The Solidarity Soup Kitchen is a missionary project that takes place every Friday at 8:40pm in downtown Curitiba, Brazil by brethren from the Seventh-Day Adventist Reform Movement Church.
The project began in the county of Abranches in 2009 when the church leader at the time, Brother Angelo Simba, together with his local church brethren, formed a team to distribute soup and clothing to the homeless in their town.
At first, the project occurred only once a month, and for a while the project was discontinued. It resumed in 2010 with the distribution of small meals at the emergency room in a local hospital, and under bridges where homeless lived.
In 2015, Brother Pedro Devai, the owner of a local vegetarian restaurant, Vida e Sabor (Life and Flavor), decided to offer his establishment as a space for food preparation, as well as help with the food production for the homeless.
Brother Oséias Moretto, Missionary Department leader of the Abranches church, accepted the offer and invited brethren and interested individuals to participate in the food distribution.
Since then, the project has occurred every Friday when brethren drive from one city square to another serving food.
In June of 2015, the brethren acquired a tent and began to serve soup at a specific location in downtown Curitiba.
Currently, every Friday beginning at 8:40pm, approximately 30 volunteers leave the vegetarian restaurant—Vida e Sabor—where the meals are prepared, and take them to the distribution spot.
Several church members from the Curitiba and surrounding counties, are involved in the project, as well as interested individuals, church youth, and even non-members.
The work is one of evangelization through good example, friendship, and by inviting the volunteers to church programs.
The brethren have observed that young people who have left the church are returning through the involvement in the project. The project motto is based on Matthew 25:40: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
As for resources, the project participants visit bakeries and identify themselves and request food donations. These donations usually become regular, occurring every Friday.
Each volunteer has been a multiplier of resources by collecting food from different businesses in the area.
For business owners who participate with certain frequency, we have a certificate of appreciation. The certificate is preferably handed to the owners personally during a project evening. Along with the framed certificate that is ready to be displayed in the establishment, the owners also receive a book with spiritual content.
Some of the foods served are: vegetable soup, bean soup, bread with spreads, fruit salad, watermelon, savoury pies, bananas, vegetarian hamburger sandwhiches, cookies, cakes, etc.
All of the food that is distributed originates from donations made by our brethren who contribute to the project out of their own pockets, or collect supplies from other sources as mentioned above. Everyone helps out with a small quantity, which soon forms quite a feast. At every event, an emphasis is placed on offering balanced high-quality food, as the project leaders agree that those who are fed with foods high in nutrients can think better and can thus come to the conclusion that the streets are not the best place to live, and will then ask for help to remove themselves from their current situations.
The Dorcas Departments of local churches dedicate a good part of their time in obtaining clothes and shoes that will be donated at the solidarity projects. There is a separate tent dedicated to attending those in need of clothing and blankets. There are five brethren who stay at this tent in order to organize the distribution of donated materials.
The missionary department stamps books and pamphlets, prepares Bible studies, invites people to come to church events, and organizes the distribution of material during project events.
The project has recently begun to include a short sermon by a missionary, in which the speaker talks about the second coming of Jesus, and how individuals may become overcomers, the grace of Christ, and other themes, which are followed by prayer and music. There are also personal prayers and private counseling sessions.
The Music Department is also involved in teaching diverse hymns that will be sung while individuals wait in lines for their food. Those being attended by the project are invited to join in and sing along. Many of the homeless join in, showing they are familiar with the gospel hymns. Oftentimes they are overcome with emotion. This is when the missionary brethren step in to pray with them and tell them of the love of God.
While project participants do not have to be members, non-member volunteers are accompanied by a church member in order to offer orientation, support, and friendship. We welcome all with open arms both to participate, as well as to be aided by the project.
The brethren have several plans for the advancement of the project, including a halfway house in which individuals may stay, and where the brethren will offer professional courses to prepare individuals for future work. Other plans include the possibilities of providing hair cuts among other services in slums and needy neighbourhoods, as well as a health tent, which will offer basic tests like glucose and pressure tests.
If you would like more information, or would like to help, please contact our web editor at ltenorio @ sdarm . org
Text by Bro. Oséias Moretto