Also, countless people entering Soul Food Cafe Mission have been prayed for.

And they're just halfway through this year! 😳

I asked Traci how our women connect community could be praying for her. She had two requests:

The dirt road leading to Soul Food Cafe Mission is in dire need of repair. In her words, "It's something fierce."

Air conditioning . As you can imagine, Arkansas' high summer temperatures and humidity can be distressing. Having visited their warehouse in July - with kitchen meal prep and all the accompanying services - it's mind-boggling to think of all they do without air conditioning. (Traci said they're good on heating 🙂).

Can we believe for a generous amount of funding and/or donated help to upgrade this amazing ministry? I would love for our community to be part of a miracle here!

PS - Just thought you should know - no one draws a salary at Soul Food Cafe Mission …no one.

thankful

that the Lord drops dreams in hearts of young women (and men!). SO grateful HE laid it on Traci's teenage heart that she could someday do a soup kitchen!

No matter our age, let's keep dreaming big dreams for our Lord…along with praying for, encouraging and supporting other dreamers. Both ways, we can be a lifeline to those in need!!

heart

While we served as gram + papa @ Royal Family Kids Camp last month, the speaker shared The Greatest Commandment with the kids, loving God with all our heart. "And what's the second commandment?" she asked. A little camper boy yelled out, "Hydrate!"

Not a bad idea. Let's remember both during these hot summer days.

So many needs in our vast world. But, by far, the best answer is to follow Jesus. Love HIM with our whole heart. And share HIS love with others.

If you need prayer, encouragement---or if you or someone with whom you are sharing HIS love needs a Bible, please let us know.

judy popineau wick